Most of students search over Google for Haryana Board (HBSE) Important Questions 2026. Here is the Main reason because HBSE Board Says that in HBSE Exam 2026 (last 3 Years of Questions will Repeat) so that here are the selected List of Questions of Haryana Board For Class 11.
HBSE Class 11 English Hornbill Important Questions 2026
Chapter 1 – The portrait of a Lady
Q1. Describe in brief the pen-picture of the narrator’s grandmother highlighting her noble qualities. (The Portrait of a Lady)
OR
would you agree that the author’s grandmother was a person strong in character? If yes, give instances that show this. (The portrait of a Lady)
Ans- The narrator’s grandmother was quite old, approximately eighty years old. There were many wrinkles on her face. Her locks were silvery-grey. There were many appreciable qualities in Khushwant Singh’s grandmother. The qualities that impressed me the most were her spirituality and her love for animals. She was a strong woman who could adapt herself to any new challenging situation. May be she derived that strength from her devotion to God. She was so divinely dedicated to praying to God that she never left her rosary. At the end, when she felt she had omitted her duty to God, she decided to not to talk to anyone just because she wanted to be God during the last moments of her life. Her feeding the village dogs and then the sparrows show her love for animals. She found company in them. And sparrows reciprocated her love and care. They didn’t chirp at all; nor did they eat a single crumb at her death. She was really a saintly woman.
Q2. What proofs do you find of the friendship between grandmother and grandson in “The Portrait of a Lady” ?
Ans- The grandmother had a strong bond with the narrator during his childhood. She would wake him up, help him get ready for school, and prepare his wooden slate. While he studied, she patiently waited in the temple. After school, they would walk home together, showcasing their close friendship.
Q3. The grandmother was a kind-hearted woman. Give example in support of your answer. (The Portrait of a Lady)
Ans- She was kind as she used to feed animals.
- The question has been asked from the story The Portrait of a Lady by Khushwant Singh.
- The grandma was a kind and compassionate lady. She was a wonderful person with a big heart and a lot of sympathy.
- Every day, she would leave her grandson at school and feed stale chapattis to the neighbourhood dogs.
- She continued this behaviour in the city, but in the courtyard of the house she would feed bread bits to birds.
- The birds were always close to her which was the happiest time or her.
Q4. Write a character sketch of the Grandmother. (The Portrait of a Lady)
OR
Draw the pen portrait of the author’s grandmother. (The Portrait of a Lady)
Ans- The grandmother was very serious about the author’s education. She would wake him up each morning and prepare him for school. She washed his wooden slate and covered it with yellow chalk. She bundled his earthen ink-pot and reed pen together and took him to school. While he studied, she waited for him in the temple, reading scriptures. When the author attended an English school in the city, she would ask him about his lessons when he returned home. Although she could not assist him with his studies, she was deeply interested in what he learned. However, she was troubled by the subjects taught at the English school, especially when she discovered he was learning music, which she deemed unsuitable for gentlefolk. Her concerns stemmed from her belief that the teachings at the English school did not align with her values. She felt distressed that her grandson was not being taught about God and the scriptures, which were important to her. This disconnect between their educational experiences highlighted her commitment to his learning despite her lack of formal education.
Q5. Mention three reasons why the author’s grandmother was disturbed when he started going to the city school.
Ans- The author’s grandmother was unhappy after knowing that the things taught to him at school were related to western science and learning. Secondly, she did not believe such things that were taught at his new school. She was disturbed that there was no teaching about God and scriptures. Thirdly, she was unhappy with the idea of music lessons being given at school. She considered music suitable only for people with low dignity. The disapproval of the grandmother was visible in her silence.
Q6. Whom did grandmother feed in the afternoon?
Ans- In the afternoon, the grandmother fed the sparrows in the courtyard. She broke pieces of bread and scattered them for the birds. The sparrows gathered around her and sat on her shoulders and legs without fear. This showed her deep love and kindness towards animals.
Q7. How did the birds express their sorrow on Khuswant Singh’s grandmother’s death ? Most Important
Ans- The author’s grandmother shared a unique bond with the sparrows. She seemed at her happiest self while feeding the sparrows.
