The Solitary Reaper Questions and Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -

                                                   THE SOLITARY REAPER




1.What is the central idea of the poem?

(a) Reapers can sing like birds.

(b) Sweet music appeals to all

(c) Beautiful experiences have long-lasting effects.

(d) Rich harvest makes the reaper happy

Ans. Sweet music appeals to all

2. The setting of the poem is_______________________________

(a) the Arabian deserts

(b) the British Islands

(c) the Hebrides Islands

(d) the mountain regions of Scotland

Ans. The mountain reigons of Scotland.

3. Who are the people described in the poem?

Ans. The poet and the solitary reaper are described in the poem.

4. Who does the expression 'Highland Lass' refer to? Why does he describe her as "You

solitary Highland Lass?"

Ans. Here 'Highland Lass' refers to the solitary reaper whom the poet saw in the valley. The poet described her "Yon solitary Highland Lass" because the girl was alone over there. Besides he knew that the girl must be a native of that mountain region.

5. What is the girl doing?

Ans. The girl is cutting the grains and binding them and at the same time she is singing a song.

6. Who does the poet say 'Stop here or gently pass'? Why does he say so?

Ans. The melodious song of the girl appeals the poet. He says "stop here or pass gently" to the passers-by. He says so that the girl will not be disturbed.

7. Pick out the words which tell that the girl does not have anyone by her side.

Ans. The words like ‘solitary', 'single' and 'alone' tell that the girl does not have anyone by her side.

8. What is the tone of her song-happy, sed, soothing or sympathetic?

Ans.  The tone of her song is soothing.

9. "Overflowing with sound”-Explain.

Ans. The poet finds a young girl singing an enchanting song in a loud voice. The entire valley is flooded with her beautiful voice.

10. The solitary reaper's song reminds the poet of other singers. Who are they?

Ans. The solitary reaper's song reminds the poet of other singers. They are the nightingale and the cuckoo.

11. Who sings welcome notes? Where? For whom? What for?

Ans. The nightingale sings welcome notes in the shady places among the Arabian sands for the tired travellers to welcome and soothe them.

12. Whose voice is thrilling?

Ans. The voice of the cuckoo-bird is thrilling

13. Where does it sing? When?

Ans. It sings in the most remote group of islands of the sea in Scotland in spring

14. Who does Wordsworth compare the farmer girl with? Why?

Ans. Wordsworth compares the farmer girl with the nightingale and the cuckoo-bird because her

tone was as melodious as the cuckoo's and nightingale's.

15. The peasant girl's song is not intelligible to the poet because ____________

(a)her song is in a dialect he does not understand.

(b)he is far away to hear the words of the song.

(c)her voice is not clear as she is humming the words.

(d)her voice is too soft for him to get.

Ans. her song is in a dialect he does not understand.

16. What does the phrase 'humble lay' mean?

Ans. The phrase ‘humble lay’ means ordinary song or modest song.

17. The expression 'plaintive numbers' refers to sad music. Pick out another phrase in the

poem carrying the same meaning.

Ans. The expression ‘Plaintive numbers' refers to sad music. Another phrase in the poem carrying the same meaning is 'melancholy strain’.

18. What does the poet mean to say "As if her song could have no ending."?

(a) Her song is too long to end.

(b) She keeps on singing and seems not to end.

(c) The poet does not want the song to end.

(d) The song contains an everlasting universal theme which recycles.

Ans. She keeps on singing and seems not to end.

19. The poet listens 'motionless and still because___________________

(a) the rich melodious voice of the singer holds him mesmerised and spellbound.

(b) he was tired after walking uphill.

(c) he wanted to learn the words and rhythm of the song.

(d) he is rooted to the spot by the girl's beauty,

Ans. the rich melodious voice of the singer holds him mesmerised and spellbound.

20. How did the song affect the narrator?

Ans. No doubt the song of the solitary reaper was melodious. The narrator was deeply impressed by the sweet tone of the girl. It held him mesmerised and spellbound.

21. In stanza-I and stanza-2, four words and phrases have been used to show that the girl working in the fields is without anyone by her. Pick out these words and phrases.

Ans. In stanza-1 and 2, four words and phrases have been used to show that the girl working in the fields is without anyone by her. These words and phrases are single, solitary, by herself, alone, cuts and binds and sings.

22. The theme of the solitary reaper's song contains sadness. What other words are used

in place of "sad"?

Ans. The theme of the solitary reaper's song contains sadness. The other words used in place of 'sad' are melancholy, plaintive, unhappy and sorrow.

23. What are the two synonyms for the 'young girl'?

Ans. The two synonyms for the "young girl' are 'Lass’ and ‘Maiden'.

