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Detailed analysis of "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings:
Title and Theme:
The title "Father to Son" immediately suggests the theme of the poem, which is the complex and often strained relationship between a father and his son. The poem delves into the challenges of understanding, communication, and the emotional gap that exists between generations.
Stanza 1:
In the opening stanza, the speaker expresses a sense of bewilderment and distance in their relationship with their child. Despite living together in the same house for years, the speaker feels that they do not truly comprehend their child's thoughts and emotions. This lack of understanding prompts the speaker to reflect on their attempts to connect with their child based on memories from the past.
Stanza 2:
The second stanza contemplates the idea of nurturing and guiding the child's growth, likening it to planting a seed. However, there is a sense of uncertainty about whether the seed has taken root and grown in the child's own territory ("the land is his and none of mine"). The metaphor highlights the challenge of nurturing a sense of connection and shared experience.
Stanza 3:
The third stanza reveals the strained nature of their current relationship. The two communicate like strangers, and there is a noticeable lack of understanding between them. The speaker reflects on the disconnect between the child's interests and their own, expressing a sense of alienation from the son's world and passions.
Stanza 4:
In this stanza, the speaker reveals their desire for the son to return to the familiar ("prodigal") environment of the father's house, longing for a connection reminiscent of the past. This can be interpreted as a wish for the son to embrace a more conventional and recognizable path in life, rather than forging his own unique path.
Stanza 5:
The fifth stanza expresses the father's willingness to forgive the son for his choices and to find a new kind of love born from sorrow and understanding. This highlights the complexity of the emotional journey for both father and son.
Stanza 6:
In this stanza, the poem shifts to a more introspective tone, as both father and son acknowledge their shared existence on the same Earth. The son's statement about not understanding himself reveals a universal struggle with self-awareness and identity. The lines "why anger grows from grief" suggest a recognition of the son's emotional struggles.
Stanza 7:
The final stanza encapsulates the essence of the poem's theme. Both the father and the son are portrayed as reaching out for connection and forgiveness, symbolized by their "empty hand." The longing for something to forgive underscores the depth of their emotional yearning for understanding and reconciliation.
In "Father to Son," Elizabeth Jennings skillfully captures the complex dynamics of a father-son relationship, emphasizing the challenges of understanding and bridging the emotional gap between generations. The poem reflects on the universal themes of communication, empathy, and the intricacies of familial bonds.
Summary of the poem Father to Son by Elizabeth Jennings
"Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings is a reflective poem that explores the strained relationship between a father and his son. Despite living together, the two feel like strangers, unable to truly understand each other. The father attempts to connect based on memories from the past, but there is a sense of disconnect between their worlds. The father wishes for the son to return to the familiar, yet also seeks to forgive and find a new kind of love. Both express a longing for understanding and reconciliation, symbolized by their outstretched but empty hands. The poem delves into the complexities of generational differences, communication, and the emotional journey of a father and son trying to bridge the gap between them.
The theme of the Poem Father to Son by Elizabeth Jennings
The theme of "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings revolves around the complexities of family relationships, particularly the strained bond between a father and his son. The poem explores various facets of this theme:
Communication and Understanding: The poem highlights the challenges of communication and understanding between generations. Despite living together, the father and son struggle to connect emotionally and comprehend each other's perspectives.
Generational Divide: The poem delves into the gap that can exist between different generations. The father's attempts to relate to his son based on his own experiences are met with a disconnect, illustrating how generational differences can lead to a lack of mutual comprehension.
Desire for Reconciliation: The father expresses a longing for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with his son. He yearns for the son to return to the familial fold, even though he acknowledges the son's need to forge his own path.
Forgiveness and Acceptance: Forgiveness is another key theme. The father is willing to forgive and seeks to shape a new love from the sadness he feels. This emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding despite differences.
Identity and Self-Understanding: The son's statement about not understanding himself touches on the theme of self-identity and self-discovery. This reflects a broader theme of individuals' struggles to comprehend their own emotions and motivations.
Emotional Struggles: The poem addresses emotional struggles, such as grief and anger, that can arise within family relationships. The father and son both grapple with complex emotions as they navigate their connection.
In essence, "Father to Son" delves into the intricacies of familial bonds, the challenges of bridging the gap between generations, and the yearning for understanding and reconciliation despite differences.
