GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 4 The Last Bargain Solutions

Working With The Poem

Question 1. Who is the speaker in the poem ?
Answer: In Rabindranath Tagore's 'The Last Bargain', the speaker is the man who is looking for a job for himself. He is walking on the stone-paved road and asking someone to hire him.
In simple words: The person telling the story in Tagore's poem is a man seeking employment, walking along a road and hoping to be hired.

Exam Tip: When identifying the speaker in a poem, look for first-person pronouns like 'I' or 'me' and analyze their actions and motivations from the text.

Question 2. "The king, sword in hand" suggests ...
(a) wealth
(b) power
(c) more power than wealth
Answer: (b) power
In simple words: A king holding a sword means he has a lot of authority and strength.

Exam Tip: In poetry, symbols like a "sword" often represent abstract concepts like power or authority. Always consider the usual associations of the object.

Question 3. The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. Why did he turn down the offer ?
Answer: An old man with a bag of gold wanted to hire the speaker with a lot of money. But the speaker denied his proposal because he understood the temporary nature of money.
In simple words: The speaker turned down the rich old man's offer of money for a job because he knew money doesn't last forever.

Exam Tip: When asked to explain a character's actions, refer to their motivations or insights mentioned in the text. Here, the speaker's understanding of "transient nature of money" is key.

Question 4. Find in the poem, lines that match the following. Read both one after another,
(i) I have nothing to give you except goodwill & cheer.
(ii) Her happiness was no more than sorrow in disguise.
(iii) The king's might was not worth much.
Answer:
(i) 'I hire you with nothing.'
(ii) 'Her smile paled and melted into tears.'
(iii) 'But his power counted for naught.'
In simple words: Match the meaning of each sentence to the exact line from the poem that says the same thing.

Exam Tip: For "match the lines" questions, ensure you quote the exact phrases from the poem without alteration. Understand the meaning of the given statement and find the poetic expression for it.

Question 5. How did the speaker feel after talking to the child on the beach?
Answer: The child's natural innocence made him the perfect example of simplicity in this materialistic world filled with power, money, and desire. The speaker felt the child's internal strength of simplicity, which freed him from the chains of harsh worldly materialism.
In simple words: After talking to the child, the speaker felt truly free. The child's simple, innocent nature helped him escape from the grip of the world's focus on power and wealth.

Exam Tip: Focus on how the interaction changes the speaker's perspective. Keywords like "innocence," "simplicity," and "freedom" are important to include in your answer.

GSEB Class 8 English The Last Bargain Additional Important Questions and Answers

Select the most appropriate options as answers and complete the following sentences:

Question 1. The speaker is out in the morning to ..........
(a) have a walk.
(b) seek a job.
(c) help the needy ones.
(d) hire someone.
Answer: (b) seek a job.
In simple words: In the morning, the speaker went out because he was looking for work.

Exam Tip: Always refer to the poem's opening lines to confirm the speaker's initial purpose or action.

Question 2. The king wanted to hire the speaker with his ..........
(a) money.
(b) glory.
(c) power.
(d) simplicity.
Answer: (c) power.
In simple words: The king offered the speaker a job using his authority.

Exam Tip: Remember the king's primary attribute is power, and this is what he offers in exchange for service.

Question 3. The houses were all closed because of terrible heat outside.
(a) because of terrible heat outside.
(b) to show respect to the king.
(c) due to some unknown fear.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) because of terrible heat outside.
In simple words: All the houses were shut because it was extremely hot outside.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive details in the poem, as they often provide context for actions or settings.

Question 4. Here 'the crooked lane' means ..........
(a) the lane with dishonest people.
(b) the lane with diverging ways.
(c) the lane with deformed inhabitants.
(d) a mysterious lane.
Answer: (b) the lane with diverging ways.
In simple words: A 'crooked lane' here means a path that splits into many different directions.

Exam Tip: When interpreting figurative language, consider the literal meaning of the words and then their deeper implications in the poem's context.

Question 5. The speaker did not want to be hired by the rich old man because ..........
(a) he wanted to hire him with power.
(b) he wanted to hire him with money.
(c) he wanted to hire him by force.
(d) he seemed to be a cunning man.
Answer: (b) he wanted to hire him with money.
In simple words: The speaker did not want the job offered by the rich old man because the offer involved money.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific 'offer' made by each character to understand why the speaker accepts or rejects it.

