Samacheer Kalvi Class 9 English Solutions Poem 7 The Stick together families

9th English Guide The Stick-together families Textbook Questions and Answers

 

Question 1. "The gladdest people living are the wholesome folks who make A circle at the fireside that no power but death can break.”
(a) Who are the gladdest people living?
Answer: The happiest people are those good folks who live together as one family. They find joy and peace by staying united.
In simple words: The happiest people are families who live together in unity.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question asks about who or what, identify the subject clearly from the poem's lines and state it directly.

 

Question (b) Where do they gather?
Answer: They gather around the warm fireside. This shows a cozy and comforting family setting.
In simple words: They meet around the fireplace.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to descriptive details like "fireside" which often symbolize warmth and togetherness in poetry.

 

Question (c) What can break their unity?
Answer: Only death can break the strong bond and unity of these families. Nothing else has the power to separate them.
In simple words: Only death can separate them.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for strong, absolute words in the poem like "no power but death" to find the answer to questions about limitations or breaking points.

 

Question 2. "And the finest of conventions ever held beneath the sun Are the little family gatherings when the busy day is done.”
(a) When do they have their family gatherings?
Answer: They have their family gatherings when the busy day comes to an end. It's a time for relaxation and connection after work.
In simple words: They meet at the end of the day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify time-related phrases in the poem (e.g., "when the busy day is done") to answer "when" questions.

 

Question (b) Where do they have their family conventions?
Answer: The family conventions, or meetings, happen beneath the sun. This means they meet outdoors or in open, natural settings.
In simple words: They meet outside, under the sun.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the simple description "beneath the sun" which implies an open, natural location for their gatherings.

 

Question (c) What does the poet mean by 'finest conventions'?
Answer: The term 'finest conventions' means when a family gets together. It refers to the special and valuable meetings of family members.
In simple words: 'Finest conventions' means a family gathering.

🎯 Exam Tip: When asked for the meaning of a phrase, think about its context in the poem and what it signifies for the characters involved.

 

Question 3. "There are rich folk, there are poor folk, who imagine they are wise, And they're very quick to shatter all the little family ties."
(a) What do the rich and poor folk imagine themselves to be?
Answer: Both the wealthy and less wealthy people think they are very wise. They believe their own understanding is superior.
In simple words: Both rich and poor people think they are smart.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to phrases that describe a character's self-perception, like "imagine they are wise," to understand their mindset.

 

Question (b) What do they do to their families?
Answer: These people quickly break apart their small family bonds. They do not value these connections and are quick to end them.
In simple words: They quickly break their family ties.

🎯 Exam Tip: The verb "shatter" in the poem gives a strong clue about the destructive action they take towards family ties.

 

Question (c) Whom does 'they' refer to?
Answer: 'They' refers to the rich and poor people who do not see family connections as important. They quickly break these bonds instead of valuing them.
In simple words: 'They' means rich and poor people who do not value family bonds.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a pronoun like 'they' is used, always identify its antecedent (what it refers to) by looking at the preceding sentences or context.

 

Question 4. "There are some who seem to fancy that for gladness they must roam, That for smiles that are the brightest they must wander far from home"
(a) Why do they roam?
Answer: They roam or wander far away because they think it will bring them happiness. They believe true joy is found by exploring distant places.
In simple words: They wander to find happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: Identify the reason or purpose behind an action described in the poem; here, "for gladness" tells why they roam.

 

Question (b) According to them, when do they get bright smiles?
Answer: According to these people, they find the brightest smiles when they travel far from their homes. They associate happiness with being away.
In simple words: They get bright smiles when they are far from home.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the phrase "wander far from home" as the condition for achieving "bright smiles" in their view.

 

Question 5. "But the gladdest sort of people, when the busy day is done, Are the brothers and the sisters who together share their fun.”
(a) Who are the gladdest people?
Answer: The happiest people are brothers and sisters who enjoy time together. They share their happiness and have fun as a family.
In simple words: Brothers and sisters who share fun together are the happiest.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem often contrasts different types of people; identify the group explicitly named as "the gladdest sort of people."

