Question

Read the poem LOSS AND GAIN by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow given below:

When I compare What I have lost with what I have gained, What I have missed with what attained, Little room do I find for pride. I am aware How many days have been idly spent; How like an arrow the good intent Has fallen short or been turned aside. But who shall dare To measure loss and gain in this wise? Defeat may be victory in disguise; The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

Based on your reading of the poem answer any FOUR of the five questions given below.

1. The tone of the poem can be best described as:   (1)
   1. Optimistic and celebratory
   2. Reflective and contemplative
   3. Angry and resentful
   4. Sarcastic and dismissive
2. What is the significance of the phrase “The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide”?   (1)
   1. It suggests that bad times lead to the inevitable downfall of a person.
   2. It conveys the idea that after the worst point, improvement is possible.
   3. It means that the tide will always rise, no matter what, without fail.
   4. It refers to the idea that challenges in life are constant and never change.
3. Assertion: The speaker expresses a sense of resignation, acknowledging that much of life’s time has been wasted or unproductive.
   Reasoning: The speaker suggests that even moments of failure can eventually lead to positive outcomes, emphasizing a cyclical nature of success and failure.   (1)
   Choose the correct option:
   
   1. Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, and the Reasoning correctly explains the Assertion.
   2. Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, but the Reasoning does not explain the Assertion.
   3. The Assertion is correct, but the Reasoning is incorrect.
   4. The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reasoning is correct.
4. What is the overall theme of the passage?   (1)
5. The repetition of “what” is an example of ______ poetic device.   (1)

Answer 1

1. Reflective and contemplative
2. It conveys the idea that after the worst point, improvement or change is possible.
3. Both Assertion and Reasoning are correct, and the Reasoning correctly explains the Assertion.
4. The subjective nature of loss and gain, and the potential for growth through failure.
5. Anaphora