Chapter-wise Poetry Previous-Year Board Exam Questions: English Core | Class XII | Competency-Based | Very Important

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2024-2019 (Board-PYQs-English)

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My Mother At Sixty-Six

Keeping Quiet

A Thing of Beauty

A Roadside Stand

Aunt Jennifer's Tiger

My Mother At Sixty-Six

Q1. What are the feelings of the poet about her aged mother with reference to the poem ‘My Mother at Sixty Six’ ?

Ans: In "My Mother at Sixty-Six," Kamala Das conveys a mix of sadness and anxiety regarding her aged mother. She worries about her mother’s frailty, symbolized by the imagery of a “corpse.” Despite this, the poet expresses love and reassurance, smiling and promising to return, highlighting the deep bond between them amid the fear of separation and the inevitability of aging.

Q2. What is the significance of the word ‘but’ in ‘but all I said was see you soon, Amma ?

Ans: In the line "but all I said was see you soon, Amma" from Kamala Das's poem "My Mother at Sixty-six," the word "but" signifies a contrast between the poet's internal feelings and her outward expression. While she is overwhelmed with emotions like sadness and anxiety about her mother’s aging, she chooses to convey a light-hearted, reassuring farewell instead. The use of "but" shows the gap between her true emotions and her attempt to maintain a brave facade, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and the poet's struggle with the inevitability of loss.

Q3. It is said that the ‘Face is a mirror of one’s emotions.’ Why did the poet ‘smile and smile’? (My Mother at Sixty-six)

Ans: In Kamala Das's poem "My Mother at Sixty-six," the poet smiles to conceal her sadness and anxiety about her mother's frailty. The smile symbolizes reassurance and love, reflecting her struggle to stay composed amidst emotional turmoil, while conveying warmth and comfort in the face of aging and loss.

Q4. Create a comprehensive comparison of the themes present in ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘My Mother at Sixty-Six’. Specifically discuss the different ways each poem addresses the concept of struggle and resilience. ( All India 2024 | set 1/1/1)

Both "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" and "My Mother at Sixty-Six" explore themes of struggle and resilience, though from different perspectives. In "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," the protagonist faces oppression within a patriarchal society, enduring the hardships of her marriage while yearning for strength and freedom. Her artistic expression, embodied in the creation of tigers, symbolizes her desire for fearlessness and pride.

Conversely, "My Mother at Sixty-Six" portrays the struggle of fulfilling familial duties while confronting the inevitable realities of aging and loss. The poet hides her true emotions behind a reassuring smile, promising her mother that she will return soon. The mother’s aging reflects her own resilience in facing life's challenges.

Both poems highlight the tension between external constraints and inner strength, showcasing how art and familial bonds can serve as sources of empowerment amidst personal struggles.

Q5. Write a comparative analysis for your study group focusing on how the poems “Keeping Quiet” and “My Mother at Sixty-six” illuminate the different facets of human introspection and the significance of quiet reflection in understanding oneself.

Ans: In Pablo Neruda's "Keeping Quiet" and Kamala Das's "My Mother at Sixty-Six," both poems explore the theme of human introspection, albeit in distinct ways. "Keeping Quiet" emphasizes the importance of quiet reflection as a means to promote self-awareness and foster mutual understanding among people. Neruda advocates for silence, suggesting that it can lead to global harmony and a collective introspection that transcends borders, encouraging readers to pause and consider the impact of their actions for a better future.

In contrast, "My Mother at Sixty-Six" delves into the more personal aspect of introspection within familial relationships. The poem poignantly reflects the speaker's complex emotions regarding her aging mother, revealing her distress and childhood fears of separation. While it acknowledges the necessity of reassurance and connection, it also underscores the inevitability of loss and the passage of time.

Together, these poems illuminate how quiet reflection—whether in the context of global harmony or personal relationships—enables deeper understanding of oneself and others, highlighting the multifaceted nature of human introspection.

Q6. How does the use of vivid imagery by Adrienne Rich in “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” and by Kamala Das in “ My Mother at Sixty-Six” contribute to the overall themes of their respective poems? (All India 2024 | Set 1/2/3 )

Ans: In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, Adrienne Rich uses vivid imagery to contrast Aunt Jennifer’s oppressed life with her desire for freedom and strength. The embroidered tigers, bold and fearless, symbolize her wish to escape the constraints of her marriage, symbolized by the "wedding band"—a “massive weight” that represents her burdens. Aunt Jennifer’s “fluttering fingers” highlight her timid and nervous state, underscoring the theme of subservience and marital oppression. Through these images, Rich reveals Aunt Jennifer’s inner conflict and longing for empowerment.

