Samacheer Kalvi Class 11 English Poem 5 Everest is Not The Only Peak

A. Based on your understanding of the Poem, answer the following questions in a sentence or two each:

Question 1. Which line is repeated in the poem? What is the effect created by this repetition?
Answer: The line, "We are proud and feel so tall" is repeated many times in the poem. This repetition clearly shows the poet's pride in the hard work and dignity of ordinary people. It emphasizes that even simple jobs have value.
In simple words: The poem often repeats "We are proud and feel so tall." This highlights how proud the poet is of everyday people's hard work.

🎯 Exam Tip: When analyzing repetition in poetry, always identify the repeated line and explain its significance or emotional impact. This demonstrates deeper understanding.

Question 2. Who are the deserving ones?
Answer: The deserving ones are people who live up to their duties and fulfill their purpose in life. They are those who commit to their roles and contribute to the world. Their dedication makes them worthy.
In simple words: People who do their duty and follow their life's purpose are the deserving ones.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on keywords like "duty" and "mission" from the poem when defining "deserving ones" to score accurately.

Question 3. Which quality does the speaker wish to nourish? What is his mission?
Answer: The speaker wishes to encourage love for all of humankind. His mission is to bless and praise those who support and enrich the world with their actions. He believes in nurturing a spirit of universal care.
In simple words: The speaker wants to nourish love for everyone. His mission is to bless and praise people who help the world.

🎯 Exam Tip: Separate the two parts of the question (quality to nourish and mission) in your answer to ensure both are addressed clearly and completely.

Question 4. Which path should we follow in life?
Answer: We should feel happy and proud of the position we hold in life, and we should continue on this chosen path. Being content with one's own journey brings peace. This means accepting our circumstances and making the most of them.
In simple words: We should be happy and proud of our current life path and continue to follow it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect your answer to the theme of contentment and self-acceptance, which is central to the poem's message.

Question 5. What does 'Everest' in the title stand for?
Answer: 'Everest' in the title represents the greatest achievement a person can attain in life, or the highest possible point one can reach. It symbolizes ultimate success or a peak accomplishment. This is not just about mountains, but any grand goal.
In simple words: 'Everest' means the biggest achievement or the highest point someone can reach in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain "Everest" metaphorically, linking it to life's achievements rather than just a physical mountain, as the poem's title suggests.

Question 6. What does hillock 'refer to in the line Every hillock has a summit to boast!'?
Answer: In the line "Every hillock has a summit to boast!", 'hillock' refers to any position, however small or humble, that a person holds in life. It emphasizes that even minor roles have their own importance and high points. This includes all aspects of one's journey.
In simple words: 'Hillock' means any position or place a person has in their life, big or small.

🎯 Exam Tip: Show that you understand "hillock" as a metaphor for a person's life situation or role, not just a small hill.

Question 7. Why does the speaker say "Everest is not the only Peak"?
Answer: The speaker says "Everest is not the only Peak" because not everyone is meant to be a famous mountain climber or a great leader. Every person has an important role in life, no matter how small it might seem. The poet values all small achievements and contributions in every part of life. He wants to highlight that all efforts matter.
In simple words: The speaker means that not only big achievements like climbing Everest are important. Every small success and role in life also counts.

🎯 Exam Tip: Your answer should convey the idea of valuing all types of achievements, not just the traditionally grand ones, reflecting the poem's inclusive message.

Question 8. What does the ladder symbolize?
Answer: The ladder symbolizes truth and the ability to stand independently on one's own feet. It represents the means by which one can rise and progress in life through honesty and self-reliance. Just as a ladder helps you reach higher, these qualities help you grow.
In simple words: The ladder symbolizes truth and being able to stand on your own without help.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining symbols, clearly state what the object represents and how it connects to a larger idea or theme in the poem.

B. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow:

1. Our nature it is that whatever we try
We do with devotion deep and true
Question a. Who does 'we' refer to?
Answer: 'We' refers to human beings, specifically those who are virtuous and live with integrity. It implies people who approach their actions with sincerity. This collective 'we' embodies the ideal human spirit.
In simple words: 'We' refers to people, especially those who are good and honest.

