Q1. Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
(a) What is the significance of the number ‘twelve’?
(b) Which two activities does the poet want us to stop?
(c) What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not speak in any language’?
(d) Describe the pun in the word, ‘arms’.
(a) The number ‘twelve’ signifies the time frame which the poet wants the people to follow in order to introspect and remain still.
(b) The poet wants us to stop speaking and moving our arms. ‘Arms’ means limbs as well as weapons. Destructive activities against man and nature as well as the green wars and the wars with weapons should halt.
(c) The poet means that let us keep calm and let there be peace. Let no one speak, just get a moment of introspection.
(d) The pun in the word ‘arms’ is that we use our arms while speaking. Arms also stand for weapons that are used in war.
Q2. ...perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(a) How can we bring about a ‘huge silence’?
(b) Why is silence called ‘huge’?
(c) What do we do for lack of understanding?
(d) What does this lack ultimately lead to?
(a) We can bring about a ‘huge silence’, if people get together and stop all harmful activities to achieve that remarkable moment.
(b) It is called ‘huge’ as it refers to the silence created together by people as also the stopping of all destructive activities will make this silence seem ‘huge’.
(c) We are focused on our material success, engrossed in fulfilling our ambitions and to achieve these we indulge in mindless, harmful, destructive activities.
(d) This lack ultimately leads to self-destruction. Man is doomed as he is discontented, sad and frustrated despite the material gain.
Q3. It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What would be an exotic moment? Why?
(b) Who is the poet speaking to?
(c) What is the present situation of the world that forces the poet to make this request?
(d) What does the phrase ‘sudden strangeness’ mean in the poem?
(a) Keeping quiet for a moment would be an exotic moment. It would be a moment when nobody will move and be part of rat-race. It will be exotic as this moment will give us a chance to introspect.
(b) The poet is speaking to all human beings on the earth irrespective of their country, caste, religion, class or profession.
(c) The present situation is full of negativity and aggression. Everybody seems to be rushing for selfish pursuits and creating an environment of destruction.
(d) ‘Sudden strangeness’ means that sudden halt to all destructive activities would be strange but fruitful.
Q4. Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers…
(a) Explain: ‘wars with gas, wars with fire’.
(b) Why does the poet call it a ‘victory with no survivors’?
(c) Who will put on clean clothes? What does the poet want to convey?
(d) What does the poet want these people to do?
(a) ‘Wars with gas, wars with fire’ refers to new technologies that are used to fight each other and which lead to total destruction.
(b) This will be a victory with no survivors because the war using atomic and nuclear weapons will bring total destruction for one and all and nobody will survive to celebrate the victory.
(c) The people who are instrumental and are involved in various conflicts in the world are the people the poet is referring to. The poet wants these people to give up all their destructive practices and be clean and clear in their heart and work for humanity.
(d) The poet wants these people to stop all conflicts and wars and walk about with their fellow brethren in goodwill doing nothing.
Q5. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness?
The poet uses ‘Earth’ as a symbol to invoke that there can be life after apparent stillness. The Earth seems ‘still’ from outside but is alive and vibrant deep within. Similarly, our silence can help us to maintain a harmonious life on Earth and stop destruction.
Q6. Why does one feel a sudden strangeness on counting to twelve and keeping quiet?
When one keeps quiet and stops all his selfish actions and takes a break from the monotonous routine, one gets time to introspect and analyse one’s actions. This brings a feeling of sudden strangeness because we never take a break from hectic activity and continuous talk.
Q7. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
The poet refers to the exotic moment when everyone would be silent and still and there would be no noise or mad race. It will evoke an environment of peace and quietness with no conflicts, quarrels, agreements or wars. This moment will bring a sense of togetherness among all human beings.
Q8. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?
The poet refers to the sadness which all human beings experience because of the lifestyle of nonstop work, stress, aggression and destructions. This sadness comes because man does not understand themselves.
Q9. How can suspension of activities help?
The suspension of activities will help us to introspect. It will provide an insight into the mad rush and selfish actions we indulge in. When we all are able to ponder and analyse our own actions and attitude, we will develop mutual understanding and realise the importance of co-existence.