The day the author’s grandmother died, thousands of sparrows sat scattered around her dead body. They sat there in utter silence mourning the death of the grandmother. They took no notice of the bread crumbs thrown at them and flew away silently after the body was carried for the final rites. The next morning, the bread crumbs were swept away into the dustbin by the sweeper.
Q8. How did the grandmother spend her days after, when the author grew up?
Ans- As the author grew older, his grandmother spent her days spinning a spinning wheel, chanting prayers, and feeding sparrows. She would spin yarn for hours from morning to evening, and in the afternoon, she would feed the sparrows in the courtyard. She also continued to recite prayers and count the beads of her rosary.
Q9. How do you know that Khuswant Singh’s grandmother was a religious person ?
Ans- The author’s grandmother was a religious lady with a kind heart. She moved about in the house “telling the beads of her rosary”. Her lips constantly moved in “inaudible prayer”. She said her morning prayers in monotonous sing-song hoping that the author would learn it by heart. Every day, she went along with the author to his school and sat in the temple that was attached to it, reading the holy books for hours. She believed in the teachings about God and scriptures and did not like that her grandson was not taught about them in the city school. Gradually, she turned to recite prayers throughout the day. Before dying, she stopped talking to her family members and turned to prayers, and counting the beads.
Q10. How does Khuswant Singh describe his grandfather?
Ans- Khushwant Singh describes his grandfather as he was painted in the portrait that was hung above the mantlepiece. He wore a big turban and loose-fitting clothes. He had a long white beard and he looked at least 100 years old. He looked like the kind of person who could have only lots and lots of grandchildren.
Q11. What image of the grandmother emerges from “The Portrait of a Lady” ? Explain.
Ans- Grandmother was a very old lady. she was short statured, fat and slightly bent.Her face was wrinkled and she was always dressed in spotless white clothes .She was a deeply religious lady as she would always be chanting a silent prayer and counting the beads of rosary. she was a nice, kind hearted and religious lady
Q12. How did the grandmother receive the author when he came home after studying abroad?
Ans- When the author returned from abroad after 5 years, Grandma went to the railway station to receive him. Before going to abroad the author thought that the grandmother is too old and he’s seeing her for the last time as when he will come back she would have been died. But when he saw grandma she didn’t look even a day older. She clasped him in her arms. He could hear her reciting her prayers.
Chapter 2 – We’re Not Afraid to Die
Q1. What difference did you notice between the reaction of the adults and the children when faced with danger? ( We Are Not Afraid To Die… If We Can All be Together)
Ans- The adults exhibit immense courage. The narrator acts as the true captain of the ship and works out every possible way to handle the sudden crisis. It’s mainly because of his undeterred efforts that they survive. Mary supports her husband in the navigation of the ship. Larry and Herb to work endlessly to pump out the water.
However, when things still do not seem to work out, the adults lose hope and wait for their end with a heavy heart. At this point, they are motivated by the children. The children offer moral support to adults. They display maturity and tolerance. Jonathan expresses his fearlessness and courage when he says that they are not afraid of dying if they all can be together. Sue expresses her love and gratitude for her parents by making a greeting card. She is strong enough to not let her parents know about her serious injuries. She did not want to bother her parents in times of crisis.
Q2. What did Mary tell the narrator ? (We’re not Afraid to Die….. If we can all be together) Most Important
Ans- Mary told the narrator that she was not afraid to die if they could all be together. When the ship was badly damaged by the huge waves in the storm, the narrator (her father) was worried about his children. At that time, Mary showed great courage and maturity. She said that she was not afraid of dying as long as the family stayed together. Her words gave emotional strength and courage to the narrator. It showed her bravery, love for her family, and strong faith during the dangerous situation at sea.
Q3. What does the narrative “We’re not Afraid to Die ……. If we can all be together ” tell about the author and his family ?
Ans: The narrative tells us that the author and his family were brave, determined, united, and optimistic even in the face of extreme danger.
- Spirit of Adventure: The author, Gordon Cook, and his wife Mary were courageous sailors. They undertook a risky sea voyage around the world, showing their adventurous nature.
- Strong Family Bond: During the terrible storm, the entire family stood together. The children, Jonathan and Suzanne, showed remarkable courage and maturity. Suzanne said she was not afraid to die if they could all be together. This reflects their deep love and unity.
