English X - Chapter No.20 - Reference To Context

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THE MINSTREL BOY (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
Poem: The Minstrel Boy
Poet: Thomas Moore (1779-1852)
Explain With Reference To Context (Poem)


1. The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him,
His father's sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him,
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What do you know about the  poet / poetess?
(iii) Who was the minstrel?
(iv) Where did the minstrel boy go?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The minstrel boy
Poet: Thomas Moore
(ii) Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an enthusiastic Irish poet. He was born in Dublin where he studied at the best school.  In imitation of Lora Byron, who was his friend, he wrote poem on an oriental theme called "Lalla Rookh."  He has expressed his patriotic feelings in this poem.
(iii) The word minstrel was used in the middle ages for singers and musicians. They moved from place to place and entertained the people with their singing. He is such a character who has entertains the audience through his wonderful performance.
(iv) The minstrel boy had gone to the battle-field. He went with the sword of his father. He took with him his harp also which which is a musical instrument with strings. It was hung on his shoulder.

Words / Meanings
1. Minstrel: a singer
2, Girded: worn around the waist

2. "Land of song!" said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii)  For whom the poet was the words warrior bard?
(iii) For whom were the songs of harp made?
(iv) What lines tell you the boy is brave?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The minstrel boy
Poet: Thomas Moore
(ii) Thomas Moore has paid a homage to the minstrel boy by allotting him the bites of “warrior bard” and the “proud soul”. Thomas Moore has used these words to exhibit the spirit of patriotism in the minstrel boy. He was a great and brave fighter and was proud of fighting for his homeland.
(iii) The songs sung on the tune of harp were the marks of peace and carried out detention against slavery. these songs were made to please the patriots of minstrel boy’s nation. Only faithfully and Loyal companions and the men who were got freedom of their homeland could hear these songs.

(iv) The following lines of the poem tells us that the boy is brave:

"Land of song!" said the warrior bard,
"Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

Reference to Context: (Line: 1-8)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The Minstrel Boy” written by Thomas Moore.
In this poem poet explains that it is impossible to bind the soul that is born free.

Explanation: (Line: 1-8)
In these lines poet says that musician boy has gone to fight in the war. He will be seen in the first ranks, where a persons faces death. He has put on his father’s sword around his waist and his rustic harp was hanging behind him. The poet who was writing poetry of war evens wrote that if whole world betrays the mother land but it is sure that there would be a sword that would protect its rights and there would be a harp which would play the songs of freedom of homeland.

3. The minstrel fell! - but the foeman's chain
Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder,
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) why did the minstrel boy destroy his harp?
(iii)  For whom the poet was the words  proud soul?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
(v) What words tell you that he was wounded in the battle?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The minstrel boy
Poet: Thomas Moore
(ii) Before the minstrel boy was dead he destroyed his harp because he did not want the song of freedom to be sung in a slavery country. Moreover  he did not want his harp to be touched by enemy hands. He had deep sentiments and emotions of patriotism. This shows his love, passions and respect towards his nation and soil.
(iii) Thomas Moore has paid a homage to the minstrel boy by calling him a “proud soul”. It means The enemy defeated him physically but could not conquer his spirit. Thomas Moore has used these words to exhibit the spirit of patriotism in the minstrel boy. He was a great and brave fighter and was proud of fighting for his homeland.
(iv) The message of the poem is that the brave and patriotic people defend their homeland. Such people hate slavery. They prefer to die to maintain their freedom than to live in slavery.
(v) The following words in the above lines tell that the minstrel boy was wounded:

The minstrel fell! - but the foeman's chain

Could not bring his proud soul under;

Words / Meanings
1. Foeman: enemy.
2. Bring his proud soul under: the enemy defeated him physically but could not conquer his spirit.
3. Chords: the strings of harp.
4. Asunder: into separate pieces

4. And said, "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Who was the speaker by profession and why did he go to the war? Or What spirit did the minstrel bot take to the battlefield?
(iii) Do you agree with the main theme, conveyed through the poem? why?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The minstrel boy
Poet: Thomas Moore
(ii) The speaker was a minstrel boy who was a singer and musician.. Poet tells that his unique spirit of patriotism carried him to the battlefield in order to fight for his country. The boy was filled with loyalty, faithfulness and sincerity. He believed that " Slavery is a curse and freedom is a blessing."
(iii) Yes, I agree with the theme of the poem, because the true patriotism is the main idea of this poem. It is better to die rather to live as a slave.

Words / Meanings
1. Sully: defiled, touched by impure hands, disgrace on

Reference to Context:  (Line: 9-16)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The Minstrel Boy” written by Thomas Moore.
In this poem poet explains that it is impossible to bind the soul that is born free.

Explanation: (Line: 9-16)
In these lines poet says that the musician boy was killed in the war. But his proud soul was not conquered by the chains of enemy. The enemy defeated him physically but was not able to conquer his soul. His harp which was very dear to him did not sing more, because when he was wounded he tore its strings. He said to it that as it was soul of love and boldness so it could no be in a position to sing for enemy. Because it’s songs were for the pure and free people, not for the tyrant persons. So it’s songs would never be heard in slavery.

