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Amit Sir English Guru

Add:- Behind the Police Station, Near Physicsve~ Bara Chakia.

Important lines and their explanations :- (4x2=8 marks)

1. The mind is a restless bird, the more it gets the more it wants and still remains unsatisfied.(Explain it)
These lines have been taken from the first chapter entitled „Indian civilization and culture‟ penned by Mahatma Gandhi, one of the
greatest freedom fighters of India. In this essay, he talks about the sound foundation of Indian civilization which has gone through many
changes but no change has shaken it.
In the given lines, Gandhi ji says that “mind is a restless bird” the more it gets the more it wants, and still remains unsatisfied.
The more we indulge in our passions the more unbridled they become. Our mind plays an important role to control our desires. But
sometimes it becomes uncontrolled and it deviates us towards devastation. So, Gandhi ji wants to suggest us that we should keep our
mind in control, so that it may not hinder us into the service of humanity.
2. Here lies a most beautiful lady light of step and heart was she.
Explanation :- These lines have been taken from the poem entitled “An Epitaph” composed by Walter Dela Mare. This poem is an elegy
in which the poet is lamenting the death of a lady whom the poet loved and cared the most. But she is dead now and lying in the grave.
In the given lines the poet is describing a very beautiful lady who is no more now and her beauty also vanished with her death,
the poet is standing just beside the grave of the lady and remembering that she had the habit of moving here and there and had no
commitment. In the second line the word „light‟ stands both for the lightness of the steps and heart of the lady. It means that she moves
here and there freely as she has no commitment.
3. The voice of my education said to me he must be killed.
These lines have been taken from the poem entitled „The snake‟ composed by DH Lawrence. In this poem the poet is talking about a
snake which has come at his water trough to drink some water because it was too hot in Sicily in the month of July. At first, the poet, as a
true human wants to welcome the guest but finally he strikes the snake with a heavy log (stick).
In the given lines the poet is talking about the inner conflict of his mind whether to kill the snake or not. He is very much fascinated by its
beauty. But his worldly education tells him that the snake is a poisonous one and he must kill it. Thus, the poet comes into the pressure of
human education and decides to kill it.
4. Broken yet rebellious, I swore this time to save it from the Sin of forgiving.
These lines have been taken from the poem entitled “Fire hymn” composed by Keki N Daruwalla who is a Zoroastrian (a parsi) by
religion. As a Parsi does not consign a dead body into the fire but unfortunately the poet has to consign his new born into the fire against
the Parsi code, Because the Tower of Silence where they throw away their dead bodies, is a thousand kilometres away from his house.
In the given lines the poet feels guilty for violating the Parsi code, so he becomes angry and he rebelliously swears this time
never to violate the Parsicode again. Thus the poet is broken inside yet he decides to save the fire from the sin of forgiveness.

5. Cold, impossible, ahead Lists the Mountain lovely head.

These lines have been taken from the poem entitled „Now the leaves are falling fast‟ composed by W.H. Auden who won the Pulitzer
prize in 1948 for his collection „The age of anxiety‟. In this poem, the poet has compared man's life with the life of a tree. When the
weather changes it also changes a tree into a leafless tree. Similarly man's life is affected and finally death overcomes him.
In the given lines the poet is talking about the last journey of man's life and death. He says when natural
conditions are opposite where it is very cold and everything seems impossible the mountains head is held high and it looks lovely as well.
So, even if the human beings face difficulties in life and it seems that it is impossible to move forward only with they should have
patience and confidence like the mountains and should face it well and keep their head high.
6. That thou lov‟st me, as thou say‟st, if in thine, my life thou waste, thou art the best of me.
These lines have been taken from the love poem entitled „Sweetest love I don't Goe‟ composed by John Donne who was supposed to be
the father of Metaphysical Poetry. In this poem the poet is talking about his sincere and beautiful feelings and pious passion for his
beloved. This love poem reveals his never ending love for his beloved. Here love is described as the meeting of two true souls and it is
long lasting. The physical union of two bodies does not matter much in true love.
In the given lines the poet shows his deep love for his beloved. The poet loves her so much that even if his
beloved ruins his life, she is the best for him. The poet says if she equally loves him, she must not turn a deaf ear to the needs and
happiness of the poet. Thus, the poet, through these lines, expresses his beautiful and passionate love for the beloved.
7. A dust whom England bore shaped, made aware,
Gave once her flowers to love, her ways to roam.
