RBSE Solutions Class 12 English Prudence Poetry Chapter 8 If

RBSE Class 12 English Prudence Poetry Chapter 8 Textual Questions

1. Choose the correct alternative:

Question (a) "If you can keep your head when all about you ............ blaming it on you". The poet asks to keep your head
(i) stand straight
(ii) stand at ease
(iii) remain calm and composed
(iv) take care of your head so that it doesn't get hurt
Answer: (iii) remain calm and composed
In simple words: The poet advises us to stay calm and not get upset, even when others around us are losing their temper and blaming us.

🎯 Exam Tip: When faced with a phrase from a poem, recall the context and the general message to identify the most appropriate meaning among the options.

2. Answer the following questions in 15-20 words each:
निम्न प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 15-20 शब्दों में दीजिए :

Question (a) What should you do when all men doubt you?
जब सब लोग आप पर शक कर रहे हो तो आपको क्या करना चाहिये?
Answer: When all men doubt us, we should not lose our temper. We should have self-confidence and trust ourselves.
जब सभी इस पर शक कर रहे हों तो हमें गुस्सा नहीं करना चाहिये। हमें आत्म-विश्वास रखना चाहिये।
In simple words: Even if everyone doubts you, stay calm and trust yourself. Don't get angry.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on keywords like 'doubt' and 'temper' to formulate an answer that reflects self-belief and emotional control.

Question (b) "If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue.” What do you understand by 'talk with crowds and keep your virtue'?
"यदि आप आम आदमी से वार्तालाप करो और अपनी अच्छाई बरकरार रख सको।” “आम आदमी से वार्तालाप और अपनी अच्छाई बरकरार रखने” से आप क्या समझते हो?
Answer: "Talk with crowds and keep your virtue” means we should mix with common people. Even while doing so, we should still maintain our good qualities and not get influenced negatively.
“आम आदमी से वार्तालाप और अपनी अच्छाई बरकरार रखने" का अर्थ है कि हमें आम लोगों से मिलना-जुलना चाहिये फिर भी अपने अच्छे गुणों को बनाये रखना चाहिये।
In simple words: It means you can spend time with many different people, but still keep your good nature and values.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain both parts of the phrase: 'talking with crowds' (social interaction) and 'keeping virtue' (maintaining integrity), then combine them for a complete meaning.

Question (c) What is meant by 'the unforgiving minute' in the poem?
कविता में कभी न माफ करने वाला क्षण” का क्या अर्थ है?
Answer: "The unforgiving minute" refers to time that, once lost, never returns. It emphasizes that we should use every moment wisely because wasted time cannot be recovered.
कथन "कभी न माफ करने वाला क्षण" उस समय की ओर संकेत करता है जो उस व्यक्ति के पास नहीं लौटता जो उसका उपयोग नहीं करता।
In simple words: It means a moment in time that, once it's gone, you can never get it back.

🎯 Exam Tip: For poetic phrases, define the literal meaning and then explain its significance or implication within the poem's context.

Question (e) How does Kipling present hopes and fears?
Kipling ने आशाओं और आशंकाओं को किस तरह प्रस्तुत किया है?
Answer: The poet, Rudyard Kipling, presents hopes and fears as "triumph and disaster." He considers them two common experiences that make up life, treating them as equal parts of existence.
कवी, Rudyard Kipling ने आशाओं और आशकाओं को विजय और विपत्ति जिनसे मिलकर जीवन बना है के रूप में प्रस्तुत किया है।
In simple words: Kipling shows hopes and fears as "triumph and disaster," meaning both good and bad things that happen in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note how the poem personifies abstract concepts like triumph and disaster, emphasizing the need to treat them similarly.