Question 6. The garden hedge was ..........
(a) full of flowers.
(b) full of thorny plants.
(c) too narrow to pass through.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (a) full of flowers.
In simple words: The hedge in the garden was covered in blossoms.

Exam Tip: Imagery in poetry often sets the scene; pay attention to details about nature and surroundings.

Question 7. The fair maid wanted to hire the speaker..
(a) by offering him a lot of gold.
(b) by talking with him in a charming way.
(c) by luring him by lust.
(d) All of the options
Answer: (c) by luring him by lust.
In simple words: The beautiful woman tried to attract the speaker with her desire.

Exam Tip: Understand the underlying motivation of each person who tries to hire the speaker.

Question 8. After some time the smile of the fair lady ..........
(a) turned enchanting.
(b) faded away.
(c) turned into anger.
(d) turned mysterious.
Answer: (b) faded away.
In simple words: The fair lady's smile disappeared after a while.

Exam Tip: Note how temporary or fleeting the offers of power, money, and beauty are, as symbolized by their fading nature.

Question 9. What was the time when the speaker met the child?
(a) Morning
(b) Mid-noon
(c) Evening
(d) Night
Answer: (c) Evening
In simple words: The speaker met the child during the evening.

Exam Tip: The poem progresses through different times of day, each representing a different offer. Keep track of these time shifts.

Question 10. The child had .......... to hire the speaker with.
(a) shells
(b) nothing
(c) some coins
(d) sweet smile
Answer: (b) nothing
In simple words: The child had no possessions to offer the speaker for work.

Exam Tip: The child's offer of "nothing" is central to the poem's theme of true freedom and happiness.

Answer the following questions in one sentence each:

Question 1. What is the sword in the king's hand a symbol of?
Answer: The sword in the king's hand represents 'power'.
In simple words: The king's sword stands for his authority.

Exam Tip: Understand that objects in literature often carry symbolic meanings beyond their literal sense.

Question 2. What do the words 'But his power counted for naught' mean?
Answer: The words 'But his power counted for naught' mean 'his power was worthless'.
In simple words: This phrase means the king's power held no value.

Exam Tip: Focus on clarifying the meaning of idiomatic or poetic phrases by restating them in simpler terms.

Question 3. Why did the job-seeker turn away watching the old man weighing his coins?
Answer: The job-seeker turned away watching the old man weighing his coins because he felt that working for the rich old man would never make him happy.
In simple words: The man seeking a job walked away from the old man counting money because he knew that job wouldn't bring him joy.

Exam Tip: Relate the speaker's actions to his internal feelings or values to provide a complete answer.

Question 4. What was the 'last bargain' for the job-seeker ?
Answer: The 'last bargain' for the job-seeker was enjoying playtime with that innocent child who had nothing to give.
In simple words: The final deal for the job-seeker was simply playing with the innocent child who offered nothing material.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the contrast between the child's offer and the previous offers of power and money.

Question 5. How would the job-seeker be happy making bargain with the child?
Answer: The job-seeker would be happy making a bargain with the child as it would make him a free man.
In simple words: The job-seeker would find happiness in the deal with the child because it would give him freedom.

Exam Tip: Connect the child's bargain directly to the theme of freedom, which is what the speaker truly seeks.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

Question 1. What is a bargain ? What attempts does the man make to strike a bargain?
Answer: A bargain is an agreement where parties promise to do something for each other. The man wants to be hired, and the king tries to hire him with his power. However, the man does not value power. Then, a wealthy old man approaches with gold coins, and a beautiful girl offers sweet love. But the man does not need power, gold, or sweet love. He eventually makes a deal with a small child for no cost, finding satisfaction in remaining a free man.
In simple words: A bargain is a mutual agreement. The man tries to get hired, but rejects offers of power from a king, money from an old man, and charm from a fair maid. He finally agrees with a child, finding joy in being free.

Exam Tip: Define 'bargain' first, then systematically describe each attempt the man makes, highlighting why he rejects early offers and accepts the final one.

Question 2. What is the speaker's last bargain ? Why does he call it the best?
Answer: The speaker's final bargain is with a child playing with shells on the sea beach. The child has nothing to give in return, yet the man makes the deal. Playing with the child will make him a free man, not a slave or a servant.
In simple words: The speaker's best bargain is with a child on the beach who has nothing to offer but playtime. He calls it the best because it grants him freedom instead of making him a slave.