These lines have been taken from the war poem entitled “The Soldier” composed by Rupert Brooke. This poem is a sonnet (a poem of 14
lines) on Petrarchan lines. In this poem, the poet gives expression to the feelings of a British soldier fighting for the honour of his country
on a foreign field.
 In the given lines, he has described the beautiful feelings of love for his country. The poet is himself a soldier
and he has gone to fight in another country. To develop the feelings of Patriotism among the other soldiers, he is now remembering the
beautiful days of his country where he was born and brought up. He says that his country has given him flowers to love, ways to walk and
the air to breathe in. All these things show the poet‟s deep love for his motherland.
8. India had always been part of the background of my life, but I had never seen it whole and for myself until now.
These lines have been extracted from the famous essay entitled “India through a Traveller‟s Eyes” written by Pearl S Buck who was an
American by birth. But she spent a large part of her life in China. When she visited India she met young intellectuals in the cities and the
farmers in villages. She saw that the conditions of India were very sad and disturbing.
In the given lines Miss Buck says that her life is based on India's background about which she has come to know from
her family members and neighbours in her childhood but has not visited India and seen it as a whole up to the time of her childhood.
9. There is a house now far away where once I received love
That woman died the house withdrew into silence.
These lines have been taken from the poem entitled “My Grandmother‟s house” composed by Kamala Das who wrote literature both in
English and Malayalam. In this poem, the poet is remembering a particular house where she lived with her grandmother and received
love from her.
In the given lines, the poet is missing her childhood when she lived with her kind and caring grandmother. She is also missing
that too much love that she received there. Now her grandmother is dead and the house is silent. She also thinks that the house is now far
away because there is none to love her after the death of her grandmother.
10. The life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination.
Explanation: - These lines have been taken from the famous speech entitled "I have a dream" delivered by Martin Luther king jr, one of
the greatest civil right activists in America. In this speech Luther talks about his dream that is deeply rooted to the dreams of all
American people. This speech was delivered on the steps of Lincoln Memorial in 1963. The impact of this speech was so huge on
American people that it established Martin Luther as one of the greatest orators in American history.
In the given lines Martin Luther reminds America of the fierce urgency of the moment. He says that
one hundred years have passed but the life of the Negro is still full of sorrows and not free. He feels like an exile person in his own land.
The Negroes are helpless to live on the poor island among the vast ocean of prosperity.
11. This work as I see it has two aspects (Explain it)
Explanation:- These lines are the part of the famous speech entitled "Bharat is my home "delivered by Dr Zakir Hussain in 1967 as the
third president of India. He says that the whole Bharat is his home and its people are his family. He means to say that he will leave no
stone unturned to make this home bright and beautiful.
In the given extract Dr. Zakir Hussain says that every work has two
aspects-works for one self and work for the society around. He means to say that every work should be done keeping the view of social
development. No one can prosper in the absence of social collective existence. So it's our duty to take care of others, too.
12. Civilization is that mode of conduct which points out to man the path of duty. (Explain it)
Explanation:-These lines have been taken from the first chapter entitled "Indian Civilization and Culture" penned by Mahatma Gandhi,
one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. In this essay he talks about the sound foundation of Indian civilization which has gone
through many changes but no change has shaken it.
In the given lines, Gandhi says that civilization is determined by our character. It
shows us the path of duty and teaches us the importance of real happiness and content. It makes us able to judge what is wrong and what
is right.
13. I must confess that I am overwhelmed by the trust my people have placed in me by electing me to the highest office in the
land.
Explanation:- These lines are the part of the famous speech entitled "Bharat is my home "delivered by Dr Zakir Hussain in 1967 as the
third president of India. He says that the whole Bharat is his home and its people are his family. He means to say that he will leave no
stone unturned to make this home bright and beautiful Through the above lines, Dr. Hussain pays tribute to the Indian people who have
firm faith in him for the highest post in the land. He says that he is extremely happy to have the opportunity to serve the nation. He
further takes an oath that he will totally dedicate himself to the welfare of India's culture and its people.
14.I celebrate myself and sing myself and what I assume you shall also assume.(explain it)
These Beautiful lines have been taken from the poem entitled "song of myself" Composed by Walt Whitman who is known as the
People's poet. He also worked as a printer, teacher, editor and was volunteer nurse during the Civil War. This poem reveals Walt
Whitman‟s extraordinary love for the America. In this poem, he talks of himself and sings for himself.
