GSEB Class 8 English Honeydew Chapter 6 When I Set Out for Lyonnesse Solutions

When I Set Out for Lyonnesse Class 8 Questions and Answers GSEB

Working With The Poem

Answer the following questions:

Question 1. In the first stanza, find words that show
(i) that it was very cold.
Answer: The term 'rime' indicates that it was extremely cold.
In simple words: The word 'rime' clearly indicates that the weather was very chilly.

Exam Tip: When asked to find words from a specific stanza, always quote the exact word as it appears in the text to score full marks.

(ii) that it was late evening.
Answer: The phrase 'starlight' reveals that it was late evening.
In simple words: The use of 'starlight' points out that it was evening, as stars become visible at that time.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive words related to time or setting in poems, as they often give clues about the atmosphere.

(iii) that the traveller was alone.
Answer: The term 'lonesomeness' signifies that the traveller was by himself.
In simple words: The term 'lonesomeness' simply means that the traveller felt by himself.

Exam Tip: Understanding the literal meaning of descriptive words is key to interpreting the mood and situation in poetry.

Question 2. (i) Something happened at Lyonnesse. It was
(a) improbable.
(b) impossible.
(c) unforeseeable.
Answer: (c) unforeseeable.
In simple words: The events that took place at Lyonnesse were unexpected and could not be predicted by anyone beforehand.

Exam Tip: For MCQ questions about poetic meaning, select the option that best captures the nuance of the poem's themes, like unpredictability here.

(ii) Pick out two lines from stanza 2 to justify your answer.
Answer: "No Prophet durst declare; Nor did the wisest wizard guess.”
In simple words: The lines "No Prophet durst declare; Nor did the wisest wizard guess” prove that the event was unforeseeable because neither prophets nor wise wizards could predict it.

Exam Tip: Always quote lines accurately when asked to provide textual evidence to support an answer.

Question 3. (i) Read the line (stanza 3) that implies the following: 'Everyone noticed something, and they made guesses, but didn't speak a word'.
Answer: Everyone observed with silent speculation.
In simple words: The phrase "All marked with mute surmise" shows that everyone silently noticed something and made guesses, but said nothing aloud.

Exam Tip: Identify key phrases that directly express the sentiment or action described in the question, especially when quoting from a poem.

(ii) Now read the line that refers to what they noticed.
Answer: "My radiance rare and fathomless."
In simple words: The line "My radiance rare and fathomless" describes the unusual and deep happiness or glow that others observed.

Exam Tip: When asked to identify what was noticed, look for lines describing the poet's appearance or state of being upon his return.

GSEB Class 8 English When I Set Out For Lyonnesse Additional Important Questions And Answers

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

Question 1. The poet here is
(a) Edward Lear.
(b) Thomas Hardy.
(c) William Blake.
(d) T. S. Eliot.
Answer: (b) Thomas Hardy.
In simple words: The writer of this poem is Thomas Hardy, as he is the credited author.

Exam Tip: Knowing the author of a poem is basic literary information and can be easily remembered.

Question 2. Lyonnesse is
(a) a beautiful river.
(b) a beautiful hill.
(c) a legendary place.
(d) an Imaginary name.
Answer: (c) a legendary place.
In simple words: Lyonnesse is described as a mythical place, meaning it is a legendary location rather than a real geographical feature.

Exam Tip: Understand the context and historical references in a poem to correctly identify descriptions of places or characters.

Question 3. The leaves were covered with
(a) ice.
(b) frost.
(c) dust.
(d) dirt.
Answer: (b) frost.
In simple words: The poem mentions that the leaves were covered with frost, indicating a cold, icy atmosphere.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific details like weather conditions or natural elements mentioned in the poem to accurately answer descriptive questions.

Question 4. Where was the poet going to stay ?
(a) At an inn
(b) At Lyonnesse
(c) Near a river
(d) In a country-house
Answer: (b) At Lyonnesse
In simple words: The poet's journey was directly to Lyonnesse, suggesting that was his destination for staying.

Exam Tip: Always refer back to the poem's narrative to confirm the destination or purpose of the character's journey.

Question 5. No one could predict
(a) when the poet would reach Lyonnesse.
(b) when the poet would come back from Lyonnesse.
(c) what would happen at Lyonnesse.
(d) whom the poet will meet at Lyonnesse.
Answer: (c) what would happen at Lyonnesse.
In simple words: The poem clearly states that nobody, not even the wisest, could guess what would occur during the poet's stay at Lyonnesse.

Exam Tip: Focus on the central mystery or unknown element highlighted in the poem when asked about predictions or foreknowledge.