3. Answer the following questions in 50 words each:
निम्न प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 50 शब्दों में दीजिए :

Question (a) Why does the poet say that triumph and disaster are two imposters?
कवि क्यों कहता है कि 'विजय और विपत्ति दोनों धोखेबाज हैं ?
Answer: In the poem, the poet refers to triumph and disaster as imposters. This is because they only show one side of life. Life is a mix of both happiness and sadness, but people often forget the good times when they are in pain. They are not always what they seem.
कविता में कवि ने विजय और विपत्ति को धोखेबाज कहा है क्योंकि ये जीवन का एक ही पहलू प्रस्तुत करते हैं। जीवन सुख- दुखः दोनों से मिलकर बना है लेकिन जब दुःख आता है तो लोग भूल जाते हैं कि सुख भी है। यही बात सुख के बारे में सही है।
In simple words: The poet calls triumph and disaster imposters because they hide the full truth of life, which has both good and bad parts. They trick us into only seeing one side.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the idea of 'imposters' as things that deceive or mislead, and explain how triumph and disaster can mislead us about the true nature of life.

Question (b) What is expected of a perfect man when he loses all that he has achieved or gained ?
एक आदर्श व्यक्ति से क्या आशी की जाती है जब वह सब कुछ खो दे जो कुछ उसने पाया है?
Answer: When a perfect man loses everything he has achieved, he is expected to have the strength to accept the loss without becoming sad or discouraged. Instead, he should try to rebuild what was lost, even if he feels old or worn out in mind and body.
जब एक आदर्श व्यक्ति वह सब कुछ खो देता है जो उसने जीवन में प्राप्त किया तो अपने उस नुकसान को सहन करने की उसमें शक्ति होनी चाहिये। उसे निराश नहीं होना चाहिये। इसके बजाय, उससे उस नुकसान की भरपाई करने की कोशिश करने की अपेक्षा
In simple words: A perfect man should be strong enough to face loss without sadness and try to rebuild everything again, even if it's hard.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight resilience, courage, and a positive outlook as key traits of an ideal person when facing significant loss.

Question (d) What essential qualities of a true leader are highlighted in the poem ?
एक सच्चे नायक के कौन से मुख्य गुणों को कविता में उजागर किया गया है?
Answer: The poem highlights several essential qualities for a true leader: calm behavior, truthfulness, self-confidence, and patience in all situations. A true leader shows love for everyone, has great tolerance, and maintains a peaceful mind even in difficult times. They also have the courage to take risks and use their time effectively.
कविता में कवि द्वारा उजागर असली नायक के आवश्यक गुण हैं हर परिस्थिति में शांत आचरण, सत्यवादिता, आत्म-विश्वास और धैर्य। वह सबसे प्रेम करता है और उसके पास कठिन परिस्थितियों में असीमित सहनशीलता और शान्त स्वभाव होता है। उसके पास जोखिम उठाने का साहस होता है और वह जीवन में समय का सदुपयोग करता है।
In simple words: A true leader is calm, honest, confident, patient, tolerant, and brave. They also use their time well.

🎯 Exam Tip: List the virtues clearly and concisely, focusing on how each quality contributes to strong leadership as described in the poem.

4. Answer the following questions in 100 words each:
निम्न प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर 100 शब्दों में दीजिए :

Question (a) What feelings does the poem awaken in you? How do your feelings connect with those of the poet ?
कविता आपके मन में क्या भाव जगाती है? आपकी भावनायें कवि की भावनाओं से कैसे जुड़ पाती हैं?
Answer: The poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling inspires me to develop good qualities like self-control, self-confidence, and patience. These are important for dealing with life's challenges. It also teaches the value of being truthful, practical, and making the most of my time to succeed. While these ideals seem very high, the poet rightly shows them as essential for achieving great things and becoming a truly mature person. The poem makes me want to try and be a better, stronger person, just as the poet describes.
In simple words: The poem inspires me to be strong, self-controlled, and confident. It makes me feel like the poet, wanting to be a better person who can handle tough times and use time well.

🎯 Exam Tip: Personalize the answer by using "I" or "me" to connect your feelings to the poem's themes, and explain how specific qualities are inspiring.

