Category Archives: 2nd Year PUC

ROMEO AND JULIET SUMMARY 2ND PUC-WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Leave a reply

 

ROMEO AND JULIET. – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.

EXPRESSIONS(PHRASES)

Snowy dove                  :Juliet

Crows                               : Juliet’s companions

Yonder lady                  :Juliet

Day in night                   :Romeo

Garish                              :sun

Measure done             :completion of dance

Lord Capulet                :supper

Romeo and Juliet      :William Shakespeare

ROMEO AND JULIET SUMMARY 2ND PUC

Romeo

He compares Juliet’s beauty to nature. Romeo says that even the bright light of a torch would look dull before the brightness of Juliet. It looks like she hangs on the cheek of night. Romeo says that the beauty of Juliet is like a jewel which is hung in the ear of an African woman.

Romeo says Juliet is too beautiful to belong to Earth. Juliet’s beauty is so vast that she cannot die and be buried in the Earth. The earth cannot contain her beauty. He further says Juliet is like a white snow which is flying with other common people who belong to the species of crows. Romeo just wishes to express that Juliet belongs to divine world and living among the ordinary and common people. Romeo proposes to find the place where Juliet stood and wants to touch her blessed hand and make his own rude hand blessed. Romeo further asks a whether he ever loved before. He feels this is the true love. Romeo thinks he has never seen a beautiful woman like Juliet before this night.

Juliet

Juliet is inviting the night. The night she is inviting is none other than Romeo himself. Juliet compares Romeo to night. Juliet calls Romeo a day in the night. Juliet sees night as a bird with wings on which Romeo would ride and come as a ‘New Snow’. Juliet calls the night as gentle night and a ‘Black – Browed Night’. Juliet wants nothing from the night except her love Romeo. Juliet has a realistic view of death and says; even if she dies, she wants to make their love immortal. Juliet says that Romeo should from part of stars in heaven. Juliet says, the presence of Rome among the stars would enrich the beauty of stars. Romeo forms the important part of the night sky; the whole world would begin to fall in love with the night. Romeo would shine so brightly in the night sky that it would even outshine the sun.

METAPHORS USED IN “ROMEO AND JULIET”

Romeo’s Metaphors:

  • “Rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear”: This metaphor compares Juliet to a precious jewel that stands out against dark skin, highlighting her unique and exceptional beauty in a contrasting environment.
  • “Snowy dove trooping with crows”: Juliet is compared to a pure, white dove among dark crows, emphasizing her purity and beauty in contrast to others around her.

Juliet’s Metaphors:

  • “Come, thou day in night”: Juliet metaphorically describes Romeo as the day within the night, suggesting that he brings light and joy into her dark and lonely world.
  • “Cut him out in little stars”: Juliet imagines Romeo being transformed into stars, indicating that his beauty and presence would illuminate the night sky and make it more beautiful.
  • “Face of heaven”: This metaphor refers to the night sky as the “face of heaven,” implying that Romeo’s beauty would enhance the beauty of the entire universe.

IMAGERY USED IN “ROMEO AND JULIET”

  • “Teach the torches to burn bright” (Romeo’s description of Juliet)
  • “Rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear” (Romeo’s comparison of Juliet’s beauty)
  • “Snowy dove trooping with crows” (Romeo’s comparison to highlight Juliet’s purity and beauty)
  • “Hangs upon the cheek of night” (Romeo’s description of Juliet’s appearance in the darkness)
  • “Come, thou day in night” (Juliet’s description of Romeo as a light in the dark)
  • “Whiter than new snow on a raven’s back” (Juliet’s description of Romeo’s presence)
  • “Cut him out in little stars” (Juliet’s wish for Romeo to become stars)
  • “Make the face of heaven so fine” (Juliet’s wish for Romeo’s beauty to enhance the night sky)
  • “Loving, black-browed night” (Juliet’s description of night as a time for their secret meeting)
  • “Come, gentle night” (Juliet’s plea for night to come quickly)

(2 MARKS QUESTIONS)

  1. Why does Romeo compare Juliet to a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear?

Answer: Romeo thinks Juliet is very beautiful, like a bright, precious jewel that stands out in the dark.

  1. What does Romeo mean when he says, “Did my heart love till now?”

Answer: Romeo is saying that he has never truly loved anyone before seeing Juliet.

  1. Why does Juliet call night “loving, black-browed night”?

Answer: Juliet calls night “loving” because it brings Romeo to her and “black-browed” because it is dark.

