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Poem 04: You Start Dying Slowly
By Pablo Neruda
English II (C)
For Class XII (All Groups)
- Pre-Reading (Exercise 01)
- While-Reading (Exercise 02 and 03)
- Post-Reading (Exercise 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08)
Poem: You Start Dying Slowly
By Pablo Neruda
Pre-Reading
(Exercise 01)
EXERCISE 01: Think, discuss, and respond on following questions:
1. What actions or habits make people live the life to the fullest?
Ans: People live life to the fullest when they stay curious, try new things, and keep learning. They make time for relationships, express their feelings, care for their health, and pursue what matters to them. Being present and appreciating everyday moments also helps.
2. Name the habits or routines you think that make people feel stuck or uninspired.
Ans: Habits that can make people feel stuck or uninspired include avoiding change, repeating the same routine without reflection, putting off meaningful goals, fearing failure, and neglecting relationships or personal interests. Spending too much time on distractions and not making time to rest or care for oneself can also drain motivation.
3. Look at the picture and predict what it tells us about.
i. How does life change with age?
Ans: Life changes with age as we go through different experiences that shape our thinking and emotions. As we grow older, we often become more cautious, stuck in routines, or fearful of change. However, embracing new things keeps us alive and connected to our passions.
ii. Predict what will you read in the poem.
Ans: The poem is likely about how people begin to "die slowly" not by aging, but by stopping themselves from living fully. It may explore the importance of passion, curiosity, self-love, and emotional freedom. It warns us against becoming numb or afraid of change.
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While-Reading
(Exercise 02 and 03)
EXERCISE 02: Read the poem carefully and choose the correct option.
1. The poet implies by repeating the phrase "You start dying slowly" that...
(a) death is a gradual physical process
(b) emotional and spiritual stagnation leads to living death✔
(c) everyone will die eventually
(d) life is short, so enjoy it
2. According to the poet, one of the following actions causes a person to "die slowly": _____.
(a) traveling frequently
(b) avoiding routine activities
(c) failing to change habits✔
(d) seeking advice from others
3. What is the poet's view on passion, as described in the poem?
(a) Passion should be avoided
(b) Passion is unnecessary for a fulfilling life
(c) Passion, though turbulent, is essential to feeling alive✔
(d) Passion leads to heartbreak and regret
4. What might Neruda mean by "becoming a slave of your habits"?
(a) Being overly disciplined in life
(b) Following routines without question✔
(c) Living freely and exploring new ideas
(d) Working hard to achieve goals
5. What message does Neruda convey about self-esteem in the poem?
(a) Self-esteem is unimportant in living a full life
(b) Strong self-esteem leads to personal stagnation
(c) Low self-esteem can contribute to emotional decay✔
(d) Self-esteem only affects relationships, not personal growth
6. The poet's list of things to avoid is meant to:
(a) Judge people who do them
(b) Encourage conformity
(c) Inspire awareness and conscious living✔
(d) Provide a literal checklist
7. Which line best supports the idea of emotional courage?
(a) "When you kill your self-esteem"
(b) "If you avoid to feel passion"✔
(c) "If you become a slave of your habits"
(d) "When you do not let others help you"
Read the poem carefully in groups of two or three and answer the following question in written form.
Q.l: Why does the poet emphasize the importance of change, such as wearing different colors or speaking to people you don't know?
Ans: Neruda encourages change because it represents openness to life. Simple acts like wearing new colors or talking to strangers symbolize the willingness to break out of the comfort zones, explore new perspectives, and grow emotionally and spiritually. It avoids stagnation and includes actively engaged routine in a person's life. Without having these two aspects, a person loses his vitality and starts decling towards his ultimate doom.
Q.2: What kind of emotions or experiences does the poet value, based on the line "If you avoid feeling passion and their turbulent emotions"?
Ans: The poet values deep and intense emotions, even if they are difficult or overwhelming. He believes that feeling passion, love, anger, joy or sorrow makes life vivid and meaningful. Avoiding such emotions lead to a dull, lifeless existence. Naruda observes the challenging and chaotic aspects of intense feelings such as intense enthusiasm, love, passion, desire and affection. Life is full of energy and motivation if the intense emotions are suppressed for the sake of comfort.
Q.3: What is the significance of breaking routines according to the poet?
Ans: Ans: Routines can lead to mental and emotional numbness. The poet views breaking routines as a sign of vitality and curiosity. It keeps life dynamic and helps to prevent the slow decay of the spirit. Breaking routine is rudimentary for fulfilling dreams and vision. Having the same routine leads to a metaphorical death of a man. Breaking routine is the cause of self-discovery and moving to more vibrant and meaningful life.
Q.4: In your own life, how could following the poem's advice lead to a more fulfilling experience? Give an example.
Ans: By trying new things like learning a new skill, traveling to unfamiliar places, or opening up to other, I can grow personally. For example, speaking in public used to scare me, but when I overcame that fear, I felt more confident and alive. Fear of eyes can be curbed with the power of knowledge and information from diversified sources. Having the tips from my mentor helped me to speak confidently in public.
Q.5: How does Neruda's, poem serve as both a warning and an encouragement? Which element is stronger, in your view?
Ans: The poem warns against emotional stagnation and encourages living with boldness and awareness. While both elements are strong, the encouragement is stronger, as Neruda inspires the reader to live with passion, purpose, curiosity, desire, longing, self-discovery and self-expression. Neruda highlights the consequences of a passive existence where a man fails to engage himself with the world and his own potential. The poet encourages his readers to move towards a vibrant and fulfilling existence.
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Post-Reading
(Exercise 04, 05, 06, 07 and 08)
EXERCISE 04: Compare and contrast the following diagrams and discuss in groups in the class.