🎯 Exam Tip: In questions about pronouns like 'we', consider the overall theme of the poem to determine who the speaker is addressing or referring to.

Question b. How should we carry out our duties?
Answer: We must carry out our duties with complete sincerity and deep devotion. This means doing our tasks wholeheartedly and with true commitment. Performing duties with dedication ensures better outcomes and inner satisfaction.
In simple words: We should do our duties with honesty and strong dedication.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use strong adjectives like "sincerity" and "devotion" from the poem's lines to fully answer this question.

2. Defeat we repel, courage our fort:
Question a. How do we react to defeat?
Answer: We react to defeat by strongly rejecting it; we hate to face it. This suggests a resilient spirit that pushes back against giving up. Our natural inclination is to avoid failure and persist.
In simple words: We do not like defeat and try to push it away.

🎯 Exam Tip: The word "repel" is key here, indicating an active pushing away of defeat, not just a passive dislike.

Question b. Which is considered as our stronghold?
Answer: Courage is considered our stronghold. It is our strongest defense and source of power against challenges. Like a fortress, courage protects us and gives us strength. It helps us face difficulties head-on.
In simple words: Courage is seen as our main strength and defense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand "fort" metaphorically as a place of strength and defense to explain "stronghold" correctly.

3. We are proud of the position we hold
humble as we are,
Question a. What is the speaker proud of?
Answer: The speaker is proud of the position he holds in life, regardless of its perceived status. This pride comes from accepting and valuing his own place and efforts. He finds dignity in his own unique journey.
In simple words: The speaker is proud of the place or position he has in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note that the pride comes from *holding* a position, not necessarily a high one, emphasizing the theme of self-worth.

Question b. How is the speaker both humble and proud?
Answer: The speaker is both humble and proud because he is happy and content with his current position, even if it is not grand. His happiness in his own role shows humility, while his feeling of "proud" comes from the dignity he finds in it. He values his efforts and his place.
In simple words: The speaker is happy and satisfied with his position, which shows both humility and pride.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain that humility comes from accepting his "humble" state, while pride comes from finding dignity and happiness within that state.

Question c. Pick out the alliteration in these lines.
Answer: The alliteration in these lines can be found in the phrases "Proud, position" and "hold, humble." Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in words close together. These examples create a pleasing sound.
In simple words: The alliteration is in "Proud, position" and "hold, humble."

🎯 Exam Tip: Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds, not just the same letter. Always look for the sound quality.

4. He, who does not stop, is a king we adore.
We bow before competence and merit.
Question a. Who is adored as a king?
Answer: The one who never gives up and does not sacrifice his good qualities or self-respect for success is adored as a king. This means we respect those who achieve greatness while staying true to their values. True royalty lies in unwavering virtue.
In simple words: We admire someone who keeps going and does not give up their good values just to succeed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight the ethical qualities (virtues, dignity) as much as perseverance when describing who is "adored as a king."

Question b. What is the figure of speech?
Answer: The figure of speech used here is Metaphor. A metaphor directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." Calling someone a "king" without literally meaning they wear a crown is an example of this. It implies king-like qualities.
In simple words: The figure of speech is Metaphor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be ready to explain why a specific figure of speech is used, not just identify it. For metaphor, emphasize the direct comparison.

5. Honour is a property common to ail
Indignity and pride no one needs to be poor.
Question a. Who is considered rich?
Answer: Dignity and pride are considered true riches. This means that inner worth and self-respect are more valuable than material possessions. These qualities make a person truly wealthy in spirit. A person with dignity and pride carries themselves with grace.
In simple words: Dignity and pride are seen as what makes a person truly rich.

🎯 Exam Tip: Emphasize the poem's message that spiritual or moral wealth is superior to material wealth.

