KEEPING QUIET_Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda(1904-1973) is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto who was born in the town of Parral in Chile. Neruda’s poems are full of easily understood images which make them no less beautiful. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1971. In this poem Neruda talks about the necessity of quiet introspection and creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.
POEM
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson. Analysis of Keeping Quiet
Theme
The poet, Pablo Neruda, urges mankind to cease all activity for a little while. During these few moments of silence and inactivity, all human beings would be one, united, and in harmony with each other and nature. This togetherness and oneness is most desirable for the survival of the earth and of human beings. Neruda believes that the soul housed within the human body is capable of performing this feat if given a chance to shine out through introspection, for which absolute silence and stillness is essential.
Theme (2)
keeping Quiet is a simple poem about the need for a little bit of soul-searching which may help us to make peace with ourselves and others. It tells us how a moment of silent introspection will make us realize the utter of our aggressive endeavours.
Summary
In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, Pablo Neruda talks about the need for introspection and to create a feeling of mutual understanding, love and respect in the human world. He speaks about life where human beings are engrossed in their selfish motives and are living a life full of strife and destruction.
The poet asks everyone in the world to keep still for twelve seconds to create a togetherness. He wants all the people on the earth, not to talk in any language but to maintain a silence to communicate with each other’s heart. He believes that this sudden moment of silence will be an exotic moment. There will be no noise and no movement. The fishermen in the sea will stop killing the whales and the men who gather salt will stop their work and look at their hurt hands. This kind of break will enable both nature and man to embalm their rounds. Due to this break, human beings will start looking and caring for themselves rather than their work. Moreover, those who are fighting with each other, will stop and walk about their fellow brethren.
Pablo Neruda clarifies that he does not want to advocate total inactivity or death. He is concerned that we all are running blindly in a rat race and, in this process, we have completely missed our true goal to keep a balance between man and nature. This is a dangerous situation and can bring catastrophic results. So our survival in this world depends upon our ability to understand and rectify this. This can be done only when we introspect and develop a feeling of understanding with each other.
Form
Keeping Quiet is written in blank verse and has no rhyme scheme.
Moral/ Message of the lesson – Keeping Quiet
Message
`Keeping Quiet’ leaves a message of universal brotherhood and peace. It urges people to stop all sorts of aggression, including that towards the environment. If we think of ourselves as the hands of the clock on the face of this earth, moving in our routine ways, won’t it be a good thing to stop at twelve and do some introspection?
Poetic Devices
`Count to twelve’ — symbolizes a measure of time. The clock has twelve markings on it, the year has twelve months and the day has twelve hours. `Fishermen in the cold sea…hurt hands’-symbolic image showing how man is ruthlessly destroying nature for his selfish need. The ‘hurt hands’ of the salt gatherer symbolises how he is harming himself by his mindless activities.
Fisherman and whale stand for the oppressor and oppressed respectively. ‘Cold sea’ — transferred epithet.
Put on clean clothes’- Alliteration
Introspection will make us comprehend the destructive nature of wars. Man would cleanse his heart purging it of hatred.
`Brothers’ — a symbol of mankind
`In the shade’ — metaphor — just as shade protects us from the harsh sun, we will protect and shelter each other as brothers, thus live in peace and harmony.
`Clean clothes’ symbolize peace and change in one’s perspective.
`Earth can teach us as when everything’ — Personification. Earth is personified as a teacher. When the earth appears to be dead, it is actually dormant and carefully preserving the seeds of life, human beings too need to keep still and quiet to re-awaken the life forces to be productive.
The poet urges people to get into a mode of total inactivity for some seconds. There should only be silence, no movement and a mood of introspection. He condemns the mundane activities. He says that we should not indulge in any mindless activity or speak in any language, nor does he want any gestures of arms that can distract or disturb. He says that we should commit ourselves to complete silence and inactivity
This moment of complete inactivity would be an extraordinary, memorable or cherished moment. There would be no rush of activity, no noise and no disturbance. Man would not have to cope with the fast pace of life. This would be a profound moment of bonding and togetherness. There would be a complete relaxation of mind, body and soul.
The poet talks about a metaphorical concept when he says that fishermen would not harm marine life. ‘Cold sea’ denotes the coldness of fishermen who do not bother about protection of sea life and in moments of inactivity, they would not be able to disturb the sea animals. The salt gatherers would also stop to look at their calloused hands that hurt due to this activity. They too would pause to think about their mindless activities and their effects.
The poet feels that the whole speculation of wars and their destructive qualities would be negated during those moments of silence. ‘Green wars’ refers to environmental degradation caused by human activities, ‘wars’ with gases and fires refers to wars fought with nuclear and bioweapons. A man may get the satisfaction of being victorious but ironically, wars leave behind no survivors.
Those human beings who wage wars would be cleansed of all the murk and dirt from their minds. They would then walk about with other individuals and exhibit amity, brotherhood and harmony. They would do nothing to harm mankind or nature.
The poet does not wish to advocate total inactivity or silence, which may be misunderstood, and confused with death. Life continues to remain what we make of it. If we were not so concerned about keeping our lives active, i.e., doing things mindlessly and waging wars. We perhaps would not lose sight of our goals. Our desire to achieve goals makes us single-minded and desperate. It is then that we lose all perspective. The poet feels that silence for a while might alleviate sadness from our lives. Quiet productivity in place of all activities is desirable. The end of all activities does not mean death but just a break from the monotony of a stressful life.
The poet, in the last lines, feels that we can learn a lesson from earth. It can teach us how silence is productive. The earth appears calm and quiet but is actually nurturing life. Things may die but are reborn and the cycle goes on because the earth brings forth new life. The poet appeals to all human beings to make an effort to keep inactive/ quiet. He has initiated the state of inactivity and now it is the human beings who can carry on with this idea while he makes a quiet exit.
