GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 5 The School Boy Solutions

GSEB Solutions

The School Boy Class 8 Questions and Answers GSEB

Working With The Poem

Answer the following questions:

Question 1. Find three or four words / phrases in stanza 1 that reflect the child's happiness and joy.
Answer: The phrases that show the child's joy and happiness include 'love to get up in a summer morning', 'birds sing on every tree', 'the skylark sings with me', and 'sweet company'. These words clearly indicate a cheerful feeling.
In simple words: The boy feels happy and joyful when he gets up in the summer, hears birds singing, and enjoys the company of the skylark.

Exam Tip: When asked to find specific phrases, quote them exactly from the text and briefly explain their significance.

Question 2. In stanza 2, the mood changes. Which words / phrases reflect the changed mood?
Answer: The phrases that reflect the changed mood are ‘It drives all Joy away’ and 'spend the day In sighing and dismay'. These words indicate a shift from happiness to sadness or disappointment.
In simple words: The mood shifts from joy to sadness, shown by phrases like "it takes away all joy" and "spending the day sighing and feeling sad".

Exam Tip: Pay attention to contrasting words or imagery between stanzas to identify mood changes. Words like "drives away" and "dismay" are strong indicators.

Question 3. 'A cruel eye outworn' (stanza 2) refers to
(a) the classroom which is shabby / noisy.
(b) the lessons which are difficult / uninteresting.
(c) the dull / uninspiring life at school with lots of work and no play.
Mark the answer that you consider right.
Answer: (c) the dull / uninspiring life at school with lots of work and no play.
In simple words: This phrase refers to the boring and unexciting school experience, where there is too much study and no time for fun.

Exam Tip: Understand the context of poetic phrases. 'Outworn' suggests something old, tired, and oppressive, aligning with a dull school life rather than just physical surroundings or lesson difficulty.

Question 4. 'Nor sit in learning's bower, Worn thro' with the dreary shower.' Which of the following is a close paraphrase of the lines above ?
(a) Nor can I sit in a roofless classroom when it is raining.
(b) Nor can I learn anything at school though teachers go on lecturing and explaining.
(c) Nor can I sit in the school garden for fear of getting wet in the rain.
Answer: (b) Nor can I learn anything at school though teachers go on lecturing and explaining.
In simple words: The lines mean that the speaker cannot truly learn at school, even though teachers are giving lessons and explanations.

Exam Tip: When paraphrasing, select the option that best captures the metaphorical meaning of the original lines, not just the literal interpretation.

GSEB Class 8 English The School Boy Additional Important Questions and Answers

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

Question 1. On a summer morning, the boy likes to sing with
(a) the hunter's horn.
(b) the skylark.
(c) the birds.
(d) the nightingale.
Answer: (b) the skylark.
In simple words: On a bright summer morning, the boy enjoys singing alongside the skylark.

Exam Tip: Always refer back to the poem's specific details to confirm the correct answer, especially when similar options are provided.

Question 2. In the line The distant huntsman winds his horn' the word 'winds' means
(a) 'turns'.
(b) 'twists'.
(c) 'blows'.
(d) 'bends'.
Answer: (c) 'blows'.
In simple words: In this line, 'winds' means to blow air into an instrument to make sound.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to archaic or less common meanings of words within poetic contexts. "Winds a horn" is an idiom for blowing it.

Question 3. The phrase 'outworn' refers to
(a) the books that bore the boy.
(b) the outdated teachers.
(c) the eyes of the teacher that actually makes the boy anxious.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) the eyes of the teacher that actually makes the boy anxious.
In simple words: The term 'outworn' points to the teacher's gaze, which makes the boy feel worried or uncomfortable.

Exam Tip: Consider all options carefully, as poetic language often implies deeper meanings beyond the literal sense. "Outworn" implies something tired and burdensome.

Question 4. The learning's bower' refers to
(a) a garden.
(b) a place where the child can be taught.
(c) his own house.
(d) a tree-shade.
Answer: (b) a place where the child can be taught.
In simple words: 'The learning's bower' refers to the school or classroom, a place meant for education.