Think it out (Q&A)
Q1. Does the poem talk of an exclusively personal experience or is it fairly universal?
ANSWER: The poem "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings touches on themes and emotions that are fairly universal, making it relatable to a wide range of readers beyond just the personal experience it may have been inspired by.
While the poem may have been inspired by a specific personal experience or relationship, its exploration of generational divide, communication challenges, the desire for reconciliation, and the complexities of family dynamics are all themes that resonate with many people. The struggles depicted in the poem are not limited to the particular individuals mentioned; they reflect broader human experiences within familial relationships.
Q2. How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem?
LONG ANSWER:
The father's sense of helplessness in "Father to Son" is effectively conveyed through several aspects of the poem, including imagery, language, and the exploration of his emotions. Here are some ways in which the father's helplessness is brought out:
Strained Communication: The poem begins by emphasizing the lack of understanding between the father and the son. Despite living together for years, they are depicted as essentially strangers, unable to communicate effectively. This lack of connection underscores the father's helplessness in trying to bridge the emotional gap.
Metaphorical Imagery: The metaphor of planting a seed and nurturing it illustrates the father's attempt to guide and shape his son's growth. However, the uncertainty about whether the seed has grown and the land belonging to the son's world emphasize the father's limited control over the son's choices and development. This metaphor symbolizes the father's inability to fully influence his son's path.
Yearning for Reconciliation: The father expresses a desire for the son to return to the "father's house" and the familiar, which can be seen as a longing for the son to come back to a more conventional and known path. This wish reveals the father's sense of powerlessness in accepting the son's independent choices.
Empty Hands: The repeated image of "an empty hand" symbolizes the father's inability to connect with his son on an emotional level. The image suggests a reaching out for understanding and reconciliation, but it remains unfulfilled, highlighting the father's helplessness in bridging the emotional divide.
Emotional Struggle: The father's emotions, such as grief and a willingness to forgive, reflect his internal turmoil and sense of helplessness in navigating the complexities of their relationship. His acknowledgment that he does not understand his own emotions ("I cannot understand / Myself") further underscores his feelings of helplessness and confusion.
Yearning for Shared Love: The father's desire to shape a new love from sorrow signifies his hope for a renewed connection with his son, even in the face of their differences. This yearning emphasizes his helplessness in trying to mend the relationship.
Collectively, these elements in the poem paint a picture of a father who is struggling to bridge the emotional gap between himself and his son, highlighting his sense of helplessness and the challenges he faces in understanding and connecting with his child.
SHORT ANSWER:
"Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings expresses a father's helplessness in bridging the emotional gap with his son. Despite living together, they are like strangers, struggling to communicate. The father's wish for his son to return to the familiar "father's house" highlights his difficulty accepting the son's independence. References to "empty hands" symbolize failed attempts to connect, and the father's grief and desire for forgiveness reveal his turmoil. Ultimately, he longs to transform sorrow into a new bond, underscoring his struggle to reconcile with his son.
Q4. Identify the phrases and lines that indicate distance between father and son.
ANSWER: In "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings, several phrases and lines indicate the emotional distance between the father and son:
1. "I do not understand this child"
2. "We speak like strangers"
3. "There's no sign of understanding in the air"
4. "Yet what he loves I cannot share"
5. "Silence surrounds us"
6. "I would have / Him prodigal, returning to / His father's house"
7. "Rather than see him make and move / His world"
8. "He speaks: I cannot understand / Myself, why anger grows from grief"
9. "We each put out an empty hand"
These phrases and lines highlight the lack of understanding, communication, and emotional connection between the father and son, underscoring the theme of distance and estrangement in their relationship.
Q5. Does the poem have a consistent rhyme scheme?
ANSWER: Yes, the poem "Father to Son" by Elizabeth Jennings has a consistent ABBABA rhyme scheme in each stanza. This means that the first, fourth, and fifth lines of each stanza rhyme with each other, and the second and third lines rhyme with each other. This rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's structure and rhythm.
The poem by Kamala Das reflects the poet's emotions as she drives with her aging mother and realizes the fragility of life. The poet sees her mother doze beside her, her face looking ashen, and is struck with a deep pain and ache for her mother's aging and vulnerability. The sight of the merry children and young trees outside the car window tries to ease the poet's thoughts, but after the airport security check, the poet sees her mother again, pale and wan, and feels the familiar ache and fear from her childhood. Despite these emotions, the poet tries to hide her feelings and merely says goodbye, smiling.
