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Question
Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.
like a fixed portrait smile
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Solution
People have a fixed ready-made smile for all occasions. Their smiles are enigmatic and inscrutable. One can’t say whether a smile is meant to exhibit warmth or love.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
What do you associate with the title of the poem?
Fill in the blanks choosing the words from the box given and complete the summary of the poem:
The poet Okara in this narrative monologue painfully condemns the (a)______ displayed by adults, both in their words and actions. Here, a father laments to his son about the negative changes that creep into the attitude and behaviour of humans, when they grow into (b)______. He says that people used to be (c)______ when they laugh and the honesty would be reflected in their eyes. But, people of modern times laugh (d)______. Their handshakes used to be warm and happy conveying a sense of togetherness, but nowadays the handshakes have become a mere (e)______. He warns his son that people are not trust-worthy and have become so selfish that they are concerned only about their own (f)______benefits. People utter words of welcome and exchange (g)______, but those words come only from the tip of their tongues and not from the depth of their hearts. Humans have learnt the art of changing their (h)______ expressions according to situations merely to ensure social acceptance. They wear(i)______ and exhibit multiple faces. The narrator admits that he has also changed into a hypocrite. However, he tells his son that though he (j)______ his expressions, he does all these against his will. He says he wants to become a (k)______ again and laugh genuinely. He wants to (l)______ the unreal things and (m)______how to laugh as he had done once upon a time. When he laughs before the (n)______, he sees no expression. His teeth are bare like that of the (o)______of a snake. So, he asks his son to show him how to laugh the way he used to laugh when he was a kid like him.
| relearn | adults | facial |
| personal | fangs | child |
| fakes | superficially | duplicity |
| genuine | unlearn | falsity |
| masks | mirror | pleasantries |
Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.
hands search my empty pockets
This poem is nothing but a criticism of modern life. Justify this statement.
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The poet does not wish to exchange places with the athletes. How does he justify his view?
According to the poet, what contributes most to the injuries sustained by the athletes?
Read the poem and answer the following in a short paragraph of 8–10 sentences each.
When officialdom demands Is there a doctor in the stands?
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I am just glad as glad can be That I am not them, that they are not me…
Why do accidents usually happen in the playground? Give your own examples and explain
What sort of encouragement should an athlete in India be given? Give a few suggestions.
Write a letter to the Councillor of your Ward, explaining why a park is necessary in your locality.
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Read the given lines and answer the question that follow.
He sways his head from side to
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- What does he pretend to do?
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard’s
What is the rhyme scheme used in the poem?
Identify the following personalities and their fields of achievement.
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- Mention a remarkable achievement of any of these personalities.
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- ______.
- ______.
- ______.
- ______.
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All murdered – for within the hollow crown
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“Bores through his castle wall, and farewell king!”
