The Character Of Happy Life - English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Text Book Exercise & Questions And Answers

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Poem 1: The Character Of A Happy Life.
By Sir Henry Wotton
Text Book Exercise

By Ustani G
(YouTube Channel)
(Prepared By Sir Mukhtiar Ahmed RTS Ghotki)

Pre-Reading:

1. What is happiness?
Ans: Happiness is a collection of honesty, humbleness and truthfulness. A happy person heart is free from hatred. He has lovable personality with positive thoughts.

2. Write briefly in the boxes the things / ideas that make you happy?

Exercise 1:

Column A has words from the poem, underline these words in the poem. Column B has the contextual meanings of these words, but they are jumbled up. Work in pairs. Try and match the appropriate meaning of each word, and write your answer in Column C. Share your work with your partner after you have completed.

S.No	Column A	-	Column B	Column C
1.	Passions	A	Unverified or doubtful information.	1H
2.	Armor	B	Move back	2D
3.	Rumors	C	Jealous	3A
4.	Conscience	D	A metallic covering to protect from attack.	4E
5.	Retreat	E	Moral sense of right and wrong.	5B
6.	Servile bands	F	destruction	6G
7.	Envy	G	Slavish bonds	7C
8.	Ruin	H	strong emotions	8F

Exercise 2:
Work in pairs and read the above poem again. Comprehend it thoroughly and paraphrase it in simple words. After you have completed, share it with your partner. The stanza 1 is paraphrased for you as an example.
Stanza 1:
In the first stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man does not rely on others. He does not work according to others' will. He is neither a slave nor needs any weapon to protect himself. His honesty is his only weapon. He believes in simple truth of life. This simple truth is his reliable skill.

Stanza 2:
In the second stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that how a happy man should regard his passions. They shouldn’t be his masters. He should be the master of his passions or emotions. He should Control the passionate life. Further he says that a truly happy man does not aspire for the love of the worldly fame. He also does not care for the criticism against him in his absence. He always remains ready for the imminent death.

Stanza 3:
In the third stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man is neither jealous of those who are best owed success by chance, nor does he envy those who achieve success by adopting unfair or wicked means. He is happy with what does he has. He knows that false praise always brings deep wounds that are very difficult to heal. So he never be happy with an praise. Moreover, he follows the rules of goodness and does adopt the rules of Politics in his life.

Stanza 4:
In the fourth stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life ' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man is free from rumours. He neither tries to come into contact with those who spread the rumours nor influenced by them. He always listen to the voice of conscience and is guided by it. He possesses a well-balanced mind. Neither flattery nor the fear of ruin can change the state of his mind. He remains firm in every situation of life.

Stanza 5:
In the fifth stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man always prays to God every day early in the morning and late in the evening in order to lead a happy life. He does so to obtain the grace of God rather to worldly fame. He enjoys free time by reading the holy books and giving time to his friends. He avoids to harm or to backbite in his free time.

Stanza 6:
In the sixth and last stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life ' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man lives a life free of slavery. He is independent in his thought and action. He is free from all kinds of hopes and fears. He does not feel over joyed by his achievement, no does he get hurt by failure. He possess a self-controlled life. Though he does not have any property, even he enjoys the life of a king because he is the emperor of his own life. So he does not have any material property but he is rich in spiritualism.

Exercise 3:
Read the poem again and encircle the right option.
1. The strong retreat for a happy man is his ______.
a. Heart
b. Though
c. Mind
d. Conscience ✔

2. According to the poet, a happy man cares much about _____.
a. Worldly needs
b. Material uplift
c. Character ✔
d. Finance

3. A happy man's armor is his _____ thought:
a. Clever
b. Honest ✔
c. Deep
d. Lofty

4. A happy man's days are _____.
a. Joyful
b. Carefree
c. Harmless ✔
d. Playful

5. ____ is the utmost skill of an honest man.
a. Truth ✔
b. Honesty
c. Simplicity
d. Wisdom

6. A happy man does not serve another's ______.
a. Order
b. Direction
c. Wish
d. Will ✔

7. A happy man's soul is always prepared for ______.
a. Exams
b. Fight
c. Quarrel
d. Death ✔

8. According to the poet, the deepest wounds are always given by _____.
a. Back-biting
b. Praise ✔
c. Trust
d. Friendship

Exercise 4:
Work is pairs and pick out the line(s) from 'The Character of a Happy Life' in which the poet has identified each of the following characteristics of a happy men. Write their corresponding character against each quality in the table given below. Once you have completed, compare you work with your partner.

No.	Characteristics	Qualities
1.	That serveth not another's will. (line No.2)	Independence
2.	Whose armor is his honest thought. (line No.3)	Honesty
3.	And Simple truth is his utmost skill. (line No.4)	Truthfulness
4.	Whose passions not his masters are, (line No.5)	Ambition
5.	Untied unto the world by care of public fame, or private breath. (line No.7 & 8)	Self-control
6.	Who envies none that chance doth raise, (line No.9)	Envy
7.	This man is freed from servile bands Of hope to rise, or fear to fall. (line No.21 & 22)	No greed
8.	Who God doth late or early pray, More of His grace than gifts to lend (line No.17 & 18)	Piety

Exercise 5:
Read the poem again and answer the following questions.
1. What does the poet mean when he says that happy man does not serve another's will?
Ans: A Happy man does not serve another's will. Here the poet means that a happy man always listens to his heart. He does not act upon the directions given to him by others. He never listens to other while deciding the cases of his life. He is the king of his life.