English X - Chapter No.18 - Reference To Context

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CASABIANCA (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 
Poem: Casabianca
Poetess: Felicia Dorothea Hemans. (1793- 1835)
Explain With Reference To Context (Poem)


1. The boy stood on the burning deck,
Whence all but he had fled;
The flame that lit the battle’s wreck
Shone round him o’er the dead.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What does battle's wreck mean in this poem?
(iii)  Who was a boy?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) In this poem, the battle's wreck means that the ship had become a wreck after being damaged in the fighting.
(iii) A boy was a Casabianca, a young and brave soldier of his country. He was a born hero and has a very strong, composed and pleasant personality. Dutifulness and obedience were his making characteristics and he was proud of fighting for his country.
(iv) In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Words / Meaning

1. The battle's wreck: the ship had become a wreck after being damaged in the fighting

2. The deck: the floor of a ship.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that Casabianca was standing on the board of the ship which was on fire. He was standing alone while all others had left the ship. The flames of fire rising on all sides. These flames were shining over dead bodies of the soldiers killed in the battle.


2. Yet beautiful and bright he stood,
As born to rule the storm,
A creature of Heroic blood
A proud, through child – like form.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Explain line no.3.
(iii) Why does the poet / poetess use the word 'proud'?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) Heroic blood means the blood of great and noble people. In this line the poetess tells that the boy Casabianca had inherited greatness and nobility from his forefathers.
(iii) The poetess feels proud on Casabianca, the boy who stood on the board of the burning ship. He looked very brave and proud to carry out the command of father. He had inherited nobility from his fore fathers.
(iv) In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Words / Meaning

1.Heroic blood: the blood of great and noble people; the boy had inherited greatness and nobility from his forefathers.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that the boy stood on the board of the ship inspite of burning flames. He looked very handsome in the light of these flames. It seemed that he was born to govern over storms. He had inherited nobility from his fore fathers. Though he was of tender age, he looked brave and proud to carry out the command of father.


3. The flames rolled on – he would not go
Without his father’s word
That father faint in death below
His voice no longer heard.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What qualities did the boy possesses in Casabianca?
(iii) Who was Casabianca's father and why was he not hear the voice of his son?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) The young boy, in "Casabianca" possessed numerous qualities of being, brave, courageous, loyal, disciplined, obedient and true patriot. The entire poem revolves around an excellent sense of duty and responsibility. He kept waiting for his father's permission and never left the duty behind. The end is tragic and pathetic.
(iii) His father was a Captain of the ship and he was laying dead in the lower part of the ship so his voice could be heard no more.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess says that flames rushed at Casabianca. But he had resolved not to leave the place unless his father permitted him. His father was laying dead in the lower part of the ship so his voice could be heard no more.


4. He called aloud: “Say father! Say
If yet my task is done?”
He knew no that the chieftain lay
Unconscious of his son.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Where did the speaker stand? Why was he /she calling his / her father repeatedly?
(iii) What quality did the speaker possess?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) The speaker was a young boy Casabianca, who was standing on a burning deck and waiting for his father. He was ordered by his father not to move from the place without his permission. He did not know that his father was dead and could not reply.
(iii) Casabianca" possessed numerous qualities of being, brave, courageous, loyal, disciplined, obedient and true patriot. The entire poem revolves around an excellent sense of duty and responsibility. He kept waiting for his father's permission and never left the duty behind. The end is tragic and pathetic.

Words / Meaning

1. Chieftain: a chief: a leader.

2. Unconscious: unaware; not knowing.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that the boy called his father in a loud voice. He asked whether, the duty assigned to him was complete or not. He did not know that commander of the ship was unaware about the condition of his son.


5. “Speak father!” Once again he cried.
“If I may yet be gone”!
And but the booming shots replied,
And fast the flames rolled on.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.

Words / Meaning

1. To boom: to make a deep, echoing sound as of guns.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that the boy again cried and asked his father if he could go. He wanted to say more but his voice was drowned in the midst of heavy noise of guns and the flames rushed on very fast.

6. Upon his brow he felt their breath,
And in his waving hair,
And looked from that lone post of death,
In still, yet brave despair.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What does the poetess mean by saying that “Lone Post of Death”?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) The poetess is describing the death scene of Casabianca through the phrase. It means that when the fire was near to engulf him and his death time had arrived, he felt his heart on his forehead and in waving hair. He stood quite and calm and looked around him with bold heart though he was disappointed.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess says that the flames rushed at the boy. He felt their heat on his fore head and in waving hair. Though he knew, that his death was near but he stood quite and calm. He looked around him from place of death with bold heart though he was disappointed.


7. And shouted but once more aloud
“My father! Must I stay”?
While o’er him fast, through sail and shroud
The wreathing fires made way.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) How has the Felicia Dorothea Hemans been compared to other poets?
(iii) What does 'shroud' mean?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii)  Felicia Dorothea Hemans has been compared to Henry Long Fellow and Cowper. She had the same pathetic and there is a great enthusiasm for chivalry and heroism in her work like the other poets. She also stressed moral values.
(iii) Shroud means one of the ropes stretching from the mast to the side of a ship.

Words / Meaning

1. A shroud: one of the ropes stretching from the mast to the side of a ship.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess says that the boy once again cried out in loud voice. He wanted to know if it was necessary for him to stay there. Just then the flames rushed through sails and ropes.