 

Question (b) When do they share their fun?
Answer: They share their fun once the busy day is finished. This shows that they value leisure time together after work.
In simple words: They share fun after the day's work is done.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for time markers like "when the busy day is done" to pinpoint when an action occurs.

 

Question (c) What does 'who' refer to?
Answer: The word 'who' refers to the brothers and sisters. It points to the family members who spend time together.
In simple words: 'Who' refers to the brothers and sisters.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clarifying pronouns is key for comprehension; connect 'who' directly to the "brothers and sisters" mentioned just before.

 

Question 6. "It's the stick-together family that wins the joys of earth, That hears the sweetest music and that finds the finest mirth;"
(a) Who wins the joys of the earth?
Answer: The stick-together families are the ones who truly win all the joys that life offers. Their unity brings them ultimate happiness.
In simple words: Families who stay together win the joys of the earth.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem emphasizes the collective noun "stick-together family" as the winner of joys, highlighting the importance of unity.

 

Question (b) How do they find their joy?
Answer: They find their happiness by staying together as a unit. They also find joy by listening to the sweetest music, enjoying simple pleasures of life.
In simple words: They find joy by being together and listening to sweet music.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the two key elements: "being together" and "hearing the sweetest music" as sources of their joy.

 

Question (c) What does the poet mean by 'stick-together family'?
Answer: A 'stick-together family' means a group of family members, like a joint family, who spend time together. They share both happy and sad moments and can only be separated by death. They remain a strong, united support system.
In simple words: It means a family that stays together, shares everything, and only death can separate them.

🎯 Exam Tip: When defining a key term like "stick-together family," include all the characteristics mentioned in the poem, such as sharing joys/sorrows and being inseparable by anything but death.

 

B. Based on the understanding of the poem, fill in the blanks using the words and phrases given below to make a meaningful summary of the poem.

The poet brings out the difference in the attitudes of children living in a joint family and the nuclear family. The (1) __________ are the happiest of all. Whereas the (2) __________ of nuclear families take (3) __________. The gladdest people are the children from (4) __________ who circle near the fireside. No power other than death can break them. The (5) __________ imagine themselves to be wise and in the process they (6) __________ ties. Each of them goes searching for pleasure in their own selected way. They harvest only (7) __________ and find empty joy. But the wisest among them are the children of the stick-together families. When the busy day is done, they together (8) __________. The stick-together family wins (9) __________. The old house shelters all the (10) __________. The poet invites wandering brothers to come and join the Stick – together families in their fireside and have fun.
Answer:
1. stick – together families
2. children
3. separate ways
4. joint family
5. rich and poor folk
6. shatter their family
7. bitterness
8. share their fun
9. the joy of earth
10. charm of life
In simple words: The summary highlights how families that stay together find happiness, while those who wander or break ties often find only sadness. The poem praises the unity and joy of joint families.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read the poem carefully to understand the context of each blank. The words provided in the box will fit perfectly into the summary if you grasp the poem's main theme.

 

C. Answer the following questions in about 80 – 100 words.

 

Question 1. The stick - together families are the happiest of all. Explain.
Answer: Stick-together families are indeed the happiest. They experience immense joy living together in joint families, where there is a great deal of excitement. These families consist of good people who create a warm, supportive circle for themselves. They share both their happiness and their sorrows, finding strength in unity. The small, intimate family gatherings are considered the best. Children raised in stick-together families are often the wisest. While some individuals travel far seeking happiness, truly content people are those who share their fun within stick-together families. Such families are certain to experience all the joys that life on earth offers. They are protected by love and togetherness.
In simple words: Families that stick together are the happiest because they share fun, joy, and sorrows. They create a strong, united circle where everyone feels supported, and this unity brings them true happiness in life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining why a certain group is "happiest," provide specific examples from the poem that describe their activities, bonds, and positive outcomes, such as sharing joys and sorrows or creating a supportive circle.

