A Lecture Upon the Shadow by John Donne - Questions and Answers - Class 12 - NCERT - Solved

Table of Contents

1. Line by Line Explanation of the poem 'A Lecture Upon the Shadow'
2. Critical Analysis
3. Imagery and Metaphor
4. Themes
5. Structure and Tone
6. Symbolism
7. Conclusion
8. Summary of "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" by John Donne
9. A Lecture Upon the Shadow Questions and Answers
• Understanding the Poem (Long Answer)
• Understanding the Poem (Short Answers)

Critical Analysis

John Donne's "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" is a reflective and philosophically rich poem that explores the dynamics of love and its evolution over time. In critically analyzing this poem, several key aspects can be highlighted: imagery, metaphor, themes, and structure.

Imagery and Metaphor

The poem extensively uses the imagery of shadows and light to symbolize different stages and states of love. In the beginning, shadows accompany the lovers as they walk, representing the early, imperfect stage of their love filled with illusions and pretenses:

"Walking here, Two shadows went / Along with us, which we ourselves produced"

As the sun rises and reaches its zenith, the shadows disappear, symbolizing a moment of clarity and truth in their relationship:

"But, now the Sunne is just above our head, / We doe those shadowes tread; / And to brave clearnesse all things are reduc’d"

This noon position represents the peak of their love, where everything is clear and open, without deceit.

Themes

The primary theme of the poem is the progression and maturation of love. Donne suggests that love begins with uncertainties and disguises (the morning shadows) but can reach a point of clarity and transparency (noon). However, he also warns that if love is not maintained, it can decline, bringing back new shadows that obscure and complicate the relationship:

"If our loves faint, and westwardly decline; / To me thou, falsely thine; / And I to thee mine actions shall disguise"

The poem thus reflects on the fragility of love and the necessity of sustaining it with mutual honesty and effort.

Structure and Tone

The structure of the poem is composed of a single continuous reflection, divided into segments of thought rather than formal stanzas. This structure reinforces the contemplative tone, as if the poet is delivering a thoughtful discourse or "lecture" on the nature of love. The tone is didactic yet intimate, as the speaker addresses his beloved directly, guiding her through his philosophical musings.

Symbolism

The shadows serve as a potent symbol throughout the poem. Initially, they represent the masks and deceptions that lovers may project. As the sun reaches its zenith, the disappearance of shadows symbolizes the ideal state of love—transparent and genuine. However, the return of shadows in the afternoon reflects the inevitable challenges and potential decline if love is not nurtured:

"The morning shadows were away, / But these grow longer all the day, / But oh, loves day is short, if love decay"

Conclusion

Donne's "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" is a profound exploration of love's journey from its imperfect beginnings to its potential decline. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and a contemplative tone, Donne delves into the complexities of romantic relationships, emphasizing the need for continual care and honesty to maintain love at its peak. This poem not only showcases Donne's mastery of metaphysical poetry but also offers timeless insights into the human experience of love.

Summary of "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" by John Donne

John Donne's poem "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" is a contemplative reflection on the nature and evolution of love, using the metaphor of shadows and sunlight to illustrate the different stages of a romantic relationship. The poem begins with the speaker and his beloved walking together, accompanied by their shadows, which symbolize the early stage of their love filled with illusions and pretenses. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the shadows shorten and eventually disappear, representing the moment when their love reaches its peak, characterized by clarity and openness without deceit.

However, the speaker warns that as the sun continues its journey and begins to descend, new shadows will reappear, signifying the potential decline of their love if it is not nurtured with mutual honesty and effort. The poem emphasizes the fragility of love and the necessity of sustaining it to avoid falling back into a state of disguise and misunderstanding.

Through the imagery of the sun and shadows, Donne eloquently explores the dynamics of love, its initial imperfections, its potential for transparency and truth, and the inevitable challenges it faces over time. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining genuine and sincere relationships.