  1. What does Juliet want to happen after Romeo’s death, according to her speech?

Answer: Juliet wishes Romeo to be cut into little stars to make the night sky beautiful, so everyone will love the night.

  1. How does Romeo describe Juliet’s beauty in comparison to others at the party?

Answer: Romeo says Juliet looks like a snowy dove among crows, meaning she is much more beautiful than anyone else.

  1. How does Romeo use imagery to describe Juliet’s beauty?

Answer: Romeo uses light and dark imagery, comparing Juliet to a bright jewel and a dove among crows to highlight her beauty.

  1. What impact does night have on both Romeo and Juliet’s feelings in their speeches?

Answer: Night symbolizes privacy and comfort for both Romeo and Juliet, as Romeo admires Juliet’s beauty under its cover, and Juliet longs for night to bring her closer to Romeo.

  1. How does Juliet’s view of Romeo reflect her deep love for him?

Answer: Juliet imagines Romeo becoming stars in the night sky, showing that she believes his beauty and presence could make the entire world fall in love with the night.

  1. What do the metaphors used by Romeo and Juliet reveal about how they see each other?

Answer: The metaphors of light, jewels, and stars show that both Romeo and Juliet see each other as extraordinary, almost otherworldly, and far above anyone else in their lives.

  1. How do both Romeo and Juliet connect light and darkness to their emotions?

Answer: Romeo sees Juliet as a bright light in the darkness, while Juliet views Romeo as the light in her dark, lonely nights, showing that light represents their love and hope.

  1. How does Romeo express his feelings for Juliet when he first sees her at the party?

Answer: Romeo is amazed by Juliet’s beauty, comparing her to a bright jewel in the night and saying he has never seen true beauty before.

  1. Why does Juliet eagerly wait for night to come in her speech?

Answer: Juliet wants night to come because it will bring Romeo to her, and she looks forward to being with him in the quiet of the night.

  1. What do the comparisons Romeo and Juliet make tell us about how they feel?

Answer: Both Romeo and Juliet use imagery of light and darkness to show how deeply they love each other; Romeo sees Juliet as bright and beautiful, while Juliet sees Romeo as the only light in her dark night.

  1. How does Romeo’s description of Juliet highlight her uniqueness at the party?

Answer: Romeo uses the image of a snowy dove among crows to show that Juliet stands out and is more beautiful than anyone else around her.

  1. What does Juliet’s wish for Romeo to be cut into stars tell us about her love for him?

Answer: Juliet’s wish shows that she believes Romeo’s beauty and love are so great that even in death; he would make the night sky more beautiful and beloved by everyone.

Answer the following questions in about 60 words each. (3 Marks)

  1. How does Romeo describe Juliet when he first sees her, and why does he compare her to a jewel and a dove?

Answer: Romeo is captivated by Juliet’s beauty, saying she “teaches the torches to burn bright.” He compares her to a jewel because she shines and stands out in the dark, like something precious. He also compares her to a snowy dove among crows to show how unique and pure she looks among everyone else at the party.

  1. Why does Juliet ask for night to come, and what does she say about Romeo and the stars?

Answer: Juliet eagerly waits for night because that is when Romeo can come to her. She loves the darkness because it brings them closer. She also says that if Romeo were cut into little stars and placed in the sky, he would make the night so beautiful that people would love night more than day, showing her deep admiration for him.

  1. How does Romeo’s reaction to seeing Juliet reflect the theme of love at first sight in the play?

Answer: Romeo, upon seeing Juliet, is instantly in awe of her beauty, asking if he ever truly loved before. His immediate shift in focus from his previous feelings to Juliet shows that his love for her is sudden and intense, fitting the theme of love at first sight in the play, where powerful emotions take over as soon as they meet.

  1. What role does light and darkness play in both Romeo’s and Juliet’s speeches?

Answer: Light and darkness serve as symbols of their love. Romeo sees Juliet as a source of light in the darkness, calling her a “rich jewel” and “snowy dove.” Juliet also embraces the night because it allows her to be with Romeo, wishing him to be cut into stars to brighten the night. Darkness becomes comforting, and light symbolizes their love for each other.

  1. How does Juliet’s wish for Romeo to be turned into stars show how much she loves him?

Answer: Juliet imagines that when Romeo dies, he should be made into stars that would light up the night sky. This shows her love because she believes even in death, Romeo’s presence would be so beautiful and powerful that everyone would admire the night, just as she admires him. This wish reflects the depth of her feelings and how much she treasures him.