From the given lines Walt Whitman highlights loneliness. He says it is not necessary that a man is happy because he is with
family. A lonely person can be also happy then he talks about himself and says that I celebrate myself and sing myself; I don‟t need any
person to celebrate. Again, he says that the happiness I assume you shall also assume because all men have the same atom of blood. All
people are equal. There is no difference between the people by colour, religion or caste.
15. If I should die, think only this of me: That there‟s some corner of a foreign field.
Explanation:- These lines have been taken from the poem entitled the soldier composed by Rupert Brooke, The Great War poet. This is a
patriotic poem in the form of a Sonnet. In the patriotic poem the poet has described the feelings of an English soldier who goes to a
foreign country to fight for his own country. Through this poem, the poet shows the great love for his motherland.
 By these lines the poet speaks that if he dies during the war while fighting for his country. He feels that the
corner of the foreign land where he will be buried in case of death, will be forever England (his motherland). He considers the piece of
foreign land to be England because he was born and brought up in England.
16. I think she was the most beautiful lady, that ever was in the West Country.
Explanation:- These lines have been taken from the poem entitled “An Epitaph” composed by Walter De La Mare. This poem is in the
memory of a beautiful lady. The theme of the poem is that “the beauty vanishes with time”. A day comes in everyone‟s life where the
pride and attraction becomes useless and disappears. In this poem, the poet loved a very beautiful lady. He expresses his love in this
poem for the lady.
By these lines the poet says that she was the most beautiful lady of the
Western countries. The poet thoughts that the lady was so beautiful that was never born in the West Country. He says that she has the bad
habit of moving here and there again, he says that the degree of beauty does not matter because it passes away with the passage of time.
17. Where are the songs of spring? Ay, where are they? Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,
These lines have been taken from the poem entitled „Ode to Autumn‟ composed by John Keats, one of the greatest romantic poets. He
was the last born and first to die among the romantic poets. In this poem Keats describes the beauty and characteristics of autumn in a
series of memorable pictures that shows His true love for nature.
The given lines are the opening lines of the third stanza of the poem in
which the poet says that Autumn is not less important than a spring in terms of beauty and music. He suggests Autumn not to think of a
spring as a term has itself a very melodious music. We hear the music of crickets and the birds‟ swallows and Robin during this season.
18. Macavity's a Mystery Cat: he's called the Hidden Paw-For he's the master criminal who can defy the law.
Or, He's broken every human law, he breaks the law of gravity. His powers of levitation would make a fakir stare,
These lines have been taken from the poem entitled „Macavity the mystery cat” composed by T. S. Eliot, one of the greatest poets of 20th
century. In this poem he talks about a cat which is a master criminal. He knows tricks to commit crimes and leaves no clue behind. He is
never caught red handed so he is also called a mystery cat.
In the given lines the poet says that Macavity is called the hidden paw
because nobody can catch him when he comes or goes .He knows how to challenge the law. He breaks every human law even the law of
gravity. He is so expert at flying in the air that even of fakir will stare at him.
19. I ducked and ran, and mingled with the crowd and squeezed through the gate in the wake of a Sikh marriage party.
These lines have been taken from a humorous short story entitled „A Pinch of Snuff‟ written by an Indian writer Manohar Malgonkar.
This story is full of wit and adventure. The author has himself narrated the story of Nanukaka who was the maternal uncle of the author
himself; He is a very clever and witty person. He knows the tricks to be successful. He does not hesitate to tell lies in the matter at his
work.
In the given lines the author was handed over a basket by Nanukaka when he reached the station for
receive Nanukaka. He grasped the basket under his arm and turned but he bumped into an enormous Marwari women who had covered
her head in a Burka .The author feel ashamed of himself and the strange voices of the cat coming from the basket. So he out of shy nature
ran and mixed with the crowd and came out of the gate of a Sikh marriage party.

Prose-Section
BHARAT IS MY HOME
Bharat is my home has been taken from the speech of Dr. Zakir Hussain which was delivered on the occasion of taking the oath as the
president of India in 1967.He says that Bharat is his home and its people are his family. The people of India have chosen him as the head
of this family for a certain time. He pledges himself that he will leave no stone unturned to make this home strong and beautiful.
Dr. Zakir Hussain says that the past is not dead and static but it is alive and dynamic. He means to say that Indian
civilization and culture is not dead. He says that education is a prime instrument of national purpose and that quality of education is
involved in the quality of the nation. He asks us to work heart and soul to make the future of this nation bright and beautiful.
He speaks about material and cultural life, individual and social life. He suggests us to work for ourselves and the
Society to make the nation prosperous and mighty. Since individual and social life is closely linked with each other, the individual cannot
prosper in the absence of collective social existence.