Figures of Speech
1.Alliteration
– sudden strangeness (stanza 3)
– clean clothes (stanza 5)
(Referring to clean minds and bodies)
Transferred Epithet
– Cold sea (stanza 4)
CHAPTER NUTSHELL
Theme
The urgent need for mankind to introspect, buy time to start afresh.
To put an end to all destructive activities, be at peace, in universal brotherhood.
The need to live in peaceful co-existence with nature, to stop harming animals and avoid annihilation of the human race.
Content
The poet counts up to 12, as a countdown to stop all activity (12 indicating the twelve markings on the clock/12 months signifying the passage of time) people all over the world stop working, bound in an `exotic’ moment as it has never happened before.
Fishermen don’t kill whales and the man stops extracting salt hurting his hands in the process. Men indulging in wars, chemical or otherwise, harming the environment, stop their destructive activities, don’t clean clothes and are at peace with each other, `in the shade’ as against the fiery wars where there would be no survivors.
The poet wants productive inactivity, not inactivity per se which would be a death-like a state. He thinks men are single-minded in the following a routine, without introspecting and gauging to see where they are going with their lives, there is a vacuum in their lives, a deep sadness as they have no time to ponder over what they want from life.
The Earth, he thinks can teach us the need to take a break (as it seems to hibernate in winter, seems dead but comes back to life in full force in spring) to resurrect our life and start afresh. After conveying his message, the poet feels he can pass on the mantle of responsibility to mankind who can follow his path shown by him.
Imagery
Use of repetition with a difference in the first and last lines of the poem.
‘put on clean clothes’ metaphorical—cleanse one’s soul, remove traces of bloodshed.
Image of the earth-nurturer and life-giver.
Pablo Neruda(1904-1973) is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto who was born in the town of Parral in Chile. Neruda’s poems are full of easily understood images which make them no less beautiful. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1971. In this poem Neruda talks about the necessity of quiet introspection and creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.
POEM
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
Theme / Central Idea of the Lesson. Analysis of Keeping Quiet
Theme
The poet, Pablo Neruda, urges mankind to cease all activity for a little while. During these few moments of silence and inactivity, all human beings would be one, united, and in harmony with each other and nature. This togetherness and oneness is most desirable for the survival of the earth and of human beings. Neruda believes that the soul housed within the human body is capable of performing this feat if given a chance to shine out through introspection, for which absolute silence and stillness is essential.
Theme (2)
keeping Quiet is a simple poem about the need for a little bit of soul-searching which may help us to make peace with ourselves and others. It tells us how a moment of silent introspection will make us realize the utter of our aggressive endeavours.
Summary
In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, Pablo Neruda talks about the need for introspection and to create a feeling of mutual understanding, love and respect in the human world. He speaks about life where human beings are engrossed in their selfish motives and are living a life full of strife and destruction.
The poet asks everyone in the world to keep still for twelve seconds to create a togetherness. He wants all the people on the earth, not to talk in any language but to maintain a silence to communicate with each other’s heart. He believes that this sudden moment of silence will be an exotic moment. There will be no noise and no movement. The fishermen in the sea will stop killing the whales and the men who gather salt will stop their work and look at their hurt hands. This kind of break will enable both nature and man to embalm their rounds. Due to this break, human beings will start looking and caring for themselves rather than their work. Moreover, those who are fighting with each other, will stop and walk about their fellow brethren.
Pablo Neruda clarifies that he does not want to advocate total inactivity or death. He is concerned that we all are running blindly in a rat race and, in this process, we have completely missed our true goal to keep a balance between man and nature. This is a dangerous situation and can bring catastrophic results. So our survival in this world depends upon our ability to understand and rectify this. This can be done only when we introspect and develop a feeling of understanding with each other.
Form
Keeping Quiet is written in blank verse and has no rhyme scheme.
Moral/ Message of the lesson – Keeping Quiet
Message
`Keeping Quiet’ leaves a message of universal brotherhood and peace. It urges people to stop all sorts of aggression, including that towards the environment. If we think of ourselves as the hands of the clock on the face of this earth, moving in our routine ways, won’t it be a good thing to stop at twelve and do some introspection?
Poetic Devices
`Count to twelve’ — symbolizes a measure of time. The clock has twelve markings on it, the year has twelve months and the day has twelve hours. `Fishermen in the cold sea…hurt hands’-symbolic image showing how man is ruthlessly destroying nature for his selfish need. The ‘hurt hands’ of the salt gatherer symbolises how he is harming himself by his mindless activities.
Fisherman and whale stand for the oppressor and oppressed respectively. ‘Cold sea’ — transferred epithet.
Put on clean clothes’- Alliteration
Introspection will make us comprehend the destructive nature of wars. Man would cleanse his heart purging it of hatred.
`Brothers’ — a symbol of mankind
`In the shade’ — metaphor — just as shade protects us from the harsh sun, we will protect and shelter each other as brothers, thus live in peace and harmony.
`Clean clothes’ symbolize peace and change in one’s perspective.
`Earth can teach us as when everything’ — Personification. Earth is personified as a teacher. When the earth appears to be dead, it is actually dormant and carefully preserving the seeds of life, human beings too need to keep still and quiet to re-awaken the life forces to be productive.
The poet urges people to get into a mode of total inactivity for some seconds. There should only be silence, no movement and a mood of introspection. He condemns the mundane activities. He says that we should not indulge in any mindless activity or speak in any language, nor does he want any gestures of arms that can distract or disturb. He says that we should commit ourselves to complete silence and inactivity
This moment of complete inactivity would be an extraordinary, memorable or cherished moment. There would be no rush of activity, no noise and no disturbance. Man would not have to cope with the fast pace of life. This would be a profound moment of bonding and togetherness. There would be a complete relaxation of mind, body and soul.
The poet talks about a metaphorical concept when he says that fishermen would not harm marine life. ‘Cold sea’ denotes the coldness of fishermen who do not bother about protection of sea life and in moments of inactivity, they would not be able to disturb the sea animals. The salt gatherers would also stop to look at their calloused hands that hurt due to this activity. They too would pause to think about their mindless activities and their effects.
