English X - Chapter No.22 - Reference To Context

Go To Index
THE USES OF ADVERSITY (POEM)
Reference To Context

Note : Students are advised to read whole chapters and poems thoroughly for reference to context.

Text Book Name: Secondary Stage English Book Two For Class X 
Explain With Reference To Context (Poem)
Poem: The Uses of Adversity (Poem)
Poet: Anonymous (Not known)

1. Fairer is the manuscript
When the reed is clipped;
Clearer runs the message, when
There's a trimming of the pen.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii)  What message conveys by the line "There's a trimming of the pen."
(iii) What does manuscript means?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The Uses Of Adversity
Poet: This is Moorish poem and Anonymous
(ii) In these lines poet says that when a person sharpens and trims pen made of reed it writes clearer and beautiful. similarly adversity or misfortune has its own merits. It helps in making things perfect.
(iii) Manuscript means document written by hand.
(iv) This poem gives us the message of perseverance and will-power. Troubles and difficulties in our life make us perfect. The hardships of life develop our efficiency and ability. Success come out of failures.

Words and Meanings
 1. Anonymous: the poet's name is not known.
 2. Manuscript: document written by hand.
 3. Reed: a pen made from a dried reed.
 4. Trimming: the point of the reed needs to be sharpened from time to time

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “The Uses of Adversity” written by an anonymous poet.
In this poem poet explains that adversity polishes a person. It makes him a perfect and practical man.

Explanation:
In these lines poet says that when a person sharpens and trims pen made of reed it writes clearer and beautiful. The information sent in such writing is more legible and easy to understand.

2. Dimly burns the lantern, but
When its wick is cut
Perfect will its lustre be
Through the wick's deficiency.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What is the main idea of the poem?
(iii) What has to be done to increase the brightness?
Ans:
Poem: The Uses Of Adversity
Poet: This is Moorish poem and Anonymous.
(ii) The main idea of this poem is that adversity or troubles and difficulties in life polish a person. It makes him a perfect and practical man.
(iii) As a lamp does not give bright light, but when its wick cuts and reduces its length it starts giving perfect and bright light. Similarly a person becomes more efficient after passing through the ups and downs of life.

Words and Meanings
 1. Wick: a bit of cotton or thread in a lamp on which a flame is lit
 2. Lustre: shining light
 3. Deficiency: reduced size

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “The Uses of Adversity” written by an anonymous poet.
In this poem poet explains that adversity polishes a person. It makes him a perfect and practical man.

Explanation:
In these lines poet says that a lamp does not give bright light, but when a person cuts its wick and reduces its length it starts giving perfect and bright light.