OR

Ans: It means that a happy man is not bound to obey the orders of the other. He is free from the servitude of others. He is himself is the lord and the master of his will.

2. Explain briefly, how Sir Henry Wotton is happy man is 'having nothing yet hath all'?
Ans. The poet wants to say that the happy man is free from all kinds of the worldly restraints. He is contended within his means. He is the master of his will. He has a spiritual power. He has no wealth, land and property, but he has a constant conscience that keeps him happy in condition of life.

OR

Ans: As the happy man is free from all greed, ambitions, possessions, fear of life, loss death. In disregard of worldly things, he has the blessing of God and Company of religious books which provides him enormous spiritual satisfaction then people who live and die for the world and have ally worldly pleasures but their soul starves to death whereas happy man has nothing other world but his healthy and happily survive for ever.

3. What a happy man is taught from his very birth?
Ans: 'Don't follow another's will' is taught to a happy man from his very birth.

OR

Ans: From the very birth he has the courage of speaking truth which is his best skill of life therefore he does not require leavening of applying any art of statecraft for his life and career.

4. Write the central idea of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life'.
Ans: The poem "The Character Of A Happy Life" gives us an idea that a happy life is obtained by establishing a character with good qualities of a peaceful life. A person who always speaks the truth, thinks and acts in a free manner and does not care about worldly temptations; but remains thankful, humble and patient within his/her life: truly represents the character of a happy life.

OR

Ans: A happy man is not envious of anybody. He does not seek people's praise. He is not indulged in flattery. He has no passions and ambitions in this world. He does not tell lies.

5. Write the rhyming scheme of the poem.
Ans: The rhyming scheme of the poem is. abab, cdcd and efef so on (similar things or etc)

6. What are the sources of happiness other than those mentioned in the poem?
Ans: Other sources of happiness are keep your parents happy. To offer pray deeply.

OR

Ans: The most practical real sources of happy life is good health, education, proper Job and decent living and pollution free peaceful environment.

Exercise 6:
Work individually and identify the poetic devices in the poem. Make a list of them and use them in your sentences. Share your work with your class fellows after you have completed.
Ans: The poetic devices used in the poem are given below.
1. Alliteration: (Repetition of same sound words.)
Example: flatters feed, fear and fall.

2. Repetition: (some words are repeated in a line.)
Example: 'rules'

3. Anaphora: (repetition of words but having distances.) Example: 'whose'

4. Eye Rhyme: (In order to maintain the rhyme scheme, the poem uses words that are similar , but are pronounced differently.
Examples: 'are' and care', and 'freed' and 'feed'.

Exercise 7:
Work in pairs and give a critical appreciation of the poem based on the following aspects. After you have written, compare your work with your partner.

1. Poetic Diction
2. Theme
3. Structure
4. Language
5. Message

Ans: 1. Poetic Diction:
Poetic diction is the term used to refer to the language used in poetry. It includes author's word choice, style, the vocabulary, syntax and the uses of figurative of speech in the writing of poetry.

Poetic diction OF the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life':

'The Character Of A Happy Life is simple and straight forward poem. In which Sir Henry Wotton illustrates the qualities of a true and happy person. He utilises several poetic techniques. These include alliteration, repetition and anaphora.

• The first, alliteration, occurs when words are used in succession, or at least appear close together, and begin with the same letter. For example, “flatterers feed” in the third line of the fourth stanza and “fear” and “fall” in line two of the sixth stanza.
• Wotton also makes use of repetition or the use and reuse of a specific technique, word, tone or phrase within a poem. In this particular piece, words such as “rules” are repeated.
• Additionally, there is anaphora. This is another kind of repetition. This time of a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple lines, usually in succession. For example, “Whose” in stanza two and stanza four.

2. Theme:
There are two prominent themes in the poem i.e. Freedom and Morality.

• Freedom: He sees freedom–from other’s control,of thought, from emotions, from other’s opinions.
• Morality: He believes that people should strive towards the truth and honesty.

The other themes of the poem can also be: happiness, joy, simplicity, and religion.

3. Structure:
The Character of a Happy Life’ by Sir Henry Wotton is a six stanza poem that is divided into sets of four lines,known as quatrains.These quatrains follow a simple rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD, and so on. He also uses the poetic devices as repetition, alliteration and anaphora.

4. Language:
Sir Henry Wotton used figurative language in his poem "The character of a happy life". Here are a few examples:
1. "A soul supreme, in each hard instance tried" - Here, the soul is compared to something that has been tested or tried.
2. "The meanest soil, the sweetest flowers will share" - This is an example of a metaphor, where the soil and flowers represent difficult and happy moments in life.
3. "The heart resigned, nor casts a wish behind" - Here, the heart is personified as having the ability to intentionally let go of desires from the past.