The poet feels that the whole speculation of wars and their destructive qualities would be negated during those moments of silence. ‘Green wars’ refers to environmental degradation caused by human activities, ‘wars’ with gases and fires refers to wars fought with nuclear and bioweapons. A man may get the satisfaction of being victorious but ironically, wars leave behind no survivors.
Those human beings who wage wars would be cleansed of all the murk and dirt from their minds. They would then walk about with other individuals and exhibit amity, brotherhood and harmony. They would do nothing to harm mankind or nature.
The poet does not wish to advocate total inactivity or silence, which may be misunderstood, and confused with death. Life continues to remain what we make of it. If we were not so concerned about keeping our lives active, i.e., doing things mindlessly and waging wars. We perhaps would not lose sight of our goals. Our desire to achieve goals makes us single-minded and desperate. It is then that we lose all perspective. The poet feels that silence for a while might alleviate sadness from our lives. Quiet productivity in place of all activities is desirable. The end of all activities does not mean death but just a break from the monotony of a stressful life.
The poet, in the last lines, feels that we can learn a lesson from earth. It can teach us how silence is productive. The earth appears calm and quiet but is actually nurturing life. Things may die but are reborn and the cycle goes on because the earth brings forth new life. The poet appeals to all human beings to make an effort to keep inactive/ quiet. He has initiated the state of inactivity and now it is the human beings who can carry on with this idea while he makes a quiet exit.
Figures of Speech
1.Alliteration
– sudden strangeness (stanza 3)
– clean clothes (stanza 5)
(Referring to clean minds and bodies)
Transferred Epithet
– Cold sea (stanza 4)
CHAPTER NUTSHELL
Theme
The urgent need for mankind to introspect, buy time to start afresh.
To put an end to all destructive activities, be at peace, in universal brotherhood.
The need to live in peaceful co-existence with nature, to stop harming animals and avoid annihilation of the human race.
Content
The poet counts up to 12, as a countdown to stop all activity (12 indicating the twelve markings on the clock/12 months signifying the passage of time) people all over the world stop working, bound in an `exotic’ moment as it has never happened before.
Fishermen don’t kill whales and the man stops extracting salt hurting his hands in the process. Men indulging in wars, chemical or otherwise, harming the environment, stop their destructive activities, don’t clean clothes and are at peace with each other, `in the shade’ as against the fiery wars where there would be no survivors.
The poet wants productive inactivity, not inactivity per se which would be a death-like a state. He thinks men are single-minded in the following a routine, without introspecting and gauging to see where they are going with their lives, there is a vacuum in their lives, a deep sadness as they have no time to ponder over what they want from life.
The Earth, he thinks can teach us the need to take a break (as it seems to hibernate in winter, seems dead but comes back to life in full force in spring) to resurrect our life and start afresh. After conveying his message, the poet feels he can pass on the mantle of responsibility to mankind who can follow his path shown by him.
Imagery
Use of repetition with a difference in the first and last lines of the poem.
‘put on clean clothes’ metaphorical—cleanse one’s soul, remove traces of bloodshed.
Image of the earth-nurturer and life-giver.
Following is the complete question bank for – Keeping Quiet
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQ – TEST) (1 Mark Each)
The poet appeals to the readers to keep quiet for
(a) twenty seconds (b) 1 hour
(c) thirty seconds (d) twelve seconds
He advises the people not to speak
(a) French (b) Spanish
(c) any language (d) English
What kind of a moment would it be when everyone is silent
(a) terrible (b) painful
(c) exotic (d) unforgettable
(a) terrible (b) painful
(c) exotic (d) unforgettable
Sudden strangeness is one of the following poetic devices:
(a) simile (b) personification
(c) alliteration (d) repetition
(a) simile (b) personification
(c) alliteration (d) repetition
Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm
(a) seahorses (b) mermaids
(c) whales (d) tortoises
(a) seahorses (b) mermaids
(c) whales (d) tortoises
Who would look at his hurt hands?
(a) man gathering salt (b) man gathering stones
(c) boys picking rags (d)grave-diggers
(a) man gathering salt (b) man gathering stones
(c) boys picking rags (d)grave-diggers
The types of wars the poet talks about are
(a) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire (b) verbal wars
(c) technological warfare (d) nuclear wars
(a) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire (b) verbal wars
(c) technological warfare (d) nuclear wars
The men in clean clothes would be walking with their
(a) wives (b) brothers
(c) nephews (d) friends
(a) wives (b) brothers
(c) nephews (d) friends
Where would they be walking?
(a) in the park (b) along the river
(c) in the shade (d) on the road
(a) in the park (b) along the river
(c) in the shade (d) on the road
What, according to the poet, would interrupt the sadness of man’s life?
(a) great laughter (b) huge silence
(c) arguments (d) fights
(a) great laughter (b) huge silence
(c) arguments (d) fights
What does man threaten himself with?
