Samacheer Kalvi Class 11 English Solutions Poem 6 The Hollow Crown

Tamilnadu Samacheer Kalvi 11th English Solutions Poem 6 The Hollow Crown

11th English Guide The Hollow Crown Text Book Back Questions and Answers

 

Question A. Fill in the blanks using the words given in the box to complete the summary of the poem:
King Richard the Second, had surrendered to his (a)_______ cousin, Bollingbroke. He experienced deep distress at the horror of his circumstances. In that desperate situation, he speaks of (b)_______, (c)_______, (d)_______ and other things connected with death. He spoke of how people leave nothing behind and can call nothing their own, except for the small patch of (e)_______ where they will be buried. King Richard yielded to dejection and talked of all the different ways in which defeated kings suffer how some had been deposed, (f)_______ in war, (g)_______ by their wives, and so forth. He attributed this loss of lives to (h)_______ who he personified as the jester who watches over the shoulder of every ruler, who mocks kings by allowing them to think their human flesh, was like (i)_______ brass.
However, Death penetrates through the castle walls, silently and unnoticed like a sharp (j)_______. Thus bidding (k)_______ to him and all his pride forever. Finally, Richard appealed to his soldiers not to mock his mere flesh and blood by showing (l)_______ and respect to him. He added that he too needed bread to live, felt want, tasted (m)_______ and needed (n)_______. He concluded thus, urging his men not to call him a (o)_______ as he was only human, just like the rest of them.
Answer:
King Richard the Second, had surrendered to his (a)rebellious cousin, Bollingbroke. He experienced deep distress at the horror of his circumstances. In that desperate situation, he speaks of (b)graves, (c)worms, (d)epitaphs and other things connected with death. He spoke of how people leave nothing behind and can call nothing their own, except for the small patch of (e)barren-earth where they will be buried. King Richard yielded to dejection and talked of all the different ways in which defeated kings suffer how some had been deposed, (f)slain in war, (g)poisoned by their wives, and so forth. He attributed this loss of lives to (h)death who he personified as the jester who watches over the shoulder of every ruler, who mocks kings by allowing them to think their human flesh, was like (i)impregnable brass.
However, Death penetrates through the castle walls, silently and unnoticed like a sharp (j)pin. Thus bidding (k)farewell to him and all his pride forever. Finally, Richard appealed to his soldiers not to mock his mere flesh and blood by showing (l)reverence and respect to him. He added that he too needed bread to live, felt want, tasted (m)grief and needed (n)friends. He concluded thus, urging his men not to call him a (o)king as he was only human, just like the rest of them.
In simple words: King Richard II felt sad and surrendered to his cousin Bolingbroke. He thought about death, graves, worms, and epitaphs, feeling that nothing belonged to him except the earth where he would be buried. He realized that all kings, even powerful ones, eventually face death, which comes like a sharp pin, ending their pride. Richard asked his soldiers for respect, reminding them he was just a human who needed basic things like food and friends.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling in blanks in a summary, always read the entire passage first to understand the context. Then, choose the most fitting word from the given options, considering both meaning and grammar.

 

Question Ba. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words from the box and complete the statements suitably:
(The words in the box were: bequeath, antics, monarchise, impregnable, hollow)

 

Question 1. Shravan never keeps his promises. His friends know that his words are ______.
Answer: hollow
In simple words: Shravan's friends know he doesn't keep his word, so his promises feel empty and without real meaning.

🎯 Exam Tip: The word 'hollow' means empty or meaningless, which perfectly describes words that are not kept.

 

Question 2. The spectators died laughing at the ______ of the clown.
Answer: antics
In simple words: Everyone watching laughed a lot at the clown's funny and playful actions.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Antics' refers to silly, playful, or mischievous behavior, often done to entertain or amuse.

 

Question 3. The businesswoman wished to ______ all her riches to an orphanage, after her death.
Answer: bequeath
In simple words: The businesswoman wanted to give all her money and belongings to an orphanage after she died.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Bequeath' means to leave property to someone by a will, especially after one's death, often used in legal or formal contexts.

 

Question 4. The fortress was ______ and could not be conquered by the enemies.
Answer: impregnable
In simple words: The fortress was very strong and safe, so enemies could not break into it.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Impregnable' describes something that is so strong it cannot be defeated, broken into, or captured.

 

Question 5. Alexander the Great, wished to conquer many lands and ______ the entire world.
Answer: monarchise
In simple words: Alexander the Great wanted to take over many lands and rule the whole world like a king.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Monarchise' means to rule as a monarch or to bring under the rule of a single monarch.