Question (b) The poem concludes with “You will be a Man”. What kind of a man is implied here?
कविता का अन्त "तुम एक मनुष्य होगे" से होता है। यहाँ किस प्रकार के मनुष्य की ओर संकेत है।
Answer: The poem "If" ends with the phrase "You will be a Man." This means a person who has special qualities not usually found in everyone. These qualities include self-control, self-confidence, patience, honesty, and love for all. When facing difficult situations, a true man shows calmness, tolerance, courage, stays active until the end, treats everyone equally, and uses time fully. A person who has all these virtues completely is truly a "Man" in the real sense. Such a person embodies true strength and character.
कविता 'If' 'तुम मनुष्य होगे' के साथ समाप्त होती है। कवि का अर्थ उस प्रकार के व्यक्ति से है जो कुछ उन गुणों से युक्त है जो साधारण मनुष्यों में नहीं पाये जाते। आत्म नियन्त्रण, आत्म-विश्वास धैर्य, सत्यवादिता और सबके लिये प्रेम ऐसे गुण हैं जो जब मुश्किल हालातों में प्रयुक्त किये जाते हैं तो उसी व्यक्ति के होते हैं जो सामान्य व्यक्ति से ऊपर हो। उसी तरह से चित्त की स्थिरता, सहनशीलता, मुश्किल स्थिति में साहस, मृत्यु तक क्रियाशील रहना, सभी से समान व्यवहार करना और समय का पूरा उपयोग करना वे गुण हैं जो आम तौर पर सामान्य व्यक्तियों में नहीं पाये जाते। वह व्यक्ति जिसके पास ये गुण पूर्णता से हैं वही सही अर्थ में मनुष्य है।
In simple words: The poem means a "Man" is someone with many good qualities like self-control, patience, courage, and honesty. They are strong and wise, especially in tough times.

🎯 Exam Tip: Define "Man" not just by gender, but by the collection of virtues and characteristics Kipling lists throughout the poem, explaining how these make an individual exceptional.

Question (C) Comment on the mood and tone of the poem.
कविता के मिजाज और सुर पर टिप्पणी कीजिये।
Answer: The poem 'If' is a father talking to his son, teaching him how to develop great virtues to become a true man. Because of this, the poem feels inspiring and its tone is instructive. The poem appeals to young people everywhere, encouraging them to gain qualities like self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-control. It urges them to handle life's ups and downs with a steady mind. These qualities lead to success and completeness in life. Even though the poet presents an ideal vision, he teaches valuable life lessons to young people.
कविता 'If' एक पिता द्वारा पुत्र को किया हुआ सम्बोधन है जो उसे अच्छे गुण विकसित करने की शिक्षा देता है जिससे वह सच्चे अर्थ में मनुष्य बन सके। इसीलिये, कविता का मिजाज प्रेरणादायी है और सुर शिक्षात्मक है। यह कविता सभी नौजवानों के लिये है। यह उन्हें आत्म-विश्वास, आत्म-निर्भरता और आत्म-नियन्त्रण पाने के लिये प्रेरित करती है। यह उन्हें जीवन के उतार-चढ़ावों से स्थिर मन के साथ व्यवहार करने की
In simple words: The poem 'If' is inspiring and teaches lessons. A father guides his son on how to be a good and strong person, making it valuable for all young people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe the mood (inspiring, motivational) and tone (didactic, instructional) and support your points with examples of the advice given in the poem.

Answer the following questions in 50 words each:
निम्न प्रत्येक प्रश्न का 50 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिये :

Question 1. Who is the speaker ? What does the poem reveal about the speaker's character?
वक्ता कौन है? यह कविता वक्ता के चरित्र के विषय में क्या उजागर करती है?
Answer: The poet himself is the speaker. The poem indirectly shows the speaker's good character. It seems the poet is humble, practical, hopeful, hardworking, disciplined, and confident. He praises these good qualities and encourages readers to adopt them in their own lives.
वक्ता स्वयं कवि है। कविता अप्रत्यक्ष रूप से वक्ता के चरित्र के सद्गुणों को उजागर करती है। ऐसा प्रतीत होता है कि कवि स्वयं विनम्र, व्यावहारिक, आशावादी, परिश्रमी, अनुशासित और आत्म-विश्वास से पूर्ण व्यक्ति है क्योंकि वह इन गुणों की प्रशंसा करता है और अपने पाठकों को इन गुणों को अपनाने हेतु प्रेरित करता है।
In simple words: The poet is the speaker, and the poem shows he is humble, practical, and confident, inspiring others to be the same.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the speaker as the poet and then infer their character traits based on the virtues they recommend in the poem.