 

Question 2. Bring out the difference between the children of the joint family and the nuclear family.
Answer: The poem "The Stick-together families" by Edgar Albert Guest highlights a clear contrast between children from joint families and those from nuclear families. In joint families, children are portrayed as the happiest. They gather around the fireside, sharing their fun and creating strong bonds that only death can break. These children are considered wise, finding joy and charm within their old family home. They win the joys of earth and listen to the sweetest music of life. On the other hand, children from nuclear families often choose "separate ways." They are depicted as searching for pleasure in their own chosen paths, frequently wandering far from home. This individualistic search for happiness often leads them to harvest bitterness and find only empty joy. The poem suggests that while nuclear family members might seek happiness elsewhere, true contentment and the "charm of life" are found within the unity of a joint family. The poet encourages these wandering individuals to return to the warmth and fun of their stick-together kin, emphasizing that "There is nothing greater than a joint family."
In simple words: Children in joint families are shown as happy and wise, sharing fun at home. Children in nuclear families often go their separate ways, searching for joy outside, which sometimes leads to sadness. The poem suggests that joint families bring more happiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: To effectively compare and contrast, use specific descriptive phrases for each group from the poem (e.g., "gladdest people," "circle near the fireside" for joint families; "separate ways," "harvest bitterness" for nuclear families). Conclude by restating the poem's main message about family types.

 

D. Answer the following.

 

Question 1. There is rich folk, there is poor folk, who imagine they are wise, ........... Pick out the words in alliteration.
Answer: The words showing alliteration are: There, there, they, folk, talk. Alliteration is when words close together start with the same sound.
In simple words: Alliteration words are 'There, there, they, folk, talk' because they repeat similar starting sounds.

🎯 Exam Tip: Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close to each other. Read the line aloud to easily spot these words.

 

Question 2. Mention the rhyme scheme of the poem?
Answer: The rhyming words are: far, are; make, break; sun, done. Therefore, the rhyme scheme is aa bb cc. This pattern gives the poem a musical quality.
In simple words: The poem's rhyme scheme is aa bb cc, with pairs like 'far/are', 'make/break', and 'sun/done' rhyming.

🎯 Exam Tip: To identify a rhyme scheme, look at the last word of each line in a stanza. Assign a letter (a, b, c, etc.) to each new end sound. Lines with the same sound get the same letter.

 

Additional Questions & Answers

 

A. Answer the questions that follow each set of poetic lines.

 

Question 1. But it's bitterness they harvest, and it's empty joy they find For the children that are wisest are the stick – together kind.
(a) What does 'they' refer to?
Answer: 'They' refers to the children from the nuclear family. These are the ones who stray from the main family unit.
In simple words: 'They' means the children from nuclear families.

🎯 Exam Tip: In poetic analysis, always connect pronouns to the specific characters or groups they represent in the poem's context.

 

Question (b) What do they harvest?
Answer: They harvest bitterness. This means they experience unhappiness and sadness from their choices.
In simple words: They get sadness and unhappiness.

🎯 Exam Tip: The word "harvest" here is used metaphorically, meaning "what they gather or experience" as a result of their actions.

 

Question (c) What do they find?
Answer: They find empty joy. Their search for happiness outside the family does not bring true fulfillment.
In simple words: They find happiness that feels empty.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "empty joy" is key, showing that their happiness is superficial and lacks real meaning.

 

Question (d) Who is the wisest?
Answer: The wisest are the children from the stick-together families. They understand the value of unity and togetherness.
In simple words: The wisest are the children in stick-together families.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem clearly states "the children that are wisest are the stick – together kind," making this a direct answer.

 

Question 2. Each goes searching after pleasure in his own selected way Each with strangers likes to wander and with strangers likes to play.
(a) What does each go searching after?
Answer: Each person goes searching after pleasure. They are looking for fun and happiness in their lives.
In simple words: Everyone searches for fun.

🎯 Exam Tip: The line "goes searching after pleasure" directly answers the question about their pursuit.