 

Question Bb. Complete the Passage given below with suitable words from the box:
(The words in the box were: farewell, ceremonious, deposed, reverence, vain, pomp, sorrow, scoffing)
Lima, a (a)_______ and (b)_______ woman, kept (c)_______ at her colleagues and went on taxing them with hard labour. Though they were (d)_______ to her, she being their head, they were offended and filled with (e)_______. It so happened, that Lima was (f)_______ from her high position due to a serious blunder she had committed. Lima, having lost all her (g)_______ and glory, realized how arrogant she had been. She gave up her pride and with (h)_______ sought an apology from everyone. She thus turned over a new leaf and bid (j)_______ to them.
Answer:
Lima, a (a)pomp and (b)consulted woman, kept (c)scoffing at her colleagues and went on taxing them with hard labour. Though they were (d)_______ to her, she being their head, they were offended and filled with (e)sorrow. It so happened, that Lima was (f)deposed from her high position due to a serious blunder she had committed. Lima, having lost all her (g)reverence and glory, realized how arrogant she had been. She gave up her pride and with (h)vain sought an apology from everyone. She thus turned over a new leaf and bid (j)farewell to them.
In simple words: Lima, a woman who liked to show off and was often consulted, used to mock her colleagues and make them work very hard. Even though they were formal with her because she was their boss, they felt offended and sad. One day, Lima lost her high position due to a big mistake. After losing her respect and fame, she realized how arrogant she had been. She then changed her ways, gave up her pride, and humbly asked for forgiveness from everyone, saying goodbye to her old self.

🎯 Exam Tip: When completing a passage, read the surrounding sentences for clues to the context and tone. This helps in choosing words that fit both grammatically and thematically.

 

Question C. From your understanding of the Poem, answer the following questions briefly in a sentence or two:

 

Question 1. What do the three words, 'graves, worms, and epitaphs,' refer to?
Answer: 'Graves, worms, and epitaphs' refer to death and what happens to a person after death, including burial and the inscriptions on their tomb. These terms highlight the finality and physical aspects of dying.
In simple words: These words talk about death, what happens after someone dies, and the words written on their tombstones.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked about specific words or phrases, always explain their literal meaning and then their symbolic meaning in the poem's context.

 

Question 2. What does the executor mentioned in the poem do?
Answer: The executor mentioned in the poem fulfills the wishes of the deceased, handling their will and final arrangements. They carry out the instructions of the person who has passed away.
In simple words: An executor makes sure a dead person's last wishes and will are followed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understand key legal or literary terms in a poem to fully grasp its meaning. 'Executor' is a legal term.

 

Question 3. Who is Bolingbroke? Is he a friend or foe?
Answer: Bolingbroke is a foe of King Richard II. He was Richard's cousin, but his desire for power turned him into an enemy who eventually deposed the king. Power struggles often lead to betrayal even among family.
In simple words: Bolingbroke was King Richard II's cousin but became his enemy because he wanted the throne.

🎯 Exam Tip: When identifying characters, state their relationship to the main character and their role in the plot, especially if it changes (e.g., from family to foe).

 

Question 4. Are all deposed kings slain by the deposer?
Answer: No, all deposed kings are not necessarily slain by the deposer. While many faced death, some were merely imprisoned or exiled. History shows various outcomes for overthrown rulers.
In simple words: Not all kings who lose their power are killed by the person who took their place.

🎯 Exam Tip: Avoid absolute statements like "all" or "never" unless explicitly stated in the text. Often, there are exceptions.

 

Question 5. What does the crown of rulers stand for?
Answer: The crown of rulers stands for power, authority, and the right to govern a kingdom. It is a symbol of monarchy and absolute control.
In simple words: The crown shows that a king has power and the right to rule a country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When discussing symbols in literature, always connect the object (crown) to its abstract meaning (power, authority).

 

Question 6. What hides within the crown and Laughs at the King's grandeur?
Answer: The ghosts (or souls) of former kings hide within the crown and laugh at the current king's show of power. This suggests that death makes a mockery of all earthly grandeur.
In simple words: The spirits of dead kings hide inside the crown and make fun of how important the living king thinks he is.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Grandeur' refers to the impressive beauty or power of something. Here, it contrasts with the hidden reality of death.