A Lecture Upon the Shadow Questions and Answers

Understanding the Poem (Long Answer)

1. How do the shadows before noon differ from the shadows after noon? What do the two kinds of shadow represent?

   • The shadows before noon are short and grow as the sun rises, representing the early stages of love where disguises and uncertainties may exist. The shadows after noon, however, become longer and represent the decline or fading of love. These two kinds of shadows symbolise the progression and transformation of love over time.

2. Love is described as light. What makes the poet talk about shadows?

   • The poet talks about shadows to highlight the imperfections and challenges in love. While love is depicted as light, the presence of shadows indicates that love is not without its difficulties and obscurities. Shadows, in this context, suggest the complexities and hidden aspects that can arise in a relationship.

3. Comment on the use of the image of the shadows for the idea that the poet wants to convey.

   • The image of shadows effectively conveys the transient and evolving nature of love. Shadows, which change with the position of the sun, symbolize the phases of a relationship. The poet uses this imagery to illustrate how love can start with uncertainties (morning shadows), reach a peak (noon), and potentially decline (afternoon shadows), thus portraying love as a dynamic rather than a static experience.

4. The poet seems to be addressing his beloved in the poem. What is the message he wishes to convey to her?

   • The poet's message to his beloved is a reflection on the nature of their love. He emphasizes that true love is transparent and free of disguises, much like the clarity at noon when shadows disappear. He also warns her about the potential decline of their love if they fail to sustain it with honesty and effort. The poet urges his beloved to cherish and nurture their love to maintain its purity and strength.

5. Comment on the appropriateness of the title "A Lecture Upon the Shadow."

   • The title "A Lecture Upon the Shadow" is appropriate as it reflects the poet's analytical and reflective approach to discussing the dynamics of love. By calling it a "lecture," the poet suggests that he is imparting wisdom or insight, using the metaphor of shadows to illustrate the different stages and challenges in a romantic relationship. The title encapsulates the poem's contemplative tone and its exploration of love's complexities.

Understanding the Poem (Short Answers)

1. What does the phrase "we ourselves produced" mean?

   • The phrase "we ourselves produced" refers to the shadows created by the poet and his beloved as they walk together. It symbolizes the initial uncertainties and pretenses in their love, which are a result of their own actions and perceptions.

2. What do you understand by "brave clearness"?

   • "Brave clearness" refers to the moment of clarity and truth in love where everything is open and transparent. It signifies a stage in the relationship where there are no more disguises or illusions, and the love between the poet and his beloved is genuine and pure.

3. What will happen if their love "faint"?

   • If their love "faint," it means that their love will weaken or decline. As a result, they will start to disguise their true feelings and actions, leading to misunderstandings and a lack of honesty in their relationship.

4. What will happen if love is allowed to "decay"?

   • If love is allowed to "decay," it will lead to a decline in the relationship. The initial purity and transparency will be lost, and the couple will fall back into a state of pretenses and misunderstandings, symbolized by the return of shadows.

Tomorrow by Joseph Conrad - Summary - Q&A - Critical Analysis - kaleidoscope - Class XII - NCERT - Solved

Table of Contents

1. Summary of the Story
2. Understanding the Text
3. Talking about the Text
4. Appreciation
5. Task

Summary of the Story

Captain Hagberd, an old retired coasting-skipper, lives in the town of Colebrook, waiting for the return of his long-lost son, Harry. Obsessed with the idea that Harry will come back "tomorrow," Captain Hagberd is known throughout the town for his eccentricity and his hope-filled proclamations. Despite the years passing, and his hope turning into a delusion, Captain Hagberd maintains this belief, which has turned into an obsession.

Miss Bessie Carvil, a young woman living with her blind and irritable father, Mr. Carvil, often interacts with Captain Hagberd. She listens to his tales and hopes, humoring him but also feeling the weight of his delusion. Her life is marked by the duty of caring for her father, whose blindness has made him bitter and demanding.

