LAQ from " The Eyes Have It" 2025

(Q:1) " I'm tired of people telling me, I have a pretty face" - (********)

(a) Who Said this to whom and when?

(b) What did the person spoken to reply?

Ans. The girl in Ruskin Bond's "The Eyes Have It" Said this to the narrator whew the narrator Complimented her by saying that she had an interesting face.

(b) when the narrator praised the girl as 'you have an interesting face'. The girl took this appreciation with ringing Laugh and added that she was tired of hearing 'pretty face'. The narrator mended and replied that an interesting face can also be a pretty face.

(Q:2)  " She had beautiful eyes. But they were of no use to her"- (********)

(a) whose eyes are referred to here?

(b) why were they useless to her?

(c) Bring out the irony in the given Line? 

Or,  Explain the irony of the situation?

Ans. (a) In the Story" The Eyes Have It", the eyes of the narrator's Co-passenger are referred to here. 

(b) The eyes of the girl, co-passenger of the narrator were of no use because she was completely blind at that time.

(c) The blind narrator thought that the girl Could see but she was also blind. The Irony of the situation is that the narrator was trying to hide his blindness from a blind girl. In fact, it is too pathetic to think about two blind persons hide their blindness from each other.

(3) "I am not nearly as attractive a traveling Companion as the one who just left"- (******)

(a) Who said this to whom?

(b) Who has just Left?

(c ) What was the response of the person spoken to?

Ans.In Ruskin Bond's short story, 'The Eyes Have It' the new passenger who had entered the compartment at Saharanpur said this to the narrator who was in reverie.

The girl who travelled with the narrator from Rohana to Saharanpur had just left.

The humorous speech of the new traveller jolted him out of his reverie and evoked the narrator's feeling for the girl. So he wanted to know whether she had her hair long or short. However, the person spoken to made no direct comment on the new companion's speech, This speech initiated conversation between the narrator and the new companion.

(4) "The man who had entered the Compartment broke into my reverie"- (*******)

(a) Whose reverie is mentioned here?

(b) What was the reverie ?

(c) Who broke it? (d) How was it broken?

Ans. (a)The reverie of the narrator of the short story, ' The Eyes Have It' , is mentioned here.

(b) A reverie means a daydream. In the story, 'The Eyes Have It' the reverie could be concerned with the narrator's lingering over the brief encounter with the girl who had just departed. The narrator enjoyed the brief conversation with the girl.

(c) The new passenger broke the reverie after getting off the girl at Saharanpur.

(d) The reverie was broken as the new passenger entered the compartment and apologized for not being so attractive a travelling companion as the girl.

(Q:5) "No, I answered quite confidently"- (*******)

Who said this to whom? What was the question that the speaker answered? What was the reply? Why did he answer so confidently.

Ans. In the short story 'The eyes have It' by Ruskin Bond the narrator said this to the girl who entered his train compartment at Rohana.

The question that the speaker answered  was whether he could see any animals outside.

The narrator confidently replied that he did not see any animals.

 The speaker was well aware of the fact that there were hardly any animals left in the forests near Dehra. So he confidently answered that there was no trace of animals.

SAQ From " Jimmy Valentine" 2nd semester class XI

(Q:1) Who is the writer of the story, Jimmy Valentine'? What is the original title of the story? (1+1)

Ans: O. Henry is the writer of the story 'JimmyValentine'.

The original title of the story is ' A Retrieved Reformation'.

(Q:2) Why was Jimmy Valentine put into jail? How long was Jimmy Valentine there in prison?(1+1)

Ans:Jimmy Valentine was put into jail because he was found guilty of cracking the safe of a bank at Springfield.

He was there in prison for nearly ten months.

(Q:3.) Where did Jimmy Valentine work during the ten months of his imprisonment? What work did Jimmy perform there?

Ans. Jimmy Valentine worked at the prison shoe-shop during the ten months of his imprisonment.

Jimmy used to stitch shoe-uppers in the prison shoe- shop.

(Q:4.) How long was Jimmy Valentine there in prison? What was his original term of imprisonment?

Ans. Jimmy Valentine was there in prison for nearly ten months.

Originally, he was sentenced to imprisonment for four years.

(Q:5.) What was Jimmy doing when a guard came to the prison shoe-shop?

Ans. When a guard came to the prison shoe-shop, Jimmy was carefully and tirelessly stitching uppers of shoes.

(6). How many months had Jimmy expected to stay in the prison at the longest?

Ans. Jimmy had expected to be in the prison only for about three months at the longest.

7). “I never was in Springfield in my life.”-Who said this and to whom? How is Springfield related to the life of the speaker?

Ans. Jimmy Valentine said this to the prison warden.

The speaker was put into jail because he was found guilty of cracking the safe of a bank at Springfield.

8). Who had pardoned Jimmy Valentine? Who handed him the letter of pardon?

Ans. The Governor had pardoned Jimmy Valentine.

The warden handed Jimmy the letter of pardon.

