RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 4 On the Ignorance of the

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 4 Textual Questions

Question 1. Who is unacquainted with the maxims and manners of the world?
(a) the scientist
(b) the lawyer
(c) the learned pedant
(d) the artist
Answer: (c) the learned pedant
In simple words: The author believes that a learned pedant, someone who focuses only on books, often does not understand how the real world works or its social rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying characters' traits, look for descriptions in the text that highlight their behavior or knowledge gaps.

Answer the following questions in 15-20 words each :

Question 1. whom do you consider learned ?
Answer: We can call a man learned if he knows about things that are far away from everyday life and what we actually see. He has knowledge beyond common observations.
In simple words: Someone is considered learned if they know about abstract things that are not part of daily life or direct observation.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a concept like 'learned', ensure your answer clearly distinguishes it from common understanding based on the text.

Question 2. who is a pragmatist?
Answer: A pragmatist is a person who is practical in their approach to life's matters. They are free from any strict academic rules or thinking.
In simple words: A pragmatist is a practical person who doesn't follow strict academic rules when dealing with life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to highlight both the practical nature and the freedom from academic discipline when defining a pragmatist.

Question 3. Do the learned practise their own pieces of wisdom ?
Answer: The learned men usually do not use their own wisdom in practice. This is because their knowledge is often not connected with real-life experiences.
In simple words: No, educated people often don't put their own knowledge into practice because it's not linked to real life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the reason why learned men don't practice their wisdom – its disconnect from practical experience.

Question 4. What, according to Hazlitt, is knowledge ?
Answer: (The answer for Question 4 is continued on the next page, but it is part of the previous section, and it doesn't have an explicit question "Hazlitt" on the next page. It's likely a short answer, so I will provide a summary based on the context of Hazlitt's views throughout the essay.)
According to Hazlitt, true knowledge comes from practical experience and observation of the world, not just from books. It is understanding what is removed from common life.
In simple words: For Hazlitt, real knowledge is gained from seeing and doing things in the real world, not just from reading books.

🎯 Exam Tip: When Hazlitt defines knowledge, emphasize the distinction between practical experience and mere book learning.

Answer the following questions in 50 words each :

Question 1. What does Hazlitt have to say about the learned men ? Do they possess true knowledge?
Answer: Hazlitt describes learned men as tireless readers who rely heavily on books. They do not have original thoughts or the ability to make their own observations. He states that they lack true knowledge because they are satisfied with ideas borrowed from others. True understanding comes from direct experience, not just reading.
In simple words: Hazlitt says learned men read a lot but lack their own ideas and true knowledge, as they depend on others' thoughts from books instead of real-world observations.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing Hazlitt's view on learned men, highlight their dependence on books and lack of original thought or real-world observation as key criticisms.

Question 2. What are the areas Hazlitt thinks the learned people are ignorant of ?
Answer: Hazlitt believes that learned people are simply scholars who know only books. They lack real knowledge of people and things related to practical life. They do not understand what happens around them and are unaware of the natural world's beauty, art, and other life aspects. Their focus on books keeps them from real-world understanding.
In simple words: Hazlitt thinks learned people do not know about real life, the world around them, nature's beauty, art, or human interactions because they only focus on books.

🎯 Exam Tip: List specific areas Hazlitt mentions (practical life, nature, art, surrounding events) to show a comprehensive understanding of their ignorance.

Question 3. Do you think Hazlitt's views are relevant today?
Answer: In his essay "On the Ignorance of the Learned", Hazlitt criticizes formal education. He truly says that this system often prevents independent thought and unbiased development of the mind. This view is still relevant because over-reliance on textbooks without practical application can hinder genuine understanding and creativity even today.
In simple words: Yes, Hazlitt's ideas are still important today because formal education can still stop people from thinking for themselves and truly understanding things beyond books.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect Hazlitt's criticism of formal education to current educational practices to show relevance. Focus on the impact on independent thought.

Question 4. Is the essay Hazlitt's answer to the problem of evil ?
Answer: The essay "On the Ignorance of the Learned" is indeed Hazlitt's answer to the problem of pedantry, not general evil. He strongly criticizes pedantry because it distances the learner from nature and the real world. It also stops people from gaining true knowledge and developing an open mind. Thus, Hazlitt sees pedantry as a significant negative influence.
In simple words: The essay is Hazlitt's answer to the problem of pedantry, which he sees as harmful because it pulls people away from nature and clear thinking, preventing real knowledge.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that the "evil" Hazlitt addresses is specifically pedantry, not a broader concept of evil, and explain why he criticizes it.