 

Question 7. What does 'flesh' mean here?
Answer: In this context, 'flesh' means the human body. It refers to the physical, mortal nature of humans, emphasizing their vulnerability and impermanence.
In simple words: Here, 'flesh' means the human body, showing that kings are just normal people.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to how common words are used in poetry; they might carry a deeper or more specific meaning than in everyday language.

 

Question 8. What are the various functions and objects given up by a defeated king?
Answer: A defeated king gives up his life, his power, and his pride. He loses his royal status and all the authority that came with it. This loss shows the complete downfall of a monarch.
In simple words: A king who loses gives up his life, his power, and his proud feelings.

🎯 Exam Tip: List all relevant points directly from the text when asked about "various functions and objects."

 

Question 9. How does the king establish that he and his subjects are equal in the end?
Answer: The king establishes equality by pointing out that both he and his subjects have common basic needs. They both need bread to live, feel sadness, and desire friends. This shared human experience makes everyone equal in the face of death.
In simple words: The king says he and his people are the same because they all need food, feel sad, and want friends.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for shared human experiences or fundamental needs that bridge social divides when analyzing themes of equality.

 

Question 10. Bring out King Richard's feeling when he was defeated.
Answer: When defeated, King Richard feels deep distress and horror about his circumstances. He sees death as the ultimate conqueror, realizing that even kings are mortal and subject to its power. This moment reveals his human vulnerability despite his royal status.
In simple words: When he lost, King Richard felt very sad and scared. He saw death as the final winner, showing that even a king is just a human.

🎯 Exam Tip: Describe emotions clearly and link them to the character's situation or actions. Use strong adjectives to convey the intensity of feelings.

 

Question D. Explain the following lines with reference to the context:

 

Question I. "Our lands, our lives and all, are Bolingbroke's. And nothing can we call our own but death"
Answer:
Reference: These lines are from the poem "The Hollow Crown" by William Shakespeare, which is an excerpt from his play "Richard II."
Context: King Richard II speaks these words in deep dejection after being defeated by his rebellious cousin, Bolingbroke. His loyal nobles try to comfort him, but Richard faces the harsh truth of his failure. He understands that all his possessions and even his life now belong to the victor.
Explanation: Richard acknowledges that he has lost everything to Bolingbroke, including his lands and his very existence. He emphasizes that the only thing he truly owns and that remains inescapable is death. This highlights the transient nature of power and the ultimate equality of all in death. Death is a constant reminder that all earthly possessions are temporary.
Comment: Death is inevitable for everyone, regardless of their status.

In simple words: These lines mean that King Richard has lost everything—his lands and his life—to Bolingbroke. The only thing he still owns is death itself, showing that power is temporary and everyone will die.

🎯 Exam Tip: For context questions, clearly state the poem/play, speaker, and situation. Then, explain the lines' literal and deeper meanings, adding a brief comment for insight.

 

Question II. "All murdered- for within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death his court,"
Answer:
Reference: These lines are taken from the Poem - "The Hollow Crown", Poet - "William Shakespeare".
Context: Here, King Richard II reflects on the vulnerability of kings, suggesting that even with a crown, they are not immune to death. He views the crown not just as a symbol of power but as a fragile shell that hides mortality. This thought comes to him as he realizes his own impending downfall.
Explanation: Richard believes that despite the appearance of power, death resides within the very crown a king wears. It metaphorically "keeps court" there, meaning death is always present and ready to claim the king. This highlights the idea that a king's rule is temporary and that death ultimately triumphs over all royal authority and human life. The grand crown becomes a symbol of the king's eventual end.
In simple words: These lines mean that even though a king wears a crown, death is always close by, waiting inside the crown itself. It shows that no king can escape death, and their power is not forever.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on the symbolism. The "hollow crown" is a powerful image; explain why it's hollow (temporary power) and how death "keeps court" there (death's ultimate authority).

 

Question III. 'Comes at the last, and with a little pin Bores through his castle wall and farewell king'
Answer:
Reference: These lines are taken from the Poem - "The Hollow Crown", Poet - "William Shakespeare".
Context: The poet here talks about the inevitable arrival of death. King Richard II considers how death can penetrate even the strongest defenses and end a monarch's reign easily, almost mockingly. He uses this image to show how futile royal power is against death. This reflection shows his deep fear and understanding of his own mortality.
Explanation: These lines describe how death, despite a king's grand castle walls and powerful reign, can pierce through it all like a tiny, insignificant pin. This implies that no king, however mighty or protected, can escape death. The phrase "farewell king" signifies the end of his rule and life, emphasizing death's ability to easily dismiss even the most powerful rulers. Death’s simplicity contrasts sharply with royal pomp.
In simple words: These lines mean that death comes to everyone, even kings in strong castles. It can easily get past all defenses, like a tiny pin, and bring an end to a king's life and rule.