Similarly, in My Mother at Sixty-Six, Kamala Das uses imagery to convey the themes of aging and mortality. The mother is compared to a “late winter’s moon” and “a corpse,” emphasizing her frailty and decline, in contrast to the poet’s memories of vitality. The scene outside the car, where “young trees sprinting” and “merry children spilling out” capture energy and life, heightens the mother’s aging process, evoking the inevitability of death. Das’s imagery reflects the pain of witnessing a loved one’s aging, reinforcing the poem's themes of loss and familial bonds.

Q7. ‘See you soon Amma.’ How are these words contrary to the speaker’s emotions? ( All India 2024 | set 1/4/1)

The words “See you soon, Amma” are contrary to the speaker’s emotions because, though she says them with a smile to reassure her mother, she is deeply saddened and worried. Internally, the speaker fears losing her aging mother, feeling the pain of separation and the uncertainty of seeing her again. These words mask her true emotions, as she tries to appear optimistic and calm despite her intense, unspoken sorrow.

Aunt Jennifer's Tigers

2023

Q1. Why do Aunt Jennifer's tigers not fear the men beneath the tree?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer's tigers do not fear the men beneath the tree because they exist in a symbolic world created by Aunt Jennifer herself. The tigers represent her inner strength, desires, and aspirations. In this imaginary world, the tigers are confident and unafraid, reflecting Aunt Jennifer's longing for a life that is free from fear and oppression.

Q2. Why did Aunt Jennifer create tigers so different from her own character?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer created tigers that are different from her own character as a form of artistic expression and an escape from her reality. The tigers symbolize the strength, freedom, and power that she may have felt lacking in her own life. Through her art, Aunt Jennifer can manifest a world where she is not constrained by the societal expectations and the weight of her marriage.

2022

Q3. What does Aunt Jennifer symbolize in the poem 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'?

Ans: Aunt Jennifer symbolizes a woman trapped in a stifling marriage and societal expectations. The poem suggests that she is subdued and burdened by the weight of her responsibilities, as indicated by the description of the massive weight of Uncle's wedding band on her hand. The poem portrays Aunt Jennifer as someone who seeks an outlet for her suppressed desires and finds solace in creating an artistic world through her needlework, where she can express her innermost thoughts and aspirations. The tigers in the poem symbolize the strength and freedom that Aunt Jennifer yearns for but cannot fully attain in her real life.

Q4. Explain the irony at the end of the poem, "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'.

The irony lies in the fact that while Aunt Jennifer's artistic creation, the tigers, exude confidence and fearlessness, Aunt Jennifer's own life is marked by fear and subjugation. The tigers symbolize the strength and freedom she wishes for but cannot fully attain in her reality.

The contrast between the fearless tigers in the artistic panel and Aunt Jennifer's fearful, burdened existence creates a poignant irony, highlighting the disparity between her imaginative world and the harsh realities of her life. Despite her artistic expression, Aunt Jennifer seems unable to break free from the constraints that define her existence.

Q5. Explain the significance of the 'denizens pacing in sleek certainty' in the poem 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers'.

Ans: In "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," the phrase "denizens pacing in sleek certainty" symbolizes Aunt Jennifer's artistic creation, representing her suppressed desires for strength and freedom. This imagery contrasts with her oppressed reality, emphasizing the power of art as an outlet for expressing unfulfilled aspirations and breaking free from societal constraints.

Q6. The tigers in the panel that she made Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid. What is the tone of the poet reflected in the above lines ?

Ans: The tone in the lines “The tigers in the panel that she made / Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid” is one of admiration and contrast. The poet admires the tigers’ fearless, bold spirit, contrasting it with the oppressed, restrained life of the woman who created them, highlighting her unfulfilled desires for freedom and strength.