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each :

Question 1. Do you agree that learning and pedantry go together?
Answer: In his essay, Hazlitt clearly separates true learning from pedantry. For him, learning is not just knowing what is already known, which is what pedantry does. Pedantry teaches what is obvious and part of common life, something learned from books. True learning, according to Hazlitt, involves knowing things far removed from common experience and direct observation. Therefore, he believes that genuine learning and pedantry are actually quite different and do not go hand in hand.
In simple words: No, learning and pedantry do not go together, according to Hazlitt. Pedantry is just knowing common things from books, but true learning is understanding things beyond everyday experience.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define both "learning" and "pedantry" based on Hazlitt's perspective and then explain how they differ, emphasizing that they are not the same.

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 4 Additional Questions

Answer the following questions in about 50 words each:

Question 1. Why does Hazlitt begin the essay with a poem by Butlar?
Answer: Hazlitt starts his essay with Butler's poem because both writers agree on the topic of pedantry. Just like a person who knows many languages may not be good at expressing ideas, a scholar who reads too many books might not be able to think or express themselves freely. The poem sets the stage by introducing this shared criticism of excessive, unapplied learning.
In simple words: Hazlitt uses Butler's poem at the start because both the poem and his essay criticize pedantry, showing how reading too much without practical thought can make someone unable to express themselves well.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the shared theme between Hazlitt and Butler (pedantry) and how the poem serves as an illustrative example for the essay's central argument.

Question 2. What does the author say about the lounger who is seen with a book in his hand ?
Answer: The author describes the lounger with a book as someone who lacks both the ability and interest to understand the world around him. He is a bookworm who cannot form his own ideas or reject those not clearly stated in a book. This person is passive, relying entirely on texts without engaging in independent thought or observation.
In simple words: The author says the book-holding lounger doesn't care about or understand the real world. He can't think for himself and just follows what books say.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the lounger's dependency on books and his inability to think independently or engage with the real world as key aspects of the author's description.

Question 3. What, according to Hazlitt, is the result of relying on books for sense ?
Answer: According to Hazlitt, if someone relies too much on books for understanding, their ability to think independently weakens. Their mental powers become dull and uninspired. Such a person loses all capacity for original thought and action, becoming unable to genuinely understand or contribute to the world without external guidance from texts.
In simple words: Hazlitt believes relying too much on books makes a person's mind weak and dull, losing their ability to think and act originally.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the negative consequences of excessive book-reliance: weakened internal strength, dullness of mind, and loss of original thought and action.

Question 4. Why does the author compare the learned with the copiers of pictures ?
Answer: The author compares learned people to those who copy pictures because both are similar when they have to create something new on their own. When faced with an original task, both become confused and do not know what to do. Their shortcomings in performing the task become clear, and they feel lost, unable to rely on their own internal understanding or creativity.
In simple words: The author compares learned people to picture copiers because both get lost and confused when asked to do something original without a guide.

🎯 Exam Tip: The core of the comparison is the inability to perform independently or creatively when a ready-made source (like a book or an original picture) is absent.

Question 5. Who, according to Hazlitt, is an idler at school?
Answer: According to Hazlitt, an idler at school is someone who is healthy and lively but holds back their intelligence and physical abilities. This person finds no joy in their studies and lacks interest in their friends or acquaintances. Such an idler avoids genuine effort, even when they possess the capacity for it.
In simple words: Hazlitt says an idler at school is a healthy, active student who doesn't use their brain or body for learning and has no interest in school or friends.

🎯 Exam Tip: An idler is not just someone lazy, but someone who chooses not to use their natural abilities and shows no genuine interest in anything around them.

Question 6. How does Hazlitt define learning ?
Answer: Hazlitt defines learning as knowledge gained from books and other man-made sources. He stresses that true learning is not simply knowing what is already around us or what appeals to our feelings and interests. Instead, it is understanding what is distant from common life and direct observation, requiring deep, independent thought.
In simple words: Hazlitt says learning is knowledge from books, but true learning means understanding things far from daily life and direct observation, not just obvious facts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Distinguish Hazlitt's definition of learning (remote from common life) from common understanding (knowledge of immediate things) for a clear answer.

Question 7. "The learned pedant is conversant with books only." Explain.
Answer: By stating that a learned pedant is conversant with books only, Hazlitt means that such a person knows nothing beyond what is written in books. Their mind is filled with information borrowed from others, lacking original thoughts. They have no other interests and possess no practical knowledge, yet they claim to be masters of those subjects. Their understanding is limited to theoretical knowledge from texts.
In simple words: Hazlitt means that a learned pedant only knows what's in books, has no practical knowledge, no other interests, and can't think for themselves, even though they act like an expert.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain what "conversant with books only" implies: lack of practical knowledge, no original thought, and limited interests beyond academic texts.

Question 8. What, according to Hazlitt, is the ignorance of the learned ?
Answer: According to Hazlitt, the ignorance of the learned is their lack of understanding of practical experience and real-world observation. They are unaware of nature's beauty, the spirit of music, art, poetry, sports, trade, or occupations. Essentially, they know nothing about the practical aspects of life because their focus is solely on theoretical book knowledge.
In simple words: Hazlitt says learned people are ignorant of real-life experiences, nature, art, sports, and all practical aspects because they only know book theories.