One day, a man who claims to be Harry returns, but his motives are unclear, and he seems to be more interested in getting money from Bessie than reuniting with his father. This encounter leaves Bessie feeling distressed and trapped between the expectations of Captain Hagberd and the harsh reality of her own life. 

Understanding the Text

1. What is the consistency one finds in the old man’s madness?

   • The consistency in Captain Hagberd's madness lies in his unwavering belief that his son, Harry, will return "tomorrow." This belief is so strong that it shapes his entire life and actions, providing him with a sense of purpose and hope despite the passage of time and the improbability of the event.

2. How does Captain Hagberd prepare for Harry’s homecoming?

   • Captain Hagberd prepares for Harry’s homecoming by making various practical arrangements. He builds two cottages, one for himself and one for Harry. He maintains a hopeful and expectant demeanour, continually talking about Harry’s imminent return and making plans for their future together.

3. How did Bessie begin to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son?

   • Bessie begins to share Hagberd’s insanity regarding his son by gradually becoming involved in his delusions. Her frequent interactions with Hagberd and her sympathy for his plight lead her to humour his beliefs, and over time, she becomes emotionally invested in the idea of Harry’s return, despite recognising the improbability of it.

4. What were Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd?

   • Harry’s reasons for coming to meet old Hagberd were primarily financial. He was not interested in reuniting with his father out of affection or a desire to mend their relationship. Instead, his motives were selfish, as he was seeking money and possibly trying to exploit the situation to his advantage.

5. Why does Harry’s return prove to be a disappointment for Bessie?

• Harry’s return proves to be a disappointment for Bessie because he does not live up to the idealised image that Captain Hagberd had created. Instead of being the long-lost son returning to fulfil his father’s dreams, Harry is revealed to be self-serving and uninterested in the reunion, shattering the hopes and delusions that Bessie had begun to share.

Talking about the Text

1. ‘Every mental state, even madness, has its equilibrium based upon self-esteem. Its disturbance causes unhappiness’.

• Discussion: This statement suggests that even in a state of madness, there is a certain balance that is maintained by an individual's self-esteem. Disturbing this balance can lead to unhappiness and further psychological distress. In the context of the story, Captain Hagberd’s belief in his son’s return provides him with a sense of purpose and maintains his self-esteem. If this belief were disturbed, it would likely lead to a collapse of his mental state and profound unhappiness.

2. Joyce’s ‘Eveline’ and Conrad’s ‘Tomorrow’ are thematically similar.

• Discussion: Both stories deal with the theme of waiting and the paralysis that can come with it. In Joyce’s “Eveline,” the protagonist is stuck in a state of indecision about leaving her home, much like Captain Hagberd is stuck in the delusion of his son’s return. Both characters are unable to move forward with their lives, trapped by their circumstances and their own mental states.

Appreciation

1. Comment on the technique used by the author to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past.

• Answer: Joseph Conrad uses a gradual revelation technique to unfold the story of Captain Hagberd’s past. Through the interactions and conversations between the characters, particularly between Captain Hagberd, Bessie, and Harry, readers slowly learn about Hagberd’s long wait for his son and the impact it has had on his life. This method keeps the readers engaged and builds suspense as the layers of the story are peeled back bit by bit.

2. Identify instances in the story in which you find streaks of insanity in people other than Hagberd. What implications do they suggest?

• Answer: One instance of insanity in the story is found in Bessie’s growing belief in Captain Hagberd’s delusion. Despite knowing the improbability of Harry’s return, she begins to share in Hagberd’s hope, indicating how prolonged exposure to someone’s madness can affect others. Another instance is in Harry’s erratic behaviour and his self-serving motives upon his return. These examples suggest that madness can be contagious and that everyone has the potential for irrational behaviour under certain circumstances.

Task

Language Work

A. Figures of Speech: Allusion

Example 1:

• Allusion: Captain Hagberd is compared to Father Neptune.
• Comparison: The comparison highlights Hagberd's maritime background and his current disheveled state. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, symbolizes power and authority over the ocean. By comparing Hagberd to a "deposed sea-god," Conrad underscores Hagberd's fall from a commanding sea captain to a delusional, land-bound old man who has exchanged his former power (the trident) for a humble tool (the spade), signifying his loss of status and control.