Q7. If Aunt Jennifer speaks to Pablo Neruda, the poet of “Keeping Quiet” , about her problems and constraints, would it be right for her to accept his response of introspection, reflection and silence ? Write a letter to Pablo Neruda expressing her views. ( All India 2024 | Set 1/2/2)

Ans: Dear Pablo Neruda,

I find your idea of introspection and silence quite thought-provoking. However, as I reflect on my struggles, I feel torn about whether such an approach would truly help me. My life has been marked by the dominance of my husband and the massive weight of expectations. My “fluttering fingers” and the heavy wedding band symbolize the constraints I’ve silently endured for years. Perhaps, had I found the courage to counter this at the right time, things could have been different.

Yet, societal norms have conditioned me to remain submissive. My embroidered tigers may look bold, but my silence has been my only means of coping within a patriarchal structure. Avoiding conflict became my way of surviving. I wonder if, instead of silence, I needed strength to voice my feelings and break free from my submissive role. Your advice may bring peace, but for me, silence alone cannot ease the weight I bear.

With warm regards,

Aunt Jennifer

Q8. Explain how “The tigers in the panel …….. Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid.” (All India 2024 | Set 1/3/1)

The line “The tigers in the panel … Will go on prancing, proud and unafraid” symbolizes Aunt Jennifer's enduring spirit. Although she lives in a male-dominated, oppressive society, her tigers—fearless and powerful—will outlast her. Her art captures her unfulfilled desire for freedom, unaffected by societal constraints.

Keeping Quiet

Q1. What according to Pablo Neruda in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ is the lesson that we should learn from mother earth?

Ans: In *"Keeping Quiet,"* Pablo Neruda suggests we learn resilience and renewal from Mother Earth. He observes how Earth, despite human exploitation, "appears to be dead" in moments of stillness, yet regenerates with new life. This reflects his message that, by pausing in silence, we too can achieve harmony and nurture positive change within ourselves and our surroundings.

Q2. What is Pablo Neruda’s complaint against fishermen ? ( All India 2024 | Set 1/5/1)

In "Keeping Quiet," Pablo Neruda criticizes fishermen for harming marine life, specifically by killing whales. His complaint reflects a broader concern about humanity’s destructive impact on nature. Neruda urges fishermen—and humanity at large—to pause and reflect on their actions, advocating for a moment of quiet to foster respect for all forms of life.

Q3.

Imagine you are Pablo Neruda of ‘Keeping Quiet’. He advises Robert Frost in the context of his conflict and pain at the plight of the roadside stand owners. Pen down your advice in a letter to Robert Frost. You may begin.

Dear Frost, You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you…

Ans: Dear Frost,

You seem very pained at the plight of the roadside stand owners, and I would like to advise you to pause and reflect on the deeper implications of their struggles. In "Keeping Quiet," I emphasize the importance of silence and introspection, urging people to embrace stillness. This moment of quiet can reveal the underlying beauty and humanity of those who toil in the shadows.

Consider how the roadside stand owners represent the marginalized voices of society. Their longing for recognition and fair treatment is a cry for connection, not just with customers but with a world that often overlooks their efforts. In your observations, remember that their pain speaks volumes about the larger social injustices we face.

Encourage others to acknowledge their plight. Promote understanding and compassion, fostering a sense of community that transcends economic boundaries. As we remain silent, let us also become advocates for change, ensuring that their stories are heard and valued.

By uniting our voices in support of those who suffer, we can inspire a movement toward empathy and justice. Together, we can create a world where every individual's contribution is appreciated, and where beauty, much like the vibrant roadside stands, can flourish amidst adversity.

Warm regards,

Pablo Neruda

Q4. If you were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty”, how would you interpret the need for quiet introspection as mentioned in “Keeping Quiet”? ( All India 2024 | Set 1/3/1)

Ans: If I were the poet of A Thing of Beauty, I would interpret the need for quiet introspection, as mentioned in Keeping Quiet, as an essential step toward finding joy and purpose. Just as nature’s beauty offers moments of reflection and peace, quiet introspection allows us to truly appreciate life’s wonders. Observing the earth’s endless beauty—its trees, flowers, sun, and moon—offers a chance to connect with deeper meanings and find new perspectives. Like an “endless fountain of immortal drink,” nature provides a constant source of renewal and inspiration, lifting us from despair and encouraging inner growth. This journey within, inspired by nature, helps us overcome the challenges of life and find contentment, giving our existence a fresh and hopeful outlook.