8. They wrapt the ship in splendour wild,
They caught the flag high,
And streamed above the gallant child,
Like banners in the sky.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Why does the poetess call the Casabianca “A Gallant Child”?
(iii) What lesson do you learn from the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) Ans. The poetess calls the Casabianca “a gallant child” because he stood like a rock and fearless in the fire and the enemy’s shelling. He was despair in the moments of death and danger. When his body blown into bites and he was defeated by the death, his spirit was not overpowered and he remained as a brave and valiant soldier.
(iii) From this poem, we learn the lesson that we should obey our parents under all circumstances and at all times. We should be ready even to sacrifice our life for our parents.

Words / Meaning

1. A banner: a flag or standard.

2. Gallant: brave.

3. Wrapt: wrapped.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that the flames surrounded the ship and covered it on all sides. They even reached the flag which was flying very high. They also surrounded the brave boy like the flag’s shadows in the sky.


9. There came a burst of thunder sound,
The boy oh! Where was he?
Ask of the winds that far around
With fragments strewed the sea.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii)  Explain 'With fragments strewed the sea.'?
(iii) Write a short note on Casabianca?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) In this line the poetess says that the ship was blasted and his body blown to small pieces, covered the sea. But in reality his spirit and moral was not defeated. Till his last breath, he stood like rock facing death and danger.
(iii) Casabianca was a young and brave soldier of his country. He was a born hero and has a very strong, composed and pleasant personality. Dutifulness and obedience were his making characteristics and he was proud of fighting for his country.

Words / Meaning

1. Strewed: covered with small pieces.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that suddenly a loud noise was heard there and no one can imagine that where the body of brave boy was. Only the winds could say which were blowing around the boy that where was he.


10. With mast and helm and pennon fair,
That well had borne their part;
But the noblest thing which perished there,
Was that young faithful heart!
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What do you know about a battleship from this poem?
(iii) What is the noblest thing referred to by the poetess in this poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Casabianca
Poetess : Felicia Dorothea Hemans.
(ii) As the poem was written in the 19th century, in these days ships made from wood. There were different parts like most, helm, pennon fair etc. Moreover they also used, cannon balls for destruction purposes.
(iii) The noblest thing that was burnt by fire in the battleship was the young noble heart of Casabianca. The poetess calls it the noblest thing because this heart was obedient, disciplined and faithful.

Words / Meaning

1. Helm: wheel for steering a ship.

2. The mast: a thick tall pole of wood or metal to which a ship's sails are tied)

3. A pennon: a narrow flag flown from the top of the mast.

Reference to Context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Casabianca” written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans. In the poem poetess conveys the message of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism and discipline through the story of Casabianca.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that part played by mast, rudder and the flag flying on mast is praise worthy. But the noblest thing which died there was the young obedient and disciplined heart, that was Casabianca.

English X - Chapter No.14 - Reference To Context

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THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE IS THE HAND THAT RULES THE WORLD (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 hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace, (1819-1881)

1. Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What is guided by angles and how?
(iii) What does the poet say in above lines
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) The strength and grace of mothers is guided by angles. No one can destroy the spirit of the true mothers because it is protected by the holy angles. They bring God blessings to the mothers which help the mothers to struggle with the hard routine of life.
(iii) The poet in the form of a prayer asking God's blessings on mothers.
(iv) Mothers play the most important role in bringing up their children, it is due to their great efforts that their children achieve the highest posts in the world. Mothers rule the world because all the credit of great achievements made by man go to them.

2. Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Why does the poet compare mother’s hands to a rainbow?
(iii) Write few lines about the poet
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) The poet find resemblance between the mother’s hands and a rainbow because “rainbow” is symbol of peace, pleasure and happiness. It indicates that the storm has passed and difficulties have gone. Similarly a mother is a symbol of pity and pleasure who creates a peaceful and loving atmosphere for the whole family.
(iii) William Ross Wallace, (1819-1881) was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His first poem appeared in 1837. He was a lawyer by profession, but spent more time on literature. He composed patriotic songs during the civil war which became popular. He was a friend of Edgar Allen Poe whom he resembled in both temperament and habits. He possessed a splendid imagination as well as poetic diction.

Words / Meanings:
1. Hovel: a poor man's hut.
2. Rainbow: the coloured arch made of seven colours which appears in the sky after rainstorms. In English literature, it is said that treasure lies at the end of a rainbow. It is also a sign that the storm has passed and the trouble is over.

Reference to Context: (Line: 1-8)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand rules the world” written by William Ross Wallace. In this poem poet tries to explain that actual ruler of the world is mother. Because she looks after her children and tries her best to make them important and useful persons in the world.

Explanation: (Line: 1-8)
In these lines poet prays for the blessings of God for mothers without any distinction of social status or place where they are living. He says that they may be protected by angels every where in the world in kings mansion or in poor man’s hut. She may be away from the sorrows and be blessed with peace and prosperity. As she brings up the child so she is the actual ruler of the world.