Ans: The two diagrams represent two opposite ways of living: one leads to a meaningful, fulfilled life, and the other to a lifeless, dull existence.
The first diagram, titled "Things to Live Fully", shows actions that Help people grow emotionally and spiritually. These include
- traveling
- reading
- listening to life
- taking risks
- feeling passion
- building self-esteem
- embracing change
- and self-appreciation.
By contrast, the second diagram, "Path to a Lifeless Existence", shows the opposite behaviors like:
- Neglecting passions: ignoring excitements (emotions) leads to a lifeless existence.
- Avoiding change: Failing to adapt or seek new experiences leads to monotony.
- Habitual living: becoming a slave to (being stuck in) routines dull the senses and stifles monotony.
- Low self-esteem: Neglecting self worth diminishes the quality of life.
- Fear of uncertainty: Clinging to the familiar stifles growth.
- Resistance to help: Rejecting assistance isloates individuals and hinder growth.
- Stagnation: remaining in the same place both physically and mentally, leading to decay.
In comparison:
The first chart promotes growth and energy, while the second warns about emotional death.
OR
Together, the diagrams suggest that a fulfilling life comes from staying open to experience, change, and support, while a diminished life can result from fear, disengagement, and resistance to growth.In contrast: they reflect the central message of the poem: that true life is lived through courage, curiosity, and self-love, not through comfort zones or fear.
EXERCISE 05:
Write down the effects of following actions/ causes on your personality, behavior and thinking.
| S.No | Word | Action | Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | If you | Travel | You become more open-minded, curious, and emotionally enriched. |
| If you don't | You stay stuck in limited thinking and miss out on life's diversity. | ||
| 02. | If you | Read | Your imagination expands and your understanding deepens. |
| If you don't | You become narrow-minded and emotionally stagnant. | ||
| 03 | If you | Play | You stay joyful, creative, and reduce stress. |
| If you don't | Life becomes dull and routine dominates your thoughts. | ||
| 04. | If you | Use mobile phone | You may stay informed and connected, but risk being distracted. |
| If you don't | You may miss out on digital trends, but also avoid unhealthy habits. | ||
| 05. | If you | Make friends | You grow socially, emotionally, and become more confident. |
| If you don't | Loneliness and lack of emotional support may affect your personality. | ||
| 06. | If you | Change my bad habits | You improve your life, grow stronger, and build self-respect. |
| If you don't | You stay stuck in negativity, harming your growth and relationships. |
EXERCISE 06:
The poem contains use of many figurative devices. Read it carefully and write down the words / pharases / sentences used as figurative devices. One example has been done of you.
| S.No. | Figurative Devices |
Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | Metaphor | You start dying slowly. | Dying for losing enthusiasm, passion, and growth is used. |
| 02. | Anaphora | "If you do not..." | Repetition of a phrase at the beginning of lines for emphasis. |
| 03. | Alliteration | "Feel passion...turbulent emotions" | Repetition of initial consonant sounds to create rhythm |
| 04. | Paradox | "To run away from sensible advice..." | Suggests wisdom in doing the irrational, highlighting life's contradictions |
| 05. | Personification | - "Listening to the sounds of life" | Life is given the human ability to "speak" or produce sounds. |
EXERCISE 07:
Read the poem carefully and write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Ans: Critical Appreciation:
Pablo Neruda's poem "You Start Dying Slowly" is a powerful reminder that life should be lived with passion, curiosity, and courage. Through a repetitive structure and simple yet evocative language, Neruda lists the small ways people begin to "die" emotionally and spiritually not through physical death, but by losing the will to live fully. The poet warns against falling into monotony, avoiding change, and rejecting emotion or connection.
The use of anaphora (repeating "if you do not...") emphasizes the consequences of passivity. Figurative language such as metaphor and personification deepens the poem's emotional impact. The overall message encourages self-growth, risk-taking, and emotional honesty, making the poem both a caution and an inspiration. Its universal relevance and uplifting tone leave a lasting impression on the reader.
EXERCISE 08:
Read the poem carefully and explain the following with reference to the context of the poem.
| Lines No. | Lines |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | Your start dying slowly ..... Appreciate yourself. |
| 6-8 | You start dying slowly ..... let others help you. |
| 9-14 | You start dying slowly ..... Those you don't know. |
| 15-19 | You start dying slowly ..... And your heartbeat fast. |
| 20-26 | You start dying slowly ..... away from sensible advice. |
Lines: Your start dying slowly ..... Appreciate yourself. (1-5)
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "You Start Dying Slowly. This poem is written by Pablo Neruda.
Explanation: These lines highlight the importance of self-worth. The poet suggests that failing to value oneself is the beginning of emotional decay and loss of purpose.
Lines: You start dying slowly ..... let others help you. (6-8)
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "You Start Dying Slowly. This poem is written by Pablo Neruda.
Explanation: The poet emphasizes the value of connection and support. Refusing help from others isolates us, leading to a lonely and lifeless existence.
Lines: You start dying slowly ..... Those you don't know. (9-14)
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "You Start Dying Slowly. This poem is written by Pablo Neruda.
Explanation: Avoiding new people and experiences limits growth. The poet urges us to open up and connect beyond our comfort zone to truly live.
Lines: You start dying slowly ..... And your heartbeat fast. (15-19)
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "You Start Dying Slowly. This poem is written by Pablo Neruda.
Explanation: This refers to suppressing passion and intense emotions. The poet believes that emotional intensity makes life exciting and real, and without it, one begins to spiritually fade.
Lines: You start dying slowly ..... away from sensible advice. (20-26)
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "You Start Dying Slowly. This poem is written by Pablo Neruda.
Explanation: These lines celebrate courage and risk. Sometimes, going against logical or safe choices is necessary to pursue dreams and feel alive.
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