GSEB Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 3 Keeping Quiet Solutions

Think It Out

Question 1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Answer: Counting up to twelve takes a very short time. Being still for this brief period gives us a quick stop to think and look over our actions. It is often noticed that most world problems and issues come from our haste or speed. Anger causes violence. Being calm and still will give us needed rest and bring about peace.
In simple words: Counting to twelve and staying still gives us a moment to think and review our actions. Many global issues arise from hurry and anger. Stillness provides peace and necessary respite.

Exam Tip: For questions asking about benefits, always list clear outcomes like peace, introspection, and prevention of harm.

Question 2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
Answer: No, he does not support either complete idleness or passing away. He makes it very clear that 'stillness' should not be mixed up with total idleness or seen as the same thing. Complete idleness causes death. However, Neruda has 'no connection with death.' His quiet state means stopping harmful and unfriendly human actions.
In simple words: No, the poet does not support complete inactivity or death. He clarifies that 'stillness' is different from total idleness, which brings death, and means stopping harmful human actions.

Exam Tip: When a question asks for your opinion on the poet's message, always clearly state 'Yes' or 'No' and then provide supporting reasons from the poem.

Question 3. What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
Answer: Human sadness comes from his own actions and ideas. It is quite strange that people who comprehend so much cannot grasp themselves and their behavior. Quick decisions turn out to be damaging and terrible. Humans create all calamities. They always endanger themselves with demise because of their beliefs and deeds. This is the sorrow of their existence.
In simple words: The sadness the poet mentions comes from human actions and thoughts. It's ironic that people, despite knowing so much, fail to understand themselves. Rash actions lead to disasters and self-threats, making this the tragedy of life.

Exam Tip: Link the poet's use of 'sadness' directly to human flaws like a lack of self-understanding and destructive behavior.

Question 4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
Answer: The poet aims to show that life can exist beneath seeming quietness. He uses the Earth as a vibrant symbol to support his idea. The Earth never truly stops moving. Nature keeps working all the time, even when it appears quiet. It maintains Earth's vitality. This concept is wonderfully shown by the lines: 'as when everything looks dead and afterwards shows to be living.'
In simple words: The poet uses the Earth as a symbol to show that life continues even under seeming stillness. The Earth never truly rests, always working, proving that quiet doesn't mean no life.

Exam Tip: Remember to identify specific natural symbols (like Earth) and explain how they illustrate the poet's message, quoting lines if possible.

Try This Out:

Question 5. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind?
Answer: This is an extension activity meant for personal study.
In simple words: This question is an activity for you to do on your own.

Exam Tip: For 'self-study' questions, briefly acknowledge the nature of the question rather than attempting to provide a generalized answer.

GSEB Class 12 English Keeping Quiet Additional Important Questions And Answers

Answer The Following Questions In Three To Four Sentences Each:

Question 1. Why does Pablo Neruda urge us to keep still?
Answer: Quietness is vital for calm thinking and silent self-reflection. We perceive our conscience's sound during peaceful times. The poet believes that human problems and sufferings mostly arise from people's haste and quick actions. He hopes we can step back from our unwanted behaviors and be still for a moment.
In simple words: Pablo Neruda wants us to be still for calm thought and self-reflection. He believes most human troubles come from rushing. He wishes we pause from bad actions to find peace.

Exam Tip: Focus on the core reasons for stillness mentioned: introspection, conscience, and avoiding hasty actions.

Question 2. Why shouldn't we 'speak in any language' and 'not move our arms so much'?
Answer: People around the globe use various languages. They get into pointless discussions and disagreements. Many of these arguments result in harmful conflicts. The poet asks people to stop conversing in any language. They should communicate from their hearts. Until now, humans have used their arms only to injure others. So, the poet wants them to not move their limbs excessively to cause harm to anyone else. Let these limbs rest for a bit. Let a sense of shared understanding be formed among everyone.
In simple words: The poet wants us to stop speaking in different languages and moving our arms to avoid arguments, wars, and harm. He wishes for heart-to-heart communication and mutual understanding, allowing our arms to rest from destructive acts.