Dr. Zakir Hussain calls India “the young state of ancient people” because India has a glorious past and its people are
still following that past. He further says that power should be used for moral purpose. He means to say that nation should not be treated
just as an organization of power but a moral organization. Therefore, the speech is very inspiring and instructive.
 A PINCH OF SNUFF
A Pinch of Snuff is a humorous short story, written by an Indian writer, Manohar Malgaonkar. He is a well known novelist and short
story writer. It is full of wit and adventure. The story is about Nanukaka who is maternal uncle of the author; a Deputy Secretary under
the ministry on probation. He is a very clever and witty person. He knows the tricks to be successful .He knows the handling of a
situation. He does not hesitate to tell lies in the matter of his work.
The whole story revolves round Nanukaka. He impresses Sohanlal Ratiram by referring to
his busy Schedule and his intimacy with Hazrat Barkat Ali.He assures Ratiram to get the foreign posting of his son. He also manages a
big stately private car to meet the Welfare Minister from Sikka Auto dealers. The author himself has to act as his driver.Nanukaka goes to
the minister in the dress of a hereditary astrologer from a princely state. He writes his name and designation on the visitors register but
does not state the purpose of his visit. Next in some moments, the minister himself visits Nanukaka at the house of the author.
The writer shows ironically that a person like Nanukaka will be successful in the present
Society. People, who tell lies, manage to do the work easily. In the present society, deceitful and deceptive people are given more
preference than the truthful and good people.Nanukaka represents the contemporary present society, full of wit and profound comedy.
At last, I can claim that this story really amuses us and depicts the humorous situations of
present society and its people. Altogether this is a highly entertaining story.

I HAVE A DREAM
I Have A Dream is a didactic speech, delivered by Martin Luther King Jr, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington in
1963.He was a great leader of the Negro. On the occasion he pays tribute to Abraham Lincoln who signed the Emancipation
Proclamation. This judgement came as a great hope to millions of Negro Slaves who were no better than beasts. He points out that one
century has passed but Negroes are still facing Segregation and discrimination. They are languishing in poverty too. He further says that
the time is running out America must remove racial injustice. It must bring equality between the black and the white.
He warns that any delay may prove fatal and shake the foundation of the country. He is quick to add that no bad means should be used to
attain freedom. He calls upon the audience to conduct their struggle in dignified and disciplined manner. It should be free from bitterness
and hatred. He again says that the Negro will never be satisfied until they get their freedom and justice.
He then talks about his dream that is deeply rooted with the dream of his country. He is sure
that his dream that all men are created equal will be realized. His dream is that man will be judged by his work and character, not by his
colour.
Finally, he hopes that such freedom will come true into every nook and corner of America
where the black and the white will live together in an atmosphere of brotherhood. The present piece of speech is an excellent example of
oratorical skill.
THE EARTH
The Earth has been written by H.E.Bates.The present story deals with the relationship between a farmer Johnson and his son Benjy. The
story very well depicts the laziness of the parents and the growing selfishness and cunningness of their simple-minded son who finally
drives them away from their home.
Jonson is the father of Benjy. He was a local preacher and tenant farmer. He was a kind-hearted
person but a lazy one. He believed more in luck than work. On four occasions, Benjy‟s parents were disappointed with Benjy‟s behavior.
The first occasion was when Benjy was 21, his parents handed him the passbook and he did not say even a thanks. The second one was
when Benjy‟s bought his parents‟ land. The next one was when he married Florence against his parents‟ wish and the last one was when
Benjy told his parents to leave his house.
His only son Benjy is dull and foolish. The doctor advised Johnson to keep Benjy engaged in
some work. So he brought hens for Benjy. Now Benjy is a big man .He is expert in the business of hens and eggs .He is a successful
businessman in his area. He is running his business on his parents „land but parents are far from that land.
In this story, the writer teaches us that man takes birth on this earth, learns and does something on
this earth. Everything is worthless without the earth. Thus the story very well depicts the laziness of the parents and cunningness of their
son.

Poetry Section
SONG OF MYSELF ---WALT WHITMAN
Song of Myself has been composed by Walt Whitman .In this poet, he talks of himself and sings for himself. He says that each and every
atom of his blood is the belonging of his soil. He thinks that all men have the same atom of blood. He is proud of being an American. He
feels pleasures while wandering around America. He possesses all the characteristics of American. He is made of this soil. He is born of
American parents, who too were born of Americans. He proudly sings of American and promises to sing until his death. He feels that life
is not a bed of roses. It is full of difficulties. Yet it is gift, given by God. Here in this world there are many people who fight for religion
and religious belief. It is never a good thing to do so. Hence everybody should come ahead and try to be glad and make efforts to gladden
others.