Example 2:

• Allusion: "The hopeful madness of the world had broken out."
• Comparison: This phrase alludes to the idea that the world is filled with irrational hope and madness, reflecting Captain Hagberd’s unrealistic and obsessive hope for his son's return. This comparison suggests that his delusion is not unique but part of a broader human condition characterized by irrational hopes and dreams.

B. Pronunciation

Complete the columns below and mark the syllable that receives primary stress.

Verb	Noun
present	presentation
examine	examination
produce	production
calculate	calculation
distribute	distribution
specialise	specialisation

Class XI - Elective English - Woven Words - Shorty Story - The Luncheon - William Somerset Maugham

Summary

"The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham is a short story about a man who is approached by a woman he once knew, who asks him to take her out for lunch. The woman, who had once impoverished the man, promised to only have a modest meal, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes. Despite the man's concerns about being able to pay the bill, he took her to the expensive restaurant and treated her to lunch. Years later, the man runs into the woman again and sees that she has become extremely overweight, weighing 21 stone. The man, who is not a vengeful person, finds satisfaction in the contrast of their current circumstances, feeling that he has finally had his revenge. The story is characterized by its use of irony, as the actions of the characters often contradict their words and expectations.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Question 1. Although the author was not a vindictive man he was very happy to see the twenty one stone lady who had impoverished him twenty years ago, and says he had finally had his revenge. What makes him says this?

Answer:

Twenty years prior, the author struggled to make ends meet financially. The lady asked him to take her to Foyot's, a pricey restaurant, for lunch. The author believed he could only afford to treat her to a modest meal. The lady assured him that she never ate much for lunch, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes. Despite this, she persisted in claiming she only had one small dish and scolded the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop). This left the author penniless for a whole month. The memory of this incident stayed with him, and when he met the lady again twenty years later, she had become extremely overweight, weighing 21 stone. Despite not being a vengeful person, the author felt that he had finally gotten his revenge.

Question 2. There are quite a few places where the author uses the expressions ‘My heart sank, panic seized’ etc. What was the reason for this? Explain.

Answer:

The author was residing in a small flat in Paris and struggled to make ends meet. The lady requested he take her to Foyot's, a lavish restaurant, for lunch. During the meal, she ordered a number of pricey dishes. This caused the writer to become anxious about paying the bill, leading to expressions such as "my heart sank" and "panic seized me".

Question 3. Locate instances of irony in the story.

Answer:

In "The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham, there are several instances of irony:

• The lady promised not to eat much for lunch, but ended up ordering several expensive dishes, which was the opposite of what she promised.

• Despite being unable to afford the bill, the author treated the lady to lunch at an expensive restaurant.

• The lady scolded the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop) even though she had ordered several dishes.

• The author had been impoverished by the lady twenty years prior, but when they met again, he was content with his life while she had become overweight.

• The lady advised the author not to eat too much, but she herself had ordered several dishes and become overweight.

These instances of irony highlight the contrast between the lady's actions and words, as well as the unexpected outcomes of certain events.

Question 4. What are the instances which create humour in “The Luncheon”?

Answer:

"The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham has several instances that create humour:

• The lady's promise to only have a modest meal, but her subsequent ordering of several expensive dishes, is a source of humor due to the contrast between her words and actions.

• The lady scolding the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop), even though she herself had ordered several dishes, is a humorous situation that highlights the irony and contrast between the characters' actions.

• The contrast between the author's worry about paying the bill and the lady's insistent ordering of expensive dishes is also a source of humor.

• The description of the lady's weight gain and the author's satisfaction with their changed circumstances, despite his not being a vindictive person, adds to the humor of the story.

Overall, the humor in the story arises from the contrast between the characters' words and actions, as well as the unexpected outcomes of certain events.

TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT

Question 1. People with foibles are often not conscious of them. Discuss in the light of the story.

In "The Luncheon," the lady is a character with a foible and is not conscious of it. Her foible is her tendency to over-indulge in food, as evidenced by her insistent ordering of several expensive dishes despite promising to only have a modest meal. This behavior is not something she is aware of or conscious of, as she scolds the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop) even though she herself had ordered several dishes.

This is a common phenomenon, where people with foibles are often not conscious of them. People's habits and behaviors can be shaped by their experiences, personality, and environment, and they may not realize the impact they have on others or themselves. In this case, the lady's habit of over-indulging in food is not something she is aware of, and she is not consciously trying to be difficult or troublesome.

In conclusion, the story highlights the idea that people with foibles are often not conscious of them and that this can lead to unexpected and humorous situations.

Question 2. Discuss the author’s attempts at keeping up his pretence of friendliness while he was mentally preoccupied with the expense of the luncheon.

Answer:

In "The Luncheon," the author is trying to maintain a pretence of friendliness while he is mentally preoccupied with the expense of the lunch. He is worried about the cost of the meal and is concerned that he will not have enough money to pay the bill. Despite this, he tries to appear friendly and cordial to the lady, who is the one who asked him to take her to lunch.

The author uses expressions such as "my heart sank" and "panic seized me" to show his internal struggle and the tension he feels about the cost of the meal. However, he tries to keep up the pretence of friendliness by making small talk with the lady and acting as if everything is normal. He does this to avoid offending her or making her feel uncomfortable, even though he is worried about the cost of the meal.

In conclusion, the author's attempts at maintaining a pretence of friendliness while being mentally preoccupied with the expense of the lunch highlight the tension between the characters and the internal struggle of the author. Despite his worries, he tries to present himself as friendly and cordial, showing the contrast between his internal thoughts and external demeanor.

APPRECIATION

Question 1. The author is a humorist

a. How does the story reflect his sense of humour?

b. What makes his lady friend remark—‘you are quite a humorist’?

c. Give instances of the author’s ability to laugh at himself.

Answer:

1. "The Luncheon" by Somerset Maugham reflects the author's sense of humor through its use of irony, contrast, and humorous situations. The story is written in a lighthearted and witty tone, which highlights the author's ability to find humor in everyday situations and to present it in an entertaining manner.

The author creates humor in the story by contrasting the words and actions of the characters. For example, the lady promises to only have a modest meal but ends up ordering several expensive dishes, which is a source of humor due to the contrast between her words and actions. The author also uses humor to highlight the ironies of the situation, such as the lady scolding the author for eating too much meat (a single small mutton chop), even though she herself had ordered several dishes.

In addition, the author uses humor to present the tension between the characters and the internal struggle of the author. The contrast between the author's worry about paying the bill and the lady's insistent ordering of expensive dishes is also a source of humor. The description of the lady's weight gain and the author's satisfaction with their changed circumstances, despite his not being a vindictive person, adds to the humor of the story.

Overall, the story reflects the author's sense of humor through its use of irony, contrast, and humorous situations. The author's ability to find humor in everyday situations and present it in an entertaining manner is what makes the story a humorous and enjoyable read.

2. The story revolves around the author's lady friend inviting him to have lunch at the expensive restaurant Foyot. Despite financial limitations, the author agrees to go to the restaurant that is frequently visited by senators. He formulates a plan to order only a few items so that he doesn't overspend for the month. However, the irony arises when the lady friend starts placing one order after another, completely unaware of the author's budget constraints. Eventually, she suggests having a small lunch, to which the author jokingly replies that he would rather skip dinner that night. This humor earns the author a compliment from his lady friend, who remarks, "you are quite a humorist."
   
