Question

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

Great souls die and our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us. Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened.

1. What does the fall of great trees symbolize in the poem, as suggested earlier in the context? (Understanding and Analysis)
2. What do we remember when great souls die? (Analysis)
3. What happens to our ‘reality’ when great souls die? (Understanding)
4. What does the poet mean by ‘wizened’ souls here? (Analysis)
5. What does the word ‘nurture’ suggest in the context? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. The fall of great trees symbolises the death of great and noble people. It suggests that their loss deeply affects individuals and society, just as the fall of a large tree disturbs the entire forest.
2. When remarkable souls die, we remember their kind words, noble deeds, love, guidance, and the precious moments we shared with them. These memories become vivid and meaningful after their death.
3. When great souls die, our reality, which was closely connected to them, seems to leave us. We feel lost, empty, and struggle to adjust to life without their presence.
4. The word ‘wizened’ means shrunken, weakened, or withered. The poet suggests that without the guidance and support of great souls, our own spirits feel weak, empty, and diminished by grief.
5. The word ‘nurture’ suggests the love, care, guidance, wisdom, and inspiration that great souls provide. Their influence helps us grow into better and stronger human beings.