Maharashtra Board Class 9 English Unit 1 Poem Life 1.1 Solutions

Class 9 English Chapter 1.1 Question Answer Maharashtra Board

Life Poem 9th Std Question Answer

Warming Up:

1. There are many popular lines like: 'life Is a game - play ft well'. 'life Is a Journey - keep going ahead'. Discuss and write down a few such metaphorical lines about 'life'. You can make them up yourselves.
1. ........................................ .
2. ........................................ .
3. ........................................ .

Question 1. Discuss and write down a few metaphorical lines about life, like the two lines given on page 2 of the textbook.
Answer: (Some examples)
1. Life is a movie - enjoy it to the full.
2. Life is a short picnic - relish it.
3. Life is a see-saw - sometimes up, sometimes down.
In simple words: Life can be compared to various things, like a movie, a picnic, or a see-saw, to express its different aspects of enjoyment, brevity, and ups and downs.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked to write metaphorical lines, ensure they clearly relate to the concept of 'life' and use creative comparisons.

2. Prepare as many 'acrostics' using the word LIFE, as you can. Two examples are given below.

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र 'LIFE' शब्द का उपयोग करके एक एक्रोस्टिक कविता के उदाहरण को दर्शाता है। इसमें प्रत्येक अक्षर (L, I, F, E) से शुरू होने वाले शब्द दिए गए हैं, जो जीवन से संबंधित विभिन्न सकारात्मक गुणों को व्यक्त करते हैं, जैसे 'Live' (जीवन), 'Liberty' (स्वतंत्रता), 'Integrity' (ईमानदारी), 'Freedom' (आजादी), 'Fraternity' (भाईचारा), 'Ever' (हमेशा), और 'Equality' (समानता)।
You can turn it into a game, using a time - limit. Make sure your acrostics are related to 'life'.

Question 1. Prepare as many acrostics as you can, using the word 'LIFE'.
Answer: (Some examples)
1. Love
Inspiration
Friendship
Enjoyment
2. Lively
Interesting
Fascinating
Enchanting
In simple words: Acrostics use the letters of a word, like LIFE, to start new words that are related to the original word's meaning or theme.

🎯 Exam Tip: For acrostics, choose words that are meaningful and clearly connect to the central theme, demonstrating creativity and vocabulary.

3. Listen carefully and write the word in the appropriate column.

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र दो कॉलम वाली एक तालिका प्रस्तुत करता है जिसमें भावनाओं को 'सकारात्मक भावनाएँ' और 'नकारात्मक भावनाएँ' में वर्गीकृत किया गया है। यह छात्रों को दी गई भावनाओं की सूची को सही श्रेणी में पहचानने और लिखने के लिए एक अभ्यास है।
Teacher: hopeful, lonely, happy, jealous, surprised, shy, loving, proud, cheerful, anxious, nervous, excited, embarrassed, scared, silly, comfortable, peaceful, depressed, enthusiastic, motivated, inspired, threatened, crushed, angry Note that it is possible to feel both kinds of emotions at the same time. Have you experienced it? Try to describe the situation in short.

Question 1. Listen carefully to the words spoken by the teacher and write them in the appropriate columns : (The answer is given directly.)
Answer:

In simple words: Emotions are categorized into positive (like happiness and inspiration) and negative (like loneliness and anger) to help understand how we feel in different situations.

🎯 Exam Tip: Accurately classifying emotions requires careful consideration of their impact and common associations, helping to build emotional vocabulary.

English Workshop :

1. Pick out from the extract two lines each that reflect an optimistic (positive) attitude and pessimistic (negative) attitude.
Optimism :
1. .................... .
2. .................... .
Pessimism:
1. .................... .
2. .................... .

Question 1. Pick out from the extract two lines each that reflect an optimistic (positive) attitude and pessimistic (negative) attitude.
Answer:
Optimism:
1. Foretells a pleasant day.
2. But these are transient all.
Pessimism:
1. Oft a little morning rain.
2. Sometimes there are clouds of gloom.
(Note: These lines cannot actually be called pessimistic. The poetess looks on problems as temporary and feels that any difficulties we face always foretell a happy future. There are no lines that are absolutely pessimistic.)
In simple words: Optimistic lines show hope and positive outlook, while pessimistic lines suggest negativity or temporary difficulties, though in this poem, even seemingly pessimistic lines carry a hidden positive message.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying optimistic or pessimistic lines, consider the overall tone and the underlying message conveyed by the poet, not just surface-level interpretations.