9). What was the name of the guard in the prison? Why did a guard come to the prison shoe-shop?

Ans. Cronin was the name of the guard in the prison.

A guard came to the prison shoe-shop to escort Jimmy Valentine to the front office of the prison's warden.

10). What did the clerk at the prison give Jimmy Valentine? Why?

Ans. The clerk at the prison gave Jimmy a railroad ticket for travelling and a five-dollar bill.

The clerk gave them to Jimmy because the law expected him to rehabilitate himself into good citizenship and prosperity.

11). What was the number of Jimmy Valentine during his stay in prison? Who is the investigator in the story 'Jimmy Valentine'?

Ans. During his stay in prison, the number of Jimmy Valentine was 9762.

In 'Jimmy Valentine', Ben Price is the investigator.

12. What did Jimmy Valentine do first after coming out of the jail?

Ans. After coming out of the jail, Jimmy Valentine first headed to a restaurant where he enjoyed a broiled chicken and a bottle of white wine and smoked a cigar of good quality.

13. How long did it take Jimmy to reach the small town where he used to live? How much did he give to a blind man before boarding his train?

Ans. It took Jimmy three hours to reach the small town where he used to live.

Before boarding his train, Jimmy tossed a quarter of a dollar into the hat of a blind man sitting by the door.

14. Whom did Jimmy Valentine meet first after his release from jail?

Ans. After his release from jail, Jimmy Valentine first met one Mike Dolan in his cafe.

15. Where had Jimmy put his suitcase?

Ans. Jimmy had put his suitcase in the hollow of the wall in a rear room upstairs in Mike Dolan's place.

(16)- What did jimmy's suitcase contain?.

Ans: Jimmy's suitcase contained a complete set of burgling tools, drills, punches, braces and bits, jimmies, clamps, and augers with two or three novelties.

(17)- What was the original term of imprisonment for Jimmy Valentine?How many months had Jimmy expected to stay in the prison at the longest?(1+1)

Ans: Originally, Jimmy was sentenced to imprisonment for four years.

★Jimmy had expected to be in the prison only for about three months atthe longest.

(18)- What did the warden advise Jimmy?

What did Jimmy tell the warden in reply to his advice?(1+1)

Ans: The warden advised Jimmy not to break safes anymore and lead a straight life.

★ Jimmy told the warden that he had never cracked a safe in his life.

(19)-"I never was in Springfied in my life"- Who said to whom? Who had pardoned Jimmy Valentine?

Ans: Jimmy Valentine said to the prison warden.

The Governor had pardoned Jimmy Valentine.

(20)- How much did the burglary tools of jimmy cost? Which company did jimmy claim to be representing? (1+1)

Ans: The burglary tools of Jimmy cost Over nine hundred dollars

★Jimmy claimed to be representing the New York Amalgamated Short Snap Biscuit Cracker and Frazzaled Wheat Company.

(21) "He resumed his business" Who said this about whome? What businees is referred to here? (1+1)

Ans: Ben Price said this about Jimmy Valentine.

The business of cracking safes is referred to here.

(22) With which name did jimmy register himself in 'Planters Hotel' ? Why was the clerk impressed by Jimmy? (1+1)

Ans: In the 'Planters Hotel', Jimmy registered his name as Ralph D. Spencer.

★The clerk was impressed by the clothes and manners of Jimmy.

(23)- Why was Jimmy compared to Phoenix?(2)

Ans: Phoenix is a mythical bird that is believed to take rebirth from its ashes after death. Similarly Jimmy, in the fire of love, transformed himself into a honest man. That is why he is compared to the Phoenix.

(24) How did Jimmy establish himself in Elmore? (2)

Ans: At Elmore Jimmy took the newname of Ralph D. Spencer and opened a shoe- store. lt started running successfully. Spencer met Annabe Adams and fell in love with her and they decided to marry. Because of his good looks and likeable nature, he made friends with others. Thus Jimmy established himself socially and economically at Elmore clothes and manners of Jimmy.

(25) What was Mr Adams proud of ?

What were the names of the two daughters of Annabel's sister? (1+1)

Ans: Mr Adams was very proud of the new safe and vault installed in his bank.

The names of the two daughters of Annabel's sister were May and agatha.

(26)- "She can't stand it long in there." - Who said this? Why can't she stand it long in there? (1+1)

Ans: Mr Adams said this.

★She (Agatha) cannot stand it long in there because there is not enough air inside the vault and she will go into convulsions from fright.

(27)- Why did Ben price decide not to arrest Jimmy Valentine?(2)

Ans: Ben Price decided not to arrest Jimmy Valentine as he was convinced that Jimmy had really become a reformed person.

(28)What is the main theme of the story Jimmy Valentine'?

Ans: The main theme of the story' Jimmy Valentine' is the transformative power of redemption and love that can change a man's life. Annabel's love brought about a reformation in jimmy.

(29) How does Ben Price's character relate to Jimmy's transformation? (2)

Ans: Ben Price is engaged to catch Jimmy, the safe- cracker, but at the end of the story, he discovers Jimmy, the benevolent.So Ben Price allows Jimmy to go free.