(a) death (b) birth
(c) robbery (d) suicide
(a) death (b) birth
(c) robbery (d) suicide
We can learn a lesson from
(a) the trees (b) nature
(c) animals (d) The earth
(a) the trees (b) nature
(c) animals (d) The earth
The poet advocates the balance of nature to be
(a) maintained (b)destroyed
(c) temporarily disturbed (d) ignored
(a) maintained (b)destroyed
(c) temporarily disturbed (d) ignored
In the end, he again appeals to the people that he would
(a) initiate the state of inactivity (b) will not bother at all
(c) completely ignore everyone (d) destroy the earth
(a) initiate the state of inactivity (b) will not bother at all
(c) completely ignore everyone (d) destroy the earth
‘Have no truck with death’ means
(a) will not die of the truck accident (b) remove poverty and illiteracy
(c) have no association or deal with death (d) will not drive a truck
(a) will not die of the truck accident (b) remove poverty and illiteracy
(c) have no association or deal with death (d) will not drive a truck
The poet of ‘Keeping Quiet’ is
(a) P.B Shelley (b) Vikram Seth
(c) Pablo Neruda (d) Kamala, Das
(a) P.B Shelley (b) Vikram Seth
(c) Pablo Neruda (d) Kamala, Das
The poet wants the entire humanity to
(a) keep talking (b) keep running
(c) keep laughing (d) keep still
(a) keep talking (b) keep running
(c) keep laughing (d) keep still
When the poet says ‘we will’ count to twelve he means
(a) entire mankind (b) his own family
(c) his friends (d) his wife and himself
(a) entire mankind (b) his own family
(c) his friends (d) his wife and himself
Without rush, without engines’ refers to
(a) no noise (b) no hurry to go to the office
(c) no travelling (d) no holidaying
(a) no noise (b) no hurry to go to the office
(c) no travelling (d) no holidaying
‘Fishermen not harming whales’ means
(a) not causing extinction of whales (b) not disturbing balance in nature
(c) not going for fishing (d) not disturbing the sea
(a) not causing extinction of whales (b) not disturbing balance in nature
(c) not going for fishing (d) not disturbing the sea
‘Cold sea’ is a poetic device
(a) personification (b)transferred epithet
(c) metaphor (d) alliteration
(a) personification (b)transferred epithet
(c) metaphor (d) alliteration
The man looking at his hurt hands is a
(a) salt gatherer (b) diamond cutter
(c) rag-picker (d) surgeon
(a) salt gatherer (b) diamond cutter
(c) rag-picker (d) surgeon
According to the poet wars that are fought have no
(a) soldiers (b) weapons
(c) fighter planes (d) survivors
(a) soldiers (b) weapons
(c) fighter planes (d) survivors
A man should be – with nature
(a) totally compatible (b) at war
(c) confused (d) irresponsible
(a) totally compatible (b) at war
(c) confused (d) irresponsible
Man needs to learn a lesson from
(a) moon (b) stars
(c) earth (d) sun
(a) moon (b) stars
(c) earth (d) sun
What will counting up to twelve help us with?
(a) achieving harmony, brotherhood (b) achieving goals and ambitions
(c) fulfilling wishes (d) winning a race
(a) achieving harmony, brotherhood (b) achieving goals and ambitions
(c) fulfilling wishes (d) winning a race
The last line of the poem is
(a) and later proves to be alive (c) I want no truck with death
(b) life is what it is about (d) and you keep quiet and I will go
(a) and later proves to be alive (c) I want no truck with death
(b) life is what it is about (d) and you keep quiet and I will go
The poet evokes a symbol in order to invoke that there can be life even with stillness. The symbol is
(a) earth (b) rain
(c) storm (d) cloud
(a) earth (b) rain
(c) storm (d) cloud
The poet uses conversational style and personal pronouns as ‘you’, ‘we’ and `I’ because
(a) he wants to be intimate with mankind (b) he tries to read out to the readers
(c) he wants to establish contact easily (d) third person is ineffective
(a) he wants to be intimate with mankind (b) he tries to read out to the readers
(c) he wants to establish contact easily (d) third person is ineffective
The poetic device used in the last line ‘when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive’ is
(a) imagery (b) irony
(c) paradox (d) transferred epithet
(a) imagery (b) irony
(c) paradox (d) transferred epithet
ANSWERS
1.(d) twelve seconds 2. (c) any language
3. (c) exotic 4.(c) alliteration
5. (c) whales 6. (a) man gathering salt
7.(a) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire 8. (b) brothers
9.(c) in the shade 10. (b) huge silence
11. (a) death 12. (d) the earth
13. (a) maintained 14. (a) initiate the state of inactivity
15.(c) have no association or deal with death
16.(c) Pablo Neruda 17. (d) keep still
18. (a) entire mankind 21.(a) no noise
20.(a) not causing the extinction of whales 21. (b) transferred epithet
22.(a) salt gatherer 23. (d) survivors
24.(a) totally compatible 25. (c) earth
26.(a) achieving harmony, brotherhood
27.(d) and you keep quiet and I will go 28. (a) earth
29.(b) he tries to read out to the readers 30. (b) irony
1.(d) twelve seconds 2. (c) any language
3. (c) exotic 4.(c) alliteration
5. (c) whales 6. (a) man gathering salt
7.(a) green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire 8. (b) brothers
9.(c) in the shade 10. (b) huge silence
11. (a) death 12. (d) the earth
13. (a) maintained 14. (a) initiate the state of inactivity
15.(c) have no association or deal with death
16.(c) Pablo Neruda 17. (d) keep still
18. (a) entire mankind 21.(a) no noise
20.(a) not causing the extinction of whales 21. (b) transferred epithet
22.(a) salt gatherer 23. (d) survivors
24.(a) totally compatible 25. (c) earth
26.(a) achieving harmony, brotherhood
27.(d) and you keep quiet and I will go 28. (a) earth
29.(b) he tries to read out to the readers 30. (b) irony
Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow.
Now we will count to twelve
And we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
Let’s not speak in any language,
Let’s stop for one second,
And not move our arms so much.
(a)What does the poet appeal for?
Ans. The poet appeals for peace and harmony on the earth.
(b) To attain this, what does he expect all of us to do?
Ans. He expects all human beings to be silent, totally inactive and introspect.
Ans. He expects all human beings to be silent, totally inactive and introspect.
(c) Why does he advocate silence?
Ans. He advocates silence so that human beings could introspect about themselves without any external disturbance.
Ans. He advocates silence so that human beings could introspect about themselves without any external disturbance.
(e)What kind of activity does the poet feel the man is involved with?
Ans. The poet feels that man is leading a very monotonous and dull existence. He is also engaged in destructive activities that harm himself and nature too.
Ans. The poet feels that man is leading a very monotonous and dull existence. He is also engaged in destructive activities that harm himself and nature too.
It would be an exotic moment (1 x 4 = 4 Marks)
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
Would not harm whales
And the man gathering salt
Would look at his hurt hands.
Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
Would not harm whales
And the man gathering salt
Would look at his hurt hands.
(a) What does he mean by ‘exotic moment’?
Ans. By ‘exotic moment’ the poet means that this moment will be worth cherishing as it would be extraordinary.
(b) How could man achieve this exotic moment?
Ans. In this exotic moment, man would be able to stop all activity, remain silent and introspect. He would feel enlightened and be in harmony with man and nature.
Ans. In this exotic moment, man would be able to stop all activity, remain silent and introspect. He would feel enlightened and be in harmony with man and nature.
(c) What kind of a feeling would this exotic moment evoke?
Ans. It would be an extraordinary moment as a man would be at peace with himself and his surroundings. This moment might reduce man’s sadness at having generated negative thoughts.
Ans. It would be an extraordinary moment as a man would be at peace with himself and his surroundings. This moment might reduce man’s sadness at having generated negative thoughts.
(d)What harm do the fishermen do and why do salt gatherer’s hands hurt?
Ans. The fishermen kill the whales and cause their extinction while salt gatherers’ hands hurt due to the course and rough feel of the salt causing pain to their hands.
Ans. The fishermen kill the whales and cause their extinction while salt gatherers’ hands hurt due to the course and rough feel of the salt causing pain to their hands.
Those who prepare green wars, (1 x 4 = 4)
Wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors
Would put on clean clothes
And walk about with their brothers
In the shade, doing nothing.
(a)What are the kinds of wars mentioned in the above lines?
Ans. The poet mentions three types of wars, i.e. green wars that man wages against nature and the environment. He also mentions wars with gas and wars with fire meaning that man kills other human beings with the help of biological and nuclear weapons.
(b)What are green wars?
Ans.`Green wars’ refers to the environmental degradation caused by man’s mindless activities.
Ans.`Green wars’ refers to the environmental degradation caused by man’s mindless activities.
(c)How would the wars affect our lives?
Ans. Apart from the death of thousands of innocent people, the war would not leave anyone victorious because there would be no survivors.
Ans. Apart from the death of thousands of innocent people, the war would not leave anyone victorious because there would be no survivors.
(d)What could be the ideal situation?
Ans. An ideal situation would be one in which human beings would be seen happily walking with others hence depicting a feeling of oneness, unity and brotherhood. There will peace and universal brotherhood.
Ans. An ideal situation would be one in which human beings would be seen happily walking with others hence depicting a feeling of oneness, unity and brotherhood. There will peace and universal brotherhood.
What I want would not be (1 x 4 = 4)
Confused
With total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing,
Perhaps a huge silence
Might interrupt this sadness
Of never understanding ourselves
And of threatening ourselves with death.
What does the poet mean by inactivity?
Ans. By ‘inactivity’ the poet means a period of total silence, no work, no disturbance. He visualizes a calm and quiet atmosphere where man introspects and there is productive silence.
How is inactivity different from death?
Ans. The poet only wishes for a few moments of inactivity and man be able to reflect on his actions. Death, on the other hand, is the end of life, which the poet does not advocate.
Ans. The poet only wishes for a few moments of inactivity and man be able to reflect on his actions. Death, on the other hand, is the end of life, which the poet does not advocate.
(c)What makes us sad and what are we single-minded about?
Ans. We are single-minded about moving on with our lives and focus only on our ambitions and goals. The mechanised lifestyle and the feeling that we cause a threat to our own destruction makes us feel sad.
Ans. We are single-minded about moving on with our lives and focus only on our ambitions and goals. The mechanised lifestyle and the feeling that we cause a threat to our own destruction makes us feel sad.
What does the poet mean by ‘to have no truck with death’?
Ans. The poet wants to have no association with death as death is the end of life. He only appeals that we should be more productive and give up endless and futile pursuits that cause unhappiness.
Ans. The poet wants to have no association with death as death is the end of life. He only appeals that we should be more productive and give up endless and futile pursuits that cause unhappiness.
Perhaps the Earth can teach us (1 x 4 = 4)
As when everything seems dead
And later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet and I will go
As when everything seems dead
And later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
And you keep quiet and I will go
(a) What can the Earth teach us?
Ans. The earth can teach us how to be in harmony with others while remaining silent and productive.
Ans. The earth can teach us how to be in harmony with others while remaining silent and productive.
(b) How does it teach us this lesson?
Ans. The earth continues to nurture life despite all the harm done to it by man. It silently goes about its work and this is the lesson that we should learn from it.
Ans. The earth continues to nurture life despite all the harm done to it by man. It silently goes about its work and this is the lesson that we should learn from it.
(c)How does the Earth ‘prove to be alive’?
Ans. The Earth nurtures life and ensures that the life cycle of birth, life and death moves on and the process of regeneration goes on unhampered.
Ans. The Earth nurtures life and ensures that the life cycle of birth, life and death moves on and the process of regeneration goes on unhampered.
(d)What is the poet’s appeal?
Ans. The poet appeals to man to make an effort to keep silent for a few seconds and introspect in order to make amends for a harmonious environment.
Ans. The poet appeals to man to make an effort to keep silent for a few seconds and introspect in order to make amends for a harmonious environment.
Short Answer Type Questions (30 to 40 words)
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What is the poet’s appeal to the people?
Ans. The poet appeals to all the people to count up to twelve and then to be completely silent. During this period of silence, he urges them to remain calm and stop all physical activity. He only wants peace during this time.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. What is the poet’s appeal to the people?
Ans. The poet appeals to all the people to count up to twelve and then to be completely silent. During this period of silence, he urges them to remain calm and stop all physical activity. He only wants peace during this time.
2. To attain this, what does he expect all of us to do?
Ans. The poet expects all mankind to shun all activity, remain silent and indulge in introspection in order to understand the meaning of life, their own destructive activities and make amends.
3. Why does he advocate silence?
Ans. He advocates silence because according to him, it is only during the few seconds of silence and inactivity, that man will be able to take stock of his harmful activities and then try to practise harmony and brotherhood in the world.