3. Infancy's the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow
(i) Name the poem from where these lines have been taken?
(ii) Explain how the poet gives the credit for all great achievements of people to their mothers?
(iii) What role does the mother play in a child's life?
(iv) Why does the poet compare infancy (childhood) with the tender fountain?
(v) What does the poet say in above lines?
(vi) Who has composed this poem? Write the lines about him / her?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) The poet gives the credit for all great accomplishment of people to their mothers because all the great personalities are prominent in the world due to the careful bringing up to their mothers. It’s only the result of mother’s caring guidance and training that the world is passing with the periods of  great successes.
(iii) The role of a mother is to bring up and train the children. Mother is an actual guiding force for the children because due to her training a child can instigate a high moral character. Mother also infest in the children the spirit to know the difference between good and evil. A child is virtuous or his bad character depends upon the guidance of mother.
(iv) The poet compares infancy (childhood) with the tender fountain because childhood is just like a sophisticated and delicate fountain which can be led to any stage of life i.e. good or bad. It is only a mother who can guide a very young soil to his destination success it or failure.
(v) The poet describes the work of a mother in above lines.
(vi) This poem has composed by William Ross Wallace. William Ross Wallace, (1819-1881) was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His first poem appeared in 1837. He was a lawyer by profession, but spent more time on literature. He composed patriotic songs during the civil war which became popular. He was a friend of Edgar Allen Poe whom he resembled in both temperament and habits. He possessed a splendid imagination as well as poetic diction.

4. Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What does it mean by “Sunshine streamed or evil hurled.”
(iii) What is the theme of the poem? 
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) Sunshine is a symbol of goodness and virtue. This phrase means that the structure of a man’s character depends mainly upon the mother’s. If the training of mother is goo it mean that she has infested a high moral character in her children. But if the guidance is not good and child’s character will prevail by evilness.
(iii) Hands of mother are blessing for whole world.

Words / Meanings:
1. Unresting: always working.

Reference to Context: (Line: 9 -16)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand rules the world” written by William Ress Wallace. In this poem poet tries to explain that actual ruler of the world is mother. Because she looks after her children and tries her best to make them important and useful persons in the world.

Explanation: (Line: 9 -16)
In these lines poet says that child hood is just like soft fountain from it power and charms flow. If some one moulds it for good it will be good, if some one moulds it for evil it will be evil. So that tender fountain in the presence of mother learns the lessons of goodness and wisdom. The child’s uneasy and impulsive nature is nursed properly by loving care of mother. All exceptional personalities are due to the careful upbringing of their mothers. In real sense she is the ruler of the world.

5. Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) How can the mother keep the young heart open and for what?
(iii) Whom does the poet address in above lines?
(iv) What is the divine mission of women?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) Mother has a very divine task to complete which starts right from the beginning of the child’s life and continues till the end. She keeps the young heart open in such a way that the child can understand and accept the divine commands of Allah.
(iii) The poet  addresses mothers in above lines and praise them.
(iv) The credit of all great and outstanding achievements of people goes to their mothers. She is one who lives with divine mission. She bring up the children with love and dignity which later becomes the source of winning the true trophies of life for them. In reality, the real and ultimate source of success, progress and prosperity is the mother only.

6. All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother's love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Explain how the poet gives the credit for all great achievements of people to their mothers?
(iii) Explain the word 'trophies'
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) The Credit for all great achievements of people go to their mothers. Because it is she who builds the character of a child that make him to wins distinctions in the world. All the rewards won by different persons on different occasions are the result of mother’s love, affection and her great service. In real sense she is the ruler of the world.
(iii)  Trophies: a shield or cup given as a prize for some great achievement, sometimes decorated with pearls.

Words / Meanings:
1. Natal sod: land of one's birth.
2. Trophies: a shield or cup given as a prize for some great achievement, sometimes decorated with pearls.

Reference to Context: (Line: 17 -24)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand rules the world” written by William Ross Wallace.
In this poem poet tries to explain that actual ruler of the world is mother. Because she looks after her children and tries her best to make them important and useful persons in the world.

Explanation: (Line: 17 -24)
In these lines poet addresses the woman and says that her mission was divine mission on the earth. Here the poet implores the mother to inspire children to the prayer and worship of God, whole heartedly. It is she who builds the character that wins distinctions in the world. All the rewards won by different persons on different occasions are always decorated with gems and pearls of mother’s love and affection. In real sense she is the ruler of the world.

7. Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Why does the poet say that the prayers for mothers on earth mingles with that said in heaven?
(iii) What does the poet express in above lines?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) We all believe that the prayers said on the earth get mixed with the prayers said by the angels  and saints in heaven. These are the prayers which lead the people to heaven, where no evil storm can destroy or worsen anything. Similarly, the poet says that fathers, sons and daughters are praying loudly for the blessings of God on the hand of mothers which mixed with the sacred song sung by angels. She is one who wipes away all the worries and anxieties from man’s mind and encourages him to face the dangers with grace and dignity. In real sense she is the ruler of the world.
(iii) In above lines, The poet expresses a prayer said by all mankind in honour of mothers.

8. Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Explain first two lines of the stanza? 
(iii) Describe the poetic diction of William Ross Wallace?
Ans:
(i) Poem: The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
Poet: William Ross Wallace
(ii) Its mean that in the heaven there will be no more sufferings. It will be like the relief we feel after a storm.
(iii) William Rose Wallace composed patriotic songs during the civil war which became popular. He was a friend of Edgar Allen Roe whom he resembled both in temperament and habits. He possessed a splendid imagination as well as poetic diction.


Words / Meanings:
1. Mingled with the worship in the sky: the prayer said on earth is also said by the angels and saints in heaven.
2. Where no tempest darkens, rainbows evermore are hurled: in the heaven there will be no more sufferings. It will be like the relief we feel after a storm.

Reference to Context: (Line: 25 -32)
These lines have been taken from the poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand rules the world” written by William Ross Wallace. In this poem poet tries to explain that actual ruler of the world is mother. Because she looks after her children and tries her best to make them important and useful persons in the world.