Q 10. Why is Pablo Neruda against total inactivity?
The poet is against total inactivity because it means death, whereas the poet has firm belief in life. He only wishes us to introspect and take a break from the hectic, aimless life.
Q11. What does the poet want all the perpetrators of war to do?
The poet wants them to make their conscience clean from the envy and selfish motives. They should stop fighting and develop an understanding of peace among the human beings.
Q12. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being resolute?
Rajkumar Shukla was a poor, illiterate peasant from Champaran. When he came to know that Gandhi was in Lucknow, he decided to meet him and ask him to help the poor sharecroppers of Champaran. He requested Gandhi to come to Champaran but Gandhi was not free. He had appointments in Cawnpore and in other parts of India. Shukla followed him everywhere and even to his Ashram at Ahmedabad and urged him to fix a date. Finally Gandhi had to agree to visit Champaran. This clearly shows that Shukla was resolute.
Q13. What made the Lieutenant Governor drop the case against Gandhiji?
The Lieutenant Governor had to drop the case against Gandhiji after realising the support of the masses that he had. When Gandhiji arrived in the court in response to the summous he was served, the town of Motihari was filled with large crowds. The British officials felt helpless and had to take Gandhiji’s help to control the mob. Fearing the consequences, the case was postponed and later dropped.
Q14. Why did Gandhiji oppose when his friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran and help the peasants?
Or
Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews helping him in Champaran?
Gandhiji opposed when his friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran to help the peasants because he wanted the people of Champaran to be self-reliant. He wanted them not to depend on others to win their battle but build up their self-confidence. He did not want the support of an Englishman as a prop for his cause.
Why did Gandhi tell the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties’?
Gandhiji told the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, he did not want to be a lawbreaker but, on the other hand, couldn’t ignore his humanitarian and national service as demanded by his conscience. He told the court that finally he had decided to listen to the voice of his conscience and help the poor peasants of Champaran.
Why did Gandhi feel that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless?
Gandhi felt that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless. He believed that where the peasants were so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts were useless. The real relief for them would be to be free from fear.
“The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji utter these words?
The eminent lawyers from the nearby areas came to help Gandhiji. They decided to go back in case Gandhiji was arrested. At this Gandhiji made them to realise their duty towards the peasants. They realised that it would be shameful for them to leave these peasants at a time when a stranger was ready even to go to jail for them. So they all approached Gandhiji and said that they would accompany him to jail. At this point, Gandhiji said, “The battle of Champaran is won.”
Why did Gandhi protest against the delay in the trial?
Gandhi protested against the delay in the trial as the prosecutor had asked for postponment of the trial. Gandhi read a statement pleading guilty and asked for the due penalty. But the magistrate announced that he would pronounce sentence after a recess and asked Gandhi to furnish a bail but Gandhi refused. In fact, Gandhi wanted the victory of civil disobedience which finally happened when the case was dropped.
What did Gandhiji do for social and cultural upliftment of the people of Champaran?
Gandhiji was not content with the large political or economic solution. He wanted to do something for the social and cultural backwardness of Champaran. He appealed to teachers and his disciples Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh came with their wives, primary schools were opened in six villages. His son and wife Kasturba also joined him. He arranged for a volunteer doctor and his wife took care of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
What kind of atmosphere is created by Mr. Lamb to look welcoming and invite people to him?
Mr. Lamb has a very positive attitude to life. He keeps the door of his home open to welcome people into his house. He always speaks in a positive manner. Many children come to his garden to steal apples. He never rebukes them but wants to talk and spend time with them to overlook the mischiefs of others. He never gets annoyed or disturbed over the comments of children who call him ‘Lamey Lamb’. He accepts life as it comes to him. He never puts curtains on his windows and makes toffees and jelly for others. As a lonely man, Mr. Lamb wants to have company. He never discloses his loneliness to anybody and always speaks encouraging words. It is due to the welcoming attitude of Mr. Lamb that Derry promised to return to his garden.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
(a) What is the significance of the number ‘twelve’?
(b) Which two activities does the poet want us to stop?
