Question

Answer the following question as briefly as possible and with close reference to the relevant text.

Referring closely to the short story, B. Wordsworth relate two important lessons that the young narrator learnt from his friend, B. Wordsworth. How were these lessons relevant?

Answer 1

'B. Wordsworth' is a thought-provoking story that imparts profound lessons of life and leisure. The rare insight derived from the story changes one's outlook towards people, places and life in general. The narrator boy first comes under the influence of the poet protagonist when he comes to watch bees in his front yard. Later on, the poet helps his young friend recover from his bruised body and ego by encouraging him to watch the night sky and forget his worries. Thus, the boy learns to delight in everyday experiences, suggesting the necessity of 'a fresh pair of eyes to soak in the wonders of the natural world'. Secondly, the poet tries to convince the boy of the bitter truth that poets and their sensibilities are not intrinsically valued in this materialistic world. In fact, they are considered as mere time-wasters fit only to be kept at a distance. Most of them do not attain worldly success and struggle to eke out a living. The gallant poet negates all he said to discourage the boy from emulating him.