(30)What message does the story' Jimmy Valentine' convey?(2)

Ans:' Jimmy Valentine' by 0 Henry conveys the message that people can change and reform themselves, if they desire to do so.Love can also act as the prime motivator in transforming a person.

(31) Where did Jimmy want to meet his friend Billy? What was the purpose of Jimmy's proposed meeting? (1+1)

Ans: Jimmy wanted to meet his friend Billy at Sulivans's place in Little Rock.

★Jimmy proposed to present his favourite kit of tools for safe cracking to his old friend Billy.

(32)Who was Ben Price? Why did he go to Elmore?(1+1)

Ans: Ben Price was an expert detective.

Ben Price went to Elmore to arrest Jimmy Valentine.

(33) How much time did Jimmy take tobreak open the safe and vault ? (2)

Ans: Breaking his own record, Jimmy took only ten minutes to open the vault door.

LAQ from " Strong Roots" for 2025(HS)

1. What did Dr. Kalam's father tell him about the 'relevance of prayer'?

or, What was Kalam's father's response query about prayer and spirituality?

Or, Is there anything mysterious about Prayer?

Ans. When Dr. Kalam attained the age to ask questions, he asked his father about the 'relevance of prayer'. He told Kalam that there was nothing mysterious about prayer. He regarded prayer as a means of Communion of the spirit between. Through prayer a man can go beyond his bodily existence existence and become a part of the Cosmos. The cosmos Knows no division of wealth, age, caste or creed. Thus Kalam's father justified the relevance of prayers.

( Q.2.)  Why don't you say this to people who Come to you for help and advice"

(a) who said this and to whom ?/ who asked this to whom?

(b) what is the word referred to by the word 'this'?

(c) Why do the people come to the person Spoken to?

or, (d) what answer did the speaker get?

Ans (a) A.P. J. Abdul Kalam Said/asked this question to his father Jainulabdeen.

(b) Here 'this' refers to the Spiritual Concept of Jainulabdeen. According to him this world is nothing but manifestation of God. Every human being is a specific element within the whole of the manifest divine being. 

(c) People would come to Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen for divine help and advice when they were in trouble.

(d) The Speaker got the answer that in every woe and welfare human beings Look for a Special helper Suitable for a particular purpose. A Lonely person looks for company a man in trouble Looks for a helper.

Whenever human beings reach an impasse, they Search for a guide to show them the way out. For people in destress he himself was a mediator in their attempt to please demonic forces with prayers and offerings. But he did not approve of this approach.

(Q.3) "His answer filled me with strong energy and enthusiasm"-

(a) I who is the speaker? (b) whose answer is being referred to here? (c) What was the answer? 

Or,

(a) Whose answer had such impact? (b) Who was thus impressed? (c) What was the answer?

And.(a) Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is the speaker here.

(b) A-P.J. Abdul Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen's • answer is being referred to here.  

(c) APJ Abdul Kalam's father, Jainculaden answered that every recurrent anguish, Longing and desire demands its own special helpes for the people in distress, he was a mediator in their attempt to please demonic forces with prayers and offerings.

Or,(a) The answer given by APJ Abdul Kalam's father to his son's query had such impact.

Or,(b) APJ Abdul Kalam was highly impressed by his father, Jainulabdeen's answer to his question.

(Q:4) "Our locality was predominantly muslim"--

(a) Who is the speaker?

(b) How does the speaker describe the Locality?

(c) what picture of communal harmony do you find in the description ?

Ans. (a) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the writer of the piece "Strong Roots" is the speaker here.

(b) The Locality where Kalam lived was predominantly muslims. A lot of hindus families also lived there. There was a great shiva temple in the locality, which made Rameswaram very famous to pilgrims. There was a very old mosque in the locality too. Kalam used to go there with his father for evening prayer.

(c) In the description of Kalam's autobiography We find the following picture of Communal Harmony. Hindus and muslims lived together دوستان amicably. The shiva temple and the old mosque were situated in the same locality. Though Pakshi Lakshmana Sastry and Kalam's father belonged to different religions, they were close friends and discussed spiritual matters. So, there was no discrimination among religions.

(Q.5) "I normally ate with my mother" -

(a) who ate with his mother? Name his mother?

(b) where did he eat with his mother?

(c)what did he eat with his mother?

Ans. In the autobiographical writing, "Strong Roots" A.P.J. Abdul Kalam says that he ate with his mother. His mother's name is Ashiamma.

(b) Dr. Abdul Kalam ate with his mother, Sitting on the floor of the Kitchen.

(C) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam would eat rice, aromatic Sambar, a variety of sharp, home-made pickles and a dollop of fresh coconut chutney with his mother on a banana leaf placed by his mother.

(Q.6) What had remained the routine for Abdul Kalam's father even when he was in his Late sixties? what does Abdul Kalam say about his emulation of his father?