OR

Sir Henry Wotton's poem, "The Character of a Happy Life," is a beautiful and well-written piece that explores the ideal characteristics of a happy life. The language used in the poem is simple yet profound, making it easily understandable by most readers.
The poem is written in an iambic pentameter, which gives it a rhythmic and fluid quality. Each verse consists of ten syllables and is written in a rhyming couplet format, which adds a musical quality to the poem.
The language used throughout the poem is straightforward and precise. The poet uses allegorical language to describe the ideal traits of a happy life, such as "temperate will, wisdom, and justice fair." Additionally, the poet also uses stark imagery to describe the consequences of a life that lacks these traits, such as "the cloudy mind and restless heart."
The poem's language is heavily influenced by the poet's beliefs and values. It promotes the idea of a balanced and meaningful life, devoid of excess and extremes. The use of words such as "temperate, just, and firm," alludes to the importance of staying grounded and having a moral compass.
In conclusion, the language used in Sir Henry Cotton's poem is clear and precise, with a rhythmic and musical quality. The poem's language adds to its powerful message of promoting balance, temperance, and morality for a happy life.

5. Message:
The Character of a Happy Life' is a simple, straight forward poem in which Sir Henry Wotton sets out the principles of a good life and what a man should avoid at all costs. The poem addresses themes of happiness, joy, simplicity, and religion.

Exercise 8:
Work in groups of three. Compose your own poem on the theme of happiness using elements of poetry based on three stanzas. Each member of the group should compose 1 stanza. After your group has composed the poem, exchange it with other group.
Ans: (Self Work) One poem is written as an example below:

Happiness is treasure

In life's tapestry, joy's vibrant thread I find,
A mosaic of moments, precious and kind,
Happiness, a treasure, in every smile's hue,
Let me paint for you a verse, so vivid and true.

In the meadows of laughter, we dance and sing,
With hearts alight, like a bird on the wing,
For happiness dwells in the warmth of a friend,
In their company, our sorrows mend.

Beneath the starry night, where dreams take flight,
In happiness, we find our guiding light,
With love and laughter, our souls take flight,
In this symphony of life, our spirits unite.

So, let us chase happiness, embrace it tight,
In the darkest hours and the sun's warm light,
For it's the heart's song, a universal rhyme,
Happiness, the melody of our lifetime.

OR

The Purest Light of Happiness

Happiness, the sweetest thing,
that in our hearts does its blooming,
It brings forth warmth and joy within,
A feeling we all need, where to begin?

A light so bright, it shines on us,
A force that makes us laugh and fuss,
It fills our days with pure delight,
And makes us glow both day and night.

Peace within, love so strong,
Friends and family all along,
Bound by happiness, a common thread,
The love we share, a never-ending spread.

So here we stand, in happiness,
Beside our loved ones, filled with bliss,
With laughter, joy, and a heart so bright,
Our lives engulfed in the purest light.

Exercise 9:
Work individually and explain the following stanzas. Write down your work in the note book and share it with your class fellows after you have completed.

Stanzas	Lines
1.	How happy ........ utmost skill!
2.	Whose passions ....... or private breath;
3.	Who envies none ....... but rules of good;
4.	Who hath his life .........make opposers great;
5.	Who God doth late ........ book or friend;
6.	This man is freed ......... yet hath all.

Ans: Stanza 1: How happy ........ utmost skill!
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the first stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man does not rely on others. He does not work according to others' will. He is neither a slave nor needs any weapon to protect himself. His honesty is his only weapon. He believes in simple truth of life. This simple truth is his reliable skill.

Stanza 2: Whose passions ....... or private breath;
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the second stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that how a happy man should regard his passions. They shouldn’t be his masters. He should be the master of his passions or emotions. He should Control the passionate life. Further he says that a truly happy man does not aspire for the love of the worldly fame. He also does not care for the criticism against him in his absence. He always remains ready for the imminent death.

Stanza 3: Who envies none ....... but rules of good;
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the third stanza of the poem 'The Character Of A Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man is neither jealous of those who are best owed success by chance, nor does he envy those who achieve success by adopting unfair or wicked means. He is happy with what does he has. He knows that false praise always brings deep wounds that are very difficult to heal. So he never be happy with an praise. Moreover, he follows the rules of goodness and does adopt the rules of Politics in his life.

Stanza 4: Who hath his life .........make opposers great;
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the fourth stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life ' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man is free from rumours. He neither tries to come into contact with those who spread the rumours nor influenced by them. He always listen to the voice of conscience and is guided by it. He possesses a well-balanced mind. Neither flattery nor the fear of ruin can change the state of his mind. He remains firm in every situation of life.

Stanza 5: Who God doth late ........ book or friend;
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the fifth stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man always prays to God every day early in the morning and late in the evening in order to lead a happy life. He does so to obtain the grace of God rather to worldly fame. He enjoys free time by reading the holy books and giving time to his friends. He avoids to harm or to backbite in his free time.