   

3. The story showcases the author's sense of humor and his ability to laugh at himself. The author recounts the lady's invitation to a pricey restaurant like Foyot, and how he was unable to decline because of his youth. As the lady begins ordering expensive dishes, the author recognizes the irony and laughs at himself for agreeing to the luncheon at Foyot. Throughout the story, the author displays his capacity for self-deprecating humor.

Question 2. How does the first person narrative help in heightening the literary effects of the story?

Answer:

This story is composed in a first person narrative which makes the readers familiar with the mindset of the narrator and his evident anticipation, apprehension and embarrassment of visiting the costly restaurant Foyot at the suggestion of his lady friend. It allows us to go deeper into the confusion and the fear developed by the narrator inside himself. The polite and soft gesture exhibited by the narrator in front of his lady friend explains the sheer embarrassment and monetary dilemma which he was experiencing. It allows the reader to visualise his mind about the anger and sarcasm which he possessed against his lady friend. The variations in the external gentility and inner mental stress helps us to understand his plight which gives rise to irony.

MCQs - Class XI - Woven Words - The World is Too Much With Us by William Wordsworth

Multiple Choice Questions based on the poem: The World is Too Much With Us by William Wordsworth, keeping in mind the latest online test pattern in CBSE Schools due to COVID pandemic. 

1. The poem ‘The World is Too Much with Us’ is a poem by 

1. William Wordsworth 

2. William Butler Yeats 

3. Samuel Tailor Coleridge 

4. William Blake 

2. The poem ‘The World is Too Much With Us’ poem written in 

1. Iambic dimeter 

2. Iambic trimeter 

3. Iambic tetrameter 

4. Iambic pentameter 

3. What is the genre of the poem ‘The World is Too Much With Us’? 

1. Petrarchan Sonnet 

2. Shakespearean Sonnet 

3. Spenserian Sonnet 

4. Miltonic Sonnet 

4. Which option explains the title ‘The World is Too Much With Us’ more appropriately? 

1. We are attached to the world a lot and it is a good thing 

2. The world is too complex to handle 

3. People are giving time to their family and friends 

4. People have become so concerned with worldly material things that they have neglected the natural world. 

5. What is the theme of the poem ‘The World is Too Much With Us’? 

1. Denouncing materialism 

2. Impact of the busy life 

3. Loss of Nature and the natural world 

4. All the above 

6. What does the poet criticise in this poem? 

1. The world of the first industrial revolution 

2. People’s attitude towards materialism 

3. People’s attitude towards nature 

4. All of the above 

7. How many Greek Gods are described in this poem? 

1. Two  

2. Three 

3. Four 

4. None 

8. What is the quality of sea God Proteus? 

1. He is indestructible and undefeatable 

2. He can assume different shapes 

3. He remains constant 

4. He represents worldly things 

9. What is the quality of Triton God? 

1. He blows his conch in order to calm the waves 

2. He represents fire and ice 

3. He is a demigod of the sea 

4. Both A and C 

10. “The sea that bares her bosom to the moon” which figure of speech has been used in this line? 

1. Simile 

2. Metaphor  

3. Personification 

4. Synecdoche 

11. The poet William Wordsworth’s poem mostly deal with 

1. Humble and Rustic life 

2. Industrial Revolution 

3. The violent aspect of Nature 

4. Day to day experience of the common man 

12. Find out the figure of speech in the following lines: “the winds that will be howling at all hours”? 

1. Assonance 

2. Personification 

3. Both A and B 

4. None of the Above 

13. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? 

1. ABBA ABBA CDE CDE 

2. ABAB ABAB CDC CDC 

3. ABCD ABCD EFG EFG 

4. ABCD EFGH IJK IJK 

14. How many lines are there in the poem? 

1. 12 

2. 14 

3. 16 

4. 18 

15. Who wishes to remain as pagan in the poem? 

1. Tribal Man 

2. Poet himself 

3. Common Man 

4. Nature 

 

ANSWER KEY 

A	4. D	7. A	10. C	13. A
D	5. D	8. B	11. A	14. B
A	6. D	9. D	12. C	15. B