Ans. Kalam's father, Jainulabdeen was a religious person. He Started his day at 4 am by reading the namaz before down. After the namaz, he used to walk down to a small Coconut grove they possessed about four miles away. He would return home with about a dozen Coconuts tied together thrown over his shoulder and only then he would have his breakfast. This remained his routine even when he was in his Late Sixties.

Abdul Kalam tried to emulate his father in his own world of science and technology throughout his life. He has endeavoured جدوجہد کرنا to understand the fundamental truths revealed to him by his father and feel Convinced that there exists a divine Power that can lift one up from confusion, misery, melancholy and failure and guide one to one's true place.

LAQ from the Drama "The Proposal "

 (Q:1) Sketch the character of Natalya Stepanovna?

Ans. In Anton Chekhov's One-act play, "The Proposal" Natalya Stepanovna is a strong-willed girl of 25 years old. She is a neighbour of Lomov. 

She is an excellent housekeeper and is not bad looking. Her father calls her a lovesick cat. Lomov says that she is well educated, but she does not seem to be so.

Natalya does not even know Lomov’s reason for arrival to her house in the very beginning of the play, rather engages herself in a quarrel with Lomov over the ownership of Oxen Meadows and then, a quarrel of Guess versus Squeezer.

But when she gets to know about Lomov’s proposal of marriage, she desperately wants him back. Even though she is broached as an argumentative and quarrelsome woman, she at once accepts Lomov’s proposal to spend her remaining life with him but quarrels with him again over their dogs.

(Q:2) Describe the character of Lomov?

Ans. Ivan Vassilevitch Lomov is the principal character of the one-act play 'The Proposal'. He is 35 years old. He is suffering from palpitations. He wants to lead a quiet and regular life. So he comes to propose to Natalya but he talks a lot and engages in an argument taking the oxen meadows with Natalya. Later he also engages another argument taking the hunting dogs. Lomov can work himself up into extreme states of anxiety. He is a large and healthy person. He is a neighbour of Natalya but he is a very suspicious landowner.

(Q:3) Describe Chubukov as a sensible father? Or, Sketch the character of Chubukov?

Ans. Stepon Stepanovitch Chubukov is a wealthy landowner in the one act play 'The Proposal'. Natalya is his only daughter. He is a typical character, He is very worry of his daughter's marriage. He has the responsibility to find out a perfect life partner for his daughter. So, when Lomov comes to propose to Natalya, he readily acceptes the proposal. But later he engages with an argument with Lomov taking oxen meadows. He compels Lomov to leave his house but he is compelled to call him back for his daughter. So, he is not a practical character. But every time he shows his false aristocrasy. Through him the playright enriches the play with laughter and satires.

(Q:4) Why is the marriage proposal important to all the three characters of the drama, ' The Proposal ' ?

Ans. The marriage proposal was very imporatant to all the three characters; Lomov, Natalya and Chubukov. Lomov who was already 35 desperately wanted to settle down with Natalya. On the other hand, Natalya was already 25 and expert in domestic affairs wanted to marry Lomov. Chubukov, as a father of Natalya wanted her daughter to be settled down. He wanted to finish his responsibility as a father. So, we can see the marriage proposal was very important to all the characters in the play.

(Q:5)  "Bring him back ! Back ! Ah ! Bring him here ."- Who says this to whom? When is it said ? Why is the speaker so excited ?

Ans. In Chekhov's one-act play, "The Proposal", Natalya Stepanovna says this to her father Chubukov.

This is said when Natalya comes to know that Lomov came here to propose to her. She utters the above mentioned line. 

Natalya Stepanovna becomes excited and desperate because she realizes that she has lost an opportunity for marriage with Lomov. When she finds out that Lomov came to propose to her, she feels shocked and immediately regrets the argument they had over trivial matters, which led to Lomov leaving angrily. Her excitement and frantic calls to "bring him back" highlight both her regret and her anxiety about securing a socially suitable match, which was essential in her society.

(Q:6) "She is like a love sick cat." - Who said this about whom ? Who is referred to as a love sick cat ? Why does the speaker say so ?

Ans. In Anton Chekhov’s one -act play “The Proposal” Chubukov says this to Lomov.

Here, Natalya, daughter of Chubukovis referred to as a 'a love sick cat'.

Chubukov, eager to find a groom for his daughter Natalya, is overjoyed when Lomov arrives with a marriage proposal. Seeing Lomov as a suitable match due to his status as a landlord, Chubukov seeks to encourage him by making him feel valued and welcome. He hopes to boost Lomov’s confidence and convey that Natalya is equally eager to accept him as her suitor.

LAQ from " The Poetry of Earth" ( HS ): 2025

(Q.1) " He takes the lead " - Who takes the lead ?

When does he take the lead ? How does he take the lead ? *****

Ans: In the poem " The Poetry of Earth ", the Grasshopper takes the lead.

       In summer, the birds are tired with the hot sun. Then they take rest in the cooling shade of trees. At that time the Grasshopper takes the lead.