Stanza 6: This man is freed ......... yet hath all.
Reference To The Content: The above stanza is taken from the poem "The character of a happy life", written by poet Sir Henry Wotton.
Explanation:
In the sixth and last stanza of the poem 'The Character of a Happy Life ' Sir Henry Wotton says that a happy man lives a life free of slavery. He is independent in his thought and action. He is free from all kinds of hopes and fears. He does not feel over joyed by his achievement, no does he get hurt by failure. He possess a self-controlled life. Though he does not have any property, even he enjoys the life of a king because he is the emperor of his own life. So he does not have any material property but he is rich in spiritualism.


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Elements Of Poetry - English (Compulsory) For Class XI - Text Book Exercise

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Text Book Exercise

By Ustani G
(YouTube Channel)
(Prepared By Sir Mukhtiar Ahmed RTS Ghotki)
Exercise 1:
Answer the following questions. Write down your answers in your notebook, and share it with your class fellows once you have completed.
Q.1: What is meant by rhyme in poetry?
Ans: The same sound at the end of poetic lines is meant rhyme in poetry.

Q.2: What is meter in poetry?
Ans: Meter functions as a means of imposing a specific number of syllables in a line of poetry. It consists of the number of syllables and the pattern of emphasis on those syllables.
Example: Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; -- Keats

Q.3: What are different kinds of stanza?
Ans: Stanza is the division of a poem in a certain number of lines having the same meter,rhyme,and a unifying idea or image. Stanza is identified with a number of lines it contains. Thus, Stanza is of the following kinds.

1. A couplet (two lines stanza)
2. A Tercet (three lines stanza)
3. Quatrain (four lines stanza)
4. Quaintain (five lines stanza)
5. Sestet (six lines stanza)
6. Octave (eight lines stanza)

Q.4: What is a sonnet?
Ans: The word 'sonnet' means little song. A sonnet is a 14-line lyrical poem divided into two stanzas: an octave and a sestet. The sonnet's three main types are the Italian, the English and the Spenserian.

Q.5: What is function of the poetic devices?
Ans.The main function of the poetic devices is to enhance the meaning or mood of the poem.

Exercise 2:
Work in pairs. See the picture below and read the poem of William Wordsworth very carefully and answer the questions. Each pair should write down their answers in their notebooks. After you have completed this exercise, exchange your work with other pairs.
Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.

Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendour, valley, rock, or hill;
Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! the very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!

Q.1: What type of poem is it? Explain and justify your answer.
Ans: This is sonnet, a type of short poem in which English literature is extremely rich. This poem name is "The Sonnet Composed Upon the Westminster Bridge" is a nature's poem, which was written by William Wordsworth. This poem reveals the morning nature of London. Wordsworth was the poet of nature. He depicts the natural beauty of the commercial city early in th emorning, when there is every one in deep sleep. He stands on the bridge above the river Thames. From the bridge, he emphasizes the pure nature free from pollution of smoke from ships, mills and other buildings.

Q.2: How many stanzas are there and what are they called?
Ans: There are two stanzas in the poem. They are called Octave (first eight lines) and Sestet (second six lines). Because the poem is a sonnet.

Q.3: Write down the rhyming scheme of the poem?
Ans.The first eight lines rhyming scheme is :ABBA, ACCA. And the next six lines rhyming scheme is: ABABAB.

OR

William Wordsworth uses a difficult rhyme scheme - abbaabbacdcdcd - which confines him only four rhymes in fourteen lines.

Exercise 3:
Work individually, read the elements of poetry and find out which of the following statements are correct and incorrect. For correct statements put a tick (✓) and for in correct ones, put a cross (X). After completing, compare your answers with your partner.

No.	Statement	Correct / Incorrect
1.	Two lines which rhyme at the end are called a couplet.	(Correct✓)
2.	There is no convenient way of setting out a pattern of rhymes.	(Incorrect X)
3.	Imagery is the use of figurative language to represent objects, actions, and ideas.	(Incorrect X)
4.	Usually a sonnet is comprised of 14 lines having certain rhyming scheme.	(Correct ✓)
5.	Ballad is expressed for sorrow, grief or death.	(Incorrect X)
6.	A metaphor states explicitly that one thing is like another.	(Correct ✓)

Exercise 4:
Work in pairs. Read the following examples of various figures of speech and write the name of corresponding figures of speech against each. Once you have completed, share it with your partner.

No.	Examples	Figures of Speech
1.	To enter in the thoughts of desperate men.	Personification
2.	They speak like saints and act like devils.	Simile
3.	How could he be a king, a soldier and a peon?	Anticlimax
4.	How high, his highness holds his haughty head.	Alliteration
5.	What avail me, all my Kingdoms?	Hyperbole
6.	Hasten slowly.	Oxymoron
7.	Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.	Antithesis
8.	Life is a dream.	Metaphor
9.	She was as proud as a peacock.	Simile
10.	More haste, less speed.	Oxymoron

Exercise 5:
Work individually. Read the following sentences and convert them as directed in the brackets against each. You can add new words in these sentences while converting these. Share your work with your class fellows once you have completed.
1) He is as sober as a judge.(Metaphor)
(Figure of speech in above sentence is Simile)
Ans: He is a sober judge in his life.

