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प्रश्न
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
I have learned to wear my faces Like dresses …
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उत्तर
- Reference: These lines are from the poem “Once Upon a Time” written by Gabriel Okara.
- Context: The poet says these words while admitting how he himself started putting on appearances to conform to the changed attitude of people
in modem times. - Explanation: The poet registers his displeasure over the negative changes that have influenced the behaviour of adults. The adults have mastered the art
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संबंधित प्रश्न
What is the relationship between the narrator and the listener?
What happens to the poet when he visits someone for the third time?
How is the poet’s laugh reflected in the mirror?
Read the line given below and answer the question that follow.
‘Most of all, I want to relearn How to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror Shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!’
- Why does the poet want to relearn how to laugh?
- Whom does the poet want to relearn from?
- Mention the figure of speech used here.
Explain the things the poet has learnt when he grew into an adult.
The poet does not wish to exchange position with the runners. Why?
Are the athletes conscious of the feelings of others? Why do you say so?
Why does the poet prefer to buy tickets worth their weight in radium? Bring out the significance of the metal referred to here.
The poet does not wish to exchange places with the athletes. How does he justify his view?
Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow in a sentence or two.
Well, ego it might be pleased enough But zealous athletes play so rough…
- What pleases the ego?
- Why are athletes often rough during play?
Underline the alliterated word in the following line.
For this most modest physiques…
Underline the alliterated word in the following line.
They do not ever in their dealings…
Read the lines given below and answer the question that follow.
And ‘tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes…
- What is the poet’s faith?
- What trait of Nature do we see here?
Read the lines given below and answer the question that follow.
If this belief from heaven be sent,
If such be Nature’s holy plan.
- What does ‘heaven’ refer to?
- Why does the poet call it ‘holy’?
Explain the following line with reference to the context in about four to five sentence each.
In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts
Bring sad thoughts to the mind.
Read the following line and identify the figure of speech used in each extract.
What Man has made of Man?
Work in groups of 4−6. Discuss how you would preserve the environment and protect Nature. One or two representatives may share their ideas with the class.
A French proverb goes thus: ‘The dog may be wonderful prose, but only the cat is poetry.’ You may have observed that all animals possess a number of unique qualities. Fill in the columns with words and phrases associated with each of the following animals.
| DOG | CAT | WOLF | ELEPHANT |
People admire some of these animal qualities. What are they? Have you noticed some of them in yourself or in others? Share your views with the class.
What is Macavity’s nickname?
Which law does Macavity break?
Why does the poet say Macavity is ‘outwardly’ respectable?
Give an account of Macavity’s destructive mischief.
Why does the speaker say ‘Everest is not the only peak’?
Work with a partner and take this short quiz to find out how well-informed you are about history.
- Name a few wars and battles you have read about.
- What is the difference between a war and a battle?
- Why do rulers wage wars and battles?
- Is the outcome of a war always fair?
- Do you think rulers understand the true meaning of life – in defeat or in victory?
- Can you name a few kings and leaders who have fallen from glory to disgrace?
The historical background:
The poem is an extract from William Shakespeare’s play King Richard the Second. The play is based on true events that occurred towards the end of the 14th century.
Richard II was crowned the King of England in the year 1367. He continued to be the British Monarch until 1399, when he was deposed by his cousin, Henry of Bolingbroke, who crowned himself King Henry the Fourth in the same year. Shakespeare’s play is a dramatic rendition of the last two years of King Richard II’s life. In this brief span of time, he was ousted from his royal position and sent to prison, where he died in captivity.
The following extract is set in the Coast of Wales. King Richard and some of his followers awaited the arrival of the Welsh army [after facing defeat at the hands of his cousin, Bolingbroke], of about 10000 warriors. But to their shock and surprise, they received the message that the army was not coming to their rescue. His followers tried to boost their King’s courage against the news, only in vain. When Richard came face to face with the reality of his terrible fate, he spoke the following verse, famously known as the “Hollow Crown” speech in theatrical circles. In it, King Richard is reminded of the power of Death that overshadows everything else, including the power of rulers, and renders them as powerless as any commoner at a moment’s notice.
Are all deposed kings slain by the deposer?
What does ‘flesh’ mean here?
Working with your partner, discuss the following adages and share your views with the class. You may need to give your ideas and justify your point of view. Remember to take turns while making your presentation/short speech.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
Read the poem once again carefully and identify the figure of speech that has been used in each of the following line from the poem:
“Let’s talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs;
Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth’’.