         The Grasshopper takes the lead by singing delightfully. He sings from hedge to hedge. He enjoys the luxury of summer. When he gets tired, he takes rest beneath some pleasant weeds. After some time he starts his song and makes the nature living. Thus the poetry of earth continues even in the scorching summer.

(Q.2) How Does The Poet, Keats Describe That The Poetry Of Earth Is Never Dead? Or, How does Keats show that the poetry of earth never Ceases?

Ans. “The Poetry Of Earth” is a beautiful sonnet by John Keats. According to Keats the poetry of earth never comes to an end because the song of nature never stops. It goes on forever. Nature is vibrant with the song of the singing birds and the music of insects, i.e. grasshopper and cricket. In Summer, The grasshopper sings merrily as he moves about from hedge to hedge in the meadow. The cricket’s shrill cry breaks the silences of the winter evening. Thus the poet believes that the poetry of earth never comes to an end.

(Q.3)  Write the substance of the poem "The poetry of Earth ". 

Or, Show, after Keats that the poetry of earth never come to an end.              

 Or, What is the theme of the poem ?

Or, What is the message of the poem?

Or, Justify the aptness of the title " The Poetry of Earth ".

Or, What is the central idea of the poem, “The Poetry Of Earth?”   (MN)

Ans. In the sonnet, " The Poetry of Earth", John Keats develops the theme that Poetry i.e. muse in nature never stops. Nature is full of music. Though the season changes, the music and the poetry of earth never perish. Neither the hot sun of summer nor the frosty atmosphere of winter can affect the continuity of the music of nature. Chirping of the Grasshopper fills the void when all the song birds are exhausted by the heat of the sun. In winter, the little cricket’s song triumphs over the silence produced by the winter frost. Thus the whole poem shows the continuity of the songs of nature. The poem appreciates the never ending music of nature and justifies the idea that the poetry of earth is never dead.

(Q: 4) " And seems to one in drowsiness half lost, The Grasshopper's among some grassy hills"--

Who is one? What vision is referred to here? Why does one have such a vision? ******

Ans. In the poem, " The Poetry of Earth", by John Keats, the 'one' " refers to the person who is dozing beside a fireplace.

One who is dozing beside the fireplace, the cricket's Song Seems to be the Continuation of the Grasshopper's Song. Such a vision of a winter evening has been referred to here.

One has Such a vision because he was half-asleep. The Shrill voice of the cricket in Such a Cold evening reminds him of the continuous process of music of earth. He fails to differentiate between the Song of the Grasshopper and cricket. The Person is fully engrossed with the music and makes him think Such a vision.

or,

Ans. In the poem " The Poetry of Earth ", 'One' refers to a person who is half-asleep, experiencing a state of drowsiness or daydreaming.

The vision referred to is the imagined presence of the grasshopper chirping in some distant grassy hills. It symbolizes the continuation of the music of nature during summer, even when everything else is silent due to the heat.

The person has this vision because, in their half-conscious state, their mind conjures up the soothing sounds of the grasshopper. This reflects how nature’s poetry persists in the background, providing comfort and continuity, even when one is not fully alert. This aligns with the poem’s central theme of the unending and omnipresent music of nature.

LAQ From "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's day" (HS): 2025

(Q.1): How does Shakespeare immortalize his friend's beauty in his" Shall I compare thee to a Summer's day "? Or

What idea of immortality do you get from sonnet No.18 of William Shakespeare? Or, (Substance of the poem/ sonnet 18)

Ans. William Shakespeare's "Shall I compare Thee to a Summer's day "is a lovely poem. The poet was actually aware of the destructive power of time. He believed that his friend might be immortalized through his verses. The poet asks whether he can compare his friend's beauty to a Summer's day. But soon he denies the association because the beauty of a Summer's day may be spoiled by rough winds, excessive heat or over cast condition. But the poet's friend's beauty is forever. As long as people read the verses, the beauty of the poet's friend will be praised. Thus, Shakespeare would be able to immortalize the beauty and youth of his friend.

(Q.2) "....... And this gives life to thee"-  What does 'this' refer to? Who is referred to ' thee'? How does 'this' give life? ******

Ans. Here 'this' refers to the sonnet "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day", which Shakespeare dedicates to his friend. 

The word 'thee' is referred to the poet's young friend.

This Sonnet gives life to the poet's young friend. The poet says that all beautiful objects of nature are subjected to change and decay. But his Love, his beloved's beauty and his Poetic creation are immortal. He is quite confident in saying that so long as man can see or breathe on this earth this verse will be read. His friend's summer, not fade because his verse will make it eternal. 

 (Q.3) 'But thy eternal summer shall not fade.' - Who is being referred to as 'thy'? What is meant by 'eternal summer'? Why shall not 'thy eternal summer' fade? [2019]

Ans. In sonnet 18, The friend of the poet William Shakespeare is referred to as 'thy'?

'Eternal summer' means the eternal youth and beauty of the poet's friend whose worthiness will be immortalized in the poet's verse.