2) She was a tower of strength in their trouble.(Simile)
(Figure of speech in above sentence is Metaphor)
Ans: She was as strong as a tower of strength in their trouble.

3) Necessity knows no law. (Oxymoron)
(Figure of speech in above sentence is Personification)
Ans: Extra necessity knows no law.

4) He is the wisest fool of them all.(Personification)
(Figure of speech in above sentence is Oxymoron)
Ans: He is the foolish of them all.

5) The professor's ideas are as old as the hills.(irony)
(Figure of speech of above sentence is Hyperbole)
Ans: The professor's ideas are old to explain lecture.

6) The fire station burned down last night. (Hyperbole)
(Figure of speech of above sentence is Irony)
Ans: The fire station may burned down last night.

Exercise 6:
Most of the figures of speech are very common in ou rdaily use. Work in pairs and collect as many other common examples of above mentioned figures of speech in Exercise 4. Once you have done, display them in front of the class by writing on the charts.
Figure Of Speech With Examples:
1. Personification:
Ans: Examples:

• The sun smiles brightly.
• The stars wink in the sky at night.

2. Simile:
Ans: Example:

• As sweet as honey
• As busy as bee

3. Anticlimax:
Ans: Example

• She is a great writer, a mother and a good humorist.
• He lost his friends, his car and his mobile.

4. Alliteration:
Ans: Example:

• Live long life like a lion.
• Ellen eats everything except eggs.

5. Hyperbole:
Ans: Example:

• He was so mad that he could chew his nails.
• The pen is mightier than the sword.

6. Oxymoron:
Ans: Example:

• Original copy.
• Old news

7. Antithesis:
Ans: Example:

• Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.
• To err is human; to forgive divine.

8. Metaphor:
Ans: Example:

• The snow is a white blanket.
• The world is a stage and all men and women are player..

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Elements Of Poetry - English (Compulsory) For Class XI - Introduction : Elements Of Poetry

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Introduction : Elements Of Poetry

POETRY:
"Poetry is a verbal or written expression of feelings and ideas in an imaginative style with distinctive rhythm, rhyme, and meter."

ELEMENTS OF POETRY

1. Line
2. Foot
3. Meter
4. Stanza
5. Rhyme
6. Rhyming pattern
7. Free verse

Terms	Description
Line	Poetry contains lines. The length of a line may be measured in two ways: the number of syllables in it or the number of stresses.  Example: Thus in the winter stands the lonely tree. (This verse has ten syllables or five meters.)
Foot	The foot is a formative measuring unit in poetry that is made up of stressed and unstressed syllables. The combination of feet creates meter in poetry. Later, these meters join for the composition of a complete poem.
Meter	Meter functions as a means of imposing a specific number of syllables in a line of poetry. It consists of the number of syllables and the pattern of emphasis on those syllables. The most widely used meter in English poetry is iambic pentameter that is a line or verse with five metrical feet, each consisting of one short (or unstressed) syllable followed by one long (or stressed) syllable.  Example:  Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; -- Keats
Stanza	Stanza is the division of a poem in a certain number of lines having the same meter, rhyme, and a unifying idea or image. Stanza is identified with a number of lines it contains. Thus, a couplet has two lines, a tercet has three lines, a quatrain has four lines, a quintain has five, a sestet has six lines, a septet has seven, and an octave has eight lines.  Example: How happy is he born or taught, That serveth not another's will; Whose armour is his honest thought, And simple truth his highest skill.
Rhyme	It is the same sound at the end of poetic lines.
Rhyming pattern	A convenient way of setting out a pattern of rhymes is to write for: (a) the first rhyme, (b) for the second, (c) for the third, and so on.  Example: The people along the sand. (a) All turn and look one way. (b) They turn their back on the land. (a) They look at the sea all day. (b)
Free verse	Free verse is a poem that doesn't rhyme and doesn't have a regular rhythm or meter.

FORMS AND GENRES OF POETRY:

1. Lyric
2. Sonnet
3. Elegy
4. Ode
5. Ballad
6. Epic

Poetry can be broadly divided into three types:

1. lyrical,
2. narrative,and
3. descriptive.

Further, poetry can be classified into forms and genres based on structure, content, and style. Here are some important forms and genres of poetry.

Forms / Genres	Description
Lyric	A lyric poem is a short but highly musical verse that conveys powerful feelings. It has rhyme, meter, or other literary devices.
Sonnet	The word 'sonnet' means little song. A sonnet is a 14-line lyrical poem divided into two stanzas: an octave and a sestet.  The sonnet's three main types are the Italian, the English and the Spenserian.
Elegy	Elegy is a lyrical poem expressing sorrow over the death of a loved one.
Ode	Ode is also a kind of lyrical poem usually written in the form of an address commonly glorifying an event or individual.
Ballad	A ballad is a narrative poem that tells a story, usually in four-line stanzas called quatrains.
Epic	Epic is a long narrative poem that tells the heroic exploits of a legendary hero.