(c) What does the poet mean by ‘let’s not speak in any language’?
(d) Describe the pun in the word, ‘arms’.
(a) The number ‘twelve’ signifies the time frame which the poet wants the people to follow in order to introspect and remain still.
(b) The poet wants us to stop speaking and moving our arms. ‘Arms’ means limbs as well as weapons. Destructive activities against man and nature as well as the green wars and the wars with weapons should halt.
(c) The poet means that let us keep calm and let there be peace. Let no one speak, just get a moment of introspection.
(d) The pun in the word ‘arms’ is that we use our arms while speaking. Arms also stand for weapons that are used in war.
Q2. ...perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(a) How can we bring about a ‘huge silence’?
(b) Why is silence called ‘huge’?
(c) What do we do for lack of understanding?
(d) What does this lack ultimately lead to?
(a) We can bring about a ‘huge silence’, if people get together and stop all harmful activities to achieve that remarkable moment.
(b) It is called ‘huge’ as it refers to the silence created together by people as also the stopping of all destructive activities will make this silence seem ‘huge’.
(c) We are focused on our material success, engrossed in fulfilling our ambitions and to achieve these we indulge in mindless, harmful, destructive activities.
(d) This lack ultimately leads to self-destruction. Man is doomed as he is discontented, sad and frustrated despite the material gain.
Q3. It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What would be an exotic moment? Why?
(b) Who is the poet speaking to?
(c) What is the present situation of the world that forces the poet to make this request?
(d) What does the phrase ‘sudden strangeness’ mean in the poem?
(a) Keeping quiet for a moment would be an exotic moment. It would be a moment when nobody will move and be part of rat-race. It will be exotic as this moment will give us a chance to introspect.
(b) The poet is speaking to all human beings on the earth irrespective of their country, caste, religion, class or profession.
(c) The present situation is full of negativity and aggression. Everybody seems to be rushing for selfish pursuits and creating an environment of destruction.
(d) ‘Sudden strangeness’ means that sudden halt to all destructive activities would be strange but fruitful.
Q4. Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers…
(a) Explain: ‘wars with gas, wars with fire’.
(b) Why does the poet call it a ‘victory with no survivors’?
(c) Who will put on clean clothes? What does the poet want to convey?
(d) What does the poet want these people to do?
(a) ‘Wars with gas, wars with fire’ refers to new technologies that are used to fight each other and which lead to total destruction.
(b) This will be a victory with no survivors because the war using atomic and nuclear weapons will bring total destruction for one and all and nobody will survive to celebrate the victory.
(c) The people who are instrumental and are involved in various conflicts in the world are the people the poet is referring to. The poet wants these people to give up all their destructive practices and be clean and clear in their heart and work for humanity.
(d) The poet wants these people to stop all conflicts and wars and walk about with their fellow brethren in goodwill doing nothing.
Q5. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness?
The poet uses ‘Earth’ as a symbol to invoke that there can be life after apparent stillness. The Earth seems ‘still’ from outside but is alive and vibrant deep within. Similarly, our silence can help us to maintain a harmonious life on Earth and stop destruction.
Q6. Why does one feel a sudden strangeness on counting to twelve and keeping quiet?
When one keeps quiet and stops all his selfish actions and takes a break from the monotonous routine, one gets time to introspect and analyse one’s actions. This brings a feeling of sudden strangeness because we never take a break from hectic activity and continuous talk.
Q7. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
The poet refers to the exotic moment when everyone would be silent and still and there would be no noise or mad race. It will evoke an environment of peace and quietness with no conflicts, quarrels, agreements or wars. This moment will bring a sense of togetherness among all human beings.
Q8. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?
The poet refers to the sadness which all human beings experience because of the lifestyle of nonstop work, stress, aggression and destructions. This sadness comes because man does not understand themselves.
Q9. How can suspension of activities help?
The suspension of activities will help us to introspect. It will provide an insight into the mad rush and selfish actions we indulge in. When we all are able to ponder and analyse our own actions and attitude, we will develop mutual understanding and realise the importance of co-existence.
