Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

When summer comes, we hear the hums Bhisma Lochan Sharma You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi down to Burma He sings as though he’s staked his life, he sings as though he’s hell-bent;

1. Who is Bhisma Lochan Sharma? How does he sing? (Understanding)
2. In Lines 3-4 the poet uses a hyperbole. What is its purpose? (Analysis)
3. What kind of person is Bhisma? (Understanding)
4. How are people affected by his song, as revealed later in the context? (Understanding)
5. What do they plead with Bhisma? Does he listen to them? If not, why? (Understanding and Analysis)

Answer 1

1. Bhisma Lochan Sharma is the central character of the poem, known for his loud and unpleasant singing. He sings with great enthusiasm and energy, as if his life depends on it, without caring whether others enjoy it or not.
2. The poet exaggerates by claiming that Bhisma’s singing reaches from Delhi to Burma. This hyperbole emphasizes the extraordinary loudness of his voice and creates a humorous effect.
3. Bhisma is a stubborn and well-meaning person. He is sincere and passionate about singing but is unaware that his loud, discordant voice troubles everyone around him.
4. The people become dazed, amazed, and disturbed by Bhisma's singing. They cannot tolerate the harsh noise and eventually move away, even though they know that he sings with good intentions.
5. The people plead with Bhisma to stop singing because his voice causes great discomfort. However, he does not listen to them because he is stubborn and continues singing with full enthusiasm, believing he is doing something good.