POETIC DEVICES AND FIGURES OF SPEECH

1. Simile
2. Metaphor
3. Personification
4. Hyperbole
5. Alliteration
6. Onomatopoeia
7. Oxymoron
8. Irony
9. Symbol
10. Imagery

Poetic Devices and Figures of Speech:
Poets use poetic devices and figures of speech in order to enhance the meaning or mood of a poem. Here are some essential poetic devices and figures of speech.

Poetic Devices/ Figures of Speech	Description
Simile	A simile is a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as.  Example:  The muscles on his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.
Metaphor	Metaphor is an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things without like or as.  Example:  The road was a ribbon of moonlight.
Personification	Personification gives the qualities of a human to an animal, an object, or an idea.  Example:  a brave handsome tree fell with a creaking rending cry.
Hyperbole	It is an exaggerated statement used to heighten the effect.  Example:  She's said so on several million occasions.
Alliteration	Alliteration is the repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words.  Example:  Wide-eyed and wondering while we wait for others to waken.
Onomatopoeia	It is the use of words that mimic sounds.  Example:  Crackle!
Oxymoron	It is the contradictory words used together signifying two different but exact ideas.  Examples:  He is the wisest fool of them all.
Irony	It is a situation that means quite opposite to what is apparently said. . Example  A post on Facebook complaining how useless Facebook is.
Symbol	A symbol is an object that represents something else rather than itself.  Example:  Ah Sun-flower, weary of time,  Who countest the steps of the sun; -- William Blake.
Imagery	Imagery is the use of words to create an image or images in the reader's mind based on five senses.  Examples:  I wandered lonely as a cloud  That floats on high o'er vales and hills. ---Wordsworth

   .     
    

English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel:-Progress - Questions And Answers

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Two One Act Plays
Progress
By St John G Ervine
Questions And Answers

By NCR - CET

By Prime Education Network

English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel:- The Count's Revenge - Questions And Answers

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Two One Act Plays
The Count's Revenge
By J.H. Walsh
Questions And Answers

By NCR - CET

By Prime Education Network

English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel: - Mrs. Meldon's Character Sketch

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Two One Act Plays
Progress
By St John G Ervine
Character Sketch Of Mrs. Meldon'

By NCR - CET

By Prime Education Network

OR

MRS Meldon

Introduction:

Mrs. Meldon is a character from a play named Progress written by St. G. Ervine. The play was sent in 1919, just one year after the first World War. Mrs. Meldon was aged about forty-three. She is a sensitive looking widow. She was suffering deeply from her memories. She is not a fretful, complaining women who had suffered bereavement and when in the course of play, she speaks of her loss, she does so with grace and beautiful dignity. Her son was killed in the First World War and her husband died away out of heart failure. So she was the victim of adverse circumstances. She has a strong sense of tolerance.

Beginning of Her Role:

Mrs. Meldon’s role started from the second scene when she returns from a long journey and her brother, Professor Henry Corrie, does not receive her at the station. It was the death anniversary of her only son, Eddie.

Qualities and Character:

The qualities and the character of Mrs. Meldon as presented in play are:

A Dignitful Lady:

Mrs. Meldon has a character full of dignity and grace. She is a lady who has faced the emotional sufferings of life. A woman having a compassionate, patient, gentle, sensitive and graceful appearance is what Mrs. Meldon looks like. She is dressed in black clothes, partly because she is a widow and mainly because it was the third death anniversary of her son. He dignity becomes apparent when she opines about war.

A Bereaved Widow and Mother

Eddie was her only son, killed in First World War. She had brought up her son with a great care and love. She wanted him to be great in future. Her son enlisted himself in war. She could not decide to be happy or sorry but chiefly she was happy. The sight of the messenger made her heart sink and she remained worry about her son. He came on his first and second leaves all safe but he did not come for third visit. He was killed in a moment by the men, who had never seen him. This was the most shocking news. Her husband could not bear it and died away out of heart failure. She remained all-alone in this miserable world.

“I some times wonder why I was not granted the mer of death. Why I should be compelled to live alone.”

The words of the play reflects her loneliness:

“ I had a husband and a son, when the war began, I had neither when it was over. I am the most lonely woman – cruelly alone.”

Her Hatred for War:

She hated wars. She considered them as an organized butchery of the young ones. She though wars to be the most terrible thing, which was responsible for the destruction of human peace. She wanted ban on wars. She wanted the scientists to stop making dangerous weapons. This was the war, which made her widow and which snatches away her beautiful young son. She said:

“Yes, people with broad views, because you are fools. Some one like me, not clever, create beautiful things like my son, and you, will all your cleverness can only destroy it.”

A Brave Woman:

Mrs. Meldon was a brave woman. In spite of losing all what she had, she bore the tragedy patiently. She always suffered from old memories, but never showed her bereavement. She behaved as a calm and uncomplaining person.

A Friend of Humanity

On knowing that her brother has invented a dreadful bomb, she becomes deeply grief. She opposed her brother and called him The Most Stupid Man on Earth. She cared for all the mothers as she had seen the fury of life. She wanted that other boys like Eddie must not fell prey to horrors of devastating wars. Mrs. Meldon, as a symbol of peace for all, did not rejoice at the wicked achievement of her brother. She perfectly reflected her friendship towards humanity.

“Love and Peace can make the world a Heaven.”

