Question

Read the extract and answer the questions that follow:

‘How vague are all the mysteries Which bind us to our earth; How far they send into the heart Their tones of holy mirth;’

1. How does the splendid scenario influence the poet?
2. As a result what does he realize?
3. What effect do ‘they’ have on man?
4. Explain ‘holy mirth’?

Answer 1

1. The moonlit scene fills the poet with wonder and spiritual joy. It makes him feel the mysterious bond between human beings and the natural world.
2. He realizes that subtle, mysterious bonds connect us to the earth and can awaken a deep, spiritual joy in the heart.
3. ‘They’ are the mysteries or bonds that connect us to the earth. They send feelings of spiritual joy into the heart and deepen our sense of connection with nature.
4. ‘Holy mirth’ means a pure, spiritual joy inspired by the mysterious bond between the human spirit and nature.