Exam Tip: Recognize that a "bower" typically suggests a pleasant, shady place. The poem uses this contrastingly to describe a place of learning that isn't enjoyable.

Question 5. The words 'dreary shower' mean
(a) boring lectures by teachers.
(b) harmful rain.
(c) pleasant droplets of rain.
(d) heaps of books to study.
Answer: (a) boring lectures by teachers.
In simple words: 'Dreary shower' means the dull and uninteresting talks given by teachers.

Exam Tip: Look for metaphors. A "shower" here implies a continuous stream, which is applied to the endless, boring lectures given by teachers.

Question 6. The poet says that a bird is born for
(a) singing songs.
(b) joy
(c) flying in the sky.
(d) being in a cage.
Answer: (b) joy
In simple words: The poet believes that birds are born for happiness and delight.

Exam Tip: This question tests understanding of the poem's central theme about freedom and natural inclination. Birds represent freedom and inherent joy.

Question 7. Summer does not bear fruit if
(a) children are not freed to enjoy the way they like.
(b) there is no terrible heat.
(c) children are made to study in school.
(d) parents are liberal.
Answer: (a) children are not freed to enjoy the way they like.
In simple words: Summer won't bring good things if children are not allowed to enjoy themselves as they wish.

Exam Tip: Relate the abstract idea of "summer bearing fruit" to the children's well-being and freedom, which is a key message of the poem.

Answer the following questions in one sentence each:

Question 1. What does 'A cruel eye outworn refer to?
Answer: 'A cruel eye outworn' refers to the teacher's strict and weary control, along with the boring, uninteresting school life that includes lots of work and no enjoyment or freedom.
In simple words: It means the teacher's harsh look and the tiring school life, which has too much work and no fun.

Exam Tip: Connect the phrase directly to both the teacher's demeanor and the overall atmosphere of the school as described in the poem.

Question 2. What does the child not like?
Answer: The child does not like going to school on a pleasant summer morning, preferring to enjoy the outside world instead.
In simple words: The child dislikes going to school on bright summer mornings.

Exam Tip: Keep answers concise when asked for one sentence. Focus on the core dislike expressed by the child.

Question 3. What does the child say about his attitude in school?
Answer: The child states that he has no interest in his books nor in the uninteresting lessons given by his teachers.
In simple words: The child shows he is not interested in his studies or the teachers' boring lessons.

Exam Tip: Clearly state the child's perspective as given in the poem. The phrases "neither interested" and "boring lectures" are key.

Question 4. What does the phrase 'worn thro with the dreary shower' mean?
Answer: The phrase 'worn thro' with the dreary shower' means feeling very tired from the dull and continuous stream of teachers' lectures being delivered to the child.
In simple words: This phrase means being exhausted by the constant, boring talks from teachers.

Exam Tip: Break down the phrase: 'worn thro'' means tired, and 'dreary shower' is a metaphor for ceaseless, dull lectures.

Question 5. Who are being questioned here ? Why?
Answer: The child is questioning his father and mother (his parents) for their role in taking away his freedom and happiness that he should be experiencing at his young age.
In simple words: The child questions his parents because he feels they are stopping him from enjoying his childhood freedom and happiness.

Exam Tip: Identify the implied audience of the child's lament and the core reason for his complaint, which is the loss of natural joy.

Question 6. What does the phrase 'plants are stripped of their joy' mean?
Answer: The phrase 'plants are stripped of their joy' means that happiness and natural delight are removed from the children, preventing them from enjoying life fully.
In simple words: This phrase means children are losing their happiness and natural joy.

Exam Tip: Understand the extended metaphor: children are like plants, and their joy is like the "fruit" or "blossom" that is taken away.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

Question 1. Describe 'the summer morn' as described in the poem.
Answer: The summer morning, as shown in the poem, is very lovely, and the boy loves to get up. Birds are singing on every tree, and a hunter is blowing his horn far away. A skylark sings very sweetly, and the boy also enjoys singing along with the skylark's pleasant company.
In simple words: The poem describes a beautiful summer morning where the boy loves waking up, listening to birds, a distant hunter's horn, and a sweet-singing skylark, enjoying their company.