- Presence of Mind and Determination: Despite serious injuries and a badly damaged ship, the author did not lose hope. He repaired the boat and continued fighting against the storm.
- Optimism and Faith: The family remained hopeful and trusted one another. Their courage and positive attitude helped them survive the life-threatening situation.
Thus, the narrative highlights the author and his family as brave, united, and full of determination even in the most difficult circumstances.
Q4. Describe the mental condition of the Voyagers on 4 and 5 January. [ We’re Not Afraid to Die If we can All Be Together)
OR
Describe the experience of the voyagers on the 4th and 5th of January. (We’re not Afraid to Die….If We can All Be Together)
Ans- On January 4 and 5, the voyagers were completely tired after the rigorous practice of continuous pumping. It was on January 4 that they ate their first meal in almost two days. After a short respite, they continued to face bad weather conditions and by the morning of January 5, the situation grew desperate. The narrator tried to comfort the children. But it is worth noting that in spite of so many difficulties, the children displayed immense fearlessness. Jonathan confessed that they are not afraid to die as long as they all are together. Though this inspired the narrator to fight the sea, by that evening he was sure that their end was fast approaching. It was only because of the moral support of his children that he continued to make efforts.
Chapter 3 – Discovering Tut : The Saga Continues
Q1. The tomb of king was discovered in which year?
OR
When was King Tut’s tomb discovered ?
Ans- The tomb of King Tut was discovered in 1922. It was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. King Tut, also known as Tutankhamun, was a young Egyptian pharaoh whose tomb remained hidden for more than 3,000 years.
Q2. Who was the Howard Carter ? (Discovering Tut : The Saga Continues)
Ans- Howard Carter was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist. He is best known for discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut) in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. Carter worked for many years in Egypt, searching for hidden tombs. With the financial support of Lord Carnarvon, he finally discovered King Tut’s tomb, which became one of the most important archaeological discoveries in history.
Q3. When was a CT scan performed on Tut’s mummy? (Discovering Tut The Saga Continues)
Ans- A CT scan was performed on the mummy of Tutankhamun on 5 January 2005. The scan was conducted by a team of Egyptian scientists to get detailed images of the mummy. It helped researchers learn more about King Tut’s health, age, and possible cause of death without damaging the mummy.
Q4. Describe briefly the rein of king Tut and his dynasty. (Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues)
Ans- Tutankhamun, popularly known as King Tut, was a young pharaoh of Egypt who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty of the New Kingdom period. He became king at a very early age, around nine years old, and ruled for about nine years (approximately 1332–1323 BCE). King Tut belonged to the powerful Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, one of the most prosperous and important dynasties in ancient Egyptian history. This dynasty produced many famous rulers and expanded Egypt’s wealth and influence. Tutankhamun’s reign was significant mainly because he restored the old religious traditions of Egypt. His predecessor, Akhenaten, had introduced the worship of a single god, Aten. After becoming king, Tutankhamun brought back the worship of Amun and other traditional gods. He shifted the capital back to Thebes and tried to restore stability in the kingdom. However, King Tut’s reign was short. He died at the age of about nineteen under mysterious circumstances. Although he was not a very powerful or long-ruling king, his tomb’s discovery made him one of the most famous pharaohs in history. Thus, King Tut’s reign was brief but historically important because it marked the restoration of traditional religion and stability during the Eighteenth Dynasty.
Q5. King Tut was buried with gilded treasureand with the things of everydy use. What was the belief of the people of ancient Egypt behind this?
Ans- The people of ancient Egypt believed in life after death. They thought that death was not the end but the beginning of a new journey in the next world. Therefore, Tutankhamun was buried with gilded treasures, gold ornaments, weapons, clothes, food, and other everyday items. The Egyptians believed that the dead person would need all these things in the afterlife just as he did in this world. They also believed that the soul (Ka) would return to the body after death. So, they preserved the body carefully through mummification and placed valuable objects in the tomb for comfort, protection, and status in the next life. Thus, the burial of King Tut with treasures and daily-use items reflects the strong Egyptian belief in immortality and life after death.
Q6. Why was King Tut’s denise a big event ?
