Unit 4 - 4.1 A Thing of Beauty is a Joy For Ever — English STD 10 — Question

Write down in your own words the differences between the 2nd stage and the 4th stage of a man's life:

Every stanza begins with the word 'if'. How does it add to the effectiveness of the poem?

The last (7th) stage of life sounds very sad and miserable. How can you make old age also cheerful and happy?

What did God's glass of blessings contain?

After reading the extract, complete the following table. What happens?

Lines	What is happening
18-33

Is the poem a prayer for India alone?

Explain: the impact of a beautiful thing on us.

(1) Write down in your own words the differences between the following stages of a man's life :
(a) 5th and 6th stage:
(b) 3rd stage and 5th stage:
(c) 1st stage and 7th (last) stage:

Explain :
(a) the contrast between the poet and his servant.
(b) the poet's reaction when he read the lines.

May he sit still, they said
May the sins of your previous birth
be burned away tonight, they said.
May your suffering decrease
the misfortunes of your next birth, they said.
May the sum of all evil
balanced in this unreal world
against the sum of good
become diminished by your pain.
May the poison purify your flesh
of desire, and your spirit of ambition,
they said, and they sat around
on the floor with my mother in the centre,
the peace of understanding on each face.
More candles, more lanterns, more neighbours
more insects, and the endless rain.
Complete the following table :

Background/setting of the poem
Type	Evidence (Quote lines from the extract)
Rural