Question b. What is their asset?
Answer: Honour is considered their asset. An asset is something valuable that a person owns. In this context, honour is the most valuable possession a person can have, bringing respect and self-worth. It is a treasure that cannot be lost easily.
In simple words: Honour is their most valuable possession.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarify that "asset" here refers to an intangible but highly valued personal quality, not a physical object or money.

Figure of Speech:

Alliteration:

• 'We do with devotion deep and true'
  • Do - devotion - deep
• 'We are proud of the position we'
  • Proud - position
• 'A life that knows no kneeling and bending'
  • Knows - kneeling
• 'We deem it our duty and mission in life
  • Deem - duty

Rhyming words and Rhyming scheme in the 1st stanza:

• Tall - small - Rhyming words,
• aabc - scheme

C. Answer the following questions in a paragraph of 100 – 150 words:

Paragraph:

Question. The poem does not focus on the destination but the journey towards it – Discuss:
Answer: The poem "Everest is Not The Only Peak" by Kulothungan emphasizes the importance of the journey and effort rather than just the final outcome. The poet encourages us to work with strong determination and honesty in all our tasks. He believes that we should not depend on others but instead stand firmly on our own abilities. This self-reliance is seen as the true ladder for a person to reach the highest positions in life. The poem suggests that "Everest" is not just one peak, but that "every hillock has a summit to boast!" This means that everyone has a valuable role, and the size of an achievement doesn't matter as much as the effort and dedication put into it. The poet wants us to be happy with our own unique paths and work towards our destinies with strength. He teaches that being true to oneself and contributing to the world is what truly matters, not just reaching a single, grand destination. He believes that there is important work for everyone in the world, and we should be proud of our chosen path. This perspective helps us to find joy and purpose in every step of our lives.
In simple words: The poem teaches that the hard work and effort we put into our life's journey are more important than just reaching a big goal. Everyone has a valuable role, and we should be proud of our own path and work honestly without depending on others.

🎯 Exam Tip: Structure your paragraph by first stating the poem's central message (journey over destination), then providing examples or explanations from the poem to support this idea.

Explain the following with reference to the context:

I) 'We do with devotion deep and true'
Answer:
Reference: These lines are taken from the poem "Everest is not the only peak," written by Poet Kulothungan.
Context: In these lines, the poet is talking about the importance of strong determination in one's work. He emphasizes the attitude with which tasks should be approached.
Explanation: The poet is saying that we should carry out our work with complete dedication and be honest in all our activities. This highlights the value of sincerity and earnest effort in everything we undertake. Doing work with full focus and truthfulness leads to better results and personal satisfaction.
In simple words: These lines are from Kulothungan's poem. They mean we should do all our work with great focus and honesty.

🎯 Exam Tip: For "reference to context" questions, always identify the poem/author, explain the surrounding situation (context), and then elaborate on the meaning of the given lines.

II) The ones that are true and stand on their own.
Are really the ladder for the rise of Man.
Answer:
Reference: These lines are also taken from the poem "Everest is not the only peak," written by Poet Kulothungan.
Context: Here, the poet is discussing the concept of an unaided life, where individuals are self-reliant and independent. He emphasizes standing on one's own feet.
Explanation: The poet explains that we should not rely on others but instead be independent and stand firm on our own. He states that this quality of self-reliance and being true to oneself acts as the real ladder for a person to reach the highest position and achieve great success in life. Building self-sufficiency is a crucial step towards growth.
In simple words: These lines from Kulothungan's poem mean that people who are honest and independent will achieve great things in life. Not needing help from others is like a ladder to success.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect the idea of "standing on their own" to concepts like independence and self-sufficiency, and explain how these qualities lead to "the rise of Man."

கவிஞரைப் பற்றி:

பேராசிரியர் வி.சி. குழந்தைசாமி (1929-2016) ஓர் சிறந்த பொறியியல் வல்லுநர். நீர்மேலாண்மை துறையில் சிறந்து விளங்கினார். சிறந்த எழுத்தாளர், கல்வியாளர், இலக்கியம், கல்வி என பல துறைகளில் கால் பதித்தவர். இவர் குலோத்துங்கன் என்ற புனைப்பெயரில் தன் கவிதைகளை எழுதியுள்ளார்.