Ans- King Tut’s death was of course a big event. Even by royal standards he was the last ruler in his family line. His funeral was the death bell of a dynasty that ruled in Egypt for centuries. The big event is because of the fact that he died unexpectedly at young age. The particulars of his passing and its aftermath are not clear.
Q7. Why did the boy king change his name, from Tutan Khaten to Tutan Khamum? Most Important
Ans- Tutankhamun changed his name from Tutan-khaten to Tutankhamun to show his rejection of the worship of Aten and his support for the traditional god Amun. His father, Akhenaten, had introduced the worship of only one god, Aten, and changed the religious system of Egypt. After his father’s death, the young king restored the old religious practices and brought back the worship of Amun. The name Tutan-khaten meant “Living Image of Aten,” while Tutankhamun means “Living Image of Amun.” By changing his name, he made it clear that he supported the traditional religion and wanted to bring stability and peace to the kingdom.
Chapter 4 – The Ailing Planet : The Green Movement’s Role
Q1. Why do people in poor countries cut down trees? (The Ailing Planet: The Green Movement’s Role)
Ans- People in poor countries cut down trees mainly due to poverty and survival needs. They depend on forests for fuel, food, shelter, and livelihood. Many people use wood as firewood for cooking and heating because they cannot afford other sources of energy. Trees are also cut to clear land for farming and to earn money by selling timber. Rapid population growth increases the demand for land and resources, which leads to large-scale deforestation. Thus, economic hardship and lack of alternatives force people in poor countries to cut down trees for their basic needs.
Q2. What does the notice, “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signify
Ans- The notice “The world’s most dangerous animal” at a cage in the zoo at Lusaka, Zambia, signifies that human beings are the most dangerous creatures on Earth. Inside the cage, there was a mirror. When visitors looked into it, they saw their own reflection.
This message suggests that humans are responsible for destroying forests, polluting air and water, causing global warming, and disturbing the balance of nature. Unlike wild animals, humans harm the planet on a large scale through greed and overexploitation of resources.
Thus, the notice highlights that man himself is the greatest threat to the environment and the survival of the Earth.
Q3. How are the earth’s principal biological systems being depleted ?
Ans- The earth’s four principal biological systems—forests, fisheries, grasslands, and croplands—are being rapidly depleted due to human activities.
- Forests are being destroyed because of large-scale deforestation for timber, fuel, and agricultural expansion.
- Fisheries are declining due to overfishing and the excessive use of modern fishing technologies, which disturb marine ecosystems.
- Grasslands are being overgrazed by cattle and converted into agricultural or urban land, reducing their natural productivity.
- Croplands are suffering from overuse, soil erosion, and improper farming practices, which decrease soil fertility.
Industrialization, population growth, pollution, and excessive exploitation of natural resources are the main reasons behind this depletion. As a result, the ecological balance of the earth is seriously threatened.
Q4. Bring out the facts that support the title, ‘The Ailing Planet’…………
Ans – The planet on which we live is, indeed, ailing. It is in poor health. Its forests fisheries, grasslands and croplands have been destroyed. Many of its specie Red have almost become extinct. The land, rivers and seas have been polluted The fertility of soil has gone down. All natural resources have depleted bad It is indeed, an ailing planet.
Chapter 5 – The Adventure
Q1. What does Jayant Narlikar want to prove in “The Adventure” ?
Ans- Jayant Narlikar wants to prove that history is not always fixed and unchangeable. In the story, he presents the idea that a small change in one historical event can completely alter the course of history. Through the example of the Battle of Panipat, he imagines an alternative situation in which the Marathas win instead of losing. This change creates a different version of Indian history. Thus, the author uses scientific imagination and the concept of parallel worlds to show that history could have taken a different path if certain events had happened differently.
Q2. What is the catastrophic theory ? (The Adventure)
Ans- In The Adventure, Jayant Narlikar explains the catastrophic theory as the idea that a sudden, violent event can drastically change the course of history. According to this theory, if a small but important incident occurs differently, it can create a completely different chain of events. In the story, the Third Battle of Panipat is presented as such a catastrophic event. If the Marathas had won instead of losing, the future of India would have been entirely different. Thus, the catastrophic theory suggests that history can change dramatically due to one major event, leading to an alternate course of development.