Watch/Listen to the above summary on YouTube
Imagery Used in the Poem
Mother's appearance as a corpse: The appearance of the poet's mother as a corpse symbolizes the poet's fear of losing her and the fragility of life. This image highlights the contrast between life and death and underscores the pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging.
Young trees sprinting: The image of young trees sprinting symbolizes energy, vitality, and growth. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.
Merry children spilling out of their homes: The image of merry children spilling out of their homes symbolizes youth, innocence, and happiness. This image provides a momentary distraction for the poet and serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.
Late winter's moon: The comparison of the poet's mother to a late winter's moon symbolizes her pale and wan appearance, as well as her vulnerability and distance. This image emphasizes the poet's fear of losing her mother and underscores the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.
Smile: The image of the poet smiling serves as a mask for the deep pain and fear she feels. It expresses the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The smile also expresses the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.
Question 1. What is the kind of pain and ache that the poet feels?
Answer:
The poet feels a deep pain and ache for the aging and vulnerability of her mother. She compares her appearance to that of a corpse and is reminded of his childhood fear of losing her. Despite this pain, the poet tries to mask his emotions and merely says goodbye and smiles.
Question 2. Why are the young trees described as ‘sprinting’?
Answer:
The young trees are described as "sprinting" because she is fast moving in her car, as she drives from her parent's home to Cochin. The use of the word "sprinting" also implies a sense of liveliness and swift movement, which contrasts with the tired and vulnerable appearance of the poet's mother. The sight of the young trees provides a momentary distraction for the poet, but does not ease the deep pain and ache she feels for her mother's aging.
Question 3. Why has the poet brought in the image of the merry children ‘spilling out of their homes’?
Answer:
The image of the merry children is brought in by the poet to provide contrast to the vulnerability of her aging mother and to show the energy and joy of youth. The sight of the children spilling out of their homes, full of life and happiness, provides a momentary distraction for the poet and a contrast to her own feelings of pain and fear. The children symbolize youth, vitality, and innocence, and the sight of them serves to heighten the poet's awareness of the fragility of life and the inevitability of aging and loss.
Question 4. Why has the mother been compared to the ‘late winter’s moon’?
Answer:
The poet compares the appearance of her mother to a "late winter's moon" to describe her mother's pale, wan appearance after the airport security check. The comparison to a "late winter's moon" emphasizes the mother's fragile and vulnerable state and the poet's fear of losing her. The image of the moon also suggests a sense of distant coldness and detachment, which mirrors the poet's attempt to hide her emotions and to say goodbye with a smile. The comparison serves to underscore the deep pain and ache the poet feels for her mother's aging and to highlight the contrast between the vitality of youth and the fragility of old age.
Question 5. What do the parting words of the poet and her smile signify?
Answer:
The parting words of the poet, "see you soon, Amma," and her smile signify her attempt to hide her emotions and to be strong in the face of her mother's aging and vulnerability. The words and smile serve as a mask for the deep pain and fear the poet feels, as she is reminded of the inevitability of loss and the fragility of life. The words and smile are a way for the poet to maintain a sense of hope and optimism, despite her feelings of sadness and fear. They also express the poet's love for her mother and the hope of a future reunion.
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. The pain of separation is expressed both literally and metaphorically in this poem. Elucidate.
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Answer:
The poem, My Mother at Sixty Six, describes the scene where a mother and daughter are driving to their hometown Cochin. The mother dozes off and when the daughter looks at her ashen unmoving body, she suddenly gets frightened that she is dead. The daughter realizes that her mother is quite old and she could lose her to death at any time. This makes her pensive and she reflects on the love for her mother. The poet narrates the bonding between the duo and brings forth the pain and fear experienced by the daughter of losing her mother due to the inevitable reality of life which is death.
Question 2. Comment on the tone of the poem with reference "My Mother at Sixty Six".