Exam Tip: When discussing actions like 'speaking' and 'moving arms', connect them to larger themes of conflict, communication barriers, and violence, as the poet does.

Question 3. Pablo Neruda says: "we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.” When can we experience such a moment? Why will that be an exotic moment?
Answer: Constant action, pointless speed, and sound have filled our lives with sadness, hurt, and problems. We need to stop rushing, hurrying, stressing, and running. Even the sound of motors and devices must halt for a moment. Then, we will all enjoy the unexpected oddness of that instant. It will be a special time. In that unusual and captivating moment, we will feel completely calm, both in body and mind.
In simple words: We can experience a "sudden strangeness" by stopping our constant rush, noise, and worries. This will be an exotic moment because it will bring unique quiet and relaxation, both physically and mentally.

Exam Tip: Explain "sudden strangeness" by contrasting it with our normal busy lives and highlighting the peace and introspection it would bring.

Question 4. What does the poet ask the fisherman and the man collecting salt to do? What does he exactly want to convey by this?
Answer: Pablo Neruda opposes all forms of brutality. He speaks to fishermen, telling them not to hurt whales living in the icy waters of the polar areas. He also discourages any form of self-injury. The person collecting salt has wounded his hands. He asks this individual to attend to himself and care for his damaged hands.
In simple words: The poet asks fishermen not to harm whales and the salt-gatherer to care for his injured hands. He wants to convey a message against violence towards nature and self-harm, promoting care and consideration.

Exam Tip: Connect the specific actions (not harming whales, caring for hands) to the broader themes of non-violence and self-preservation in the poem.

Question 5. What alternative does Pablo Neruda suggest instead of indulging in wars?
Answer: Instead of partaking in conflicts, people should appear in their finest clothes alongside their relatives. They ought to go for a stroll beneath the shaded trees and amuse themselves by doing absolutely nothing. This behavior would create a sense of unity among them.
In simple words: Instead of fighting wars, Pablo Neruda suggests people should unite, dress well, walk under shady trees with family, and simply enjoy doing nothing, fostering togetherness.

Exam Tip: When describing alternatives to war, emphasize actions that promote peace, unity, and communal harmony, as suggested by the poet.

Question 6. How does the poet distinguish 'stillness' from 'total inactivity'? Why does Neruda say 'I want no truck with death'?
Answer: Pablo Neruda supports quietness or quiet. We stay calm and still for a period. Conversely, complete idleness means a lasting stop to all tasks. It is just like passing away. 'Stillness' must not be mistaken for 'total idleness'. Life continues as normal. There cannot be anything like complete idleness. The poet declines to link with or handle demise.
In simple words: The poet distinguishes stillness as a temporary pause for introspection, while total inactivity is a permanent halt like death. He says "I want no truck with death" to emphasize that his call for stillness is about life-affirming pause, not about stopping life entirely.

Exam Tip: Clearly define and differentiate between 'stillness' and 'total inactivity' to demonstrate a full understanding of the poet's intent.

Question 7. Why does the poet feel that we should not be 'so single-minded'?
Answer: People are usually very focused on one thing. They wish to concentrate on just one goal. They desire to keep their lives advancing. They are always occupied in their search. The poet wants them not to be so deeply involved in constantly moving. They need some break or quiet. They also require peace or stillness.
In simple words: The poet feels we shouldn't be 'so single-minded' because people are too focused on progress and staying busy, which leads to constant motion. He suggests we need a break, rest, and peace from this non-stop pursuit.

Exam Tip: Explain how being 'single-minded' leads to an imbalanced life and why the poet advocates for a more reflective approach.

Question 8. How might a huge silence interrupt the sadness of men?
Answer: Humans never truly comprehend themselves. They are also never certain of their deeds. They encounter another misfortune. Because of their own conduct, they endanger themselves with demise. This awareness leaves them powerless and unhappy. Only a vast (long) quietness could break this sorrow and offer them some benefit.
In simple words: A long period of silence can break human sadness because men often don't understand themselves or their actions. This lack of self-awareness causes them to threaten themselves, leading to sadness. Silence offers a pause to reflect and end this sorrow.