Question 2. "Keep your head” important? What does Kipling mean "to trust yourself when others doubt you'?
“मानसिक संतुलन को बनाये रखना” यह महत्त्वपूर्ण क्यों होगा? "स्वयं पर विश्वास रखो जब अन्य लोग आप पर संदेह करें" से Kipling का आशय क्या है?
Answer: It is important to "keep our head" (remain sensible) because if others lose their peace of mind, staying calm prevents problems from worsening. By "to trust yourself when others doubt you," the poet means that even when others doubt us, we should not lose our self-confidence. We must trust ourselves regardless of others' opinions. A person must not react to everyone's words but stay focused on their goal.
'मानसिक संतुलन को बनाये रखना' महत्त्वपूर्ण होगा क्योंकि जब अन्य सभी लोग अपना मानसिक संतुलन खोयें, तो हमें अपना मानसिक संतुलन बनाये रखना चाहिये अन्यथा समस्या और भी गंभीर हो जायेगी। “जब अन्य लोग आप पर संदेह करें तो आप स्वयं में विश्वास रखें” इससे कवि का आशय है कि दूसरों के संदेह करने पर भी हम अपना आत्म-विश्वास न खोयें। हमें बिना किसी की परवाह किये स्वयं पर विश्वास रखना चाहिये। व्यक्ति ऐसा अपना मानसिक संतुलन बनाये रखकर करता है। व्यक्ति को क्रोधित नहीं होना चाहिये। उसमें आत्मविश्वास होना चाहिये। यह जीवन में सफल होने के लिये महत्त्वपूर्ण है। यदि व्यक्ति अन्य प्रत्येक व्यक्ति की बात पर प्रतिक्रिया देता रहेगा, तो अपने लक्ष्य पर केन्द्रित नहीं हो पायेगा।
In simple words: Keeping your head means staying calm and sensible. Trusting yourself when others doubt you means having self-confidence and believing in yourself, even if no one else does.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between keeping calm (emotional control) and trusting oneself (self-belief), then explain the importance of both for personal stability.

Question 3. How does one make allowances for doubting ? Why is this important?
Answer: The poem suggests that one makes allowances for doubting by accepting that others will doubt you, but not letting it affect your self-confidence. It's about being patient with those who doubt while remaining firm in your own beliefs. This is important because it prevents you from being swayed by negative opinions and helps you stay focused on your goals, demonstrating strong self-belief.
In simple words: You make allowances for doubting by knowing others will doubt you, but you don't let it shake your self-belief. It's important to stay strong in your convictions.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect "making allowances" to patience and understanding, but stress that it should not lead to losing one's self-trust.

Question 4. Why does the poet recommend not looking “too good” or “talking too wise”?
कवि "अधिक अच्छा नहीं दिखने” या “अधिक बुद्धिमान नहीं बनने की सलाह क्यों देता है?
Answer: The poet recommends not looking "too good" or "talking too wise" because people should not be overly confident or pretend to be something they are not. It's important to be genuine and honest about who you are. Having self-confidence and strong determination is what truly helps achieve goals, not false appearances or excessive showing off of wisdom.
कवि “अधिक अच्छा न दिखने” या “अधिक बुद्धिमान न बनने (बुद्धिमान होने का दिखावा न करने) की सलाह इसलिये देता है क्योंकि लोगों को जरूरत से अधिक आत्म विश्वासी नहीं होना चाहिये और लोगों को स्वयं को वैसा दिखाने का प्रयास नहीं करना चाहिये जैसे वे नहीं हैं। लोगों को वैसे ही दिखना चाहिये जैसे वे होते हैं। उन्हें अपना लक्ष्य पाने के लिये आत्म-विश्वास व दृढ़ इच्छाशक्ति रखनी चाहिए।
In simple words: The poet advises against trying to look too perfect or sound too smart. He wants us to be true to ourselves and focus on real self-confidence instead.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that "too good" and "too wise" can imply arrogance or pretense, and the poet values authenticity and genuine self-belief more than outward show.