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Answer:
The tone of this poem is predominantly pensive and sorrowful. The poet suddenly notices that her mother looks as old as she is. However, it does not surprise her because she has always been aware of the certainty of her mother's death. As she does when she turns away from her mother to look at the Q.7. trees and the children, she has simply chosen not to think about losing her mother anytime soon. Yet that fear has always plagued her and it plagues her still. This saddens her and one can see her silent tears even when she has forced herself to smile.
Question 3. Imagery was an effective literary device to bring out the contrast between the "merry children" and mother. Comment.
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Answer:
The poet has used the image of merry children spilling out of their homes to bring a contrast between old age and childhood. Her mother's pale, colourless face stands for old and fading age. Merry children symbolise the spring of life, vigour and happiness. They also symbolize the spontaneity of life in contrast to the passive and inactive life of her aged mother.
Question 4. The poet does not directly mention the fear of her mother's death and yet she is successfully able to convey the same through different poetic techniques. Discuss.
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Answer:
The poem 'My Mother at Sixty-six' is rich in imagery. Kamala Das uses the devices of comparison and contrast. The use of simile is very effective. The face of the poet's old mother is described as 'ashen'. This ashen face is 'like that of a corpse'. The poet uses another simile. The "wan, pale' face of the mother is compared to 'a late winter's moon'. The poem excels in contrasts. The old ‘dozing’ lady inside is contrasted with the young tress ‘sprinting’ and merry children ‘spilling’ out of their homes.
Question 5. Kamala Das speaks of an old familiar ache...' What do you think is the reason for this feeling?
[CBSE SQP, 2020-21]
Answer:
As a child, Kamala Das had a fear of losing her mother. She always felt sad when she was separated from her mother and was scared that she might not be alive the next time she came back.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2020-21]
Question 6. What kind of pain does Kamala Das feel in 'My Mother at Sixty-Six?
[Delhi Set-1, 2017]
Answer:
Value Points: -pain of separation - losing her mother-childhood fear-mother getting old.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Detailed Answer:Kamala Das feels pained at the thought of her mother getting old. She was pained to think that she may lose her mother soon. She had the fear of losing her mother and getting separated from her permanently.
Question 7. Why are the young trees described as sprinting?
[Delhi Set-II, 2017, Comptt., Delhi Set-II, 2017]
Answer:
Value Points: - Image of youthfulness energy -vitality-full of life-contrast to mother's pale/ old face.
(Any two) [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Detailed Answer: The young trees running spiritedly in the opposite direction stand in sharp contrast to the poetess' aged and pale-looking mother. The trees symbolize youth and life, whereas the old mother represents old age and is moving towards the grave. They symbolise the quick passage of time that has brought old age to her.
Question 8. Having looked at her mother, why does Kamala Das look at the young children?
[Outside Delhi Set-1, 2017]
Answer:
Value Points: to drive away pain-fear of separation from her mother-children symbolic of life/energy/ dynamism/happiness-to distract from thoughts of her ageing mother.
(CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017)
Detailed Answer: Kamala Das looked at the young children, as they represented youth, which is full of life and energy. She wanted to drive away the fearful and disturbing thought that her mother was getting old and weak and might die soon.
Question 9. Why has the mother been compared to the 'late winter moon'?
[Comptt., Outside Delhi Set-I, 2017]
Answer:
Value Points: Pale wan colour/mother had lost her glow on her face.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Detailed Answer: The mother has been compared to the 'late winter moon' because she has become pale like the moon in the winter. She is dull and lifeless. Her face has lost her glow and is misted with wrinkles, as the winter of moon shrouded with clouds.
Question 10. What did Kamala Das think when she looked at her mother?
[Comptt. Outside Delhi Set-III, 2017]
Value Points: - dozing like a corpse/as old as she looked-fear that she may not meet her mother.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
Detailed Answer: Kamala Das' mother was dozing, as she was sitting in the car. Her face looked pale and like a dead body. Kamala Das thought that her mother would not live long and felt pain that she might not meet her again.
Question 11. What were the poet's feelings as she drove to Kochi Airport?
[Comptt., 2015]
Answer:
Value Points: Fear of separation/worried about her ageing mother/fear of losing her mother/ anxiety.
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2015]
Detailed Answer: Her feelings at the airport were of fear because she was afraid that her mother was going to die because she was looking very weak and she was not sure whether she would be able to meet her mother again. She hid her fear by smiling and assured her mother that they would meet again.