4. What kind of activity does the poet feel is a man involved in?
Ans. Man is involved in a large number of destructive activities. He is creating noise pollution, environmental pollution, destroying wildlife and marine life. He is waging wars and is also destroying his own fellow men.
Ans. Man is involved in a large number of destructive activities. He is creating noise pollution, environmental pollution, destroying wildlife and marine life. He is waging wars and is also destroying his own fellow men.
5. What does the poet mean by ‘exotic moment’ and how can man achieve it?
Ans. By ‘exotic moment’ the poet means the moments of silence and inactivity which will be extraordinary and memorable because man will reflect on his activities and hence be able to make amends. This exotic moment can only be achieved through total silence and inactivity even it is for a few seconds.
Ans. By ‘exotic moment’ the poet means the moments of silence and inactivity which will be extraordinary and memorable because man will reflect on his activities and hence be able to make amends. This exotic moment can only be achieved through total silence and inactivity even it is for a few seconds.
6. What kind of a feeling would this exotic moment evoke?
Ans. This feeling may be strange because it is not easy to imagine a situation of complete peace and silence. According to the poet, this moment might remove our sadness of never understanding ourselves and indulged in self-destructive activities.
Ans. This feeling may be strange because it is not easy to imagine a situation of complete peace and silence. According to the poet, this moment might remove our sadness of never understanding ourselves and indulged in self-destructive activities.
7. What harm do the fishermen do and why do the salt gatherers hands hurt?
Ans. The fishermen harm marine life by killing the whales in the seas and hastening their extinction. The salt gatherers’ hands hurt because the harsh and coarse feel of salt causes discomfort and pain to their hands.
Ans. The fishermen harm marine life by killing the whales in the seas and hastening their extinction. The salt gatherers’ hands hurt because the harsh and coarse feel of salt causes discomfort and pain to their hands.
8. What are the kinds of wars mentioned in the poem?
Ans. The poet mentions green wars, i.e., wars that man is waging against nature hence causing environmental degradation, wars with gas and fire or using harmful biological and nuclear weapons to cause maximum destruction to life and property. War with fire refers to the conventional mode of combat.
Ans. The poet mentions green wars, i.e., wars that man is waging against nature hence causing environmental degradation, wars with gas and fire or using harmful biological and nuclear weapons to cause maximum destruction to life and property. War with fire refers to the conventional mode of combat.
9. What can be the consequence of the war in our lives?
Ans. The poet observes that wars cause death and destruction. It leaves behind no survivors and hence no victory for anyone. It is an ironical situation which can be avoided if a man takes action and decides never to wage wars.
Ans. The poet observes that wars cause death and destruction. It leaves behind no survivors and hence no victory for anyone. It is an ironical situation which can be avoided if a man takes action and decides never to wage wars.
10. What could be an ideal situation according to the poet?
Ans. The poet strongly maintains that the ideal situation would be when people can happily walk hand in hand under shady trees i.e. amidst a cool and harmonious atmosphere. They will then practise oneness, unity and brotherhood.
Ans. The poet strongly maintains that the ideal situation would be when people can happily walk hand in hand under shady trees i.e. amidst a cool and harmonious atmosphere. They will then practise oneness, unity and brotherhood.
11. How is inactivity different from death? What does the poet mean by `to have no truck with death’?
Ans. According to the poet total inactivity only means a temporary stillness, whereas death means the end of life. ‘No truck with death’ means that the poet does not want any association with death. He only urges mankind to halt harmful activities for a few seconds.
Ans. According to the poet total inactivity only means a temporary stillness, whereas death means the end of life. ‘No truck with death’ means that the poet does not want any association with death. He only urges mankind to halt harmful activities for a few seconds.
12. What are we single-minded about?
Ans. The poet feels that individuals only think about keeping our lives moving at all costs, and in the process lose sight of their goals. People only yearn for progress and fulfilment of ambitions, and that remains the only focus while they are alive. Man is single-minded in his pursuit of wealth, supremacy and territorial acquisition.
Ans. The poet feels that individuals only think about keeping our lives moving at all costs, and in the process lose sight of their goals. People only yearn for progress and fulfilment of ambitions, and that remains the only focus while they are alive. Man is single-minded in his pursuit of wealth, supremacy and territorial acquisition.
13. What, according to the poet, causes sadness?
Ans. Mindless destructive activities cause sadness in our lives. Behaviour that threatens mankind leads to sadness and unhappiness.
Ans. Mindless destructive activities cause sadness in our lives. Behaviour that threatens mankind leads to sadness and unhappiness.
14. What can the Earth teach us? How?
Ans. Earth can teach us to be productive and useful even when there is silence. The Earth nurtures all living beings, plants and animals and quietly maintains the balance in nature. It helps in the rebirth of a new life. We can all learn to be productive yet silent.
Ans. Earth can teach us to be productive and useful even when there is silence. The Earth nurtures all living beings, plants and animals and quietly maintains the balance in nature. It helps in the rebirth of a new life. We can all learn to be productive yet silent.
15. How does Earth prove to be alive?
Ans. The earth nurtures life and brings forth a new form. There is a regeneration of every living thing on this earth and all things that die, are reborn and the cycle of life moves on.
Ans. The earth nurtures life and brings forth a new form. There is a regeneration of every living thing on this earth and all things that die, are reborn and the cycle of life moves on.
16. How would keep quiet affect life in and around the sea? [All India 2017]
Ans. In the state of stillness and silence, the fishermen will not harm the already endangered whales. In the same way, the salt gatherers whose hands get hurt during the salt gathering process, will stop for a while and rest their hands and do some introspection.
Ans. In the state of stillness and silence, the fishermen will not harm the already endangered whales. In the same way, the salt gatherers whose hands get hurt during the salt gathering process, will stop for a while and rest their hands and do some introspection.