Question 5. According to the poet, why is it not good to make dreams your master'?
कवि के अनुसार स्वप्नों को अपना स्वामी' बनाना अच्छा क्यों नहीं है?
Answer: According to the poet, it is not good to make 'dreams our master'. This is because simply dreaming will not bring success. Instead, we should actively work to make our dreams a reality. If we only dream without putting in effort, we will lose everything and only face disappointment. Dreams should inspire action, not replace it.
कवि के अनुसार अपने 'स्वप्नों को अपना स्वामी' बनाना अच्छा नहीं है। इसके स्थान पर, हमें अपने स्वप्नों को हकीकत (वास्तविकता) में बदलने के लिये प्रयास (कार्य) करने चाहिये। सिर्फ स्वप्न देखकर हम कभी भी सफलता हासिल नहीं कर सकते। इसलिये हमें सफलता पाने के लिये अपने उचित प्रयास करने चाहिये अन्यथा हम अपना सब कुछ खो देंगे और हमें सिर्फ निराशा मिलेगी।
In simple words: It's bad to let dreams control you because you need to work hard to make them real, not just dream. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the distinction between passive dreaming and active pursuit of goals, highlighting the importance of effort and action.

Question 6. Is the poet actually talking about “triumph and disaster” or how a person responds to those situations? What is he conveying here?
क्या कवि वास्तव में "विजय और आपदा" (पराजय) के विषय में बात कर रहा है या फ़िर इस विषय में कि कोई व्यक्ति उन परिस्थितियों (दशाओं) में किस प्रकार प्रतिक्रिया करता है? यहाँ वह क्या कह रहा है?
Answer: The poet uses "triumph and disaster" symbolically. He is not just talking about these events themselves, but more about how a person reacts to them. His point is that we should always treat both success and failure equally. We should not be too happy with success nor too sad with failure. The poem teaches us to maintain emotional balance in all circumstances.
कवि ने इन शब्दों का प्रतीकात्मक रूप से उपयोग यहाँ किया है। विजय या आपदा (पराजय) से उसका अर्थ अनुकूल व प्रतिकूल परिस्थितियों से है। उसके कहने का अर्थ है कि हमें हमेशा समान रूप से सफलता व असफलता दोनों को स्वीकार करना चाहिये। न तो सफलता पर जरूरत से अधिक खुश और न ही असफलता पर अत्यधिक निराश होना चाहिये।
In simple words: The poet uses "triumph and disaster" as symbols. He is teaching us to react to both good and bad situations in a calm and balanced way, not just focusing on the events themselves.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarify that the poem's message is about resilience and emotional equilibrium, using 'triumph and disaster' as metaphors for life's extremes.

Question 7. Why does the poet say "Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it" ?
कवि क्यों कहता है कि “संसार और इसमें मौजूद प्रत्येक वस्तु तुम्हारी है?
Answer: The poet motivates readers to use their time in the best way possible. He suggests that if we manage every second of our lives carefully and make the most of our time, we are guaranteed to succeed. Therefore, when the poet says, "Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it," it means that nothing can stop a person who utilizes their time well from achieving great success.
कवि अपने पाठकों को उनके समय का श्रेष्ठतम उपयोग करने हेतु प्रेरित कर रहा है। हमें अपने जीवन के प्रत्येक क्षण का हिसाब रखना चाहिये। यदि हम अपने समय का पूर्ण और श्रेष्ठतम रूप से सदुपयोग करें, तो हमारी सफलता निश्चित है। इसलिये कवि कहता है, “यह संसार और इसमें मौजूद प्रत्येक वस्तु तुम्हारी हैं” इसका अर्थ हुआ कि तुम्हें सफल होने से कोई नहीं रोक सकता।
In simple words: The poet says this to motivate us to use our time well. If we use our time wisely, we can achieve anything and the whole world will be ours.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that this line is a powerful motivational statement, linking diligent effort (especially time management) to ultimate success and ownership of opportunities.