Every beautiful object of nature is subjected to degeneration. But the poet is very much confident that the eternal summer of his friend is everlasting. Death will never grab his beloved or will fade his glory. The eternal lines composed by the poet will preserve his friend's beauty everlasting. The poet predicted that his sonnet would be acclaimed forever so long men would live on this earth. In this way, his poem would be read and his beloved would be alive.

(Q.4) " Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's day"- 

(i) Who is compared to a Summer's day?

(ii) What adjectives does the poet use for the person?

(iii) what are the blemishes of summer?

Ans. In William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, the poet compares his beloved to a summer's day.

The poet describes the person as "more lovely" and "more temperate" than a summer's day, suggesting they are gentler, more balanced, and more beautiful.

The poet lists a few imperfections of summer:

It is too short, as summer passes quickly ("summer's lease hath all too short a date").

It can be too hot ("Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines").

It can be unpredictable, with winds that shake the "darling buds of May."

It fades over time ("every fair from fair sometime declines").

Shakespeare contrasts these temporary flaws with the person’s beauty, which he claims will endure forever through the sonnet.

SAQ From "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's day" (HS): 2025

 SAQ From "Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day"

(1) What will make the beauty of the poet's friend eternal? [H.S. = 2015]

Ans. The immortal lines of the sonnet will make the beauty of the poet's friend eternal.

(2)What shall death not brag about in Shakespeare's sonnet No. 18? [H.S. 2015, 2019 & 2022]

Ans. Death shall not brag to the poet's friend to wonder in his shade.

(3)How is the 'gold complexion' of the sun dimmed? [H.S. = 2016]

Ans. The 'gold complexion' of the sun is dimmed by the clouds.

(4) 'And Summer's lease hath all too short a date.' - what is meant by 'summer's lease'? [H.S. = 2016]

Ans. 'Summer's lease' means the duration of summer.

(5) "So long times this." - What is referred to by the word 'this'? [H.S. = 2017]

Ans. 'This' refers to the sonnet of Shakespeare.

(6)What does 'eye of heaven' refer to? [H.S. = 2017 & 2022]

Ans. 'Eye of heaven' refers to the sun.

(7)How long will the young man be remembered in Shakespeare's sonnet No. 18? [H.S. 2018 & 2022]

Ans. The young man will be remembered so long as men can breathe or eyes can see.

(8) What kind of poem is 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day'? [H.S. = 2019 & 2022]

Ans. 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day' is a sonnet.

(9)In which month can the 'darling buds' be seen? [H.S. = 2020]

Ans. The 'darling buds' can be seen in May.

(10)How does 'every fair from fair' decline?

Or. What does the line "And every fair from fair sometimes decline" mean? [H.S. = 2020]

Ans. 'Every fair from fair' declines by nature's changing course.

(11)What is the structure of the poem 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day'?

Ans. The sonnet 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day' consists of three quatrains with a concluding couplet.

(12)To whom is the sonnet addressed?

Ans. The sonnet is addressed to possibly William Herbert or Henry Wriothesley, both patrons of Shakespeare and prominent young noblemen of the time.

(13)With what does Shakespeare wish to compare his friend in the sonnet 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day'?

Ans. In the sonnet 'Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day', Shakespeare wishes to compare his friend to a summer's day.

(14)Why didn't the poet want to compare his friend to a summer's day?

Ans. The poet did not want to compare his friend to a summer's day because his friend is more lovely and more temperate than a summer's day.

(15)What do the rough winds do in summer?

Ans. Rough winds shake the darling buds of summer.

(16)What are the disadvantages of the summer's day mentioned in Sonnet No. 18?

Ans. Summer is short in duration and the winds destroy the darling buds.

(17)What do you mean by the phrase 'fair from fair'?

Ans. The phrase 'fair from fair' means the beautiful objects of nature.

(18)What do you mean by the phrase 'nature's changing course'?

Ans. The phrase, 'nature's changing course' means natural destruction and decay with the passage of time.

(19) "But thy eternal summer shall not fade." - What do you mean by the phrase 'thy eternal summer'?

Ans. The phrase, 'thy eternal summer' means the everlasting youthfulness and beauty of the poet's friend.

(20)What gives life to the poet's friend in sonnet No. 18?

Ans. The sonnet written by William Shakespeare gives life to his friend.

(21) "Nor shall death brag thou wand'rest in his shade." – What does the poet mean by the phrase 'his shade'?

Ans. By the phrase, 'his shade', the poet means the shadow of death.

(22) "When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st." – What do you mean by the 'eternal lines'?

Ans. The 'eternal lines' are the eternal verses in the form of sonnet.

LAQ from " Asleep in the Valley" (HS) : 2025

 (Q.1) Justify the title of the poem, “Asleep In The Valley”? [ 2015 ]

Ans. Arthur Rimbaud’s “Asleep in The Valley” is a fine poem. When we go through the poem, we come to know about a young soldier. He is sleeping on the bed of soft green grass in the lap of loving nature. He has a child like smiling face and is undisturbed by the humming insects. But the real shock comes at the very ending line. There are two bullet wounds in the side of the soldier. He is dead. The title suggests that the soldier is asleep. But he will wake up no more. He is sleeping eternal sleep. So the title is ironical.