The whole poem is highly inspiring and heart-touching which creates a special type of impact on the mind of English-readers.
 ODE TO AUTUMN-JOHN KEATS
Ode to Autumn has been composed by John Keats who is supposed to be the most sensuous of all romantic poets. We find beautiful
pictures of Nature in his poems. So he is also called the word painter. There are three stanzas in this poem. In the first stanza, autumn is
viewed as the season itself, doing its common work as bringing maturity to all the fruits of the world. In the second stanza, autumn,
personified in a woman‟s shape, is present at the various works. In the third stanza, the musical aspect chirping of the grasshopper is the
whistling of the bird named Robin, and twittering of the swallows. Thus this poem is highly imaginative and full of beautiful natural
objects.
The whole poem is a fine example of Nature poem, which creates a special type of the mind of English-Readers.
SNAKE
Snake has been composed by D.H.Lawrence.In this poem the poet has presented a simple story of a snake. He says that one night he felt
thirsty and went to fetch water. While he was moving towards the tap, he found a snake coming out from the fissure of the wall. The poet
was fascinated by the activities of the snake. Instead of killing it, he began to watch its activities. It moved towards the tap and drank
water. There after it began to return towards the whole. A conflict seized the mind of the whether to kill the snake or not. In fact, he
began to like it. The poet was confused. Sometimes he considered himself a coward, sometimes perverse and sometimes an honorable
being. Finally, the poet killed it with a log.
Then he fills with repentance and condemns the human education that prompted him to
kill it. He remembers albatross and repents for the snake.
MY GRAND MOTHER’S HOUSE
My Grand Mother‟s House has been composed by Kamala Das.In this poem, the poetess remembers a particular house where she lived
with her grandmother and received love from her. Though she is living in a different city in a new home, she is missing that home very
much. She passionately wishes to visit that house. She longs to sit inside the house to listen the sound of the blowing of the cold winter
wind to revive the memory of her dear, dead grandfather. She is proud of her grandmother‟s house and her love. Now she yearns for that
love and affection but remains unsatisfied for such love even at strangers „doors.
The whole poem is highly suggestive and heart-touching which creates special type of impact in the mind of English-Readers.

1. How is the Indian civilization different from European civilization?

Ans:- The Indian civilization has a firm faith in God whereas the western civilization is based on material achievements. Indian
Civilization has tendency of elevating the moral being where as Western Civilization promotes immorality. The ultimate aim of Indian
civilization is to attain mastery over our minds and passions but the western civilization has no control over evil desires.
2. Why does Gandhi say that mind is a restless bird? What makes the mind restless?
Ans:- Gandhi Ji says that the mind is a restless bird because the more it gets, the more it wants and still remains unsatisfied. Our
unfulfilled desires make our minds restless.
3. Why did our ancestors dissuade us from luxuries and pleasure? Did they do the right thing?
Ans:- Our ancestors dissuaded us from luxuries and pleasures because they knew that happiness is largely a mental condition. He further
says that a man is not necessarily happy because he is rich or unhappy because he is poor. They also observed that happiness has nothing
to do with the worldly things.
4. How did our ancestors view large cities? Why were they satisfied with small village?
Ans:- Our ancestors claimed that large cities were a snare and a useless encumbrances and that people would not be happy in them, that
there would be gangs of thieves and robbers, prostitution and vice flourishing in them. They were therefore satisfied with small villages.
5. How did our ancestors enjoy true “Home Rule”?
Ans: - our ancestors were happy to live in small villages. The common people lived independently and followed their agricultural
occupation. They never went to large cities in order to make money. Thus they enjoyed true “Home Rule”.
6. What, according to the author, is modern civilization?
Ans:- According to the author, modern civilization is the worship of materials. It is the worship of brute in us and it is nothing if It does
not talk of material triumph at its every step. Thus it is completely based on materialistic achievements.
7. What is the distinguished characteristic of modern civilization?
Ans:- The distinguished characteristic of modern civilization is an indefinite multiplicity of human wants. Moreover it does not believe in
God and instead it promotes immorality. It talks of only materialistic achievements.
8. What is Civilization in the real sense of the term?
Ans:- Civilization, in the real sense of the term, consists not in the multiplication, but in the deliberate and voluntary restriction of wants.