Q5. Wars with gas, wards with fire, Victory with no survivors. Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and not violence. Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. (All India 2024 | Set 1/4/2)

Ans: The Power of Peaceful Resolution

War, as Pablo Neruda reminds us, brings only destruction, with “victory” that leaves no survivors. History has shown that wars and conflicts rarely resolve issues effectively; instead, they create suffering, hinder growth, and destroy lives. True progress and harmony stem from dialogue and peaceful negotiations, as seen in Gandhi’s approach during the Champaran movement. By using civil disobedience rather than violence, he improved the plight of sharecroppers while maintaining dignity and unity.

Peace fosters growth and development, enabling societies to focus on constructive pursuits rather than rebuilding after destruction. A peaceful society encourages social cohesion, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive. As Neruda suggests in Keeping Quiet, a pause from conflict—whether against nature or one another—ensures a sustainable future. Embracing peace as the foundation of conflict resolution not only builds stronger communities but also paves the way for lasting prosperity and unity.

The Roadside Stand

Q1. Who does the poet accuse of having double standards in The Roadside Stand?

Ans: The poet accuses both the government and social service agencies of having double standards. Although they claim to uplift rural people, they exploit them instead. Phrases like "greedy good-doers" and "beneficent beasts of prey" indicate that these agencies, under the guise of providing help, are actually taking advantage of the rural poor, offering them little real benefit.

Q2. What does the expression ‘polished traffic’ refer to? What does it reveal about city people?

The expression "polished traffic" refers to the affluent city people driving by in their sophisticated cars. It suggests that these people are indifferent to the struggles of rural folk, viewing the roadside stands as a blemish on the landscape rather than as small businesses seeking support. This reveals the insensitivity of city people to the plight of the countryside, as they remain detached from and uninterested in rural poverty.

Q3. A Roadside Stand is a social satire depicting the two contrasting worlds existing in society. Justify this statement with reference to the poem. ( 120-150 Words/ 5 Marks)

Ans: In A Roadside Stand, Robert Frost highlights the stark contrast between rural poverty and urban affluence, using the roadside stand as a symbol of rural people’s desperate attempt to improve their lives. The rural folk, filled with "childish longing," set up stands in the hope that city people might stop and buy their goods. However, the polished traffic merely passes by, indifferent to their plight. This indifference underscores the isolation of the rural poor, as they watch in “almost open prayer” for customers who never arrive. Moreover, government and social agencies claim to help these people, but instead "enforce benefits" that strip away their independence, further highlighting the exploitation and broken promises they endure. Through this portrayal, Frost offers a social satire, emphasizing the insensitivity of the urban elite and the deceptive “good intentions” of authorities, revealing a divided society where the aspirations of the rural poor are overshadowed by urban privilege and hypocrisy.

A Thing of Beauty

1.  In the poem ' A Thing of Beauty' how is grandeur connected with the mighty dead?

   
   

   Ans: In *"A Thing of Beauty,"* Keats links grandeur with the "mighty dead" by celebrating the noble legacy of great individuals. He refers to “the endless fountain of immortal drink” that flows to us, symbolizing the eternal inspiration drawn from their heroic deeds. The grandeur of these figures lies in their lasting impact; their lives and achievements continue to uplift and inspire humanity, thus becoming a source of timeless beauty.

   
   

2. Explain 'On every morrow are we wreathing.'

   In "On every morrow, are we wreathing," Keats conveys that each day, we actively gather beauty, symbolized by a "wreath." This ongoing effort connects us to nature and joy, providing solace amid despair. The line emphasizes beauty's transformative power, nurturing our spirits despite life's challenges.

2022

Q3.In What way do the things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us?

Things of beauty leave a lasting impression by evoking profound emotions and fostering peace. In the poem, the "sun," "moon," "trees," and "daffodils" symbolize natural beauty that inspires joy and hope. Such imagery uplifts our spirits, as they remind us of life’s goodness, creating cherished memories amidst challenges.

All India 2024 | Set I/5/1

Q4 How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’ ? ( A Thing of Beauty)

Ans: In "A Thing of Beauty,"* Keats connects the "mighty dead" to beautiful things by honoring great figures of the past whose noble deeds continue to inspire. He mentions “the tales we have heard or read” of these legendary heroes, suggesting that their legacy is a source of enduring beauty. Through this connection, Keats highlights how the memory of their courage and achievements provides timeless inspiration, becoming part of life’s lasting beauty.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO POEMS ( COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS)

Q5. …… but will keep A bower quiet for us. (A Thing of Beauty) Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. (Keeping Quiet) Based on ideas from ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, as President of Eco Club of your school. Draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of mankind. You may begin like this.