Long Answer Type Questions
Answer the following questions in 120-150 words:
Question 1. Imagine the mother gets to know of the poet persona's fears. Write a letter, as the mother, telling the daughter why she must not dwell on these fears.
You may begin this way:
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August' 60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right. Judging by how little you spoke that day………………………………………………… (continue) ………………………………
With love
Amma
[CBSE Question Bank, 2021]
Answer:
Value Points: poet's words and smiles are a deliberate attempt to hide her real feelings- parting words: "See you soon, Amma", give an assurance to the mother- poet's continuous smiles are an attempt to overcome the ache and fear inside her heart- latent fear of losing mother could be felt at the surface- mother grown weak and frail- effect of old age- ageing is a natural process-time and ageing spare none- with this ageing, separation and death become inevitable- the advice: don't be pained and frightened by the idea that she (poet) may have to face all these things herself- everyone has to face this situation one day or the other- human life is transient and people are mortal beings who have to suffer through the pangs of death
Detailed Answer:
Pallipuram
Cochin, Kerala
22 August '60
My dear Kamala
I am writing to you because when you left me at the airport, I felt something wasn't right Judging by how little you spoke that day, I understand that you were trying to hide your fears. You are afraid that you are going to lose me and I am going to die soon. My child, you can put your fears to rest as I am enjoying the prime of my health. I am doing my daily chores actively and I do not feel tired so soon. I am looking forward to meet you soon. If all my plans work, I will be shifting near you in another month or so.
Having said that, my child, you need to understand that the death is the ultimate truth of life. The one who is born has to die. All of us have to meet this fate sooner or later. So, as your guide and mentor, I would advise to face this truth boldly as a day will come when this truth will be realised in my case also. Remember, when that day comes, I want you not to grieve but to cherish the happy moments we shared and move on with your life.
Looking forward to see you soon.
With love
Amma
Question 2. Imagine you are the poet's friend. Write a dialogue exchange between yourself and the poet where the latter confides in you about her fears and asks for your advice. What would your advice be -to face her fears, to ignore them or something else?
Q[CBSE Question Bank 2021]
Answer:
Value Points: Aged people usually undergo pangs of loneliness and need companionship The pes simistic approach they develop towards life can be. shunned only if we provide them with abundant love, care, importance and empathy. They expect their children to sit calmly and talk to them about the happenings of their lives and to take their sug- gestions for making significant decisions. Their lost vitality can thus be easily rejuvenated. This happiness will encourage them to live life enthu- siastically
Detailed Answer:
Poet : Hi, how are you doing?
Friend : I am good, but you are not your usual self What happened? You seem lost somewhere
else
Poet : I met my mother over the weekend. She is just sixty-six but was looking older than her age
Friend : O, they all look like that. My father is only fifty-nine but he already looks like seventy. Poet : Not only that, but her health was also looking deteriorated I had to shift over here due to professional work. It was a pain leaving her alone at home I have not spent enough time with her lately. There is so much I want to discuss with her, but don't have time
Friend: Don't worry, she will be well. We all seem afraid of the impending truth. But, come on, face your fears boldly. Take a week's off and spend time with her. At least, you will not regret later in life.
Poet: But, boss will not allow me to take off. You know the work pressure we have right now at office
Friend: Don't worry, I will take care of that. I will work overtime couple of days and cover up for you
Poet: Thanks dear, you are truly a friend indeed. I will talk to boos in the morning. Thanks and good night
Friend: So, cheer up now! All will be well Good night.
Other Poems of class 12 syllabus with in-depth analysis, explanation, themes and Summary
English Notes for Class XII - English Core - Flamingo - POEM 4 - A Thing of Beauty
Poem Text
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
Summary
This poem is an excerpt from a longer poem titled as Endymion written by famous English poet John Keats. In the poem Keats talks about the concept of beauty, its immortality and how it is embedded in nature. The opening lines set the mood of the poem by firmly stating that "A thing of beauty is joy forever." He rightly states that the objects of beauty are lying all around us- the sun, the moon, trees, musk rose and daffodils.
In his definition of beauty he includes things that are produced by human beings like art, poetry and mythological stories.
He opines that the world is suffering because it has gone away from Nature. If we return to nature and appreciate the beauty around us, may be there is less violence and the world is a better place to live in.