This alone increase and promotes contentment for service.
9. What did Dr. Radha Krishnan bring to the presidency?
Ans:- Dr. Radha Krishnan brought to the presidency mental equipment, a degree of erudition and wealth of experience rarely to be found
anywhere. He advocated the oneness of all true spiritual values, irrespective of caste, colour and creed.
10. What is the business of education?
Ans:- The business of education is to shape the future of the young ones of our country and make them able to develop themselves as
well as their countrymen. Education is the prime instrument of national development. Without education we cannot achieve the vision of
our nation as it helps in the growth of national culture and national culture.
11. When was Dr. Zakir Hussain born?
Ans:- Dr. Zakir Hussain was born in 1897 In Hyderabad.
12.Why is Zakir Hussain overwhelmed ?
Ans:- Dr. Zakir Hussain overwhelmed by the trust his people have placed in him by electing him for the highest office of the country.
13. What was the great lesson that India has to teach the west ?
Ans:- The great lesson that India has to teach to the west is humanity. The west can also learn a lot from our culture, tradition and the
influence of religions in the lives of Indians.
14. Why does Dr. Zakir Hussain call India “the young state of an ancient people”?
Ans:- Dr. Zakir Hussain calls India “the young state of ancient people “because It has a glorious past and its people are still following
that past. Our past is not dead. Our ancient values are not dead, they are alive. We can make our life happier by following our ancient
culture and the way our ancestors lived happily.
15. How did Nanukaka impress Sohanlal Ratiram?
Ans. Nanukaka started describing about his VIP status in a very loud voice so that Sohanlal could hear. He firstly talked about foreign
tours and his contacts with politicians and ministers. Then he came to talk about Hazrat Barkat Ali, the ambassador in such a way as if
they were best friends and this impressed Sohanlal the most.
16. How did Nanukaka impress the minister?
Ans. Firstly he came in an outlandish car with a liveried chauffer. Secondly he dressed himself like a hereditary pundit form princely
state and while getting into the car he shouted loudly to take him to a king‟s place to show he had contacts with many kings. Lastly he
wrote his name in the visitors‟ book as the Hereditary Astrologer to the Maharaja of Ninnore. This is what he did to impress the minister.
17. On what occasion did Dr. Zakir Hussain deliver the speech?
Ans. Dr. Zakir Hussain delivered the speech on the occasion of taking the oath as the third president of India. He pledged himself to work
for the country's strength and progress and for the welfare of its people without distinction of caste, colour and creed.
18. Do you think Martin Luther is a great orator? What, according to you, are qualities of a great orator?
Ans. Yes, I definitely think that Martin Luther King is a great orator. I think a great orator is one who holds up the excitement of listeners
and influences their minds as well. A great orator must have the good quantity of quality words to impress the audience . In this speech,
we can see that Martin Luther has brilliantly expressed his thought to fight for freedom and rights and justice of the Negroes.
19. What does Martin Luther say about the life of Negroes?
Ans : Martin Luther mentions the tragic condition of the Negro. Some of them have come there out of great trials and tribulations. Some
of them have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of them have come from the areas where their quest for freedom left them battered by
the storms of the persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. They have been the veterans of creative suffering. In the
valley of despair they become frustrated because they are not given justice and fundamental rights.
20. Has civilization taught us to be more friendly towards one another?
Ans. Yes, civilization has taught us to be more friendly towards one another. It has also taught us the ways of living in a better and
improved way as the time demanded. But even today we sometimes act like animals towards the people outside of our community. If it
still continues we are not civilized at all.
21. What are the two broad categories of ideas that have helped mankind?
Ans. The two broad categories of ideas that have helped mankind, are those that contribute to knowledge and technique, and those that
are concerned with moral and politics. These both categories play crucial roles in leading a happy life in the most dignified way.
22. Did language play a role in human development?
Ans. Of course , language has definitely played a vital role in human development . Without it, It would have been very difficult to shift
our acquired knowledge from one generation to the other. it also helped us in communicating and exchanging our ideas and skills with
other communities.
23. How are human beings different from animals? Explain.
Ans. Human beings „intellectual and moral qualities separate them from animals. It is obvious that we know more than animals do, and it
is common to consider this one of our advantages. Animals cannot think like human beings, because the human beings have extra-
ordinary thinking power. It has highly sensitive power. The human beings are one of the most developed and advanced creatures of this
world. So human beings are different from animals.
