Read the given extract and answer the questions
Extract:
Remember they have eyes like ours that wake
Or sleep, and strength that can be won
By love. In every land is common life
That all can recognise and understand.
( No Men are Foreign)
Question (i)
What does the poet mean by "strength that can be won by love"?
Answer:
Answer written by student:
The poet means that love can make people stronger and overcome their differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The poet uses the word "strength" to refer to the ability to live in harmony and respect with others.
- He says that this strength can be "won" by love, which means that love can help people achieve this state of peace and understanding.
- He implies that love is a powerful force that can overcome the barriers of hatred and prejudice that divide people.
- He also suggests that love is a choice that people can make , rather than something that is given or imposed on them.
Question (ii)
How does the poet show that all human beings are similar?
Answer:
Answer written by student:
The poet shows that all human beings are similar by using words like "ours", "they", and "all" to indicate that we share the same features and feelings. He also gives examples of how we are aware of the same natural elements and have the same basic needs.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The poet uses pronouns like "ours", "they", and "all" to create a sense of connection and belonging among all human beings. He does not use any specific names or labels to differentiate people based on their nationality, language, or religion.
- He also gives examples of how we are all aware of the same natural elements, such as sun, air, and water. These elements are essential for our survival and well-being, and they are common to everyone regardless of where they live or what they believe in.
- He also mentions how we are all fed by peaceful harvests or starved by war's long winter. This shows that we have the same basic needs of food and security, and that we are affected by the same conditions of peace or war. He implies that we should not cause harm or suffering to each other, as we are all dependent on the same resources and share the same fate.
Question (iii)
What is the rhyme scheme of the extract?
- a) abab
- b) abcb
- c) aabb
- d) none of these
Answer:
Answer written by student:
b) abcb.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The rhyme scheme of a poem is the pattern of sounds at the end of each line . To identify the rhyme scheme, we assign a letter to each sound and write it at the end of each line. For example, if two lines rhyme with each other, we give them the same letter. If they do not rhyme, we give them different letters.
- In this extract, the first and third lines rhyme with each other, as they end with the sound "-ake" . We can assign them the letter "a" . The second and fourth lines do not rhyme with each other or with the first and third lines. They end with different sounds: "-on" and "-and" . We can assign them different letters: "b" and "c" .
- Therefore, the rhyme scheme of this extract is abcb . This means that only the first and third lines rhyme with each other, while the second and fourth lines do not rhyme with anyone.
Question (iv)
Fill in the blank with a suitable word:
In every land is _______ life.
Answer:
Answer written by student:
Common.
Step-by-step explanation:
- To fill in the blank, we need to find a word that fits in both grammatically and contextually . Grammatically, we need a word that is an adjective, as it modifies the noun "life". Contextually, we need a word that matches the meaning and tone of the poem.
- The word "common" fits both criteria. It is an adjective that means shared by or belonging to all . It conveys the idea that all human beings have a similar life that they can recognise and understand. It also supports the theme of universal brotherhood and equality that the poet wants to convey.
- Therefore, the suitable word to fill in the blank is common. The complete sentence is: In every land is common life.👏