1988ஆம் ஆண்டு தனது "வாழும் வள்ளுவம்" என்ற நூலுக்கு சாகித்திய அக்காடமி விருது பெற்றார். 1999-ல் தமிழக அரசு வழங்கிய திருவள்ளுவர் விருதைப் பெற்றார். இவர் மனித வளமேண்பாடு பற்றிய கவிதைகளை அதிகம் எழுதியுள்ளார்.

கவிதையைப் பற்றி:

மனித திறமைகள் சிறியதாயினும், செயல்கள் குறைவாயினும் அதை நினைத்து நாம் பெருமை பட வேண்டும். சாதனைகளும், புகழும் மட்டுமே வாழ்க்கையல்ல. பிறருக்கு துன்பம் தராத, பொய்வேஷம் போடாத வாழ்க்கையே சிறந்த வாழ்க்கை. தோல்வி அடைந்தவன் திறமையில்லாதவன் அல்ல. சாதிப்பவன் எல்லாம் திறமைசாலியும் அல்ல. அனைவருமே அவரவர் வாழ்வில் சாதனையாளர்களே.

Everest is Not The Only Peak Summary in Tamil

உயரமாய் ஓங்கி உயர்ந்து வளர்ந்து நிற்பதில் யாம் பெருமை கொள்கிறோம். கடவுளுடைய அனுக்கிரகம் குறைவாக இருந்தபோதிலும் கூட இயற்கையாகவே யாம் என்னதான் முயற்சித்தாலும் அதை உண்மையான ஆழமான பக்தி முயற்சியுடன் செய்வோம்.

முற்றுகையை ஒவ்வாமையாக தைரியத்தைக் கோட்டையாக ஆனால் கைப்பற்றுவது மற்றும் செய்வது இல்லை மற்றவர்களை அன்பு செய்வதை இலாபமாக கருதி ஓங்கி உயர்ந்து வளர்ந்து நிற்பதில் யாம் பெருமை கொள்கிறோம். இதை யாம் ஒரு கடமையாகவும், வாழ்வின் ஒரு திருப்பணியாகவும் கொள்கிறோம்.

வாடி வருந்துவோரை ஆசிர்வதிக்கவும் துதிக்கவும் யாம் செய்வதில் இருந்து சற்றும் தவறாமல் உலகை உயர்த்துவதிலே உறுதியாய் நிற்கிறோம். யாம் தற்போது இருக்கின்ற நிலையைப் பார்த்து பெருமை கொள்கிறோம். பணிந்து கொண்டு நிற்கிறோம் – எங்களின் வாழ்வுப்பாதையை எண்ணி பெருமிதம் கொள்கிறோம்.

மதிப்பு மிக்க எங்களின் பாதை ஒரு வாழ்வில் வளையும் குறுகலானதும் இல்லாததை நினைத்து ஓங்கி உயர்ந்து வளர்ந்து நிற்பதில் யாம் பெருமை கொள்கிறோம். இமயம் ஒரு உச்சி அல்ல அனைத்து உச்சிகளும் துதித்துப் பாடவே நீங்கள் கொடுக்கின்ற உயரத்தைப் பற்றி கவலை இல்லை.

மேலிருந்து கீழே இறங்கி வருபவனே அரசனாக யாம் கொள்வோம். உண்மைக்கும் நீதிக்கும் முன்னால் யாம் தலை வணங்குவோம். உண்மையான காலிலே நிற்கும் ஒருவனை யாம் ஒரு ஏணியாக மதித்து மனிதனின் முழு வளர்ச்சிக்கு எல்லோருக்கும் பொதுவாக, போற்றுவதற்கு உரிய ஒரு சொத்தாக.

வறுமையிலும் பெருமையிலும் யாம் ஒரு ஏழை அல்ல. ஓங்கி உயர்ந்து வளர்ந்து நிற்பதிலே யாம் பெருமை கொள்கிறோம்.