2. Give other '-ly' adverbs of similar meaning for the following. Use a thesaurus if needed.
(a) rapidly -
(b) merrily -
(c) gratefully -
(d) cheerily -
(e) manfully -
(f) fearlessly -
(g) gloriously -
(h) victoriously -

Question 1. Give other '-ly' adverbs of similar meaning for the following. Use a thesaurus if needed: (The answers are given directly.)
Answer:
(a) rapidly - swiftly.
(b) merrily - cheerfully.
(c) gratefully - thankfully.
(d) cheerily - happily.
(e) manfully - bravely.
(f) fearlessly - courageously.
(g) gloriously - wonderfully.
(h) victoriously - triumphantly.
In simple words: This exercise involves finding synonyms for given adverbs, helping to expand vocabulary and understand nuances in word meanings.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for synonyms, aim for words that precisely match the original's meaning and can be used in similar contexts.

3. Pick out three examples of interrogation (rhetorical questions) from the poem. a. Explain in your own words the point that each one makes.

ℹ️ चित्र व्याख्या (Diagram Explanation): यह चित्र एक तालिका प्रस्तुत करता है जिसमें कविता से तीन प्रश्नवाचक अलंकारों (rhetorical questions) को चुनकर उनके अर्थ की व्याख्या करने का कार्य दिया गया है। छात्र इन प्रश्नों का उपयोग कविता में निहित महत्वपूर्ण बिंदुओं को समझने के लिए करेंगे।
b. Explain the metaphor in the following lines :
1. Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day
2. Sometimes there are clouds
3. ... the shower will make the roses bloom
4. Life's sunny hours flit by
c. Pick out four examples of personification. Write what is personified in each :
1. ........................................ .
2. ........................................ .
3. ........................................ .
4. ........................................ .
d. 'And calls our Best away' is a gentle way of expressing the unpleasant idea of a loved one dying. It is an example of euphemism. Think and write down 3 or 4 ways in which we can express the idea of 'death' in a tactful and gentle manner.
1. ........................................ .
2. ........................................ .
3. ........................................ .
4. ........................................ .

Question a. Pick out two examples of interrogation (rhetorical questions) from the extract. Explain in your own words the point that each one makes.
Answer:

In simple words: Rhetorical questions in poetry are used to emphasize a point or provoke thought, rather than to elicit an actual answer, highlighting the poet's message about acceptance and resilience in the face of loss and sorrow.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing rhetorical questions, focus on the underlying message or statement the poet intends to convey, as these questions often serve to reinforce a theme.

Question b. Explain the metaphor in the following lines :

Question 1. Oft a little morning rain Foretells a pleasant day.
Answer: If we have difficulties at some stage, there will be joyous times following it. Difficulties are implicitly compared to rain and joyous times to a pleasant day.
In simple words: A little morning rain, representing temporary difficulties, metaphorically suggests that brighter, more pleasant times are sure to follow these challenges.

🎯 Exam Tip: To explain a metaphor, identify the two unlike things being compared and clearly articulate the implied similarity or meaning.

Question 2. Sometimes there are clouds.
Answer: Sometimes there are problems. Problems are implicitly compared to clouds.
In simple words: Clouds, in this metaphor, symbolize problems or challenges that appear in life, suggesting they are temporary and can obscure the 'sun' of happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Metaphors like 'clouds' often represent obstacles or periods of sadness; understanding their symbolic meaning is key.

Question 3. ....... the shower will make the roses bloom.
Answer: The problems we face will make for better times ahead. Problems are implicitly compared to the showers of rain and better times Eire implicitly compared to roses blooming.
In simple words: This metaphor implies that difficult experiences (showers) are necessary for growth and beauty (roses blooming), leading to positive outcomes despite initial hardships.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for the positive outcome implied by the metaphor; difficulties are often portrayed as catalysts for growth and improvement.

Question 4. Life's sunny hours flit by.
Answer: The happy times of our life go by very quickly. Here, the happy times are implicitly compared to sunny hours.
In simple words: 'Life's sunny hours' metaphorically refers to happy and joyful periods, emphasizing their transient nature as they 'flit by' quickly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to verbs like 'flit by' that convey the brevity or fleeting nature of the metaphorical element, enriching the explanation.

Question c. Pick out four examples of personification from the extract. Write what is personified in each.
Answer:
1. 'Death steps in.' Death is personified.
2. 'Sorrow seems to win.' Sorrow is personified.
3. 'Yet Hope again elastic springs, Unconquered though she fell.' Hope is personified.
4. 'Can courage quell despair!' Courage is personified.
In simple words: Personification gives human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas, making them seem alive and relatable.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify personification, look for verbs or adjectives usually associated with humans being applied to non-human entities.