Question 8. What does "unforgiving minute” suggest ?
"Unforgiving minute" सुझाव देता है?
Answer: "Unforgiving minute" suggests that any time lost is gone forever and will never come back. Therefore, we should keep track of every second of our lives and use our time fully and effectively. If we waste even one minute, that minute will not forgive us, meaning we cannot get it back or undo its loss.
"Unforgiving minute" सुझाव देता है कि हमें अपने जीवन के प्रत्येक सेकेण्ड का हिसाब रखना चाहिये। खोया हुआ समय हमेशा के लिये खो जाता है। इसलिये, यह फिर वापिस नहीं आता। हमें अपने समय का पूर्ण और सर्वोत्तम तरीके से सदुपयोग करना चाहिये। यदि हम एक मिनट भी व्यर्थ गंवायेंगे तो यह हमें क्षमा नहीं करेगा।
In simple words: This phrase means that time, once it passes, is lost forever and cannot be recovered. So, we should use every moment carefully.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the phrase to the concept of the irreversible nature of time and its importance in the poem's broader message about maximizing one's life.

Question 9. What is the poet's suggestion regarding 'being lied about' and 'being hated'?
किसी के द्वारा 'झूठ बोले जाने' या 'नफरत किये जाने के सम्बन्ध में कवि का क्या सुझाव है?
Answer: Some people might spread rumors, lie about us, or hate us. But the poet suggests that we should not give in to these feelings. We should stay calm and focus on our path, not letting others' negativity distract us from our goals. It's about maintaining inner peace and integrity regardless of external malice.
Some people may spread rumours about us. They may tell lies about us. They may hate us. But the poet
In simple words: The poet suggests that if people lie about you or hate you, you should not let it bother you. Stay calm and keep focused on your own path.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on resilience and mental fortitude as key responses to falsehoods and hatred, emphasizing inner strength over external reactions.

Question 10. Explain the phrase – 'not make thoughts your aim'.
'विचारों को अपना लक्ष्य मत बनाओ'-वाक्यांश की व्याख्या करिये।
Answer: The poet suggests that we shouldn't just keep thinking without acting. Thoughts without action are pointless. We need to work to turn our ideas into reality and be practical. We should plan our future and then carry out those plans to be successful in life. It emphasizes the importance of execution over mere contemplation.
यहाँ कवि हमें सुझाव देता है कि हमें सिर्फ सोचते और सोचते ही नहीं रहना चाहिये। बिना उद्देश्य के विचार अर्थहीन हैं। हमें अपने विचारों को काम में बदलना चाहिये और वास्तविकता में लाना चाहिये। हमें व्यावहारिक होना चाहिये। हमें भविष्य की योजना बनानी चाहिये और जीवन में सफल होने के लिये अपनी योजनाओं को क्रियान्वित करना चाहिये।
In simple words: This means don't just think about things; you need to act on your thoughts to make them happen. Thinking without doing is useless.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the contrast between 'thoughts' (planning) and 'aim' (action/outcome), stressing that effective action is necessary for achievement.

Question 11. What do you understand by 'wornout tools'?
'Wornout tools' से आप क्या समझते हैं ?
Answer: The poet uses 'wornout tools' to symbolize hard work and determination. He inspires us to be brave and resolute. This means that if we lose all our valuable possessions or achievements, we should rebuild them using our unwavering hard work and determination, like tools that might be old but are still useful.
कवि ने इन शब्दों का प्रयोग प्रतीकात्मक रूप में किया है। यहाँ 'wornout tools' का अर्थ कठिन परिश्रम व दृढ़-निश्चय से है। कवि हमें साहसिक और दृढ़-निश्चयी होने के लिये प्रेरित करता है। यदि हमारी सभी मूल्यवान वस्तुएँ टूट जायें (वस्तुएँ। उपलब्धियाँ नष्ट हो जायें) तो हमें अपने परिश्रम व दृढ़ता के औजारों से उन्हें पुनः बनाना (प्राप्त) चाहिये।
In simple words: 'Wornout tools' means using your hard work and strong will, even when you feel tired, to rebuild what you've lost.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain the symbolic meaning of 'wornout tools' as persistent effort and determination, even after setbacks, rather than literally broken instruments.