17. What will ‘counting up to twelve and keeping still’ help us to achieve?
Ans. Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us to reach an understanding with each other and to introspect. We will be able to realize the real impact of our selfish actions on each other and, finally, on the entire humanity.
Ans. Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us to reach an understanding with each other and to introspect. We will be able to realize the real impact of our selfish actions on each other and, finally, on the entire humanity.
18. Which symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness?
Ans. The poet uses ‘Earth’ as a symbol to invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness. The Earth seems ‘still’ from outside but is alive and vibrant deep within. Similarly, our silence can help us to maintain a harmonious life on Earth and stop the destruction.
Ans. The poet uses ‘Earth’ as a symbol to invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness. The Earth seems ‘still’ from outside but is alive and vibrant deep within. Similarly, our silence can help us to maintain a harmonious life on Earth and stop the destruction.
19. ‘Life is what it is all about.’ How is keeping quietly related to life?
Ans. ‘Keeping quiet’ is related to life because, in order to live a complete life, one must live life Atoll India In order to live a quality life, which is full of happiness, peace and satisfaction, we must develop a habit of thinking deeply and this can be achieved through introspection.
Ans. ‘Keeping quiet’ is related to life because, in order to live a complete life, one must live life Atoll India In order to live a quality life, which is full of happiness, peace and satisfaction, we must develop a habit of thinking deeply and this can be achieved through introspection.
20. Why does one feel a sudden strangeness on counting to twelve and keeping quiet?
Ans. When one keeps quiet and stops all his selfish actions and takes a break from the monotonous routine’ one gets time to introspect and analyse one’s actions. This brings a feeling of sudden strangeness’
Ans. When one keeps quiet and stops all his selfish actions and takes a break from the monotonous routine’ one gets time to introspect and analyse one’s actions. This brings a feeling of sudden strangeness’
21. How will keeping quiet protect our environment?
Ans. Keeping quiet refers to as stopping all activities for a moment and introspect. This will help us to analyse the kind of deeds we are doing for our selfish purpose but which harm nature. This moment will make us understand the fact that harmony with nature is very essential for the survival of mankind.
Ans. Keeping quiet refers to as stopping all activities for a moment and introspect. This will help us to analyse the kind of deeds we are doing for our selfish purpose but which harm nature. This moment will make us understand the fact that harmony with nature is very essential for the survival of mankind.
22.who will possibly be the effect of ‘keeping quiet’?
Ans. Keeping quiet will result in a mutual understanding among all human beings. We will be able to understand the fact that the balance between nature and human beings is essential for our existence on Earth.
Ans. Keeping quiet will result in a mutual understanding among all human beings. We will be able to understand the fact that the balance between nature and human beings is essential for our existence on Earth.
23. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Ans. The poet refers to the exotic moment when everyone would be silent and still and there would be no noise or mad race. It will evoke an environment of peace and quietness with no conflicts, quarrels, agreements or wars. This moment will bring a sense of togetherness among all human beings.
Ans. The poet refers to the exotic moment when everyone would be silent and still and there would be no noise or mad race. It will evoke an environment of peace and quietness with no conflicts, quarrels, agreements or wars. This moment will bring a sense of togetherness among all human beings.
24. What is the sadness the poet refers to in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?
Ans. The poet refers to the sadness which will arise due to the total destruction of mankind. According to the poet, if the people have no time to think and retrospect, it will lead to the end of life on earth and a huge silence will follow.
Ans. The poet refers to the sadness which will arise due to the total destruction of mankind. According to the poet, if the people have no time to think and retrospect, it will lead to the end of life on earth and a huge silence will follow.
25. How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet change our attitude to life?
Ans. According to the poet, if we keep quiet for a moment to introspect and cease our selfish and destructive actions, it will lead to a change in our attitude to life.
Ans. According to the poet, if we keep quiet for a moment to introspect and cease our selfish and destructive actions, it will lead to a change in our attitude to life.
26. Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poet condemns violence?
Ans. Pablo Neruda gives the images of ‘green war’, ‘war with gas’ and ‘wars with fire’ and then associate these wars with ‘victory with no survivors’. This is to emphasise the fact that wars will bring an end to the entire human race. This shows that he condemns violence.
Ans. Pablo Neruda gives the images of ‘green war’, ‘war with gas’ and ‘wars with fire’ and then associate these wars with ‘victory with no survivors’. This is to emphasise the fact that wars will bring an end to the entire human race. This shows that he condemns violence.
27. What are the different types of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s attitude towards them?
Ans. Pablo Neruda has mentioned ‘green wars’, ‘wars with fire’ and ‘wars with gas’. The poet does not appreciate the concept of war. He condemns it by saying that these wars will result in victory with no survivors. So instead of these wars and conflicts, we must develop the concept of mutual understanding and co-existence.
Ans. Pablo Neruda has mentioned ‘green wars’, ‘wars with fire’ and ‘wars with gas’. The poet does not appreciate the concept of war. He condemns it by saying that these wars will result in victory with no survivors. So instead of these wars and conflicts, we must develop the concept of mutual understanding and co-existence.
28. How can the suspension of activities help?
Ans. The suspension of activities will help us to introspect. It will provide enough time from the mad rush and selfish actions, when we all are able to ponder and analyse our own actions and attitude and finally develop mutual understanding and realise the importance of co-existence.
Ans. The suspension of activities will help us to introspect. It will provide enough time from the mad rush and selfish actions, when we all are able to ponder and analyse our own actions and attitude and finally develop mutual understanding and realise the importance of co-existence.
29. Do you think the poet, Pablo Neruda, advocates total inactivity and death? Why/Why not?
Ans. The poet does not advocate ‘total inactivity because he has a firm belief in life. He wants everyone to live a complete life full of peace and contentment. He wants everyone to take a break from the hectic schedule and introspect for a while to improve the quality of life.
Ans. The poet does not advocate ‘total inactivity because he has a firm belief in life. He wants everyone to live a complete life full of peace and contentment. He wants everyone to take a break from the hectic schedule and introspect for a while to improve the quality of life.