Q3. How does Prof. Gaitonde’s mind go to the past ? (The Adventure)
Ans- In The Adventure by Jayant Narlikar, Prof. Gaitonde’s mind goes to the past due to a mysterious experience after a train accident. When he is reading about the Third Battle of Panipat and then experiences a blow on his head, he suddenly finds himself in a different version of history. It seems that the shock causes his mind to shift into another reality or parallel world where the Marathas had won the Battle of Panipat. Through this mental journey, he experiences an alternative historical scenario. Thus, his mind travels to the past as a result of the accident and the strange psychological experience, which forms the basis of the story’s theme of alternate history.
Q4. Who is Professor Gaitonde ? What is the subject of the lecture that he is going to deliver ?
Ans- Professor Gaitonde is the main character in The Adventure written by Jayant Narlikar. He is a historian and a scholar of Indian history. He is deeply interested in the events of the Third Battle of Panipat and their impact on Indian history. The subject of the lecture that he is going to deliver is the Third Battle of Panipat and its consequences on the course of Indian history. In his lecture, he plans to discuss how the defeat of the Marathas changed the future of India and influenced political developments.
Q5. Describe the encounter between Gaitonde and Khan Sahib. (The Adventure)
Ans- In The Adventure by Jayant Narlikar, Professor Gaitonde meets Khan Sahib in the alternate world where the Marathas have won the Battle of Panipat. When Gaitonde talks about the Maratha defeat, Khan Sahib corrects him and says that the Marathas were victorious. This shocks and confuses Gaitonde, as it proves that history in this world is completely different from what he knows.
Q6. By which train was Gangadharpant travelling? Who met him in the train?
Ans – Gangadhar was traveling to Bombay on Jijamata express. The route of the train was connected through Pune. Khan Sahib also boarded the train at Sarhad station. Gangadhar got the company of Khan Sahib in his journey. It was his first visit to Bombay. What he had known about Bombay was very different from his real experience.
Chapter 6 – Silk Road
Q1. Describe the narrator’s journey from Ravu to Hor and the problems he had to face on the journey. (Silk Road)
Ans- In Silk Road by Nick Middleton, the narrator travels from Ravu to Hor by truck across the high Tibetan plateau. The journey is rough and tiring due to bad roads, cold winds, and barren surroundings. He faces problems like breathing difficulty, headache, and exhaustion because of the high altitude. Despite these hardships, he continues his journey and finally reaches Hor.
Q2. Why has Nick Middleton’s article been titled “Silk Road” ?
Ans- Nick Middleton titled his article “Silk Road” because the journey he describes follows the ancient trade route known as the Silk Road. This historic route once connected China with Central Asia and other parts of the world, and it was used for trading silk, spices, and other goods. In the chapter, the narrator travels along this old route while going to Mount Kailash. The title highlights the historical importance of the path and connects the present journey with the rich cultural and commercial history of the ancient Silk Road.
Q3. Describe the township of Hor. (Silk Road)
Ans- Hor is described as a small, bleak, and underdeveloped township situated near Lake Manasarovar on the Tibetan plateau. It looks dusty and desolate, with scattered houses and very little greenery. The place lacks basic facilities and appears poor and lifeless. The streets are rough and muddy, and the surroundings are barren and harsh due to the cold climate. The township leaves a disappointing impression on the narrator because of its poverty and unattractive appearance.
Q4. Why did Lhamo give a sheepskin to the writer? (Silk Road)
Ans- Lhamo gave a sheepskin to the writer as a gesture of warmth and hospitality. The weather on the Tibetan plateau was extremely cold, and she wanted to protect him from the harsh climate. The sheepskin would help him keep warm during the journey. Her act reflected the simple, caring, and generous nature of Tibetan people, who treat guests with kindness despite their limited resources.
Q5. Describe the author’s experiences during his Kora to Mount Kailash. (Silk Road)
Ans- During his Kora (parikrama) around Mount Kailash, the author experienced both physical hardship and spiritual reflection. The journey was extremely challenging due to high altitude, freezing winds, and rough mountain paths. He suffered from breathlessness, headache, and exhaustion because of the thin air. Crossing the high Dolma La pass was especially difficult.At the same time, the Kora was spiritually uplifting. The author observed Tibetan pilgrims performing the Kora with deep faith, even prostrating themselves along the path. Their devotion and determination deeply impressed him. Despite the physical discomfort, he felt a sense of achievement and inner satisfaction after completing the sacred journey. Thus, the Kora was a mixture of struggle, adventure, and spiritual awakening for the author.