Question d. 'And calls our Best away' is a gentle way of expressing the unpleasant idea of a loved one dying. It is an example of euphemism. Think and write down 3 or 4 ways in which we can express the idea of 'death' in a tactful and gentle manner.
Answer:
1. The person has left for his heavenly abode.
2. He/She has gone to meet his/her Maker.
3. He/She has become the beloved of God.
4. He/She has completed his work on this earth.
In simple words: Euphemisms are polite or indirect expressions used to replace words or phrases considered too harsh or unpleasant, such as using gentle phrases to talk about death.

🎯 Exam Tip: Euphemisms are common in sensitive topics; practice identifying and generating them to improve communication skills and avoid offense.

4. '............. and that's how I realised that courage and hope can help me overcome any major mishap/problem in life.' Write an episode/experience from your own life that leads to the above conclusion.

Question 1. '...... and that's how I realized that courage and hope can help me overcome any major mishap/ problem in life.' Write an episode/experience from your own life that leads to the above conclusion.
Answer: I am a lover of sports. My favourite game is football. I wanted to play in my school team, and right from the age of eleven, I had been practising very sincerely.
Then one unfortunate day, when I was twelve, I fell down the stairs of my building and fractured my leg, badly. I was devastated. How could I play my favourite game? How could I make it to the team? Would my leg ever become completely alright again? Would I be I able to run around and kick the ball as before? I felt that my world had ended.
This was the time when my family gave me their full support. My grandparents helped me to while away the long hours; my parents made nutritious food for me and saw to the medical treatment. My sister, who is four years older than me, gave me sound advice and courage. She understood what I was going through.
She told me of various people who had suffered terrible disasters and had risen I above them. She brought me videos of umpteen cases where the mind had won over the body. She made me read biographies of achievers like Wilma Rudolph and Sudha Chandran. She made me do my exercises regularly and keep in touch with my sport. Slowly but surely, I regained courage and confidence.
Believe it or not, two years later I made it to my football team! My doctor and my family said that it was optimism and a positive attitude that had helped me recover completely. And that's how I realized that courage and hope can help me (or anybody) overcome any major mishap/problem in life.
In simple words: Personal experiences of overcoming challenges, like recovering from a serious injury, demonstrate how courage, hope, family support, and a positive mindset are crucial for resilience and achieving success.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a personal experience, structure your narrative with a clear beginning, middle (challenge and support), and end (resolution and lesson learned), focusing on how the experience illustrates the prompt's theme.

5. Read: 'The Psalm of Life' a poem by H. W. Longfellow.

English Kumarbharati 9th Digest Chapter 1.1 Life Additional Important Questions And Answers

Warming Up:

Question 1. It is possible to feel both kinds of emotions at the same time. Have you experienced it? Try to describe such a situation in short. (An example is given below.)
Answer: Yes, I have experienced it. Once, when I stood first in class and got excellent marks in Science and Maths, my parents gave a party. All my friends were also present. My father gave a speech praising me. At that time, I was happy as well as embarrassed.
In simple words: It is possible to feel mixed emotions simultaneously, such as happiness from achievement and embarrassment from public praise, demonstrating the complexity of human feelings.

🎯 Exam Tip: When describing complex emotional states, use specific examples and vivid language to convey the nuance of feeling two different emotions at once.

Read the following extracts carefully and complete the activities :

Simple Factual Activity :

Question 1. Say whether the following statements are True or False :
Answer:
1. The sages say that life is a dark dream. True
2. The clouds of gloom are permanent. False
3. We must enjoy the happy hours of our life. True
4. Life's sunny hours flit by quickly. True
In simple words: This activity tests comprehension of factual statements from the text, requiring accurate recall to determine their truthfulness.

🎯 Exam Tip: For True/False questions, carefully compare each statement to the exact wording and meaning presented in the original text.

Complex Factual Activities :

Question 1. What do the sages say?
Answer: The sages say that life is a dark dream.
In simple words: According to the sages, life is perceived as a dark dream, suggesting a view of existence as potentially somber or illusory.

🎯 Exam Tip: Direct questions about specific characters' statements require precise recall of their words from the text.

Question 2. What does the rain often foretell?
Answer: The rain often foretells a pleasant day.
In simple words: Rain is often seen as a precursor to a pleasant day, metaphorically implying that challenges are followed by good times.

🎯 Exam Tip: When interpreting symbolic elements like 'rain', consider both its literal meaning and its metaphorical implication within the context of the poem.