🎯 Exam Tip: The contrast between "castle wall" (strength) and "little pin" (insignificance) is key here. Highlight this contrast to explain death's absolute power.

 

Question IV. ‘How can you say to me, I am a king’
Answer:
Reference: These lines are taken from the Poem - "The Hollow Crown", Poet - "William Shakespeare".
Context: King Richard II says this when he is in despair and has been defeated. He urges his men not to call him a king anymore because he feels stripped of his power and authority. He is questioning the very essence of kingship in his moment of vulnerability, feeling like just an ordinary man.
Explanation: King Richard II expresses his profound sense of loss and humanity by questioning his title. He feels that a king should be powerful and revered, but in his current state, he sees himself as just a human being, susceptible to the same needs and sorrows as his subjects. He implies that once power is gone, the title of "king" becomes meaningless. This realization brings him to a new level of self-awareness.
In simple words: King Richard II says these words because he feels powerless and defeated. He believes that since he has lost his royal power, he is no longer a true king, but just a normal human being.

🎯 Exam Tip: Analyze rhetorical questions. Richard isn't asking for an answer; he's expressing his despair and the collapse of his identity as a king.

 

Question. Read the poetic lines and answer the question given below:

 

Question 1. "Make dust our paper and with rainy eyes write sorrow on the bosom of the earth".
(a) What do 'dust' and 'rainy eyes' refer to?
(b) Where do they write their sorrow?
Answer:
(a) 'Dust' refers to paper, and 'Rainy eyes' refers to writing instruments (like ink or tears). These images show how deep and widespread sorrow can be.
(b) They write their sorrow on the bosom (heart) of the earth. This means their grief is so profound that it impacts the very ground they stand on.
In simple words: The poet means they will use dust as paper and their tears as ink to write their sadness on the world itself.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining poetic devices, always identify the reference and then explain its symbolic meaning within the poem.

 

Question 2. "Our lands, our lives and all are Bolingbroke's and nothing can we call our own but death”.
(a) Whom does their lands and lives belong to?
(b) What is remaining for them?
Answer:
(a) Their lands and lives belong to Bolingbroke, the victorious rival. This signifies the total loss of power and possession.
(b) Only 'death' is remaining for them. This means that after losing everything else, death is the only certainty and possession left for them.
In simple words: All their lands and lives now belong to Bolingbroke. The only thing left for them is death.

🎯 Exam Tip: For questions about possession, identify both the owner and the owned items. For what remains, look for absolute statements like "nothing but."

 

Question 3. 'Taste grief, need friends subjected thus. How can you say to me, I am a king?
(a) Who needs friends?
(b) Who does 'I' refer to?
Answer:
(a) The king needs friends. He recognizes that even in his high position, human connection and support are essential, especially in times of sorrow.
(b) 'I' refers to King Richard II. He is speaking about his own human vulnerability and loss of royal identity.
In simple words: The king himself needs friends. 'I' is King Richard II.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always identify the speaker when 'I' is used. For character needs, focus on what is directly stated or strongly implied.

 

Additional Appreciation questions:

 

Question 4. "Let's talk of graves, of warms and epitaphs make dust our paper and with rainy eyes”
(a) Who is the speaker?
(b) What does he talk about?
(c) What is meant by epitaph?
Answer:
(a) King Richard II is the speaker. He is reflecting on his mortality and the universal fate of humans.
(b) He talks about deadly graves, the worms found in them, and epitaphs. These are all elements related to death and decay, emphasizing the temporary nature of human life and power.
(c) An epitaph is a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, usually inscribed on a tombstone. It often bears appreciative words about the deceased.
In simple words: King Richard II is talking about graves, worms, and the writings on tombstones. An epitaph is a short message on a tombstone about the person buried there.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a passage contains multiple questions, ensure each part is answered clearly and concisely. Define any specific terms asked.

 

Question 5. Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth Let's choose executors and talk of wills.
(a) What type of feelings does he want to write?
(b) What does he mean by bosom of the earth?
Answer:
(a) He wants to write his melancholic feelings, meaning his deep sadness and grief. He feels a profound sense of loss and despair.
(b) By "bosom of the earth," he means the heart of the people or the very essence of the world. It suggests that his sorrow is so vast it could be written across the entire planet or affect everyone deeply.
In simple words: He wants to write down his very sad feelings. "Bosom of the earth" means the heart or core of the world, suggesting his sadness is immense.