War Antagonist

Mrs. Meldon was a true well wisher of human beings. She was totally against war because she thought that war was an organized butchery of young people. She said that:

"War is an organized butchery of Boys."

The lady wanted complete abolition of war. She dreamed that peace, love, care and harmony should prevail in the world and the earth should depict the shades of Heaven.

A Passionate Woman

Mrs. Meldon was an enthusiastic person. She becomes extremely emotional when her brother denies destroying his invention. When Professor tell his motives to her, her limit of patience and endurance gets crossed.

“It will bring me fame and fortune. I shall be rich now, but more than that I shall be famous.”

She grew extremely emotional and impulsive and in the interest of humanity. She takes the matter into her own hands. To save the human race from the deadly invention, she picks a knife and stabbed her cruel brother to death.

“To kill someone is also humanity, but only for the sake of a nation.”

Comments on Mrs. Meldon’s Act:

Legally, Mrs. Meldon committed a crime by killing Professor Corrie. She did not have the right to commit such an act of madness. But on the other hand, her act seems to be justified for the sake of humanity. Sometimes a drastic and violent action becomes essential to crush wicked elements. In dismay, she said:

“Eddie, dear! I had to Eddie!

She exalts herself in our eyes and we begin to adore her as a protector of humanity.

Conclusion:

She was really shocked to know that her brother has invented a bomb, which will destroy the whole nation within twinkling of any eye. She requested him that for the sake of young sons and for the sake of peace, he must destroy his invention. Her brother did not realize the intensity of her emotions and refused to destroy it for the sake of mere sentiments. So she killed him. In the end she saw the wreath of son ruined and out of sudden passion, she killed him and wins the sympathies of the readers.

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English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel: - Prof. Henry Corrie's Character Sketch

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Two One Act Plays
Progress
By St John G Ervine
Character Sketch Of Prof. Henry Corrie

By NCR - CET

By Prime Education Network

OR

Prof. Henry Corrie

Introduction: 

The author titles the play, The Progress ironically. He laughs at the attitude of war-mongers and the scientists who believe that they are contributing to the progress of science by inventing deadly weapons. In Professor Corrie, the playwright has created a self-centered scientist aged between fifty and sixty who is a confirmed bachelor. His sole interest in life is his scientific experiments. He captivates our attention from the beginning till the end of the play. His wolfish snarls and physical features, speak a lot about his inhuman behaviour.

A Wicked Person:

He felt pleasure in destruction. He wanted to make the wars horrible. He invented a dangerous bomb full of corrosive gas, which could obliterate whole cities within no time. He wished to make the war so horrible that no nation will engage in one unless absolutely driven to it. He said:

“With a single bomb, we could wipe out the population of a city as a big as Manchester.”

 As A Reputed Scientist:

There is no doubt that Professor Corrie is a great scientist, who is extremely dedicated and devoted in his scientific experiments. When the curtain goes up, we find Professor Corrie engrossed in his experiment. His experiment is a success and he has succeeded in inventing a lethal and devastating bomb, which is so powerful that according to him:

 “I’ve discovered a combination of explosives and gases that will obliterate thousands at once! Thousands.” 

The above quoted words show the deep faith Corrie has in the destructive quality of the bomb and his cruel nature and inhuman behaviour.

As A Self-Willed Person:

Professor Corrie is an extremely selfish and self-willed person. He is out and out a materialist. He has discovered the formula of the bomb to earn fame and fortune. He is delighted at the thought that his invention would make him famous and well-known all over the world. He did not care about the feeling of his sister wanted her rejoices his invention. He wished her to forget her tragedy and suggested taking a broad point of view. She must imagine herself a statesman. He said:

 “Oh, a mother’s feelings, of course, but look at the matter from a broad point of view. Put you own feelings aside.” 

As An Unpatriotic Person:

Professor Corrie is crazy and unpatriotic. He wants to sell the formula of the bomb, to any government, which would pay him the highest price. As he says:

 “I shall offer it first to the British Government, of course, but if they won’t pay my price, I shall offer it to somebody else.” 

The above lines speak of his unpatriotism and greed for money.

As A Cruel And Heartless Person: 

Professor Corrie possesses a very cruel disposition. His eyes reflect the coldness and seriousness of his character. He is a devil in human form. To him human beings are of no consequence. Even his sister, Mrs. Meldon’s grief has no effect on him. Although he is aware that his sister is emotionally shattered by the death of her son, Eddie, yet he does not comfort or console her, at her tragic loss.

As An Enemy of Women: 

Professor Corrie is cynical about women and has a poor opinion of them. He thinks that women lack in concentration and have a fussy and talkative nature. That is why they are not very often crowned with success. According to him:

“Your sex is most extraordinary, Charlotte. Always willing to break off things, for other things. No application, no concentration, no capability for complete impersonal devotion.” 

Corrie’s Desire For Immortality: 

Corrie was mad for immortality. That is why he invented the bomb. He hopes:

“This will bring fame and fortune to me. I shall be rich and now but more than that I shall be famous. My name will live forever.” 