Question 6. What happened to the poet when he returned from Lyonnesse?
(a) he was dumbfound.
(b) he was mad.
(c) he had magic in his eyes.
(d) None of the options
Answer: (c) he had magic in his eyes.
In simple words: Upon his return from Lyonnesse, the poet's eyes showed a magical glow, reflecting his transformed state.

Exam Tip: Remember to choose the option that best reflects the poetic description of the character's changed state, rather than a literal interpretation.

Answer the following questions in one sentence each:

Question 1. What is the meaning of 'bechance ?
Answer: The term 'bechance' implies 'occur' or 'happen by chance'.
In simple words: 'Bechance' simply means to occur or to happen by chance.

Exam Tip: For vocabulary questions, provide direct synonyms or clear definitions as stated in the text or standard usage.

Question 2. What is Lyonnesse ? Why is it specifically mentioned in the poem?
Answer: Lyonnesse represents a mythical location. It is particularly referenced in the poem as a region of happiness, cheerfulness, and peace.
In simple words: Lyonnesse is a made-up place, and it's included in the poem to represent a land full of happiness, fun, and satisfaction.

Exam Tip: When defining a mythical place, explain both its nature (fictional/legendary) and its symbolic significance in the poem.

Question 3. What removes the poet's loneliness?
Answer: The starlight dispels the poet's solitude.
In simple words: The bright starlight helps to take away the poet's feeling of being alone.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific element or event in the poem that directly addresses the emotion or condition described in the question.

Answer the following questions in two to three sentences each:

Question 1. What does Lyonnesse refer to ? Why does the poet use this name instead of real one?
Answer: Lyonnesse is a fabled place in tales linked with King Arthur. The poet employs this location as his poem's setting to generate a sense of wonder and mystery. The poem describes the poet's trip to a church near Cornwall. This occurrence remains a significant memory for the poet. Consequently, Lyonnesse serves as a realm of joy and complete felicity.
In simple words: Lyonnesse is a legendary place from old tales linked to King Arthur. The poet uses this name to make the poem feel magical and mysterious. It represents a place of great joy and happiness for the poet, based on a real journey he took.

Exam Tip: For questions about symbolism or authorial choice, explain the literal meaning and then delve into the deeper, thematic reasons behind the choice.

Question 2. What were the changes visible in. the poet after his visit to Lyonnesse?
Answer: Following his trip to Lyonnesse, the poet felt happy and pleased. This journey had altered his entire life. His heart was filled with boundless joy, and his eyes mirrored divine happiness. Such blessings were wholly unforeseen for the poet.
In simple words: After visiting Lyonnesse, the poet felt very happy. This trip truly changed his whole life. His heart was full of deep joy, and his eyes showed a divine happiness. He never expected such wonderful experiences.

Exam Tip: When describing changes in a character, focus on both emotional and physical descriptions provided in the text.

Question 3. How was the atmosphere when the poet set out for Lyonnesse?
Answer: As the poet departed for Lyonnesse, it was late evening. The air felt cold and brisk. Trees were coated with frost.
In simple words: The poet started his journey to Lyonnesse during the late evening. It was quite cold, and the trees had a covering of frost.

Exam Tip: Always describe the setting by combining all relevant details about time, temperature, and visual elements from the poem.

Question 4. What were the sudden changes in the appearance of the poet that people could understand?
Answer: Upon the poet's return from Lyonnesse, people noticed abrupt alterations in his facial expression. He possessed magic in his eyes, and a unique glow emanated from him.
In simple words: Upon the poet's return from Lyonnesse, people noticed immediate changes in his look. He had a magical sparkle in his eyes and a unique, bright glow around him.

Exam Tip: Explain both the direct observations (e.g., magic in eyes) and the implied feelings (e.g., radiance) when asked about visible changes.

Question 5. What did the speaker say about a prophet or a wizard?
Answer: The poet stated that a prophet could barely predict what would occur to him at Lyonnesse. Even the most sagacious wizard lacked the capacity to foresee the event that would induce a profound transformation in the poet's existence.
In simple words: The poet explained that neither a prophet nor the cleverest wizard could predict what would happen to him at Lyonnesse. No one could foresee the big change that would happen in his life.

Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between human or magical foresight and the unpredictable nature of the events at Lyonnesse, as emphasized by the poet.

Question 6. 'My radiance rare and fathomless.' Who is the speaker and what does the speaker mean here?
Answer: Thomas Hardy, the poet, is the narrator. He perceives internal transformations during his visit to this specific parish town. The encounter entirely changed his life's direction. He gains self-assurance, sensing an immense inner brilliance of a distinct trait.
In simple words: Thomas Hardy, the poet, is speaking here. He means that he felt a profound, endless inner glow or happiness after his visit. This experience completely changed him, making him feel self-assured with a unique, deep quality.

Exam Tip: When analyzing a quote, first identify the speaker, then explain the literal meaning, and finally discuss its deeper implications for the character.