Exam Tip: When describing, include multiple sensory details from the poem (sights, sounds) to create a vivid picture.

Question 2. Why do you think the school boy finds going to school an ordeal?
Answer: The school boy finds going to school a difficult experience because it takes away all the happiness he feels on that lovely summer morning. At school, he has to study under the strict rules of an old-fashioned teacher, and his whole day will be filled with deep disappointment.
In simple words: The boy finds school a burden because it takes away his joy, forcing him to study under a strict teacher, leading to a day filled with sadness.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrast between the freedom of nature and the constraint of school to explain why it's an "ordeal."

Question 3. Explain 'Of their joy in the springing day, By sorrow and cares dismay' as is perceived by the poet.
Answer: In William Blake's poem, parents are shown as limiting and controlling their children. Their personal worries and shame are passed on to the next generation because parents want to 'protect' children from their own desires. Blake suggests that parents misuse 'care' to hold back children, instead of letting them be free and enjoy their ability to play and imagine.
In simple words: The poet feels that parents, by trying to 'protect' children, actually stop them from finding happiness and creativity in their youth, leading to sadness.

Exam Tip: This question requires interpreting the poet's social commentary. Link "sorrow and cares dismay" to parental control and the suppression of childhood freedom.

Question 4. Explain the Theme of ‘The School Boy' by William Blake.
Answer: The poem 'The School Boy' discusses a boy's unpleasant imprisonment at his school. His separation from the lively parts of the summer morning (like birds, flowers, etc.) and the lifeless objects of his school is truly a cause for worry and sadness. School life is a difficult experience for him.
The boy's enjoyment of summer celebrations is ruined by the teacher's scary gaze, which takes away all his childhood happiness. School is just like a prison that denies the fun activities of childhood. The strictness of an enforced routine in school prevents his natural creativity and ultimately kills the very core of his brilliant mind.
In simple words: The poem's theme is the sorrow a schoolboy feels because school is like a prison, taking away his natural joy, creativity, and freedom, especially during a beautiful summer.

Exam Tip: When explaining a theme, identify the central conflict (child vs. school/authority) and the key ideas (loss of innocence, stifled creativity, natural freedom).

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

I love to rise in a summer morn,
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me.
O! what sweet company.

But to go to school in a summer morn,
O! it drives all joy away;
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day,
In sighing and dismay.

Questions:
(1) 'O ! what sweet company.' What company is referred to here?
Answer: The pleasant singing of birds, especially the skylark, is the company referred to here.
In simple words: The sweet company refers to the beautiful singing of the birds, particularly the skylark.

Exam Tip: For passage-based questions, always pinpoint the exact reference within the provided text.

(2) What is it that the boy hates to do in a summer morning?
Answer: On a summer morning, the boy dislikes going to school because it means leaving the cheerful outdoor environment.
In simple words: The boy hates going to school on a summer morning.

Exam Tip: Extract the most direct answer from the stanza that clearly states the boy's aversion.

(3) How do children spend their day at school in a summer morning? Why so?
Answer: On a summer morning, children spend their day at school sighing and in deep disappointment because they do not like to learn under the strict guidance of a teacher with old-fashioned teaching methods.
In simple words: Children at school spend their summer mornings sighing and feeling sad because they dislike learning under a strict, traditional teacher.

Exam Tip: Combine details from the second part of the stanza to explain both *how* children spend their day and *why* they do so.

Question 2.
Ah! then at times I drooping sit,
And spend many an anxious hour.
Nor in my book can I take delight,
Nor sit in learning's bower,
Worn thro' with the dreary shower.

How can the bird that is born for joy,
Sit in a cage and sing.
How can a child when fears annoy,
But droop his tender wing,
And forget his youthful spring.