Analysis of the Poem - A Thing of Beauty
The poem "Endymion" by John Keats begins with the famous line, "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever." The speaker argues that beautiful things bring lasting joy because they never fade away, but instead become even more lovely over time. Beauty provides us with a tranquil retreat and a peaceful sleep filled with pleasant dreams, good health, and calm breathing.
The speaker believes that we should appreciate beauty every day, despite the challenges we face. We should surround ourselves with flowers to connect us to the natural world and remind us of the beauty that exists even in difficult times. Beauty can lift our spirits and help us transcend the darkness and difficulties of life. The sun, moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, and blooming musk-roses are all examples of beauty that can provide us with comfort and solace.
The poem also acknowledges the power of stories and imagination to create beauty. The speaker references the grandeur of the imagined dooms of great figures who have passed away and the enchanting tales we have read or heard. These stories and imaginings offer us an endless fountain of "immortal drink," providing us with a constant source of beauty and inspiration.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?
ANSWER According to the poem, a thing of beauty is a joy forever because it possesses a timeless quality. Its loveliness only increases over time, and it never fades away or becomes less beautiful. This enduring quality of beauty allows it to provide lasting joy and comfort to those who appreciate it.
The speaker of the poem argues that beauty offers us a peaceful retreat, a restful sleep filled with pleasant dreams, good health, and calm breathing. Beauty provides a respite from the challenges of life, and its enduring nature ensures that it will always be a source of joy and inspiration.
In essence, beauty is a joy forever because it has the power to transcend time and endure even in the face of adversity. Its ability to uplift the spirit and offer solace makes it an essential aspect of our lives, providing us with a constant source of happiness and wonder.
What kind of sleep does it provide? ANSWER According to the poem "Endymion" by John Keats, a thing of beauty provides a sleep that is full of sweet dreams, health, and quiet breathing. Beauty offers us a tranquil retreat from the challenges of life and allows us to rest deeply and peacefully.
The poem suggests that beauty has a restorative quality that can promote good health and well-being. By providing us with a peaceful and restful sleep, beauty can help us recharge and face the world with renewed energy and vitality.
What are we doing every day?
ANSWER According to the poem "Endymion" by John Keats, we are wreathing a flowery band every day to bind ourselves to the earth. The speaker suggests that we should appreciate and surround ourselves with beauty every day, despite the challenges we face.
By wreathing a flowery band, the speaker means that we should seek out and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us in the natural world. This appreciation can connect us to the earth and remind us of the enduring power of beauty, even in difficult times.
The poem suggests that this daily practice of appreciating beauty can help us transcend the darkness and difficulties of life. It can lift our spirits, promote good health, and provide us with a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Describe bad and evil things that we possess in us. ANSWER We suffer from disappointment, lack of noble qualities and unhealthy and evil ways.
What removes the pall from our dark spirits and how ? ANSWER Some beautiful shape or a thing of beauty removes the pall of sadness from our " hearts or spirits.
What sprouts a shady boon for sheep and how ? ANSWER Trees old and young sprout to make a green covering. It becomes a shelter for simple sheep and proves a blessing for them.
Describe the role of daffodils and clear rills in enriching the environment. ANSWER Daffodils bloom among the green surroundings. The small streams (rills) with clear water make a cooling shelter for themselves against the hot season.
What is lovelier than all lovely tales we have heard or read ? ANSWER The beauty of daffodils, rills and musk-roses is more enchanting than all lovely stories that we have heard or read.
What is the source of 'the endless fountain of immortal drink' ? ANSWER An endless fountain of nectar that makes us immortal pours into us the heavenly bliss of nature.
What is the effect of that 'immortal drink' on us ? ANSWER That immortal drink that nature's endless fountain pours into our hearts is a source of immense joy for us.
THINK IT OUT
List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem. ANSWER Every little or big thing of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. The sun, the moon, trees old and young and daffodil flowers are all things of beauty. So are small streams with clear water, mass of ferns and the blooming musk-roses. They are constant sources of joy and pleasure.
List the things that cause suffering and pain. ANSWER There are many things that cause human suffering and pain. The biggest source of suffering is our malice and disappointment. The lack of noble qualities is another. Our unhealthy and evil ways also give birth to so many troubles and sufferings. They depress our spirits. They are like a pall of sadness over our lives.