Corrie’s Tragic End:

Mrs. Meldon is absolutely horrified, when she learns of his terrible invention. She repeatedly requested him to destroy the formula of the bomb. She says:

“Henry, I beg you to destroy your invention.” 

Professor Corrie pays no attention to her, so Mrs. Meldon, in a state of frenzy, drove a sharp knife in his back. Corrie falls on his face, dead cold. Thus the curtain draws on the play, with his tragic end.

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English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel: - Beauchamp's Character Sketch

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Two One Act Plays
The Count's Revenge
By J.H. Walsh
Character Sketch Of Beauchamp

Introduction:

 Beauchamp is a very good friend of Albert’s. It is he who discovers the man, who brought disgraces on Albert’s father, the Count of Morcerf. He being an editor of a daily newspaper in Paris, is able to discover Albert’s father’s enemy. In fact the news of Morcerf’s disgrace is published in his newspaper.

As A Sincere:

Man Beauchamp’s greatest quality is his sincerity to his friend. Albert greatly depended on him. That is why, he asks Beauchamp to discover the anonymous writer’s name. We learn later in the play that Beauchamp succeeds in discovering the name of the man who brings disgrace to Morcerf.

 A Sensible Man:

He is a very sensible man. Finding his friend, Albert, very disturbed on account of his father’s disgrace he does not disclose his father’s enemy’s name (Monte Cristo), at once. He mentally prepares Albert by telling him that the name would surprise him, that he would not believe that it could be his friend, Count of Monte Cristo.

A Cool Headed Man: 

Beauchamp is a cool headed man. He does not flare up or lose his head like Albert who loses his cool, when he learns that, it is his own dear friend, Monte Cristo, who is the cause of his family’s disgrace and dishonour. So in a fit of rage, he challenges him to fight a duel. He thought that this was the only way, he could wash away the blot on his honour.

As A Second Albert: 

Albert points Beauchamp as his second, in the duel to be fought. Albert has so much faith and reliance on him, that he made Beauchamp to make all the necessary arrangements for the duel.

Tries To Dissuade Albert:

Beauchamp tries to dissuade Albert from fighting the duel. In his surprise, he says:

“MY DEAR ALBERT, YOU DO NOT MEAN TO CARRY MATTERS SO FAR.” 

He stands by Albert, to the very last When the duel is averted, it is he, who breaks the news of his safety, to the Countess and Count of Morcerf. He is a real devoted friend – one on whom a fried could relay and depend.

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English (Compulsory) For HSC Part 1 - Novel: - The Count Of Morcerf's Character Sketch

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Two One Act Plays
The Count's Revenge
By J.H. Walsh
Character Sketch Of The Count Of Morcerf

By NCR - CET

By Prime Education Network

OR

The Count of Morcerf:

Introduction:

The Count of Morcerf is presented as the villain of the play, The Count’s Revenge. Prior to becoming a Count, he was a fisherman. He was then known as Fernand Mondego. At that point of time, he lived in Marseilles. He had a friend, Edmond Dantes, who was a sailor. Fernand was quite friendly with him. Edmond was engaged to a beautiful Catalan girl, Mercedes. This fact was known to Fernand. But being an evil natured man, he secretly yearned to marry Mercedes. Therefore, to make his dream come true, he hatched a plot – the most diabolic, which any man could have hatched, against any man.

A Rogue And A Rascal:

He is out and out a rogue and a rascal. In order to win the hand of Mercedes, he framed a false charge against his friend, Edmond in the court. He proved that Edmond was the spy of the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte. He provided false evidences against Edmond and thus got him imprisoned for 20 years. In this way, he very cleverly removed the innocent Edmond, out of the way.

A Mean And Degraded Man:

Once Edmond Dantes had been taken care of Fernand had little difficulty in trapping Mercedes into his trap. He first convinced Mercedes, of the death of Edmond by publishing the false news of his death in the newspapers. Then appearing as a friend and a sympathizer her first consoled her. And after wining her confidence, he then proposed to marry her. Being heart-broke and lonely, she accepted his offer. Thus, the evil monster, succeeded in his devilish plan.

A Traitor To His Country:

Having accomplished all his plans successfully, he decided to settle down in Paris. So, he said good bye to Marseilles. While in Paris, he joined the Army, and after sometime, became a captain in 1822. The French were at war against the Turks. Fernand as Captain was defending the Fortress of Yanina. Being a coward and a mean person, he surrendered the fortress to the Turks on receiving a huge bribe. He however made it appear as though he got defeated. Having acquired tons of wealth, Fernand took his discharge from the Army. He then took the title of the Count and settled in Paris.

As A Liar And A Wicked Person:

Having amassed a huge fortune, the count started living like a lord when he is proved as a traitor in the chamber of Deputies, he still kept denying his charges. Even in the face of sound evidence, he kept denying his guilt. He is a liar and a rogue.

A Violent Death:

After he is proved a traitor, he is still not remorseful. When he is face to face with Edmond, he pulls out his pistol to shoot him. But Albert, Beauchamp pounce on him, to snatch the pistol from him. In the struggle the pistol goes off and the Count of Morcerf, shoots himself. Thus Monte Cristo is avenged.

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