Verified step-by-step solutions for your class notes.
I Fill in the blanks with one word from the poem. One example has been done for you.
In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who 1. ________________ leaving nothing behind. The heart, is equated to a 2. ________________ who finds that words are as worthless as 3. ________________ when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more 4. ________________ than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a 5. ________________ place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the 6. ________________ would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a 7. ________________.
II Let us appreciate the poem.
III Complete the sentences given below with hyperboles. Use the hints given in the brackets.
I Read the following lines and answer the questions.
1. The heart, a pilgrim upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worth
As just so many weeds.
2. Read the following lines and answer the questions.
If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast;
But words, when summoned to the test,
Oft satisfy the least!
1. What is the comparison that the poet draws between words and 'empty air'?
1. Answer: The poet compares words to seasonal birds that fly away when summer ends, leaving only empty air behind. In the same way, insincere words vanish immediately after being uttered, leaving no lasting comfort or substance for the listener.
2. According to the poet meaningful words are more precious than a lot of them. Explain.
2. Answer: The poet explains that a few quiet words spoken with genuine sincerity touch the soul and bring deeper joy, whereas an ocean of superficial words reaches only the intellect and leaves the heart cold.
3. Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to 'words' in the poem? If yes, why? If no, why not?
3. Answer: Yes, the poet presents a sharp contrast between hollow, verbose speech—which is as useless as weeds—and sparse, honest words that possess the power to brighten a lonely home and heal a troubled spirit.
4. The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support this statement with examples from the text.
4. Answer: The theme is evident when the poet depicts the human heart as a solitary pilgrim on earth in need of true companionship, describes speech leaving behind "empty air", and specifically speaks of a gentle voice winning its way to "a lonely home to cheer".
5. How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done to address this?
5. Answer: The poet conveys superficiality by comparing empty words to gaudy plants that bloom lavishly all the way down to the roots but fail to produce a single particle of fruit. To address this, we must speak fewer words and ensure that our speech comes from heartfelt sincerity, empathy, and is validated by supportive action.
Once this website finishes loading, every single subject, branch, chapter, and global search is already stored inside your browser's memory.