(Q:2) “The humming insects don’t disturb his rest”—who rests and where? What makes him to rest? Why can’t the insects disturb his rest?[2020]

Ans. A young soldier in “Asleep in The Valley” rests in the green valley on soft green grass with a pillow of fern.

>There are two red holes in the side of the soldier. Here two red holes suggest two bullet wounds which have caused his death. That makes him to rest.

>The soldier was sleeping on the soft green valley. There are fresh and beautiful flowers under his feet. But actually the soldier is not sleeping. He is brutally dead in the battlefield. He will never wake up again. So, the humming insects can not disturb his rest.

(Q.3) Write down the central idea /theme of the poem, “Asleep in The Valley”?

OR, Write critical analysis of the poem, “Asleep in The Valley”?

Ans. The poem, “Asleep in The Valley” by Arthur Rimbaud presents a lovely natural scene. The poem introduces thereafter, a young soldier who is lying dead in a green valley hit by two bloody bullet shots. He is poor victim of war. He looks all innocent and pure, gentle and without guile. The soldier, lying dead in the valley symbolizes for the thousands of young men who trapped and killed in the war. Thus, the theme of the poem is truck here which is all of the futility of war.

(Q: 4) 1)His smiles/ Is like an infant's............" - Whose 'smile' is referred to here? Why is his smile compared to the smile of an infant? (OR. Explain the comparison in the given line.) How does nature take care of him? [1+3+2 = 6] [H.S. - 2019, 2022]

Ans. The smile of the young soldier in Arthur Rimbaud's poem 'Asleep in the valley' is referred to here.

The smile of the soldier is compared to an infant because the smile was innocent, pure, gentle, and without guile. The soldier was very young. When he was sleeping, the smiling face of him made the poet very affectionate toward him and uttered such words. It shows the poet's pity for the young soldier.

Nature takes the utmost care of his rest. The pillow made of fern under his head gives him comfort. The green sun-soaked undergrowth serves as a soft bed. Sunrays from mountain tops keep him warm.

(Q:5) "In his side, there are two red holes" – Who is the person referred to here? What do the 'two red holes' signify? What attitude of the poet about war is referred to here? [ 2017, 2022]

Ans. The person referred to here is the dead soldier of the poem ‘Asleep in the Valley’ written by Arthur Rimbaud.

The ‘two red holes’ are the marks of bullet wounds, in one side of the apparently sleeping soldier. It signifies that the soldier has been shot to death at war.

The poet here perceives war as something futile and brutal. Rimbaud, being a soldier himself, has witnessed the horrors of war, and in this line he expresses how pitiful a war is! War destroys the lives of youths with all their dreams unfulfilled and without letting them experience the joys of life. In warfare, they become the inevitable ناگزیر victims who are mercilessly killed in the war. This meaninglessness of war perturbsپریشان کرنا the poet immensely بے حد. The concluding line of the poem is an alert to mankind against the ravagesتباہی of war.

(Q:6) How does the poet express the futility of war through the poem 'Asleep in the Valley'? What message does he want to convey? [2018]*

Ans. Arthur Rimbaud's poem, "Asleep in the Valley" is a war poem. It deals with the futility of war.It is not pro- war but anti-war because a war only destroys beautiful things of nature .A soldier lying asleep in the valley is asleep forever. The young soldier lost his life in war. A soldier is an asset of a country. His young flesh is pierced by two bullets. War claims him. Which nation he belongs to is not important. He has no name. He has no identity. He is a cannon-fodder. This is what exactly war does.He saves the country by sacrificing his life. As war can't give life, it is futile. It has no value. Where there is no life, there is futility only. The poem brings in all the pity of war-the futility of war. So the poet Rimbaud says that there is no glory in war. An untimely death can never be a glory. 

The poem gives us a message. We should not be engaged in warfare since it creates hollowness of lives by causing death and destruction on a gigantic scale.

SAQ from " The Poetry of Earth" ( HS ): 2025

 (1) Who takes the lead in Summer luxury in Keats' sonnet, 'The Poetry of Earth'? [H.S. =2015]

Ans. The grasshopper takes the lead in Summer luxury in Keats' sonnet, 'The Poetry of Earth'.

(2) "...... a voice will run." – Whose voice is referred to here? [H.S. = 2015]

Ans. The voice of the grasshopper is referred to here.

(3)  Where do all the birds hide in summer? [H.S. = 2016]

Ans. All the birds hide in cooling shade of trees in Keats's " The poetry of Earth".

(4) Who has never done with his delights in Keats's sonnet? [H.S. = 2016]

Ans. The grasshopper has never done with his to delights in Keats's sonnet 'The Poetry of Earth'.

(5) What might one hear on a lone, cold, silent winter? [H.S. = 2017, 2019]

Ans. One might hear the cricket's shrill song on a lone, cold, silent winter.