🎯 Exam Tip: List specific areas of life where the learned, according to Hazlitt, demonstrate ignorance to provide a detailed answer.

Question 9. What is affection and imposture for common people?
Answer: Hazlitt believes that for common people, what truly matters are the daily affairs and real-life experiences. They only understand things they have a chance to know and reasons to study or practice. Anything beyond this practical understanding and direct experience is seen by them as artificial display (affection) and deception (imposture).
In simple words: For common people, anything not related to their daily life, experience, or practical needs is considered fake or dishonest.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define affection and imposture from the perspective of common people by contrasting it with their focus on practical, relevant knowledge.

Question 10. What do the common people have which the learned are devoid of ?
Answer: Hazlitt states that common people use their hands and feet, understanding their work and the people they deal with. They can express their feelings and passions well. They know many good things in life and possess common sense, which the learned have always lacked. Common people have practical intelligence and emotional awareness that scholars often miss.
In simple words: Common people have practical skills, emotional expression, knowledge of life, and common sense, which Hazlitt says learned people usually don't have.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the key attributes common people possess (practical skills, emotional expression, common sense) that Hazlitt contrasts with the learned.

Question 11. Who are the most sensible people in Hazlitt's opinion?
Answer: In Hazlitt's view, the most sensible people are those involved in business and society. They are realistic and practical in their attitudes and goals. They do not talk about how things 'should be'; instead, they express what they truly see and know from experience. Their judgments are based on reality, not abstract theories.
In simple words: Hazlitt thinks people in business and those who engage with the world are the most sensible because they are practical, realistic, and speak only of what they know and see.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the practical, realistic, and experience-based nature of sensible people as described by Hazlitt, contrasting them with theoretical thinkers.

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Non-Fiction Chapter 4 Long Answer Type Questions

Answer the following questions in 100 words each :

Question 1. Give a character sketch of the learned as drawn by Hazlitt.
Answer: Hazlitt portrays the learned as tireless readers who depend too much on books and are satisfied with borrowed knowledge. They lack original ideas and cannot make independent observations. They get their intellectual support from books and are like "literary drudges" whose imaginations are bound by academic rules. They do not have true knowledge and lack common sense. These scholars are unaware of nature's beauty, art, music, poetry, sports, trade, and other aspects of life, focusing only on theoretical learning.
In simple words: Hazlitt describes learned people as constant readers who rely on others' ideas, lack original thoughts, and have no common sense or understanding of real-life beauty, art, or practical matters, being stuck in academic rules.

🎯 Exam Tip: Include details about their dependence on books, lack of originality, limited imagination, and ignorance of practical life aspects to provide a complete sketch.

Question 2. Why is Hazlitt against classical education?
Answer: Hazlitt opposes classical education because he believes it negatively affects both students and teachers. It emphasizes rote memorization and bookish knowledge, leading students to learn things without understanding. They become bookworms, dependent on texts for knowledge. Teachers become pedantic and lose their imaginative freshness. This system destroys followers' ability to think internally and makes them slaves to various academic rules. It causes people to rely on artificial aspects of life instead of finding new ways to discover themselves.
In simple words: Hazlitt is against classical education because it encourages rote learning, makes students overly reliant on books, and stops them from thinking independently or exploring the real world.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on Hazlitt's main criticisms: rote learning, dependence on books, suppression of independent thought, and reliance on artificial aspects of life.

Question 3. How are the ordinary men better than the learned according to Hazlitt?
Answer: Hazlitt believes ordinary men are better than the learned in several ways. Unlike the learned, ordinary men use their physical abilities and live by their work or skills. They understand their jobs and the people they interact with. They can express their views, emotions, and passions clearly. They enjoy life with intelligence and spirit, using language freely. They know more about good things and people than the learned pedant. Most importantly, they possess common sense, which the learned have never had, allowing them to navigate life practically.
In simple words: Hazlitt says ordinary men are better because they use their skills, understand real work and people, express emotions, enjoy life, and have common sense, unlike the learned who lack these practical qualities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contrast the practical, experiential knowledge and common sense of ordinary men with the theoretical, detached knowledge of the learned as described by Hazlitt.

Question 4. "Leave me to my repose.” Whose motto is it and why?
Answer: According to Hazlitt, "Leave me to my repose" is the motto of those who are 'sleeping' or 'dead'. By this, he means the learned who are deeply absorbed in books, like sleepers in sleep, and are unaware of the world around them, like the dead. They do not want to leave this state, fearing they might lose their intellectual support from books and have to rely on themselves. Their mental abilities are so weakened by relying on others' thoughts that books have become their crutches, without which they would fall.
In simple words: Hazlitt says "Leave me to my repose" is the motto of learned people who are like sleepers or the dead, lost in books and unaware of the real world, afraid to rely on their own thoughts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both *who* the motto belongs to (the learned) and *why* it fits them, connecting it to their detachment from reality and dependence on books.