Read the given extract and answer the questions

Extract:

Let us remember, whenever we are told

To hate our brothers, it is ourselves

That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.

Remember, we who take arms against each other

( No Men are Foreign)

Extract Based Questions - Poems Class 9 - English Teachoo - No Men are Foreign

Question (i)

 What does the poet mean by "our brothers"?

  Answer:

    As written by the student: 

The poet means all human beings who are related to us by blood or by humanity.

    Step-by-step explanation:

  •       The poet uses the word "our brothers" to refer to all human beings who share the same origin and destiny . He does not limit the term to only those who are related to us by blood or by family ties, but extends it to include those who are related to us by humanity and compassion.
  •       He wants us to see all human beings as our brothers, regardless of their nationality, language, or religion . He wants us to feel a sense of kinship and solidarity with them, and to not hate or harm them.

Question (ii)

How does the poet show that hating others is harmful to ourselves?

  Answer:

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    As written by the student:

 The poet shows that hating others is harmful to ourselves by using words like "dispossess", "betray", and "condemn" to describe the consequences of hatred . He also uses the word "ourselves" to emphasize that we are hurting our own identity and dignity when we hate others.

   Step-by-step explanation:

  •      The poet uses strong words like "dispossess", "betray", and "condemn" to show that hating others is not only wrong, but also self-destructive . He implies that when we hate others, we lose our own possessions, values, and morals. We also betray our own conscience and humanity, and condemn ourselves to guilt and misery.
  •       He also uses the word "ourselves" to emphasize that we are not only harming others, but also ourselves when we hate others . He wants us to realize that we are all connected and interdependent, and that what we do to others affects us as well. He wants us to take responsibility for our actions and feelings, and to not blame or scapegoat others for our problems.

Question (iii)

What is the figure of speech used in the line "we who take arms against each other"? 

  • a) metaphor
  • b) simile
  • c) personification
  • d) hyperbole

  Answer:

    As written by the student: 

c) personification .

    Step-by-step explanation:

  •       A figure of speech is a word or phrase that is used in a non-literal or imaginative way to create an effect or convey a meaning . There are different types of figures of speech, such as metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, etc .
  •        A personification is a figure of speech that gives human qualities or abilities to non-human things or abstract ideas . It makes them seem more alive or relatable.
  •       In this line, the poet uses a personification to give human qualities to the word "arms". He implies that arms can take action or make decisions on their own, without the control or consent of their owners. He suggests that arms have a will or a motive to  fight against each other, regardless of the consequences or the reasons.

Question (iv)

Fill in the blank with a suitable word:

Let us remember, whenever we are _______. 

  Answer:

   As written by the student: 

The suitable word is told.

    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 a past participle verb, as it follows the verb "are". Contextually, we need a word that matches the meaning and tone of the poem.
  •      The word "told" fits both criteria. It is a past participle verb that means instructed or informed. It conveys the idea that someone else is trying to influence or manipulate us into hating others. It also supports the theme of universal brotherhood and peace that the poet wants to convey.
  •      Therefore, the suitable word to fill in the blank is told. The complete sentence is: Let us remember, whenever we are told.👏

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