Explanation: (Line: 25 -32)
In these lines poet says that fathers, sons and daughters are praying loudly for the blessings of God on the hand of mothers. In those prayers the sacred song sung by angels is mixed with at the sky. That mixes there, where no evil storm can destroy or worsen and thing. Because she wipes away all the worries and anxieties from man’s mind and encourages him to face the dangers with grace and dignity. In real sense she is the ruler of the world.

Essay On - Corona Virus OR COVID-19

Corona Virus

By Par Excellence

OR

By Sir Shumail

OR

By Sir Abdul Basit

OR

Corona Virus (COVID-19)

(Average)

Nature tests man time and again in the form of storms, earthquakes, floods epidemics. Man has lost much in each of these trials like 2004 tsunami in South Asia, 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, 2010 flood in Pakistan, 2011 earthquake in Japan, and yearly sea storms in the USA. Corona Virus is also such a trial for man.
Since the last century, man has been able to defeat diseases like Plague, Small Pox, Malaria and Cholera. But different diseases like Influenza or Flu have rendered man helpless. Influenza or Flu is a viral disease which are curable without medicine. Its various kinds turned into pandemics. Some of the examples include Spanish Flu (1918-20), the Asian Flu (1957-58) and the Hong Kong Flu (1968) Corona viruses also cause Influenza.
'Corona' is a Latin word that means 'crown'. Corona viruses shape like a crown. They cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, they cause respiratory infections.
Novel Corona Virus or COVID-19 was first identified in November 2019 in China'S city Wuhan. It spread like wildfire and literally halted the whole world. China, Italy, the USA, Iran and Spain are the worst affected countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
Death-rates increase from COVID-19 is about 4.5% but it is dangerous because of its rapid growth. It common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. After a year different countries are successfully manufacture its vaccine. But its on trial. Precautionary measures against it are frequent hand washing and social distancing, which are necessary to prevent its spreading.
Let's adopt precautionary measures to overcome this disease.

English X - Chapter No.10 - Reference To Context

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BEAUTIFUL HANDS (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: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates (1835-1920)

1. Such beautiful, beautiful hands,
They're neither white nor small;
And you, I know, would scarcely think
That they were fair at all.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Whom does the poetess praise in this poem?
(iii) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) In this poem, the poetess praises her mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty and all mothers in general. She appreciates the services provided by mothers to bring up their children. Mothers bear a lot of hardships restlessly so that her family might enjoy a happy life. Therefore, they are worthy of our praise, love and respect.
(iii) The message of the poem " Beautiful Hands" is that mother do a lot of work for their children. They take no rest and go on looking after their children patiently, although their hands become wrinkled and weak with the passage of time. So the poetess praise those hands beautiful to her.

2. I've looked on hands whose form and hue
A sculptor's dream might be,
Yet are these aged wrinkled hands
Most beautiful to me.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What words or phrases tell us that they are not pretty in the physical sense?
(iii) Write down few lines about the poet / poetess.
Ans:
(i) Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) The words “ages and wrinkled” tell us that the hands are not beautiful in their physical appearance. It means that these hands are old and full of wrinkles. They are neither fair not small but rough and big.
(iii) Ellen M. H. Gates (1835-1920) was born in Torington, Connecticut (USA). She wrote religious songs (hymns) like "The Home of the Soul" and "Eternity" for well-known magazines. Collections of her poems were published in 1897 and 1910.

Reference to context: (Lines 1-8)
These lines have been taken from the poem “Beautiful Hands” written by an American poetess Ellen M. H. Gates. In this poem poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. According to her mother’s hands are symbol of love, sacrifice, labour and affection for her children.

Explanation: (Lines 1-8)
In these lines poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. She says that though these hands are neither fair nor small and one would hardly think that they were beautiful ones. She says that she had seen the form and colour of these hands they were like dream of an artist who makes statues. Though now these hands are old and full of furrows but they are beautiful for her.


3. Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
Though heart were weary and sad
These patient hands kept toiling on
That the children might be glad,
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Why does the poetess praise the hands in this stanza?
(iii) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) The poetess praises the hands in the these lines because these hands carelessly worked hard inspite of exhaustion and utter fatigue in order to provide happiness of her children. The poetess is showing repentance because when she was young, she could’ve helped her mother in doing chars of daily life but she did not.
(iii) In this poem poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. She pays a rich and unique tribute to her mother. According to her, mother’s hands are symbol of love, sacrifice,  affection and hard work to bring up  her children.

4. I almost weep when looking back
To childhood's distant day!
I think how these hands rested not.
When mine were at their play.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Whose hands are praise in this poem?
(iii) Why did poet / poetess weep when he / she looking back?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) The poetess praised her mother's hands in this poem.
(iii) Poetess recalls child hoods days and almost wept that how her mother's hands worked when children used to play. Being gloomy and sad they never stopped working and kept on working.

Reference to context: (Lines 9-16)
These lines have been taken from the poem “Beautiful Hands” written by an American poetess Ellen M. H. Gates. In this poem poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. According to her mother’s hands are symbol of love, sacrifice, labour and affection for her children.

Explanation: (Lines 9-16)
In these lines poetess says that when she recalls child hoods days these hands worked very hard in order to make children happy. She says that she almost weeps when she recalls that how these hands worked when children used to play. Being gloomy and sad they never stopped working and kept on working.