Q6. Suppose you run a pet shop. You have to sell the Tibetan mastiff to a customer. State any two qualities of the dog taking cues from the lesson ‘Silk Road’
Ans- If I were selling a Tibetan Mastiff, I would highlight these two qualities:
- Excellent Guard Dog: The Tibetan Mastiff is extremely alert, strong, and protective. It is known for guarding homes and livestock fearlessly, especially in harsh mountain regions.
- Adaptable to Harsh Climate: It has thick fur and great physical strength, which help it survive in extremely cold and rough conditions like those on the Tibetan plateau.
These qualities make the Tibetan Mastiff a loyal and reliable companion.
Q7. Who was Norbu? How was he different from the local people?
Ans- Norbu was a Tibetan who worked at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing. He accompanied the author during his journey to Mount Kailash. Unlike the local people, Norbu was educated and had exposure to modern life outside Tibet. He spoke English and was more aware of the outside world. While most local Tibetans were simple, traditional, and deeply religious, Norbu appeared more practical and modern in his outlook. However, he was also deeply devoted and eager to complete the Kora around Mount Kailash, which showed his spiritual side.
Q8. What happened to the author at Darchen and how was the author cured at Darchen?
Ans – In the narrative of ‘Silk Road’, the author experiences a significant health issue while at Darchen, which is a crucial stop on the journey. The high altitude and harsh conditions lead to altitude sickness, which is common among travelers in such regions. The author describes symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, which are typical of this condition. To cure this ailment, the author takes several measures, including resting, acclimatizing to the altitude, and possibly using local remedies or medications to alleviate the symptoms.
Poetry Section
Poem 1 – A Photograph
Q1. What is the gist of Shirley Toulson’s “A Photograph”
Ans- The poem describes a childhood photograph of the poet’s mother taken at a beach with her cousins. Through this photograph, the poet reflects on the passage of time and the pain of loss. The mother, who once laughed at the picture, is now dead. The poem highlights how time changes everything, but memories preserved in photographs remain. It expresses grief, nostalgia, and the inevitability of death.
Q2. What is the central idea of the poem ‘A Photograph’ ? Most Important
Ans- The central idea of the poem is the transience of life and the permanence of memories. The poet contrasts the temporary nature of human life with the unchanging sea and the fixed image in the photograph. While the sea and the photograph remain the same, human life passes away. The poem conveys the poet’s silent grief over her mother’s death and shows how time heals but never completely removes the pain of loss.
Q3. What does the laugh of the poet’s mother at the snapshot indicate? (A Photograph)
Ans- The mother’s laugh indicates her happiness and innocence during her childhood. It also shows her amusement while recalling the moment captured in the photograph. The laugh reflects the carefree and joyful phase of her early life.
Q4. Explain” Both wry with the labored ease of loss”. ( A Photograph)
Ans- The line means that both the poet and her mother experienced pain due to loss, but in different ways. The mother felt a sense of loss remembering her childhood days shown in the photograph. The poet feels grief because her mother is no longer alive. “Laboured ease” suggests that with time, the pain becomes easier to bear, though it never completely disappears.
Q5. Whose photograph has been described in ‘A Photograph’ ?
Ans- The photograph described in the poem is of the poet’s mother when she was about twelve years old, standing at a beach with her two cousins.
Q6. What has the camera captured in the poem ‘A Photograph’ ?
Ans- The camera has captured a childhood moment of the poet’s mother and her two cousins standing at the beach. It has preserved their innocence, happiness, and the carefree spirit of youth. The sea in the background also symbolizes the continuity of time.
Q6. The three stanzas of the poem ‘Photograph’ depict three different phases. What are they ?
Ans- The three stanzas depict three phases of time:
- The past – the childhood of the poet’s mother shown in the photograph.
- The past remembered – the mother looking at the photograph years later and laughing at it.
- The present – the poet mourning her mother’s death and reflecting silently on loss.