Good morning to one and all ! After reading both the poems, I strongly believe ……………. ( ALL INDIA 2024 | SET 1/5/1)

Ans: Good morning to one and all! After reading both the poems "A Thing of Beauty" by John Keats and "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda, I strongly believe in the profound connection between nature and our well-being. Keats highlights that nature provides a "bower quiet" for us, symbolizing a tranquil space that nurtures our spirits. This beauty is essential for our mental and emotional health, reminding us of life’s goodness even in challenging times.

On the other hand, Neruda's reflection on how the Earth can teach us illustrates nature's resilience. Even when it seems lifeless, it has the capacity to rejuvenate and inspire hope. This dual perspective emphasizes that preserving nature is not just an ecological necessity but a moral obligation for humanity.

As the President of the Eco Club, I urge each of you to recognize the importance of our environment. By protecting our natural resources, we ensure a better quality of life for ourselves and future generations. We must engage in sustainable practices, support conservation efforts, and educate others about the beauty and lessons nature has to offer.

Let us work together to preserve the earth’s wonders so that we can continue to experience the joy and serenity they bring. Thank you!

Q6. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and ‘A Roadside Stand’ are poetic expressions of human relationships. The first engages with nature while the latter highlights the individual’s place in society. Describe with reference to the two poems. ( All India 2024 | Set 1/1/2)

Ans: In A Thing of Beauty, John Keats emphasizes the uplifting power of nature, where things of beauty, such as the sun, trees, and daffodils, bring eternal joy and comfort. Despite the presence of struggles, despondence, and a lack of noble values in society, these beautiful elements help lift the “pall from our dark spirits” by offering moments of peace and inspiration. Through nature’s timeless beauty, we find solace, and the stories of mighty ancestors motivate us to find purpose amidst adversity.

In contrast, Robert Frost’s A Roadside Stand highlights the plight of rural villagers who are neglected and marginalized by society. These poor folks wait in vain for city dwellers to buy their goods, clinging to the hope of economic betterment. Unfortunately, their dreams are often crushed as city people remain indifferent to their struggles, exploiting their resources without understanding their needs. This exploitation by “greedy good-doers” leaves them feeling betrayed and desperate, illustrating society’s disregard for those on the fringes.

Both poems present a critique of human relationships: Keats’ poem with nature’s solace, and Frost’s poem with the social inequities that burden the less privileged.

Q7. Contrast the theme of nature in the poems “A Thing of Beauty” and “ A Roadside Stand”. Write down your views by analysing the poems. You may begin this way :

As I have analysed the two texts ... You may conclude : I’d like to say that ….. ( all India 2024 | Set 1/3/3)

As I have analyzed the two texts, it’s evident that nature plays a central role, yet each poet presents it from a contrasting perspective. In A Thing of Beauty, John Keats celebrates the objects and images of nature—like the sun, trees, and daffodils—that bring peace, joy, and contentment to the human spirit. For Keats, nature is a source of eternal beauty, offering motivation and solace. Its beauty lifts the "pall of despair," grounding us in a world that nurtures and connects us to something greater.

On the other hand, Robert Frost’s A Roadside Stand portrays nature through the struggles of rural life, as seen in the plight of the roadside stand owners. Here, nature doesn’t symbolize peace; instead, it reflects the harshness of rural existence, with “pathetically pled” and “withering” landscapes contrasting the polished, wealthy urban life. Frost highlights the villagers’ longing for city money and recognition, underscoring their desperation and society’s indifference to their plight.

I’d like to say that, while Keats presents nature as a timeless source of joy and healing, Frost reveals the hardship and neglect that rural communities face, reminding us of the complexities of human relationships with the natural world.

Q8. ‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’. (All India 2024 | Set 1/4/1)

Ans: The phrase “mighty dead” refers to great figures from history or mythology who have left behind inspiring legacies. Through their courageous deeds and enduring stories, these individuals continue to influence and motivate future generations. Their memory evokes a sense of grandeur and reverence, reminding us of noble qualities like bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. Keats suggests that reflecting on these figures provides strength, adding to the “things of beauty” that uplift our spirits and bring meaning to life.