What does the line, 'Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth', suggest to you ?(Imp.) ANSWER John Keats is a sensuous poet. He is firmly attached to the endless beauty of the earth. The link of man with nature is constant and unbroken. The things of beauty are like wreaths of beautiful flowers. We seem to wreathe a flowery band that keeps us attached to the beauties of this earth.
What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings ?(Imp.) ANSWER So many things bring troubles and sufferings. They depress our spirits. But 'some shape of beauty' brings love and happiness in spite of such unpleasant things. A thing of beauty removes away the pall of sadness and sufferings from our lives. It makes human beings love.
Why is 'grandeur' associated with the 'mighty dead' ? (Imp.) ANSWER The mighty dead were the people who were powerful and dominating in their own times. Their achievements made them 'mighty' and great. Their works dazzle our eyes. We imagine that such mighty dead forefathers will attain more grandeur at the doomsday. They will be rewarded. Hence grandeur is associated with the 'mighty dead'.
Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us ? (Imp.). ANSWER John Keats makes it clear in the very first line of this excerpt that 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever'. It is a constant source of joy. Nor does its beauty decrease. Its loveliness goes on increasing every moment. Its value remains undiminished. It never passes into nothingness. It always removes the pall of sadness that covers our dark spirits.
What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth ? ANSWER John Keats uses various images to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. The bounty of the earth is like an endless fountain. This endless fountain of immortal drink constantly pours from the heaven into our hearts.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
How is a thing of beauty a joy forever ? (Imp.) ANSWER John Keats, a great Romantic poet, considers that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It is a constant source of happiness and pleasure. Its loveliness increases every moment. A thing of beauty is never devalued. It never passes into nothingness.
How does a thing of beauty keep a bower quiet for us? ANSWER Keats is rich in sensuous imagery. Nature provides us with things of rare beauty. A pleasant place in the shade under a tree provides us a quiet bower. Similarly, a thing of beauty transports us to peace and security. We enjoy a sleep full of dreams, health and peace.
How do we bind us to the earth every morning? (Imp.) ANSWER Like all Romantic poets, Keats stresses the unbreakable bond of man with nature and the earth. The beauties of the earth fascinate man. Every object of nature is a source of beauty and happiness. Every day we are weaving a wreath through these beautiful things. This flowery band binds us with the earth.
What are the things that give sufferings and sadness to man? ANSWER Man, himself, is the root cause of his woes. We suffer from malice and distress. Unfortunately, we lack human qualities and it makes us inhuman. Our life becomes gloomy. We cultivate unhealthy and evil ways. All such things bring misery and sufferings to men.
What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings ?(CBSE2008) ANSWER In spite of all troubles and sufferings human beings love life. The beauties and blessings of nature move away the 'pall' from our 'dark spirits'. Such things of beauty are joys forever.
How is the pall of despondence moved away from our dark spirits ? (Imp.) ANSWER Man makes his life miserable by his own nature and actions. He faces miseries and pains. Amid these miseries and sufferings, a thing of beauty provides a hope to man. Some shape of beauty works wonders. It removes the pall of despondence and sadness from our 'dark spirits'.
Name the things of nature that are constant sources of beauty. ANSWER The beauties of nature are endless. The sun, the moon, trees old and young, beautiful daffodil flowers, green surroundings are some of such beautiful things. Similarly, small streams of clear water, green ferns and thickets of the forest and musk-roses are some other things of beauty. All such things of beauty are a constant source of joy for us.
Why does Keats associate 'grandeur' with 'the mighty dead'? (A.I. CBSE 2008) ANSWER The 'mighty dead' were people of great power, authority and grandeur. They were wealthy, brave and awesome people. They are dead in their grave but still reflect that grandeur and glory.
What is the source of the 'endless fountain' and what is its effect ? ANSWER The beauties of nature know no limits. Nature is an eternal source of joy to mankind. A fountain of eternal joy and immortality pours into the heart and soul of man. It flows and pours right from the heaven's brink.
What is the message that John Keats wants to give through 'A thing of Beauty' ? ANSWER The very first line of the poem conveys the message of the poet. John Keats was a worshipper of beauty. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Beauty never fades. Nor is it devalued. It never passes into nothingness. A thing of beauty removes away the pall of sadness and sorrows and gives us joy and pleasure.