🎯 Exam Tip: Explain metaphors like "bosom of the earth" by linking them to their literal and figurative meanings to show full comprehension.

 

Question 6. 'Allowing him a breath, a little scene, To monarchize, be feared and kill with looks".
(a) What is he allowed to have?
(b) Whose looks kill him?
(c) What feeling does the king experience on seeing these looks?
Answer:
(a) He is allowed to have a brief moment, like a small scene, to breathe and act like a king in court. This highlights the temporary and superficial nature of his remaining power.
(b) The court jester's look kills him. The jester, traditionally a figure of amusement, symbolizes truth and mockery, and his gaze strips the king of his illusions of power.
(c) He feels fear due to the hallucination of lost health and the torture he is going to face afterwards. The jester's look makes him realize his vulnerability and impending suffering.
In simple words: The king is allowed a short time to act like a king. The jester's look makes him feel like he is dying. He feels scared because he sees his weakness and what bad things might happen to him.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the irony when analyzing this passage: the jester, typically harmless, becomes a powerful symbol of the king's downfall and vulnerability.

 

Question Fa. Read the poem once again carefully and identify the figure of speech that has been used in each of the following lines from the poem:

🎯 Exam Tip: Practice identifying different figures of speech by understanding their definitions and examples. Metaphor compares without 'like' or 'as', simile uses 'like' or 'as', personification gives human traits to non-human things, and a rhetorical question is asked for effect, not an answer.

 

Question Fb. Pick out the alliteration from the following lines: underlines

 

Question i. "Our lands, our lives, and all, are Bolingbroke's,..."
Answer: “Our lands, our lives, and all, are Bolingbroke's,..."
In simple words: Alliteration is when words close together start with the same sound. Here, 'lands' and 'lives' both start with the 'l' sound.

🎯 Exam Tip: Alliteration specifically refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, not just repeated letters.

 

Question ii. “And tell Sad Stories of the death of kings:"
Answer: “And tell Sad Stories of the death of kings:"
In simple words: The words 'Sad' and 'Stories' both begin with the 's' sound, which is an example of alliteration.

🎯 Exam Tip: When underlining alliteration, make sure to highlight only the initial repeated sound, not the entire word.

 

Question iii. "Comes at the Last, and with A Little pin..."
Answer: "Comes at the Last, and with A Little pin..."
In simple words: The 'L' sound is repeated at the start of 'Last' and 'Little', showing alliteration.

🎯 Exam Tip: Alliteration creates rhythm and emphasizes certain words or phrases, making the line more memorable.

 

Question Paragraph:

 

Question 1. What are the causes for King Richard's grief?
Question 2. How are eternal truths and wisdom brought to the reader here?
Answer: The poem is an extract from William Shakespeare's play King Richard the second. King Richard II felt deep distress because he had surrendered to his rebellious cousin. He spoke of graves, worms, epitaphs, and other things connected with death, realizing that people leave nothing behind and own nothing except the small patch of barren-earth where they will be buried. This loss of everything, including his crown and kingdom, causes his grief. Richard then discussed how defeated kings suffer, some being deposed, others slain in war, or even poisoned by their wives. He believed that Death, personified as a jester, mocks kings by letting them think their human flesh is like impregnable brass. Death penetrates castle walls silently like a sharp pin, bidding farewell to all pride. Richard eventually appealed to his soldiers not to mock his simple human body by demanding reverence. He said he needed bread to live, felt want, tasted grief, and needed friends, just like any other human. He concluded that he was not a king but merely a man, like everyone else. Through these reflections, the poem conveys eternal truths: the impermanence of power, the inevitability of death, and the fundamental equality of all humans in the face of mortality. The wisdom lies in understanding that earthly power and glory are temporary, and in the end, all humans share the same basic needs and fate, regardless of their status. This makes us realize the true value of human connection and humility. Even a king experiences basic human needs like bread, want, and grief, just like any common person.
In simple words: King Richard II was sad because he lost his kingdom to his cousin Bolingbroke. He thought about death and how kings also die and lose everything. He felt that all people are equal in death, needing basic things like food and friends. The poem teaches us that power does not last forever, everyone dies, and all humans are equal in the end.

🎯 Exam Tip: For longer "paragraph" style answers, ensure you address all parts of the question. Structure your answer by first stating the cause of grief and then explaining how the poem conveys deeper truths through Richard's thoughts.

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