 

Question (b) Where does each go?
Answer: Each person goes in his or her own chosen way. They follow individual paths, often away from family.
In simple words: Each person goes their own way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Note the phrase "in his own selected way" which emphasizes individual choices over family paths.

 

Question (c) Whom does each like to wander with?
Answer: Each person likes to wander with strangers. They seek companionship outside their family circle.
In simple words: Each likes to wander with strangers.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poetic line "Each with strangers likes to wander" directly identifies their companions.

 

Question (d) What does each like to do with strangers?
Answer: Each person likes to play with strangers. They find entertainment and interaction outside their family bonds.
In simple words: Each likes to play with strangers.

🎯 Exam Tip: The second part of the line "and with strangers likes to play" clarifies their activity with these new companions.

 

Question 3. That the strange friend is a true friend and they travel far astray They waste their lives striving for a joy that's far away.
(a) Who is a true friend?
Answer: The strange friend is considered a true friend by these individuals. They mistakenly believe outsiders are more loyal than family.
In simple words: The strange friend is thought to be a true friend.

🎯 Exam Tip: Notice the ironic use of "true friend" in the context of the poem, as these "strange friends" lead them astray.

 

Question (b) What do 'they' refer to?
Answer: 'They' refers to the children from a nuclear family. These are the young individuals who choose to wander from home.
In simple words: 'They' means the children from nuclear families.

🎯 Exam Tip: As before, clearly link the pronoun 'they' to the "children from a nuclear family" based on the poem's context of wandering and seeking joy elsewhere.

 

Question (c) What is meant by 'astray'?
Answer: 'Astray' means doing something wrong or going in the wrong direction. It implies that their wandering leads to harmful or misguided paths.
In simple words: 'Astray' means doing wrong or going the wrong way.

🎯 Exam Tip: Understanding "astray" as "doing wrong" or "off the right path" is crucial to grasp the negative consequence of their wandering.

 

Question (d) What for do they waste lives in striving?
Answer: They waste their lives trying hard to find a joy that is far away. They focus their efforts on distant, often elusive, happiness instead of what's close.
In simple words: They waste their lives trying to find happiness that is far off.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem highlights the futility of their striving by connecting it to "a joy that's far away," suggesting it's hard to reach or nonexistent.

 

Question 4. It's the old home roof that shelters all the charm that life can give There you find the gladdest playground, there the happiest spot to live
(a) What does the old home roof shelter?
Answer: The old home roof shelters all the charm and beauty that life can offer. It provides a protective and comforting environment for the family.
In simple words: The old home roof protects all the good things life offers.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "shelters all the charm that life can give" directly describes what the old home provides for its inhabitants.

 

Question (b) What do nuclear family children find in the old home?
Answer: Nuclear family children, if they were to return, would find the gladdest playground there. The old home offers genuine fun and happiness, unlike their wandering.
In simple words: They would find the happiest play area there.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem contrasts the "empty joy" of wandering with the "gladdest playground" found at home, showing the true source of happiness.

 

Question (c) What is the happiest spot to live?
Answer: The old home is described as the happiest spot to live. It is a place of comfort, joy, and lasting happiness.
In simple words: The old home is the happiest place to live.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem clearly identifies "there the happiest spot to live" with the location of the "old home roof."

 

Question 5. And O weary wandering brothers, if contentment you would win Come you back unto the fireside and be comrade with your kin
(a) Who are the wandering brothers?
Answer: The wandering brothers are the children from the nuclear family. They are the ones who have left home to seek happiness elsewhere.
In simple words: The wandering brothers are children from nuclear families.

🎯 Exam Tip: Connect "wandering brothers" to the earlier descriptions of nuclear family children who "roam" and "wander far from home."

 

Question (b) Why are they weary?
Answer: They are weary because they have wandered far away from home. Their long and unfulfilling search for joy has made them tired and exhausted.
In simple words: They are tired because they have wandered far looking for joy.

🎯 Exam Tip: The weariness is a result of their distant travels and the "empty joy" they have harvested, implying their journey has been fruitless.