Question 3. What should we do during joyful times in life?
Answer: We should enjoy the joyful times of our life gratefully and cheerfully.
In simple words: During happy periods, one should embrace and appreciate the joy with gratitude and a cheerful spirit.

🎯 Exam Tip: Questions about actions or attitudes derived from the text often relate to the poem's central theme or moral lesson.

Question 4. Complete the following : We should not be unhappy when we have difficulties because
Answer: We should not be unhappy when we have difficulties because these difficulties are temporary. If we have difficulties at some stage in our lives, there will be joyous times following it later.
In simple words: We should not be sad during difficulties because they are temporary and will eventually be followed by happy times.

🎯 Exam Tip: Completing sentences requires understanding the cause-and-effect relationships or logical conclusions presented in the text.

Activities Based On Poetic Devices :

Question 1. Pick out an example of interrogation (rhetorical question) from the extract. Explain in your own words the point that it makes.
Answer:

In simple words: The rhetorical question suggests that if challenges (showers) lead to growth (blooming roses), then we should not regret these temporary difficulties.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining rhetorical questions, clearly state the implied answer or the poet's intended message rather than just paraphrasing the question.

Simple Factual Activity :

Question 1. Complete the following : (The answers are given directly and underlined.)
Answer:
1. One should bear the day of trial courageously and fearlessly.
2. The wings of hope are golden and buoyant, (strong, elastic)
In simple words: This task requires filling in blanks based on the poem's themes, emphasizing the importance of courage and hope during difficult times.

🎯 Exam Tip: For fill-in-the-blanks, ensure your answers fit grammatically and semantically within the context of the sentence and the poem's overall message.

Complex Factual Activity :

Question 1. Does sorrow actually win over hope, according to the poet?
Answer: No. Though hope is temporarily defeated, it springs up again and helps us to bear the days of trials.
In simple words: The poet believes that sorrow does not ultimately defeat hope; instead, hope is resilient and helps us through difficult times.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand the poet's underlying philosophy regarding human emotions and resilience to answer questions about their views accurately.

Question 2. Who does 'Our Best' refer to?
Answer: 'Our Best' refers to those whom we love and cherish the most.
In simple words: 'Our Best' signifies the people we hold dearest and value most in our lives.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to phrases in inverted commas or special formatting as they often have specific, symbolic meanings within the poem.

Question 3. Why are the wings of hope 'golden'?
Answer: Gold is the colour of optimism. The wings of hope are golden because hope helps us bear up with our problems and suppress despair.
In simple words: Hope's wings are described as 'golden' because gold symbolizes optimism and value, signifying that hope is precious and lifts us above despair.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about color symbolism, relate the color to its common cultural or literary associations to explain its deeper meaning.

Activities Based On Poetic Devices :

Question 1. Write an appreciation of this poem. With the help of given points in paragraph format: Note: The point format given for Appreciation of Poem is for easy understanding. However, it is to be written in I the form of a paragraph in the examination.
Answer:
Point Format
(for understanding)
• Title: Life
• Poet: Charlotte Bronte
• Rhyme Scheme: abeb in the first stanza, and abab in all the remaining stanzas.
• Figures of Speech: 'What though death at times steps in'. The figure of speech is Personification, Death is given the human quality of 'stepping in'.
• The other important figures of speech are Metaphor and Interrogation (Rhetorical Questions).
• Theme/Central idea: This is a motivating and optimistic poem. The poet says that the bad things of life are transient, and good things invariably follow them.
• Hope will rescue us and help us to bear our trials, even during times of great adversity. We must be optimistic, and have the courage to overcome any mishaps or problems.

Paragraph Format:
The poem 'Life' is by Charlotte Bronte. It is a motivating and optimistic poem. The Rhyme Scheme is abeb for the first stanza and abab in all remaining stanzas. There are many figures of speech e.g. Personification 'What though death at times steps in'. Here, death is given the human quality of 'stepping in'. The other important figures of speech are Metaphor and Interrogation (Rhetorical Questions).
The poetess says that the bad things of life are temporary. Good things invariably follow it. Even during times of great adversity, hope will rescue us and help us to bear our trials. We must look at the positive side of life, and have the courage to overcome any mishaps or problems. The poem makes one feel good and is easy to understand.
In simple words: This poem, "Life" by Charlotte Bronte, is an optimistic and motivating piece that uses various literary devices like personification and metaphor to convey that life's challenges are temporary and that hope and courage help overcome adversity.

🎯 Exam Tip: For poem appreciation, ensure you cover the title, poet, rhyme scheme, figures of speech, and central theme, presenting it in a coherent paragraph format for higher scores.