24. Why did Seibei wander about the town?
Ans. Seibei always wandered about the town in search of gourds and thus he soon came to know every place that sold gourds and
recognize almost every gourd in the market.
25. How did Seibei‟s father react to the teacher‟s complaint?
Ans. A soon as Seibei's father heard the teacher's complaint ,he became very angry. In anger,he grabbed his son by the collar and gave
him a sound beating. He chided his son that he would never get anywhere in the world, the way he is carrying on.
26. Who was Seibei? What was his hobby?
Ans. Seibei was a twelve years old talented Japanese boy at primary school. His hobby was to wander about the town looking for the
gourds. Then the evening he would sit across legged in the corner of the living-room working on his newly acquired fruit when he had
finished treating it, he poured in a little sake, inserted a cock stopper which he had fashioned himself, wrapped it in a towel, put this in a
tin, especially kept for the purpose and finally placed the whole thing in the charcoal fool warmer.
27. How are the ways of managing childbirth in traditional societies useful?/ A pregnant woman in a traditional societies does not
fell that she is alone. why?
Ans. In traditional societies, a pregnant woman is supported by her family ,especially her husband. Other members of her community also
helps her. Normally , a woman goes to her mother's house for the last few months of her pregnancy and about the first three months of the
baby‟s life where she is given proper care and love. so these things in traditional societies are useful in managing childbirth.
28. Where do Sylheti woman go to stay during the last stage of pregnancy?
Ans. A Silhety woman goes to her mother‟s house for the last few months of her pregnancy and about the first three months of the baby‟s
life where she is given proper care and love.
29. What is the reward of pregnancy for a young Sylheti woman?
Ans. The reward of pregnancy for a young Sylheti woman is visiting her parents' house where she is given proper care and love.The
whole matter of pregnancy is one of celebration. When the baby is born it is an occasion of joy for the whole family. The naming
ceremony is lovely.
30. How are children of the joint family in Bangladesh looked after?
Ans. In Bangladesh children under the age of five or six are looked after by the whole family. All the children of the joint family are
looked after together. They are taken to the pond for a bath perhaps by the daughter-in law, and she baths them all. Then they all come in,
sit down and eat.
31. What would be fatal for the nation? Why? Explain.
Ans. It would be fatal for the nation overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This
sweltering summer of the Negro‟s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Those
who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening of the nation return to business as
usual. There will be neither rest not tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. So it would be fatal for the
nation.
32.Who was the second important person Nanukaka had planned to meet ?
Ans. The second important person Nanukaka had planned to meet was the welfare minister who wanted to marry his daughter to a prince
of the state, called ,Ninnore.
33.What do you mean by the term "free press"?
Ans. "Free Press" means where opinions are expressed on any particular issue independently. They are not manufactured or influenced by
vested interests of advertisers or governments or their proprietors. There should be no restriction on the contents of the press.
34.Name the two sources of revenue newspapers usually survive on.
The first source of revenue for any newspaper is its advertisers and another one is the wealth of the man or the company that owns it.
35.Name the seven charges the author makes against the press?
Ans. The seven charges that the author makes against the press are- (1) Undue or false emphasis (2)Garbling (3)Inaccuracy (4)Reversal
of the fact (5) Miracle-mongering (6)Random invention (7) Flat- Suppression.
36. In the poem „An Epitaph‟, what will happen when the poet dies?
Ans : In the poem „An Epitaph‟ when the poet will die nobody will remember the beautiful lady of the west country. The poet is sad to
think that when he crumbles, nobody will remember the lady of the west country
because she has done nothing to be remembered.
37. Why is Macavity called a criminal?
Ans : Macavity is termed as a criminal because he can defy and break any law. The poet says that he breaks law again and again but he is
never caught. Even the Police Force and Flying Squad of Scotland have failed to arrest him. When the Flying Squad reaches the scene
(place) of crime, Macavity is not there. So, the Scotland Yard is puzzled.
38. What did the Fire Hymn say to the speaker?
Ans : The fire-hymn said to the speaker that he had forgiven him and now it had taken an oath to overlook and pardon him this time for
the sin he committed.
39. Why was the speaker in „My Grandmother‟s House‟ proud of living in that house?
Ans : The speaker in 'My Grandmother's House" was proud of living in that house because she received a lot of love and care in that
house for a long time which she did not get even by begging at stranger's door.
40. What are the things that the sun does not have ?
Ans : The sun has no beloved. So he has no desire or motive to return quickly. Even after that he returns every day. The poet gives this
beautiful example to his beloved in order to convince her that he will make speedier journey than the sun.