5. Such beautiful, beautiful hands!
They're growing feeble now,
And time and pain have left their mark
On hand, and heart and brow.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Write down few lines about poetess.
(iii) Explain the above lines in your own words.
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) Ellen M. H. Gates (1835-1920) was born in Torington, Connecticut (USA). She wrote religious songs (hymns) like "The Home of the Soul" and "Eternity" for well-known magazines. Collections of her poems were published in 1897 and 1910.
(iii) In these lines poetess expresses that day by day her mother hands are growing weak and old. The signs of old age are being seen on heart, hand and fore head. Thus the poetess is showing her deep grief because soon her mother would be buried in grave under the layers of wild flowers.

6. Alas! alas! the nearing time
And the sad, sad day to me,
When 'neath the daisies, out of sight,
These hands must folded be.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What does the lines "These hands must be folded be." means?
(iii) What do you know about the poet or poetess?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) The words, “These hands must folded be” mean that the death time of the poetess mother was near to come. The poetess is showing her grief because soon her mother would be buried in grave under the layers of wild flowers.
(iii) Ellen M. H. Gates (1835-1920) was born in Torington, Connecticut (USA). She wrote religious songs (hymns) like "The Home of the Soul" and "Eternity" for well-known magazines. Collections of her poems were published in 1897 and 1910.

Reference to context: (Lines 17-24)
These lines have been taken from the poem “Beautiful Hands” written by an American poetess Ellen M. H. Gates. In this poem poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. According to her mother’s hands are symbol of love, sacrifice, labour and affection for her children.

Explanation: (Lines 17-24)
In these lines poetess expresses her sorrow and says that she is very sad to think that day by day these hands are growing weak and old. The signs of old age are being seen on heart, hand and fore head. She further says she is sorry to say that sad day is coming nearer in near future the person having these beautiful hands will pass away from this world and these beautiful hands would be folded and buried in grave under the daisy flowers.


7. But oh! beyond the shadowy lands,
Where all is bright and fair,
I know full well these dear old hands
Will palms of victory bear;
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Who does the poetess praise in this poem?
(iii) What is the message of the poem?
(iv) What does 'Palm of victory' mean?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) the poetess pays a high tribute to her mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. She further defined these hands that they worked restlessly inspite of facing tribulations of life, so that her family might enjoys a happy life.
(iii) The message of the poem " Beautiful Hands" is that mother do a lot of work for their children. They take no rest and go on looking after their children patiently, although their hands become wrinkled and weak with the passage of time. So the poetess praise those hands beautiful to her.
(iv) Palm of victory means these were given to a soldier or an athlete who was victorious.

8. When crystal streams, through endless years,
Flow over golden sands,
And where the old are young again,
I'll clasp my mother's hands.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What is the message of the poem?
(iii) Explain above lines?
(iv) Why does the poetess praise her mother’s hand in this poem?
Ans:
(i)  Poem: Beautiful Hands
Poetess: Ellen M. H. Gates
(ii) The message of the poem " Beautiful Hands" is that mother do a lot of work for their children. They take no rest and go on looking after their children patiently, although their hands become wrinkled and weak with the passage of time. So the poetess praise those hands beautiful to her.
(iii) In these lines poetess says that in coming world where things will be just, fair and beautiful. There old people will become young again. There will flow transparent rivers on golden sand. She is hopeful that there she will meet her mother and hold her hands in her own hands.
(iv) In this poem, the poetess praises mother’s hands because these hands worked restlessly inspite of facing tribulations of life, so that her family might enjoys a happy life.

 Words and Meanings:
1. Palms of victory: these were given to a soldier or an athlete who was victorious.
2. Crystal: transparent, clearer.
3. Clasp: hold in hand.

Reference to context: (Lines 25-32)
These lines have been taken from the poem “Beautiful Hands” written by an American poetess Ellen M. H. Gates. In this poem poetess praises mother’s hands for their spiritual beauty. According to her mother’s hands are symbol of love, sacrifice, labour and affection for her children.

Explanation: (Lines 25-32)
In these lines poetess says that in coming world where things will be just, fair and beautiful. There old people will become young again. There will flow transparent rivers on golden sand. She is hopeful that there she will meet her mother and hold her hands in her own hands.

English X - Chapter No.9 - Reference To Context

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A NATION'S STRENGTH (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: A Nation’s Strength
Poet: An American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson (1903-1882)

1. Not gold, but only men can make,
A people great and strong,
Men who for truth and honour’s sake,
Stand fast and suffer long.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What makes a nation great and strong?
(iii) What is the message of the poem?
Ans:
(i) Poem: A Nation’s Strength
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson.
(ii) Wealth can not make a nation strong and powerful. But only the result of hard work, high moral character and virtues of great people can make it strong. A nation’s strength is a fruit and labour is its seed.
(iii) The message of the poem the Nation's strength is that a nation is strong only by its people. These people should be brave, daring, hardworking, determined and patient. Such people build a nation's pillars deep and lift their nation to the sky.

Words / Meanings:
1. To suffer long: to face hardships for a long time.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “A Nation’s Strength” written by an American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. In this poem poet tells that wealth has nothing to do with the strength of a nation. It is only man who alone can make a nation great and strong.

Explanation:
In these lines poet says that wealth can not make a nation strong and powerful. But only sincere men can make it strong. Brave and courageous men who are ready to suffer and who can stand firm for the sake of truth and honour during the period of hardships.

2. Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while other fly
They build a nation’s pillars deep,
And lift them to the sky.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) Give the central idea of the poem
(iii) How do brave men build a nation's pillars deep?
(iv) What kind of people can lift the nation to the sky?
Ans:
(i) Poem: A Nation’s Strength
Poet: Ralph Waldo Emerson.
(ii) The vigorous growth of any nation does not depend on wealth. But a strong nation’is the result of hard work, high moral character and virtues of great people.  Such people raise the pride of their nation.
(iii) Brave men are those who work hard while others waste their time in enjoying comfortable sleep. They face all challenges of time bravely and courageously while others run away. Only these brave men can build their nation's pillar deep and strong.
(iv) The poet believes that brave, courageous, sincere and honest persons can lift the nation to the sky.

Words / Meanings:
1. To fly: to run away from.
2. A nation's pillars: columns; here it means foundations at tasting virtue.
3. Lift them to the sky: make their nation famous.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “A Nation’s Strength” written by an American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. In this poem poet tells that wealth has nothing to do with the strength of a nation. It is only man who alone can make a nation great and strong.

Explanation:
In these lines poet says that secret of a nation’s greatness are indeed those heroes who work hard while others waste their time in enjoying comfortable sleep. They face all challenges of time bravely and courageously while others run away. Only these brave men can build their nation on fast and sure foundations of virtue and take it to highest point of greatness and make it very famous in the community of nations.


About Poet:
This poem is written by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1903-1882). He was born in Boston (USA). He was an essayist, a poet and a philosopher. His philosophy is everlasting, because it arose from a desire to make all things new, to seize life freshly, experience it first hand and use it to build beyond the old.

English X - Chapter No.7 - Reference To Context

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FROM A RAILWAY CARRIAGE (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: From a railway carriage
Poet: A Scottish poet  Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

1. Faster than fairies, Faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;
And charging along like troops in a battle,
All through the meadows the horses and cattle.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) From where and what did the poet see?
(iii) What type of experience has been described in this poem?
Ans:
(i)Poem: From A Railway Carriage.
Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson
(ii) The poet saw a variety of charming sights while travelling by a railway carriage, He saw houses, bridges, ditches, hedges, meadows, a cart, a child, a tramp, the cattle, mills, rivers, the railway station, hills and mountains etc. He carried a lot of pride by travelling through a speedy train.
(iii) In this poem, the poet has described a very exciting experience when he was travelling by a train. Whatever the objects passing so quickly in front of his eyes, he expressed it in a poetic form. Overall it was a tremendous journey for the poet.

Words/Meanings:
1. Fairies: beautiful imaginary beings who have magical power.
2. witches: wicked old women who could work magic and fly through the air.
3. hedge: a row of bushes or tall plants, forming a boundary.
4. ditch: a narrow channel dug in or between fields, or at the side of a road, to hold or carry off water.
5. charge: to attack; here if means to rush forward, move fast.
6. meadow: a grassy field.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “From a Railway Carriage” written by Robert Louis Stevenson. In this poem poet shares his experience of a railway journey with us. He describes it’s speed very amazing. He presents natural senses seen from the window of a railway carriage.

Explanation:
Poet says that train runs more quickly than the fairies can fly or the witches can move. When train advances forward it seems as the soldiers are attacking enemy in a battle field. The train rushes on leaving bridges, houses, fences and ditches behind. It also leaves behind the green fields where horses and Cattle are grazing.


2. All of the sights of the hill and plain
Fly as the thick as driving rain;
And ever again, in the wink of an eye,
Painted stations whistle by.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii)  What pleasures does the railway journey give to the poet?
(iii) What does " in the wink of an eye" mean?
Ans:
(i)Poem: From A Railway Carriage.
Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson
(ii) The railway journey brings a lot of joy and pleasure to the post. Natural beauty provides him an everlasting joy which includes the sights of meadows, daisies, mill, river, hill plain etc. He is pleased because 'a thing of beauty is a joy forever'.
(iii) In the wink of an eye means the time it takes to shut one eye for a very short time.

Words/Meanings:
1. fly as thick: pass so quickly as if there was no distance between them.
2. driving rain: hard, slanting rain.
3. the wink of an eye: the time it takes to shut one eye for a very short time.
4. whistle by: when the fast train goes past a station, a whistling sound is produced.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “From a Railway Carriage” written by Robert Louis Stevenson. In this poem poet shares his experience of a railway journey with us. He describes its speed very amazing. He presents natural scenes seen from the window of a railway carriage.

Explanation:
Poet says that all the scenes of hill and plain were being crossed by train as quick as one drop of rain follows another drop in a storm. Again and again in very short moment train was crossing stations with a whistle. From the window of compartment of train buildings of stations were seemed as painted pictures.

3. Here is a child who clambers and scrambles;
All by himself and gathering brambles;
Here is a tramp who stands and gazes;
And there is green for stringing the daisies.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What was child doing?
(iii) Who is a tramp? What was tramp doing?
Ans:
(i) Poem: From A Railway Carriage.
Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson
(ii) A child was climbing a steep ground by himself with difficulty. The child was also gathering black berries during climbing.
(iii) A person who goes from one place to another place without any aim.  He was staring at the carriage as he was looking for some one to come.

