Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Explain with reference to the context the following line.
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew.
Advertisements
Solution
- Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘Ulysses” written by Alfred Tennyson.
- Context and Explanation: The poet says these words through Ulysses as to the probable outcome of the daring voyage at the fag end of his life. Ulysses is uncertain about the probable outcome of his last voyage. But he infers that he might reach ‘Happy Isles’ and see the ‘great Achilles’ who was dipped in the river of life.
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
Read the given line and answer the question that follow in a line or two.
A foothold there, no clever trick
Could take us dead or quick,
Only a bird could have got in.
- What was challenging?
- Which aspect of the castle’s strength is conveyed by the above line?
Our captain was brave and we were true
Can you call ‘The Castle’ an allegorical poem? Discuss.
How does the poet spend her winter?
Does nature communicate with human beings?
The casuarina tree will be remembered forever. Why?
Read the line given below and answer the question that follow.
A creeper climbs, in whose embraces bound No other tree could live.
- Which tree is referred to in the above lines?
- How does the tree survive the tight hold of the creeper?
- Why does Toru Dutt use the expression ‘a creeper climbs’?
Read the line given below and answer the question that follow.
The giant wears the scarf, and flowers are hung
In crimson clusters all the bough among!
- Who is the giant here?
- Why is the scarf colourful?
Identify the figure of speech used in each of the extract given below and write down the answer in the space given below.
“ What is that dirge-like murmur that I hear Like the sea breaking on a shingle -beach?
Discuss with your partner the different stages in the growth of man from a new born to an adult

Fill in the blanks using the words given in the box to complete the summary of the poem.
Shakespeare considers the whole world a stage where men and women are only (1) ______. They (2)______the stage when they are born and exit when they die. Every man, during his life time, plays seven roles based on age. In the first act, as an infant, he is wholly (3) ______on the mother or a nurse. Later, emerging as a school child, he slings his bag over his shoulder and creeps most (4)______ to school. His next act is that of a lover, busy (5) ______ballads for his beloved and yearns for her (6) ______. In the fourth stage, he is aggressive and ambitious and seeks (7) ______in all that he does. He (8) ______solemnly to guard his country and becomes a soldier. As he grows older, with (9) ______and wisdom, he becomes a fair judge. During this stage, he is firm and (10) ______. In the sixth act, he is seen with loose pantaloons and spectacles. His manly voice changes into a childish (11) ______. The last scene of all is his second childhood. Slowly, he loses his (12) ______of sight, hearing, smell and taste and exits from the roles of his life.
| attention | treble | reluctantly |
| actors | maturity | reputation |
| serious | faculties | composing |
| enter | promises | dependent |
Pick out the word in ‘alliteration’ in the following line.
“Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel.”
Describe the various stages of a man’s life picturised in the poem “All the World’s a stage."
Identify the figure of speech employed in the following line.
There lies the port the vessel puffs her sail
Read the set of line from the poem and answer the question that follow.
……for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
- What was Ulysses’ purpose in life?
- How long would his venture last?
Explain with reference to the context the following line.
I cannot rest from travel: I will drink Life to the lees:
Explain with reference to the context the following line.
He works his work, I mine.
How would his being alone help the boy?
Where are the final decisions taken?
Why does the poet advise his son to have lazy days?
Here are a few poetic device used in the poem.
Repetition- It is a figure of speech.
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
Brutes have been gentled where lashes failed.
Where was Napoleon standing on the day of attack on the city of Ratisbon?
Who came galloping on a horse to Napoleon?
What did the rider do when he reached Napoleon?
Why did the rider keep his lips compressed?
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
‘I’m killed, Sire!’ And, his Chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead.
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart’s desire, Perched him!’
What is the role of the young soldier in the victory of the French at Ratisbon?
Napoleon was a great source of inspiration to his army. Justify.