Questions:
(1) Why does the boy sit drooping in the classroom?
Answer: The boy sits drooping in the classroom because he cannot find any pleasure in learning within an enclosed space when spring is in full bloom and beautiful outside.
In simple words: The boy sits sadly in class because he can't enjoy learning indoors when the beautiful spring weather is outside.

Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between the indoor classroom and the vibrant outdoor spring to explain the boy's mood.

(2) What does the boy not find any delight in?
Answer: The boy finds no enjoyment in reading books and listening to the uninteresting lectures delivered by his teachers.
In simple words: The boy doesn't enjoy studying books or listening to his teachers' boring lessons.

Exam Tip: Be specific about what activities at school the boy dislikes, as mentioned in the poem.

(3) What comparison is made in the second stanza?
Answer: The second stanza compares a child confined in a classroom to a bird kept in a cage. Just as a caged bird cannot enjoy singing, a child cannot enjoy learning when restricted in a classroom, especially when there's so much to enjoy outside during spring.
In simple words: The stanza compares a caged bird to a child in a classroom, showing that neither can fully enjoy their natural abilities or surroundings, especially in spring.

Exam Tip: Clearly state both parts of the comparison (caged bird and schooled child) and the underlying message about freedom and confinement.

Question 3.
Father and Mother, if buds are nip'd,
And blossoms blown away,
And if the tender plants are strip'd
Of their joy in the springing day,
By sorrow and cares dismay,

How shall the summer arise in joy,
Or the summer fruits appear?

Questions:
(1) What do the phrases 'buds are nip'd' and 'blossoms blown away' convey?
Answer: The phrases 'buds are nip'd' and 'blossoms blown away' suggest that children are stifled early in life, even though they should be fully experiencing freedom and happiness.
In simple words: These phrases show that children's joy and freedom are crushed too early in their lives.

Exam Tip: Explain the metaphorical meaning of "buds" and "blossoms" as children's potential and happiness that are being destroyed.

(2) What do the words 'tender plants' refer to?
Answer: The words 'tender plants' are used to describe young children who should be allowed complete freedom to develop and should not be restricted in any manner.
In simple words: 'Tender plants' refer to young children who need to grow freely without being held back.

Exam Tip: Recognize that "tender plants" is a metaphor for the vulnerability and growth potential of young children.

(3) What does 'summer' in this poem stand for?
Answer: 'Summer' in this poem represents youth, which is always vibrant, energetic, and full of development.
In simple words: In this poem, 'summer' means youth, a time of being full of life and growing well.

Exam Tip: Understand the symbolic meaning of seasons in poetry; summer often symbolizes vitality, growth, and the prime of life.

The School Boy Summary in English

The School Boy Summary:

The speaker in this poem is a young boy who feels happy to wake up on a fresh and lovely summer morning. The sounds of birds chirping announce the start of the day. The boy finds joy in the presence of a hunter who blows his horn from a distant field and the sweet songs of a skylark.

It is a matter of great sadness for the speaker to attend school on a beautiful summer morning when he actually wants to enjoy the pleasantness of summer. He feels weary and confused under his teacher's strict supervision. Instead of enjoying the joys of summer, the child must go to school, where he spends his day feeling bored and unhappy.

The child shows his tiredness. He sits sadly in a sea of monotony. The child tries to resist the attack from the teacher's oppressive personality and the useless lessons (a flood of meaningless words) that the strict teacher pours out without even trying to understand the child's true feelings and his need for unlimited freedom.

A bird that is born cheerful and lively can never sing sweet songs if it is kept in a cage. Similarly, a child who stays under constant fear and pressure can never enjoy their natural desires for joy and fun. Indeed, a world full of rigid rules and discipline will cruelly take away the lovely youthful days (childhood) of a person's life.

The boy complains to the highest authorities, his father and mother, if a developing child is plucked and taken away early in life into an ocean of sadness, where no one cares. If hardship makes the delicate young ones wither, the beautiful buds and newborn buds, summer can never be happy or productive.