 

Question (c) What would they win if they return unto fireside?
Answer: If they return to the fireside, they would win contentment. They would find true satisfaction and peace by reuniting with their family.
In simple words: They would gain happiness and peace if they came back home.

🎯 Exam Tip: The poem directly states "if contentment you would win," showing the reward for returning home.

 

Question (d) Pick out the words in alliteration.
Answer: The words in alliteration are:
Line – 1: weary, wandering.
Line – 2: come, comrade; back, be; you, your. These words repeat their initial sounds.
In simple words: Alliteration words are 'weary, wandering' and 'come, comrade; back, be; you, your' because their first sounds are the same.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to check words at the beginning of each word in a phrase for repeating consonant sounds to find alliteration.

 

Listening:

 

E. Listen to the passage and fill in the blanks with an appropriate answer.

 

Question 1. A person is valued based on his __________
Answer: A person is valued based on his family and upbringing.
In simple words: People are valued by their family and how they were raised.

🎯 Exam Tip: When filling in blanks from a listening passage, ensure your answer reflects the exact phrase or concept taught in the audio.

 

Question 2. __________ does not happen overnight.
Answer: Bonding does not happen overnight.
In simple words: Close connections do not form quickly.

🎯 Exam Tip: Context clues like "does not happen overnight" often point to a process that takes time, such as "bonding" or "development."

 

Question 3. A close family bond is like a __________
Answer: A close family bond is like a safe harbour.
In simple words: A strong family bond is like a safe place.

🎯 Exam Tip: Look for metaphors or similes used in the passage to describe abstract concepts like "family bond."

 

Question 4. A strong foundation for any individual comes from being with a __________
Answer: A strong foundation for any individual comes from being with a supportive family.
In simple words: A person's strong base comes from having a family that supports them.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Strong foundation" implies a source of stability, and "supportive family" is a common concept associated with this.

 

Question 5. A gift not only with __________ but __________ who care and love us beyond themselves.
Answer: A gift not only with lovable parents, siblings but supportive family who care and love us beyond themselves.
In simple words: It's a gift to have loving parents, siblings, and a family that cares deeply for us.

🎯 Exam Tip: This blank requires two parts, suggesting specific family roles like "parents" and "siblings" in addition to the overall "supportive family."

 

Speaking:

 

F. "The building actually rests on the well-laid foundation and hence is strong and still." How can this be related to a family? Discuss with your partner and share your views in the class.
Answer: Just like a building needs a strong foundation to stand firm and still, a family also needs a solid base. When a building's foundation is built well, it can stand strongly. In the same way, a strong foundation is very important for a family to form and be stable. A family is like a home, not just a house. It's an invisible bond, a long-lasting relationship where people are connected to each other. Many important values, like love, trust, hope, belief, cultures, morals, and traditions, are learned through family. These values help to build a proper family bond. A close family bond acts like a safe harbour, providing security and peace. This strong connection doesn't happen quickly; it grows over time. A family also gives support and teaches us good character. It creates a personal guide for how we give and receive love in our relationships, making it the foundation of society.
In simple words: A family is like a building needing a strong foundation. Just as a building stands firm, a family with strong bonds, love, and shared values stays united and stable. It teaches us right from wrong and gives us a safe place.

🎯 Exam Tip: When relating a metaphor (like a building's foundation to a family), break down the comparison point by point. Explain what each part of the metaphor represents in the context of family, covering stability, values, and support.

 

Writing:

 

G. Write a four-line poem with rhyming words describing your family.
Answer:
My Family:
We're a sweet little family
We live together quite happily
We have a lot of games and fun
As and when the busy day is done
In simple words: This poem shows a happy family that enjoys living and playing together, especially after a long day.

🎯 Exam Tip: When writing a short poem, focus on simple rhyming words and a clear, positive message about your family. The lines should flow naturally and describe genuine feelings.

There is no valid question-and-answer content found within the specified page range (between page 15 and page 16) that meets the processing rules. The content in this range consists entirely of website navigation, search functions, and footer elements, which are to be ignored.