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

Question 1.

When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away,
The rime was on the spray;
And starlight lit my lonesomeness
When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away.

(1) How was the atmosphere when the poet started his journey?
Answer: When the poet began his travel to Lyonnesse, winter and frost enveloped the leaves and tree branches.
In simple words: When the poet began his trip to Lyonnesse, the weather was wintry, and frost covered the leaves and tree branches.

Exam Tip: When summarizing the atmosphere, combine details about season, temperature, and visual elements mentioned in the stanza.

(2) What time of the poet's journey is mentioned in this stanza ?
Answer: It was nighttime (late evening) when stars twinkled brightly.
In simple words: The stanza talks about late evening or night when stars were visible, marking the time of the poet's travel.

Exam Tip: Look for clues like 'starlight' to identify the specific time of day or night mentioned in the poem.

(3) Which line is repeated in stanza? What does it suggest?
Answer: The phrase 'A hundred miles away' recurs in this stanza, indicating that the destination, Lyonnesse, was considerably distant from his abode.
In simple words: The repeated phrase "A hundred miles away" highlights that Lyonnesse was a long distance from where the poet started.

Exam Tip: When identifying repeated lines, also explain their significance or the emphasis they create within the poem.

Question 2.

What would bechance at Lyonnesse
While I should sojourn there,
No prophet durst declare;
Nor did the wisest wizard guess
What would bechance at Lyonnesse
While I should sojourn there.

(1) What was the poet thinking of on his way to Lyonnesse?
Answer: The poet pondered about the events that would unfold at Lyonnesse.
In simple words: The poet was considering the events that would occur during his time at Lyonnesse.

Exam Tip: When asked about a character's thoughts, focus on their internal monologue or stated expectations from the text.

(2) What was the poet confident of?
Answer: The poet felt certain that neither a prophet nor a wizard could foretell what would occur at Lyonnesse.
In simple words: The poet was sure that no prophet or magician could foretell what would happen during his visit to Lyonnesse.

Exam Tip: Look for statements of certainty or declarations made by the poet regarding the unpredictability of events.

(3) What is the meaning of 'sojourn' in this stanza ?
Answer: Within this stanza, 'sojourn' refers to a temporary residence.
In simple words: In this part of the poem, 'sojourn' means to have a temporary stay or visit.

Exam Tip: Define archaic or less common words based on their context within the poem.

Question 3.

When I returned from Lyonnesse
With magic in my eyes, All marked with mute surmise
My radiance rare and fathomless,
When I returned from Lyonnesse
With magic in my eyes.

(1) What did the people see when the poet returned from Lyonnesse?
Answer: Upon the poet's return from Lyonnesse, the people observed an unmatched brilliance in his eyes. They shone intensely.
In simple words: People noticed an amazing sparkle in the poet's eyes when he came back from Lyonnesse; they were shining very brightly.

Exam Tip: Describe both the direct observation (glow in eyes) and its quality (unprecedented, shining brightly) for a complete answer.

(2) Explain 'My radiance rare and fathomless'.
Answer: 'My rare and boundless radiance' here signifies the poet's joy was unending.
In simple words: This phrase means the poet's joy and inner light were unique and incredibly deep, beyond measurement.

Exam Tip: Explain poetic phrases by first defining the key words and then interpreting their combined meaning within the poem's context.

(3) What did the poet return with in his eyes?
Answer: The poet came back with enchantment in his gaze.
In simple words: The poet came back with a magical look in his eyes.

Exam Tip: Directly quote or closely paraphrase the poem's description of what was observed in the poet's eyes.

When I Set Out For Lyonnesse Summary In English

When I Set Out For Lyonnesse Summary:

The poem comes from Hardy's memory of a trip he took to a parish in connection with the restoration of a church. Although nothing is mentioned in the poem about this, it is obvious that the poet is quite excited and happy about his trip. Though Lyonnesse is a mythological lost land, beginning with these lines, the poem appears to take the reader on a trip:

When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away,
The rime was on the spray;
And starlight lit my lonesomeness
When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away.

The reader learns that the trip will cover about 100 miles. Initially, the speaker of the poem was lonely, probably dreading his time away from home and his comforts. On the other hand, no fortune-teller or magician could have foretold what would happen while he was there. The speaker can hardly believe what occurred himself.

Nor did the wisest wizard guess
What would bechance at Lyonnesse
While I should sojourn there.

Never telling what did transpire, the reader is fully aware that this was a transforming event in the poet's life. However, he does not explain himself. Note that Lyonnesse is mentioned twice in every stanza. This promotes the idea of the time he spent on this trip was more than real, possibly heavenly. To the poet, his trip to Lyonnesse put a twinkle in his eyes and magic in his heart.