41. What makes a man's power feeble ?
Ans : Man cannot recall his happy moments or add something to his happiness when any misfortune takes place in his life. Instead he
always weeps for his misfortunes. He continuously mourns and cries over his grief. Thus, it is misfortune that weakens his power.
42. In what way will the lover remain united ?
Ans : The poet says that those who love each other spiritually can never be separated. They can remain united by setting belief in each
other, by following their divining heart to live their life happily. Even death cannot separate them if their love is based on spiritual belief.
43. Who are the 'whispering neighbours' ?
Ans : Different agents of nature or messengers of death are the whispering neighbours. They can easily take away our happy and
memorable moments of our life as a whispering neighbour spoils our life.
44. In what sense does the sun conspire with autumn ?
Ans : The sun conspires with autumn to load plants and trees with abundance of fruit and ripen the fruit to the core and also make dry
fruit fleshy and tasty. yes, it is a fact that the sun is the chief source of energy for nature. It helps plants, flowers and fruits grow.
45. How does Keats personify Autumn in the poem ?
Ans : John Keats was a great lover of Nature. In the poem 'Ode To Autumn' he describes the beauty and characteristic spirit of Autumn in
a series of memorable pictures. He reveals the principle of beauty in nature in the autumn season.
46. In what sense does the fire forget it dead?
Ans : The fire is supposed to burn the dead completely. But sometimes it does not do its duty. It leaves some limbs half-burnt. At this
time, the fire forgets its dead.
47. Why did he consign his first born to the flames ?
Ans : The speaker consigned his first born to the flames under compulsion because The Tower of Silence, where he should have disposed
of the dead body was a thousand miles away.
48. What is the belief prevailing in Sicily about a snake ?
Ans : The belief prevailing in Sicily about a snake is that black snakes are innocent. But golden snakes are venomous and poisonous and
they must be killed.
49. Why did the speaker like the snake ?
Ans : The speaker liked the snake because the speaker found the snake very innocent. It had come like a guest. It had drunk water quietly,
and departed peacefully after drinking to its satisfaction.
50. Why does the poet want go away from his beloved ?
Ans:- The poet wants to go away from his beloved because he wants to explore the world before he dies. By this short separation, he
wants to die in jest (joke) before he finally dies in due course. This separation will teach him to die because each separation is like death.
51. What conditions prevail in the woods ?
Ans:- The woods are leafless. The nightingale is dumb and no angel is visible anywhere. The trolls are found running and searching for
their food there. Everything seems to be freezing.
52. How are autumn and summer related to spring ?
Ans:- Autumn and Summer are related to spring as special gifts for the honey-bees. Spring comes before the arrival of summer. Autumn
start with the departure of summer season.
53. In the poem 'An Epitaph' what will happen when the poet dies.
Ans:- The memory of the beautiful lady of the west country is alive in the heart of the poet. When the poet dies, nobody will ever
remember or think of this beautiful lady of the west.
54. What is the poet's impression of the lady in 'An Epitaph' ?
Ans:- To the poet, she was the the most beautiful lady in the whole of the west country. She was light of step and heart. Her beauty was
very attractive but short lived. After his death, no one will remember this most beautiful lady of the west.
55. Was the snake conscious of the poet's presence ?
Ans:- No, The snake was not at all conscious of the poet's presence. Through he looked around, yet he was not aware of the poet. Had he
been conscious, he would not have taken so much time and drunk water so leisurely.
56. Why did the poet feel honoured ?
Ans:- The poet was fascinated by the beauty of the snake. He felt honoured too because it had come like a guest. It had drunk water
quietly and departed peaceful after he drank to his satisfaction.
57. Why and how did the snake come out of its hole ?
Ans. It was a hot day. The snake was thirsty. So, it came out of the hole near the trough to drink water. It came there trailing his yellow
brown, slack and soft belly down over the edge of the stone trough.
58. What happened to the house after the grandmother died ?
Ans:- After the death of grandmother, the house went into silence, the house shared the grief. The house symbolises collectively all the
members of the family. It feels deeply saddened by the death of the speaker's grandmother. The books have been damaged due to lack of
attention and the house is in a left condition.
59. Are there restrictions on Press in time of war ?
Ans:- Yes, there are restrictions on press during the time of war. In fact all liberties are restricted in time of war.
60. Name two works of Shakespeare.
Ans:- Two works of Shakespeare are- (i) Mackbeth (ii) As you like it.

Most Important 2 marks questions for 2023 Bihar Board Exam (12th)
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