24. Three other words are used to mean 'song’. What are they?

Ans. Three other words are used to mean 'song'. They are 'notes', 'strain' and 'numbers"/"lay".

25. A melancholy strain' in stanza-2 means 'sad song’. Find out another phrase in stanza 5 with similar meaning.

Ans. A melancholy strain in stanza-2 means 'sad song’. Another phrase in stanza-5 with similar meaning is "Plaintive numbers".

26. Which word in stanza-5 expresses the poet's guess?

Ans. The word 'perhaps’ in stanza-5 expresses the poet's guess.

Comments

Post a Comment

POPULAR POSTS

on examination by winston 's churchill Q & A for +2 CHSE students

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
On Examination  by Winston S Churchill Introducing the author Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill (1874 — 1965) was the Prime Minister of England twice (1940- 45  and  1951-55).  A  noted statesman and orator, Churchill was also an officer in the  British Army, a historian, a writer, and an artist. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in  Literature in       1953.  At Harrow" is an excerpt from  Chapter II (HARROW) of Winston  S. Churchill's autobiography, A Roving Commission My Early Life (1930).   Unit I Warm-up Examinations, for many, are not a pleasant experience. The apprehension of not doing well makes even bright students anxious. Read the following unit of the text and note how the writer took his Entrance Examination to Harrow: The Text I had scarcely passed my twelfth birthday when  I entered the inhospitable regions of examinations, through which for the next seven years I was destined to journe...
Read more

Daffodils by William Wordsworth (With Question Answers) CHSE Invitation to English I Book

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
DAFFODILS  by William Wordsworth Introducing the poet William Wordsworth (1770 - 1850) is one of the major poets of his time. He was honoured as England's Poet Laureate.He defined poetry as ―Spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings‖ arising from ―emotions recollected in tranquility‖. He is a poet of nature, and used common words to express his feelings.Warm up This poem incorporates the ideas and aspects essential to romantic poetry. The field of daffodils is evidently the subject of this poem, making nature the most apparent feature throughout. Wordsworth adds a range of natural images such as lakes, trees, stars and even clouds in this poem. Through nature a tranquil mood is instantly created from the very first line,―I wandered lonely as a cloud.‖ The atmosphere of the poem is very peaceful and the use of nature creates a joyful setting. Not until the poet later muses about what he saw does he fully appreciate the cheerful sight of the dancing daffodils.Study the poem and note ...
Read more

After Twenty Years by O’ Henry Question and Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
After Twenty Years  O’ Henry Introducing the author William Sydney Porter (1862 -1910), known by his pen name O Henry, was an American writer. His short stories are known for their wit, wordplay, warm characterization and surprise. Unit I Warm Up Do you value personal relationship? What will you prefer if personal relationship comes in the way of your duty? O’ Henry narrates this story to show - ‘Devotion to duty triumphs over personal relationship’. The story depicts the irony and pathos of life in a subtle and dramatic manner. Read the following unit of the text and note how two friends meet after twenty years at the appointed time and place: The Text The policeman on the beat moved up the quiet road smartly. His smartness was habitual and not for show, for spectators were few. The time was only 10 o’clock at night. But the locality was one that kept early hours, and chilly winds and a drizzle had almost depeopled the streets. Examining closed doors as he went, making various int...
Read more

To my True Friend by Elizabeth Pinard Explanation and Question Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  To my True Friend by Elizabeth Pinard      The day I met you I found a friend - And a friendship that I pray will never end. Your smile - so sweet And so bright - Kept me going When day was as dark as night. You never ever judged me, You understood my sorrow. Then you told me it needn't be that way And gave me the hope of a better tomorrow. You were always there for me, I knew I could count on you. You gave me advice and encouragement Whenever I didn't know what to do. You helped me learn to love myself You made life seem so good. You said I can do anything I put my mind to And suddenly I knew I could. There were times when we didn't see eye to eye And there were days when both of us cried. But even so we made it through: Our friendship hasn't yet died. Circumstances have pulled us apart, We are separated by many miles. Truly, the only thing that keeps me going Is my treasured memory of your smile. This friendship we share Is so precious to me, I hope it grows and ...
Read more

The Doctor's Word by R. K. Narayan Questions and Ansewers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  The Doctor’s Word Q1. Why did the patients visit Dr Raman only when they were hopeless? Ans. The patients visited Dr Raman only when they were hopeless, for following reasons. Firstly, he charged a sum of twenty-five rupees which was quite a lot according to that time. Secondly, it was said that Dr Raman was called in only when the last time of the patient approached. Also, there was something threatening or scary about his presence as his presence meant that the patient was seriously ill. Q2.What impression of Dr Raman do you get from the passage? Ans. Dr. Raman was skilled in his profession. Owing to his expertise, people valued his opinion and it was considered no less than a verdict of a judge. He was honest while imparting the facts to his patients, as in, what their condition was in terms of health. He never used comforting words to his patients and thought that it was of no use. But if he glimpsed the faintest sign of hope in his patient, he rolled up his sleeve an...
Read more