Exam Tip: Emphasize the lack of material exchange in the child's bargain and its direct link to the speaker's ultimate desire for freedom, making it "the best."

Question 3. What message does Tagore's poem convey? What does he try to highlight?
Answer: The poem has a deep message. Freedom is more desirable than power, gold, or beauty. An employee becomes a slave or servant. He offers his services for payment. So he is required to work for his employer. Playing with a child ensures the man's freedom.
In simple words: Tagore's poem teaches us that freedom is more valuable than things like power, money, or looks. When you work for someone, you are bound by their rules. But playing with a child gives real freedom.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the central theme (freedom vs. materialism) and explain how the different characters' offers illustrate this message.

Question 4. Why did the speaker deny the king's proposal ?
Answer: At the very beginning of the poem, it is shown that the speaker denies the king's proposal to hire him. This happens because he does not believe in any power that can tie him in the chains of servitude. This strong desire for freedom within himself led him to reject the king's offer.
In simple words: The speaker turned down the king's offer because he didn't want to be tied down by power. He wanted to stay free and not become a slave.

Exam Tip: Highlight the speaker's core value (freedom) as the reason for rejecting any offer that implies "bondage" or control.

Question 5. Why did the fair maid go back alone into the dark?
Answer: Just like the power of the king and the money of the old man, the charm of the fair maid is also very temporary. Her sweet smile is destined to turn into tears in due course. So the fair maid went back alone into the dark.
In simple words: The fair maid left alone into the dark because her beauty and charm, like power and money, were fleeting. Her smile would eventually fade and turn to sadness, showing its temporary nature.

Exam Tip: Connect the fair maid's fading charm to the poem's theme of the impermanence of worldly desires.

Question 6. Explain the phrase "I hire you with nothing".
Answer: At the very end of the poem, the speaker meets an innocent child. Unlike the previous offers of power, money, and desire, the child wants to hire the speaker with sheer simplicity. This simplicity will not fade away over time.
In simple words: This phrase means the child offered no material wealth, power, or lust to hire the speaker. Instead, the child offered pure, lasting simplicity and freedom, which the speaker accepted.

Exam Tip: Explain "nothing" in terms of its positive implications for the speaker—freedom from obligation and the purity of the offer.

Question 7. How does the power and money get contrasted with the innocence in the poem ; 'The Last Bargain'?
Answer: The poem 'The Last Bargain' by Rabindranath Tagore explores the clear contrast between power, money, and innocence. Apparently, power and money are the dominating forces in the world. But this dominance is defeated by time. The poet shows this limited existence of power and money. The speaker in the poem serves as the means through which this contrast is conveyed to a higher level. Initially, the king's powerful sword and his royal chariot attempt to empower the speaker by hiring him, but this only lasts for a few moments. Finally, it has to say goodbye instead of holding onto so much power. Similarly, the old man with his bag of gold tries to hire the speaker to be his slave, but the speaker realizes that money's brief glory cannot free him. Even the charm of the fair maid also tries to lure him into her servitude, but that too can be ignored by the speaker. In the end, it is seen that the speaker is bound by the simplicity of an innocent child playing with shells on the seashore. The child's innocence gave him the taste of freedom and not the chains of slavery. Thus, power and money are contrasted with innocence in the poem 'The Last Bargain'.
In simple words: Tagore's poem shows how power and money are strong forces in the world, but they don't last. The speaker rejects offers from a king (power), a rich man (money), and a fair maid (beauty) because these things are temporary and lead to being controlled. In contrast, the pure innocence of a child offers true, lasting freedom and happiness, which is what the speaker finally accepts.

Exam Tip: Structure your answer by first stating the contrast, then providing examples from each character's offer to illustrate how power and money fail while innocence succeeds in providing true value.

Read the following stanzas and answer the questions given below them:

Question 1. "Come and hire me,” I cried, while in the morning I was walking on the stone-paved road. Sword in hand the King came in his chariot. He held my hand and said, "I will hire you with my power,” But his power counted for naught, and he went away in his chariot.
(1) Who is 'I' in the first line ?
(2) What honour did the man receive from the king?
(3) Why did the man not accept the offer of the king?
Answer:
(1) 'I' in the first line is a man who is looking for employment.
(2) The king in the chariot held the hand of the man and offered that he was ready to offer him employment with his power.
(3) The man did not accept the offer of the king because he did not want to be controlled by power in his job.
In simple words: The speaker is a man seeking work. The king offered him a job based on his power, but the man rejected it because he didn't want to be controlled by power.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, read the stanza carefully to find direct answers for "who," "what," and "why."