Exam Tip: Link the interruption of sadness by silence to the opportunity for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of one's actions and consequences.

Question 9. 'Under the apparent stillness, there is life'. Justify this statement giving an example from the poem 'Keeping Quiet'.
Answer: Neruda does not see quietness as complete idleness. He thinks that beneath this seeming calmness, life exists. We can learn this from our planet. When everything appears lifeless, the Earth still continues to live. The Earth is never truly gone. Life on our planet proceeds normally beneath the seeming quiet.
In simple words: The statement means that even when things seem quiet, life is still active. The poet justifies this by using the example of the Earth: it appears still but is constantly alive and working beneath the surface.

Exam Tip: When justifying a statement, always provide a clear explanation and a relevant example from the text, such as the poet's use of the Earth.

Question 10. Justify the title 'Keeping Quiet'.
Answer: The poem's title is very fitting and makes sense. It highlights the need for calm self-reflection. People across the globe are too busy and always active. Their actions have led to countless problems and pains. Being quiet will greatly benefit them. It will protect them from numerous damaging and aggressive actions. Furthermore, it will aid in considering human destiny and fostering a sense of shared understanding among people.
In simple words: The title 'Keeping Quiet' is appropriate because the poem urges humanity to pause for quiet self-reflection. This pause helps people avoid harmful activities, understand themselves better, and foster mutual understanding, ultimately benefiting everyone.

Exam Tip: To justify a title, explain how it encapsulates the poem's central theme and main message, referring to specific ideas presented in the text.

Figures Of Speech

Choose The Figures Of Speech In The Following Lines:

Question 1. 'and we will all keep still.'
(a) Internal Rhyme
(b) Simile
(c) Alliteration
(d) Synecdoche
Answer: (a) Internal Rhyme
In simple words: Internal rhyme occurs when words within the same line of poetry rhyme, as 'will' and 'still' do here.

Exam Tip: Internal rhyme involves rhyming words within a single line, creating a musical effect. Look for words that sound similar in the middle or end of the line.

Question 2. 'without rush, without engines.'
(a) Metaphor
(b) Repetition
(c) Internal Rhyme
(d) Personification
Answer: (b) Repetition
In simple words: Repetition is a figure of speech where a word or phrase is repeated multiple times for emphasis or to create a rhythmic pattern.

Exam Tip: Identify repetition when a word or phrase is used more than once in close proximity to stress a point or evoke a feeling.

Question 3. 'in a sudden strangeness.'
(a) Repetition
(b) Synecdoche
(c) Alliteration
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (c) Alliteration
In simple words: Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the start of adjacent or closely connected words, like the 's' sound in 'sudden strangeness'.

Exam Tip: Alliteration is about the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are near each other. Listen for the sound rather than just checking the letter.

Question 4. 'Wars with gas, wars with fire'.
(a) Personification
(b) Synecdoche
(c) Anastrophe
(d) Repetition
Answer: (d) Repetition
In simple words: Repetition is when a word or phrase is said or written several times, often for emphasis.

Exam Tip: Recognize repetition by identifying words or phrases that are intentionally reused to highlight an idea or create a particular rhythm.

Question 5. 'Perhaps the Earth can teach us'.
(a) Metaphor
(b) Repetition
(c) Internal Rhyme
(d) Personification
Answer: (d) Personification
In simple words: Personification means giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas, such as the Earth 'teaching' us.

Exam Tip: Look for personification when non-human things are described as performing actions or having feelings typically associated with humans.

Reading Comprehension (Textual)

Read The Following Stanzas And Answer The Questions Given Below Them:

Question 1. '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.
1.'Let's not spoken in any language', says the poet. Why?
2. What should we not do for a second?
Answer:
1. People across the globe have been engaging in conflicts and violence over small reasons. If they stay silent, they might not participate in debates, arguments, and disagreements. Thus, they should remain quiet and not communicate in any tongue. This will guarantee calm and wealth.
2. We ought to halt all actions for a moment. Humans have only employed their arms to murder and ruin others. Therefore, they should not move their limbs excessively to cause harm to anyone else.
In simple words: The poet asks us not to speak any language to avoid arguments and promote peace. He also asks us to stop all harmful activities for a second, especially those involving our arms, to prevent violence.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, answer each sub-question distinctly, drawing evidence directly from the provided text or the poem's context.