Words/Meanings:
1. to clamber: to climb with some difficulty.
2. to scramble: to move with difficulty over rough or steep ground.
3. brambles: thorny bushes which bear the fruit called black berries.
4. tramp: a homeless person who goes from place to place and does no regular work.
5. to string: to make a garland of
6. daisy: it is one of the commonest wild flowers in Britain. the green: a grassy common land in a village.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “From a Railway Carriage” written by Robert Louis Stevenson. In this poem poet shares his experience of a railway journey with us. He describes its speed very amazing. He presents natural scenes seen from the window of a railway carriage.

Explanation:
In these lines poet says that from the window of the compartment of train he sees a child climbing a steep ground by himself with difficulty. The child was also gathering black berries during climbing. Poet sees a homeless person who was looking at the train with amazement. He also sees some ladies in a common village grassy land, they were making garlands of daisy flowers.


4. Here is a cart run away in the road,
Lumping along with man and load;
And here is a mill and there is a river;
Each a glimpse and gone for ever!
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) What does the word glimpse mean?
(iii) What is the relation between the mill and the river?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
(v) What was the cart's scene?
Ans:
(i)Poem: From A Railway Carriage.
Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson
(ii) Glimpse means a brief look
(iii)  The poet saw mill and river while travelling in the train. Both are very huge in size but the speed of train is very fast that these objects even appeared and disappeared so quickly. Poet looked at them for very brief time and they can never be seen again.
(iv) The message of the poem is that a railway journey is a source of happiness as it provides a chance to enjoy the natural beauty.

 " A thing of  beauty is a joy for ever."

(v) The cart was running away on the road. It had a load and a man was also sitting in the cart. The cart was lumping along due to heavy load on it.

Words/Meanings:
1. to lump: to move heavily and awkwardly.
2. a glimpse: a brief look.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “From a Railway Carriage” written by Robert Louis Stevenson. In this poem poet shares his experience of a railway journey with us. He describes its speed very amazing. He presents natural scenes seen from the window of a railway carriage.

Explanation:
Poet says that he sees a cart moving slowly in the middle of a highway it was full of load and a cart driver was sitting on the top of the load. He sees a water mill and river while travelling in the train. All these objects appeared and then disappeared so quickly that poet looked at them for very brief time and they can never be seen again.

About The Poet:
The poem " From a railway carriage" is written by Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894). He is a Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist He was born in Edinburgh. His formal education was greatly interrupted by illness, and was frequently taken for holidays. He tried to study engineering, then law. But in 1873, he decided to embark upon a literary career. His novels "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped" are well known. In another one, "Dr. Jekytt and Mr. Hyde," he shows how every individual has tendencies to do both good and evil He really loved children and understood them. This poem shows his skill as a poet.

English X - Chapter No.4 - Reference To Context

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Little Things (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 
Poem: Little Things
Poetess: An American poetess Julia Carney (1823-1908).

Explain With Reference To Context (Poem)

1. Little drops of water,
Little grains of sand,
Make the mighty ocean
And the pleasant land.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) How the poet / poetess explain the importance of little things and why?
(iii) Write a few lines about the poet / poetess?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Little Things
Poetess: Julia Carney
(ii) The poetess invites our attention to the importance of little things. She says that little drops of water make mighty oceans. Very vast and beautiful lands are made of little grains of sand. Similarly very short moments of time make endless ages. We should treat others with kindness and love.
(iii) This poem is written by Julia Carney (1823-1908). She was an American verse writer. She was born in Boston, and died in 1908. Not much is known about her. This poem was first published in 1845. It is a simple children's song to explain that even little things are important.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Little things” written by an American poetess Julia Carney. In this poem poetess tries to tell tat little things are very important because every big things is made of little things.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess tells that little drops of water separately have no importance but when they are together they make big and powerful oceans. In the same way this beautiful land of ours is made by small grains of sand.

2. Little deeds of kindness,
Little words of love,
Make our world an Eden
Like the Heav'n above.
(i) Name the poem and the poet / poetess.
(ii) How can we make our world an Eden?
(iii) Write a few lines about the poet / poetess?
(iv) What is the message of the poem?
(v) What does Eden mean?
Ans:
(i) Poem: Little Things
Poetess: Julia Carney
(ii) We can make our world Eden by our little deeds of kindness. We can do this only by wiping the tears of others in grief, nursing the sick, feeding the hungry and cheering the depressed people. Our kind words and sympathy make this world an ideal place and have everlasting impression on people.
(iii) This poem is written by Julia Carney (1823-1908). She was an American verse writer. She was born in Boston, and died in 1908. Not much is known about her. This poem was first published in 1845. It is a simple children's song to explain that even little things are important.
(iv) Little things like loving, caring and forgiving are of great importance and everlasting in person's mind.
(v) Eden means the garden of paradise, where our first parents Adam and Eve lived. An Arab country has the same name, but it is spelt: "Aden".

Words / Meanings:
Eden: the garden of paradise, where our first parents Adam and Eve lived. An Arab country has the same name, but it is spelt: "Aden".
Heav'n: Heaven.

Reference to context:
These lines have been taken from the poem “Little Things” written by an American poetess Julia Carney. In This poem poetess tries to tell that little things are very important because every big thing is made of little things.

Explanation:
In these lines poetess says that if we speak small words of sympathy and love and do little works of kindness. It is sure that this world will be as peaceful and pleasant as the garden of paradise named Eden.

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About Poet: 
This poem is written by Julia Carney (1823-1908). She was an American verse writer. She was born in Boston, and died in 1908. Not much is known about her. This poem was first published in 1845. It is a simple children's song to explain that even little things are important.

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