Question 2. In the heat of the mid-day the houses stood with shut doors. I wandered along the crooked lane. An old man came out with his bag of gold. He pondered and said, “I will hire you with my money.” He weighed his coins one by one, but I turned away.
(1) Houses are thought of as persons. How? '
(2) What was the old man carrying ?
(3) What kind of person, do you think, must be the old man ?
Answer:
(1) The poet has described houses as if they are standing by themselves, closing their doors as men do.
(2) The old man was carrying a bag full of gold.
(3) The old man must be a person for whom money is everything in his life, more important than anything else.
In simple words: The poet imagines houses closing their doors like people. The old man carried a bag of gold, suggesting he values money above all else.

Exam Tip: Analyze poetic devices like personification (houses acting like people) to understand the imagery. For character traits, infer from their actions and possessions.

Question 3. It was evening. The garden hedge was all aflower. The fair maid came out and said, "I will hire you with a smile." Her smile paled and melted into tears, and she went back alone into the dark.
(1) How was the garden hedge ?
(2) What offer did the fair maid put ? How ?
(3) What happened afterwards ?
Answer:
(1) The garden hedge was all blooming with flowers.
(2) The maid offered to hire the job-seeker with a smile, which implied her beauty and charm.
(3) Afterwards, the maid's smile faded and turned into tears. Then she vanished into the dark.
In simple words: The garden hedge was full of flowers. The maid offered the job-seeker her beauty and charm with a smile. But then, her smile faded into tears, and she disappeared into the dark.

Exam Tip: For questions about figurative language or character offers, describe the offer and its outcome as depicted in the passage.

Question 4. The sun glistened on the sand, and the sea waves broke waywardly. A child sat playing with shells. He raised his head and seemed to know me and said, "I hire you with nothing.” From henceforward that bargain struck in Child's play made me a free man.
(1) Describe the scene of the seashore.
(2) What did the child do on seeing the man?
(3) What made the man do the last bargain with the child?
Answer:
(1) The sun was shining on the sand of the seashore. The waves came irregularly and lashed the shore.
(2) The child was playing with shells on the seashore. Upon seeing the man, he raised his head and, as if already acquainted, offered to work for him without asking for any reward in return.
(3) The man was very pleased with the child's innocence and agreed to work with him. The man felt that this bargain would make him a free man.
In simple words: The seashore scene had the sun shining on the sand with waves crashing unevenly. When the child saw the man, he looked up and, as if knowing him, offered to hire him for no pay. The man accepted because he loved the child's innocence and felt it would make him truly free.

Exam Tip: When describing a scene, include sensory details. For character interactions, focus on initial reactions and the underlying reasons for their actions.

The Last Bargain Summary in English

The Last Bargain Summary:

'The Last Bargain' by Tagore is a sixteen-line poem written in blank verse that carries a strong message, much needed for our materialistic world: no amount of power, money, or desire can truly make us happy. Simplicity and innocence stand above everything else. The poem 'The Last Bargain' starts with the speaker walking on a stone-paved road and asking to be hired. The first person who wants to hire him is a king. He arrives in his chariot, extends his hand to the speaker, and says he wants to hire him with his power. However, the king's power means nothing to the speaker, so he leaves in his chariot. During the mid-day, an old man appears with a bag of gold. The speaker wanders along a winding lane with closed houses. The old man tells the speaker he would hire him with his money. He weighs the gold coins from his bag, but the speaker rejects all his money. The speaker turns away from all the money because it will soon be spent, and money cannot buy lasting happiness. In the evening, the garden fences are full of flowers. A fair maid comes out and tells the speaker she would hire him with a smiling face. But her smile fades and melts into tears, and she goes back into the dark, leaving the speaker alone. Finally, the bargain is made by a child who hires the speaker with nothing. While the sun shines on the sand and the sea waves crash on the shores, a child is seen playing with shells. The child raises his head and smiles as if he already knows the speaker. The child's bargain makes the speaker a free man. Therefore, power, money, or desire cannot free the speaker, but the power of innocence has the ability to break his chains. The child has the power to free him from every limitation.

Exam Tip: When summarizing, ensure you cover the main characters, their offers, the speaker's reasons for accepting or rejecting them, and the central theme of the poem.