Q7. The poet’s mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate ? [A Photograph]
Ans- The laugh indicated nostalgia and joy. The mother was amused while remembering her childhood days. It reflected her innocent happiness and the pleasant memories associated with that moment.
Poem 2 – The Laburnum Top
Q1. What does machine mean in the poem “The Laburnum Top” ?
Ans- In the poem, “machine” refers to the laburnum tree when it becomes active with the arrival of the goldfinch and her chicks. The tree, which was silent and lifeless, suddenly starts vibrating and producing sounds like a machine when the bird feeds her young ones.
Q2. Who enlivens the Laburnum top ?
Ans- The laburnum top is enlivened by a goldfinch. Her sudden arrival and her chirping chicks bring life, movement, and sound to the otherwise silent tree.
Q3. How does The Laburnum Top get animated ?
Ans- The laburnum top gets animated when a goldfinch comes and perches on it. She enters the thick foliage to feed her chicks. The tree begins to tremble and fill with chirping sounds. This sudden movement and noise make the tree appear alive and active.
Q4. Write in brief the summary of the poem ‘The Laburnum Top’.
Ans- The poem describes a laburnum tree in September that appears silent, still, and lifeless. Its leaves are yellow and the day is quiet. Suddenly, a goldfinch arrives and sits on the tree. She enters the dense branches to feed her young ones. The tree starts shaking and producing chirping sounds, as if it were a machine or an engine. When the goldfinch flies away, the tree becomes silent once again. The poem beautifully shows the contrast between lifelessness and sudden activity, highlighting the importance of the bird in bringing life to nature.
Q5. Why is the image of engine evoked by the poet?
Ans- The poet evokes the image of an engine to compare the sudden activity of the tree to a machine starting up. When the goldfinch and her chicks chirp and move inside the branches, the tree vibrates and makes continuous sounds. This resembles the noise and movement of a running engine, emphasizing the energy and liveliness brought by the bird.
Q6. How does the Laburnum tree appear in September? [The Laburnum Top]
Ans- The poet evokes the image of an engine to compare the sudden activity of the tree to a machine starting up. When the goldfinch and her chicks chirp and move inside the branches, the tree vibrates and makes continuous sounds. This resembles the noise and movement of a running engine, emphasizing the energy and liveliness brought by the bird.
Q7. What is the bird’s movement compared to ? What is the basis for the comparison ? (The Laburnum Top)
Ans – In Ted Hughes’ poem The Laburnum Top, the goldfinch’s movement is compared to the movement of a lizard. The basis for this comparison is the bird’s sleek, abrupt, and alert nature as it suddenly enters the, previously silent and still, laburnum tree to feed its young.
Poem 3 – The Voice of the Rain
Q1. How does the rain describe itself? (voice of the Rain)
Ans- The rain describes itself as the “Poem of the Earth.” It says that it rises from the land and sea as invisible vapour, forms clouds in the sky, and then returns to earth as rain. It purifies and refreshes the earth, giving life to plants and making the land fertile. Thus, rain presents itself as a life-giving and nourishing force of nature.
Q2. There is a parallel drawn between rain and music. Which words indicate this ? Explain the similarity between the two on the basis of the poem ‘The Voice of the Rain’.
Ans- The words “song,” “Poem of the Earth,” and “refrain” indicate the parallel between rain and music. Just as rain rises, falls, and returns in a natural cycle, music also originates from the poet’s heart, travels through the air, and returns to the listener as appreciation. Both rain and music refresh, purify, and give life. Rain nourishes the earth physically, while music nourishes the soul emotionally.
Q3. Who is the poem of the Earth ? (The Voice of the Rain)
Ans- The rain calls itself the “Poem of the Earth.” It describes itself as a natural expression of the earth that sustains life and maintains the cycle of nature.
Q4. Who did Walt Whitman ask a question from ? (The Voice of the Rain)
Ans- Walt Whitman asked the rain a question. He questioned the soft-falling rain about its identity, and the rain replied by describing its origin and purpose.
Q5. Who is the speaker in Walt Whitman’s “The Voice of the Rain” ? What function does it perform ?