MONEY MADNESS by D.H. Lawrence (Analysis and Question Answer Discussion)

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
MONEY MADNESS   D.H. Lawrence Introducing the Poet David Herbert Richards Lawrence (1885 –1930) is an English novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, literary critic and painter. His Collected Works represent an extended reflection upon the dehumanising effects of modernity and industrialisation. In them, Lawrence confronts issues relating to emotional health and vitality, spontaneity, and instinct.Warm up Craze for money seems to have gripped the modern world. In today‘s world, people need money to have access to things. Without money they are really lost and don‘t know what to do. Without money, they may end up on the streets. The rich are, therefore, admired for their wealth and prosperity and the poor are hated for their poverty and adversity. But money has been the root, if not of all evil, of great misery to the human race. Money turns man insane.Read the poem and note how the poet pleads for a society without money. The Text  Money is our madness, our vast collective madn...
Read more

The Inchcape Rock Question Answers

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
  THE INCHCAPE ROCK UNIT-1 1.       What does the poet describe the Inchcape rock? Ans. The poet states that the Inchcape rock was few inches high above the rock the surface of the sea in low ride and was completely covered by the sea in high tide or when the sea was rough. 2.       Was the Inchcape Rock dangerous? Give your reasons? Ans. The Inchcape Rock dangerous , because during sunny days the huge stone could be easily noticed, but it was completely covered by the sea in a high tide or when the sea swelled. As a result, many ships had been wrecked. 3.       Why did the abbot place a bell on the Inchcape Rock? Ans. The Abbot placed a bell on the Inchcape Rock to warn the sailors of the presence of this fatal rock nearby. 4.       When did the Inchcape bell ring? Ans. The Inchcape bell rang during a storm or when the sea swelled. 5.     ...
Read more

In London in minus four by Louis Fischer (Questions and Answers)

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
IN LONDON IN MINUS FOURS  Louis Fischer Introducing the author Louis Fischer (1896–1970) is an outstanding American writer, columnist, and analyst of world affairs. He occupies a unique place among Gandhiji’sadmirers in the West. He has closely studied the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi in his book life of Mahatma Gandhi (1950).  Unit I Warm-Up Do you know that the Second Round Table Conference in London is an important landmark in the history of Indian freedom movement? It was held in London from7 September 1931 to 1 December 1931. Note that "In London in Minus Fours" forms a chapter in The Life of Mahatma Gandhi. In this essay, the author portrays the character of Gandhiji more as a humane human being than as a politician. Read the following unit of the text and note how the author relates Gandhiji'sarrival and stay at London as India's emissary to the Second Round TableConference: The Text  Gandhi sailed from Bombay on the S.S. Rajputana at noon on August 29,...
Read more

My Greatest Olympic Prize by Jesse Owens

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
MY GREATEST OLYMPIC PRIZE   Jesse Owens Introducing the author   James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens (1913 -1980) was an American track and field athlete who specialized in sprints and long jump. He participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, where he achieved international fame by winning four gold medals:one each in the 100 meters, 200 meters,long jump, and as member of the 4x100 metre relay race team. Unit I Warm up   The Olympic Games is the world‘s foremost sports competition featuring summer and winter sports, in which athletes from all over the world participate in a variety of competitions. In this essay, Jesse Owens shares his experiences of 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin when patriotic feelings were running high in Germany.However, Owens did not bother, as he trusted in his abilities. He tells his stunning story about forging a lasting friendship with a German, putting differences aside for the love of the Games. Read the following unit of the te...
Read more

THE BALLAD OF FATHER GILLIGAN

By Priyabrata Mishra -
Image
THE BALLAD OF FATHER GILLIGAN  William Butler Yeats Introducing the author William Butler Yeats (1865 - 1939) is an Irish poet,dramatist and mystic. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923.Warm up ―The Ballad of Father Gilligan‖ has a ballad form - a narrative poem, usually sung, with regular, short stanzas that tell a story. In this poem, Yeats narrates a profoundly meaningful story and it has a more overtly religious content than most of his poems. The story is about a priest who being emotionally and physically worn out fell into deep slumber. As he woke up, he was horrified by the fact that he could not make it to the bedside of the sick man before he died and that no one had performed the rites of blessing for the dying. The divine presence in the guise of the priest is an affirmation of a loving and kind God.Study the poem and find out how Yeats glorifies God. The Text  The old priest Peter Gilligan  Was weary night and day;  For half his flock we...
Read more