30. Why is Pablo Neruda against total inactivity?
Ans. The poet is against total inactivity because it means death whereas the poet has a firm belief in only wishes us to take a break from the hectic, aimless life and introspect.
Ans. The poet is against total inactivity because it means death whereas the poet has a firm belief in only wishes us to take a break from the hectic, aimless life and introspect.
31. What does the poet want all the perpetrators of war to do?
Ans. The poet wants them to make their conscience clean from envy and selfish motives. They shook’ stop fighting and develop an understanding of peace among human beings.
Ans. The poet wants them to make their conscience clean from envy and selfish motives. They shook’ stop fighting and develop an understanding of peace among human beings.
32. What, according to the poet, will be the ultimate end of a man if the present scenario of wars and conflict continues?
Ans. According to Neruda, if the present scenario of war and destruction continues, it will lead to total destruction of humanity. We all will perish and nobody will be left to celebrate the victory.
33. How, according to the poet, our state of mind will be changed if we maintain silence and suspend activity for a white?
Ans. The poet believes that if we all stop for a moment to introspect and realize the impact of our actions. then we will be able to understand the need to be together and develop a mutual understanding for the survival on earth. This realization will bring a change in our state of mind and our attitude towards each other.
Ans. According to Neruda, if the present scenario of war and destruction continues, it will lead to total destruction of humanity. We all will perish and nobody will be left to celebrate the victory.
33. How, according to the poet, our state of mind will be changed if we maintain silence and suspend activity for a white?
Ans. The poet believes that if we all stop for a moment to introspect and realize the impact of our actions. then we will be able to understand the need to be together and develop a mutual understanding for the survival on earth. This realization will bring a change in our state of mind and our attitude towards each other.
Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words each Value based questions-
Answer the following questions
Q1. What does the narrator mean by ‘green wars’? What will be the consequence of such a war?
Ans. ‘Green wars’ means the war against the environment. In our pursuit of progress and materialism, we forget the harm we cause to the world. Our resources are depleting. If we don’t take measures to save our environment, our children will not enjoy the resources available to us.
Q2. What according to Pablo Neruda would be the ultimate end of a man if the present scenario of wars continues?
Ans. If the present scenario of conflict continues, there will be a victory but no ‘survivors’. Pablo Neruda suggests that we must all keep still and introspect so that there is peace and world unity. It is only during the few seconds of silence and inactivity, that man will be able to take stock of his harmful activities and then try to practise harmony and brotherhood in the world.
What does the title of the poem suggests to you? What do you think the poem is about?
The title of the poem suggests the importance of silence.
The poem is about the importance of self-examination and introspection. It is also an appeal for universal harmony.
Ans. If the present scenario of conflict continues, there will be a victory but no ‘survivors’. Pablo Neruda suggests that we must all keep still and introspect so that there is peace and world unity. It is only during the few seconds of silence and inactivity, that man will be able to take stock of his harmful activities and then try to practise harmony and brotherhood in the world.
What does the title of the poem suggests to you? What do you think the poem is about?
The title of the poem suggests the importance of silence.
The poem is about the importance of self-examination and introspection. It is also an appeal for universal harmony.
What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
According to the poet, taking a break from our monotonous routine by 'counting up to twelve' and 'keeping still' will help us understand ourselves and those around us better. The quietness will aid our understanding of the significance of peace and tranquility in this age of futile activities. Thus, they will help us in introspection and self-analysis.
According to the poet, taking a break from our monotonous routine by 'counting up to twelve' and 'keeping still' will help us understand ourselves and those around us better. The quietness will aid our understanding of the significance of peace and tranquility in this age of futile activities. Thus, they will help us in introspection and self-analysis.
Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
Answer :Although the poet believes that silences assist in introspection and help in taking a break from the world of frenzy activity, he does not advocate total inactivity and death. Rather, he believes that observing stillness once in a while helps people to spring back in action, rejuvenated.
What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
The poet refers to the 'sadness' of failing to understand oneself in the monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget the values of humanity.
What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
The poet uses the symbol of the earth to illustrate the point that there can be life under apparent stillness.
If you choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind?
Yes, I felt a strange stillness engulf me initially. But soon, I started thinking about my day and the activities that I was engaged in. My mind, of its own accord, moved to thoughts or actions that preoccupied my mind. As my thoughts became organized, the skewed priorities, of their own accord, became apparent. It also gave me opportunity to reprioritise and energy to work with a new zeal. All worries seemed unnecessary and I felt relieved of stress. It became easier for me to focus on more important things in life and empty my mind of petty issues that I dwelt on without reason. Thus, these five minutes of silence and introspection brought a huge change in my perspectives. I've now decided to continue this for the rest of my life. (Model answer, answers may vary pertaining to individual experiences. Students are strongly advised to write their own answers)
Answer :Although the poet believes that silences assist in introspection and help in taking a break from the world of frenzy activity, he does not advocate total inactivity and death. Rather, he believes that observing stillness once in a while helps people to spring back in action, rejuvenated.
What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
The poet refers to the 'sadness' of failing to understand oneself in the monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget the values of humanity.
What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
The poet uses the symbol of the earth to illustrate the point that there can be life under apparent stillness.
If you choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind?
Yes, I felt a strange stillness engulf me initially. But soon, I started thinking about my day and the activities that I was engaged in. My mind, of its own accord, moved to thoughts or actions that preoccupied my mind. As my thoughts became organized, the skewed priorities, of their own accord, became apparent. It also gave me opportunity to reprioritise and energy to work with a new zeal. All worries seemed unnecessary and I felt relieved of stress. It became easier for me to focus on more important things in life and empty my mind of petty issues that I dwelt on without reason. Thus, these five minutes of silence and introspection brought a huge change in my perspectives. I've now decided to continue this for the rest of my life. (Model answer, answers may vary pertaining to individual experiences. Students are strongly advised to write their own answers)