Ans- The speaker in the poem is the rain itself. The poet personifies the rain and gives it a voice. The rain explains its origin, movement, and purpose. It performs the function of nourishing the earth, purifying the atmosphere, and maintaining the natural water cycle. It also symbolizes creativity and the life-giving power of nature.
Q6. What is the cyclic movement of rain in the poem “The Voices of the Rain’?
Ans- The cyclic movement of rain begins when it rises from the land and sea as invisible water vapour due to evaporation. It forms clouds in the sky and then falls back to the earth as rain. After fulfilling its purpose of nourishing and refreshing the earth, it again rises to the sky. This continuous process represents the natural water cycle.
Q7. What does the phrase ‘strange to tell’ mean? (The Voice of Rain)
Ans – The phrase “strange to tell” means that it is quite strange for the poet to believe and express in words that the soft-falling rain replied to his question. At the beginning of the poem, the poet inquires the rain about its identity, to which the rain replies that it is the ‘Poem of Earth’.
Poem 4 – Childhood
Q1. What does Markus Natten say about Hell and Heaven ? (Childhood)
OR
What does Markus Natten realize about Hell and Heaven in the poem “Childhood”
Ans- Markus Natten realizes that Hell and Heaven are not real physical places. He understands that they are imaginary concepts created by human beings. This realization shows that he has begun to think logically and question what he was taught as a child. It marks the loss of his childhood innocence
Q2. Where did Markus Natten’s childhood go? (Childhood)
Ans- The poet’s childhood went away when he realized that adults are not always right and that they often behave differently from what they preach. His childhood ended when he began to think independently and question the world around him.
Q3. Where does the poet think his childhood go away to ?
Ans- The poet thinks that his childhood has gone to a forgotten place, hidden in an infant’s face. He believes that innocence now exists only in small children.
Q4. What is the central idea of the poem “Childhood” ? Most Important
Ans- The central idea of the poem is the loss of innocence and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poet reflects on the moment when he realized that adults are hypocritical and that concepts like Hell and Heaven are imaginary. This realization marks the end of his childhood. The poem highlights how growing up involves gaining awareness, questioning beliefs, and losing innocence.
Q5. What does the poet say about his childhood in the poem ‘Childhood’ ?
Ans- The poet says that his childhood disappeared when he gained awareness and began to think independently. He realized that adults are not perfect and that many beliefs taught in childhood are not completely true. This understanding took away his innocence and marked the beginning of maturity.
Q6. What does the Hell and Heaven stand for? [ Childhood)
Ans- Hell and Heaven stand for imaginary beliefs taught to children. They symbolize blind faith and the unquestioned acceptance of ideas during childhood. When the poet realizes they are not real, it shows his intellectual growth and the loss of innocence.
Poem 5 – Father to Son
Q1. What is the central idea of the poem “Father to Son”.
Ans- The central idea of the poem is the generation gap and lack of communication between a father and his son. The father feels alienated from his son, who has grown up with different thoughts and values. Despite living in the same house, they fail to understand each other. The poem highlights emotional distance, misunderstanding, and the longing for reconciliation and mutual love.
Q2. How is the father’s helplessness brought out in the poem ‘Father to Son’ ? Most Important
Ans- The father’s helplessness is shown through his confusion and pain. He feels that he does not understand his own son, who has grown up into a stranger. He tries to build a relationship but fails. He expresses regret for not being able to guide or shape his son properly. His emotional suffering and desire to reconnect reveal his helplessness.
Q3. At the end of Elizabeth Jennings poem “Father to Son”, what do both father and son desire.
Ans- At the end of the poem, both father and son desire reconciliation and understanding. They wish to forgive each other and rebuild their broken relationship. The father hopes for love and communication, while the son also longs for acceptance and harmony.
Q4. What is the father’s anger a product of ? (Father to Son)
Ans- The father’s anger is a product of frustration and emotional hurt. He is upset because he cannot understand his son and feels that his efforts to connect have failed. His anger arises from his deep love and disappointment.
Q5. Why can’t Elizabeth Jennings understand her child ? (Father to Son)
Ans- In the poem, the parent (father) cannot understand the child because of the generation gap. The son has developed his own thoughts, values, and identity, which are different from his father’s expectations. Lack of communication and emotional distance create misunderstanding between them.