Question 2. 'It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together a sudden strangeness. Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.
1. What will happen if there is no rush or running of engines?
2. How would all of us feel at that moment?
Answer:
1. There will be quiet everywhere if there is no hurry or the sound of running engines and devices.
2. All of us will appreciate the uniqueness and sudden oddness of that particular time.
In simple words: If there's no rush or engine noise, peace will spread. Everyone will feel the unusual and sudden strangeness of that moment, enjoying its unique quality.

Exam Tip: When analyzing the impact of a silent moment, emphasize both the absence of noise and the psychological effect it has on people, leading to unique feelings.

Question 3. '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 in the shade, doing nothing. What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.
1. What sort of wars are mentioned in the above lines?
2. According to the poet, what should it not be confused with? What does the poet refuse to deal with?
Answer:
1. Environmental conflicts, battles with harmful fumes, and fights with flames are the various types of wars.
2. The poet supports quietness or calmness. Stillness must not be mistaken for complete idleness. Total lack of action causes demise. The poet declines to connect with or handle death. Therefore, he is not encouraging death.
In simple words: The lines mention "green wars" (environmental), wars with gas, and wars with fire. The poet wants his idea of stillness not to be confused with total inactivity, which is like death; he refuses to be associated with death.

Exam Tip: Be specific when identifying types of wars mentioned and clearly articulate the distinction between 'stillness' and 'total inactivity', as it's a key message from the poet.

Question 4. 'If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death. Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go'.
1. What do people pursue single-mindedly? Which is the better course the poet suggests?
2. When can a huge silence do us good?
Answer:
1. People pursue a single focus on maintaining their lives in motion. The poet proposes that it would be wiser if they allow themselves a period of rest. For once, they might do absolutely nothing.
2. A great quiet can greatly help us when we feel down about not grasping ourselves or when we endanger ourselves with demise.
In simple words: People are single-mindedly focused on keeping their lives constantly moving. The poet suggests that taking a period of rest and doing nothing is a better path. A great silence can help us when we are sad about not understanding ourselves or when we threaten our own lives.

Exam Tip: When evaluating alternatives, contrast the current harmful behaviors (single-minded pursuit) with the poet's suggested beneficial actions (rest, silence, self-understanding).

Keeping Quiet Summary In English

Keeping Quiet Introduction:

Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) was his 'pen name' and later, his official name. He was a well-known Chilean poet, a diplomat, and a politician. He received the Nobel Prize for writing in 1971. He used green ink, which stood for his personal sign of wanting and looking forward to things. His works are straightforward, and their charm lies in this simplicity.

Keeping Quiet Summary:

'Keeping Quiet' is a calm poem composed by the Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. The poet tells all of us to count from one to twelve—twelve represents the hours on a clock or the Zodiac signs. He asks that nobody speak, as languages often cause separations between individuals. The instant when everyone ceases bodily movement will be quite unique and unlike anything we have felt before.

The poet states that during this time of stillness, fishermen would not injure whales, and salt collectors would not hurt their hands. Those who are damaging nature will embrace a different way of living. Men who are getting ready for battles and wins that rely on the demise of innocent individuals will unite with their opponents, doing nothing. No one will harm themselves or others. Everyone will come together and think about their actions, understanding the outcomes of their deeds.

The poet explains his idea, adding that he does not wish people to remain unproductive. He desires no conflict, as he dislikes seeing vehicles filled with deceased soldiers. He is advocating for global unity and tranquility.

The poet notes that everyone is constantly laboring to reach their aims. People feel scared of death, and this fear makes them work non-stop to accomplish tasks rapidly. In this frantic pace, they do not understand the outcomes of their actions. He wants us to stop and step away from this hurried race. He wishes for us to be content with our accomplishments and mark them. He wants us to conquer the dread of death and unwind for a bit. We should recognize and celebrate our successes.