(6) Where was the grasshopper seen in summer? [H.S. = 2017]

Ans. The grasshopper was seen in hedges and beneath the weeds in summer.

(7) Where does the grasshopper rest? [H.S. = 2018]

Ans. The grasshopper rests beneath some pleasant weed.

(8) From where is the shrill song of the cricket heard in 'The Poetry of Earth'? [H.S. = 2018 & 2022]

Ans. The shrill song of the cricket is heard from the stove in 'The poetry of Earth'.

(9) Where do the birds hide when they are 'faint with the hot sun'? [H.S. = 2019 & 2022]

Ans. The birds hide in cooling trees when they are faint with the hot Sun.

(10) What has wrought a silence on a lone winter evening in Keats's sonnet, 'The Poetry of Earth'?

Ans. The frost has wrought a silence on a lone winter evening.

(11) What does Keats celebrate in the poem 'The Poetry of Earth'? [H.S. =2020]

Ans. In the sonnet, 'The Poetry of Earth' Keats celebrates the music of the earth through the cycle of seasons.

( 12) Whose voice will run from hedge to hedge when all the birds retire to rest in cooling trees? [H.S. = 2020]

Ans. The voice of the Grasshopper will run from hedge to hedge when all the birds retire to rest in cooling trees.

(13) What type of poem is John Keats' 'The Poetry of Earth'?

Ans. John Keats' 'The Poetry of Earth' is a Petrarchan sonnet.

(14) What does the poet signify by 'the poetry of earth'?

Ans. By 'the poetry of earth' John Keats signifies the music of nature.

(15) Why did the birds faint in summer?

Ans. The birds fainted with the hot sun in summer.

(16)Where will the voice of the grasshopper run?

Ans. The voice of the grasshopper will run from hedge to hedge about the new-mown meadow.

(17) What do you mean by the phrase 'new-mown mead'?

Ans. The phrase, 'new-mown mead' means freshly chopped meadow.

SAQ From " Asleep in the Valley" (HS) 2025

 Poem: Asleep In The Valley (SAQ)

(Q.1) "In his side there are two red holes" – What do the 'two red holes' in the poem 'Asleep in the valley' signify? [H.S. – 2015]

Ans. In the poem "Asleep in the valley'' the 'Two red holes' signify two bullet wounds that leave a red blood spot.

(2) Why does the poet ask nature to keep the soldier warm so that the soldier may not catch a cold? [H.S. -2016] Or. 'He may catch cold' - Why does the poet fear so?

Ans. As the soldier is sleeping under the open sky, the poet feels affection and asks nature to keep him warm.

(3) How does the stream look like in the poem, 'Asleep in the Valley'? [H.S. – 2016]

Ans. The stream looks like a long strand of silver in the poem, 'Asleep in the Valley'.

(4)Where does the stream leave long strands of silver? [H.S. - 2017, 2019 & 2022]

Ans. The stream leaves long strands of silver on the bright green grass of the valley.

(5)What is described as gentle without guile? [H.S. – 2017]

Ans. The smile of the innocent soldier is described as gentle without guile?

(6)How does the poet bring out the innocence of the soldier in 'Asleep in the Valley'? [H.S. -2018]

Ans. The poet brings out the innocence of the soldier by describing the smile of the soldier as gentle without guile like an infant.

(7) Why is the soldier pale? [H.S. – 2018 & 2022]

Ans. The soldier is pale because he is lying dead under the warm sun.

(8)Where does the soldier lie stretched? [H.S. – 2019 & 2022]

Ans. The soldier lies stretched in the heavy undergrowth in a small green valley.

(9)Where are the feet of the soldier placed? [H.S. – 2020]

Ans. The feet of the soldier are placed among the flowers.

(10)What is the soldier's smile compared to? [H.S. – 2020]

Ans. The soldier's smile is compared to the smile of an infant, gentle without guile.

(11)How does the stream flow in the poem, 'Asleep in the Valley'?

Ans. The stream flows slowly in the poem, 'Asleep in the Valley'.

(12)Where does the stream flow?

Ans. The stream flows through a small green valley.

(13)What does the word 'hollow' signify in the poem 'Asleep in the Valley'?

Ans. The word 'Hollow' means a valley surrounded by mountains that seems a hollow from distance.

(14)From where do the sun rays fall on the valley?

Ans. The sun's rays fall on the valley from the mountain top.

(15)How are the sun rays compared with?

Ans. The sun's rays are compared with the flowing of the stream.

(16)How does the soldier lie?

Ans. The soldier lies open-mouthed with a pillow made of fern beneath his head and his feet are among the flowers.

(17)What is the pillow made of?

Ans. The pillow is made of fern.

(18)What do you mean by 'heavy undergrowth'?

Ans. Heavy undergrowth means the bushes and plants that grow in plenty.

(19) What does the poet ask nature to do?

Ans. The poet asks nature to keep him warm.

(20)What are the insects doing?

Ans. The insects are humming and trying to disturb the soldier's rest.