Q 10. Why is Pablo Neruda against total inactivity?
The poet is against total inactivity because it means death, whereas the poet has firm belief in life. He only wishes us to introspect and take a break from the hectic, aimless life.
Q11. What does the poet want all the perpetrators of war to do?
The poet wants them to make their conscience clean from the envy and selfish motives. They should stop fighting and develop an understanding of peace among the human beings.
Q12. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being resolute?
Rajkumar Shukla was a poor, illiterate peasant from Champaran. When he came to know that Gandhi was in Lucknow, he decided to meet him and ask him to help the poor sharecroppers of Champaran. He requested Gandhi to come to Champaran but Gandhi was not free. He had appointments in Cawnpore and in other parts of India. Shukla followed him everywhere and even to his Ashram at Ahmedabad and urged him to fix a date. Finally Gandhi had to agree to visit Champaran. This clearly shows that Shukla was resolute.
Q13. What made the Lieutenant Governor drop the case against Gandhiji?
The Lieutenant Governor had to drop the case against Gandhiji after realising the support of the masses that he had. When Gandhiji arrived in the court in response to the summous he was served, the town of Motihari was filled with large crowds. The British officials felt helpless and had to take Gandhiji’s help to control the mob. Fearing the consequences, the case was postponed and later dropped.
Q14. Why did Gandhiji oppose when his friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran and help the peasants?
Or
Why was Gandhiji opposed to C.F. Andrews helping him in Champaran?
Gandhiji opposed when his friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran to help the peasants because he wanted the people of Champaran to be self-reliant. He wanted them not to depend on others to win their battle but build up their self-confidence. He did not want the support of an Englishman as a prop for his cause.
Why did Gandhi tell the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties’?
Gandhiji told the court that he was involved in a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, he did not want to be a lawbreaker but, on the other hand, couldn’t ignore his humanitarian and national service as demanded by his conscience. He told the court that finally he had decided to listen to the voice of his conscience and help the poor peasants of Champaran.
Why did Gandhi feel that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless?
Gandhi felt that taking the Champaran case to the court was useless. He believed that where the peasants were so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts were useless. The real relief for them would be to be free from fear.
“The battle of Champaran is won.” When and why did Gandhiji utter these words?
The eminent lawyers from the nearby areas came to help Gandhiji. They decided to go back in case Gandhiji was arrested. At this Gandhiji made them to realise their duty towards the peasants. They realised that it would be shameful for them to leave these peasants at a time when a stranger was ready even to go to jail for them. So they all approached Gandhiji and said that they would accompany him to jail. At this point, Gandhiji said, “The battle of Champaran is won.”
Why did Gandhi protest against the delay in the trial?
Gandhi protested against the delay in the trial as the prosecutor had asked for postponment of the trial. Gandhi read a statement pleading guilty and asked for the due penalty. But the magistrate announced that he would pronounce sentence after a recess and asked Gandhi to furnish a bail but Gandhi refused. In fact, Gandhi wanted the victory of civil disobedience which finally happened when the case was dropped.
What did Gandhiji do for social and cultural upliftment of the people of Champaran?
Gandhiji was not content with the large political or economic solution. He wanted to do something for the social and cultural backwardness of Champaran. He appealed to teachers and his disciples Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh came with their wives, primary schools were opened in six villages. His son and wife Kasturba also joined him. He arranged for a volunteer doctor and his wife took care of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
What kind of atmosphere is created by Mr. Lamb to look welcoming and invite people to him?
Mr. Lamb has a very positive attitude to life. He keeps the door of his home open to welcome people into his house. He always speaks in a positive manner. Many children come to his garden to steal apples. He never rebukes them but wants to talk and spend time with them to overlook the mischiefs of others. He never gets annoyed or disturbed over the comments of children who call him ‘Lamey Lamb’. He accepts life as it comes to him. He never puts curtains on his windows and makes toffees and jelly for others. As a lonely man, Mr. Lamb wants to have company. He never discloses his loneliness to anybody and always speaks encouraging words. It is due to the welcoming attitude of Mr. Lamb that Derry promised to return to his garden.
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