  1. How does Romeo’s description of Juliet in his speech show the intensity of his feelings for her?

Answer: Romeo describes Juliet as teaching “the torches to burn bright,” comparing her to a rich jewel and a snowy dove among crows. These comparisons show how intensely he is captivated by her beauty and purity. His words suggest that he sees her as something extraordinary, far more beautiful than anyone around her, reflecting his instant and powerful love.

  1. Why does Juliet refer to night as “loving, black-browed night,” and how does this connect to her feelings for Romeo?

Answer: Juliet calls the night “loving” because it brings Romeo to her, allowing them to be together. She also refers to it as “black-browed” to emphasize its darkness, which she cherishes because it hides their love from the world. Her feelings for Romeo are tied to the night, as it becomes a symbol of their private and cherished moments.

  1. What do Romeo’s metaphors of light and dark tell us about how he sees Juliet in contrast to others?

Answer: Romeo’s metaphors, like calling Juliet a “rich jewel” and a “snowy dove,” highlight how he sees her as a bright and beautiful figure in a world filled with darkness or less remarkable people. The contrast of light (Juliet) and dark (everyone else) shows how special and unique she is to him, elevating her above everyone else in his eyes.

  1. How does Juliet’s wish for Romeo to become stars after his death reflect her deep love for him?

Answer: Juliet imagines Romeo being cut into stars after he dies, which would light up the night sky and make it so beautiful that everyone would love the night more than the day. This wish reflects her deep love because it shows that even in death, she wants Romeo’s beauty and presence to be admired by the whole world, just as she admires him.

  1. What is the significance of light and darkness in both Romeo’s and Juliet’s views of each other, and how does it reflect their relationship?

Answer: Both Romeo and Juliet use light and darkness to describe their feelings. Romeo sees Juliet as a source of light in the darkness, representing his admiration and attraction to her beauty. Juliet embraces the night because it allows her to be with Romeo, wishing him to be turned into stars. The interplay of light and dark reflects the secrecy, intensity, and beauty of their relationship.

  1. How do Romeo’s and Juliet’s use of light and dark imagery demonstrate their emotions?

Answer: Romeo uses light imagery to describe Juliet, comparing her to a bright jewel and a snowy dove, which shows how she stands out to him. Juliet, on the other hand, finds comfort in the darkness, as it brings her closer to Romeo. This contrast shows how light represents beauty and love, while darkness symbolizes their secret connection.

  1. How does Romeo’s speech reflect the theme of love at first sight in the play?

Answer: Romeo’s speech shows the theme of love at first sight because he is immediately struck by Juliet’s beauty, asking if he ever truly loved before seeing her. His language is full of admiration, and he quickly forgets his previous feelings for Rosaline. This sudden and intense love shows how quickly emotions can change in the play.

  1. How does Juliet’s wish to turn Romeo into stars show her understanding of beauty and admiration?

Answer: Juliet’s wish to make Romeo into stars reflects her belief that his beauty is so great that even the heavens would be more admired with him in them. It shows her understanding that beauty can captivate and inspire love, much like Romeo has done for her. This reflects how deeply she cherishes him and the power she sees in his presence.

  1. How does the comparison of Juliet to a “snowy dove among crows” show Romeo’s perception of her?

Answer: By comparing Juliet to a “snowy dove among crows,” Romeo reveals that he sees her as pure, beautiful, and unique, standing out in a crowd. The contrast between the dove and crows shows that Juliet is far superior to anyone else at the party, emphasizing her beauty and innocence in Romeo’s eyes, which captures his instant love for her.

  1. What does Juliet’s preference for the night reveal about her relationship with Romeo and the challenges they face?

Answer: Juliet’s preference for the night reveals that she values the privacy and protection it offers, as it allows her to be with Romeo away from the scrutiny of their families. This reflects the challenges they face due to their families’ feud, and how the night becomes a safe space for their love to grow, away from the pressures of the day.

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)

  1. How do Romeo’s descriptions of Juliet in his speech show the use of imagery, and how does this help us understand his feelings for her?

Answer: Romeo uses imagery to compare Juliet to things that stand out in darkness, such as a “rich jewel” and a “snowy dove among crows.” These images help us understand how intensely Romeo views Juliet’s beauty and uniqueness. The use of light and dark contrasts shows that she shines in his eyes, making her appear extraordinary compared to others. This helps convey his immediate and powerful attraction, reflecting the theme of love at first sight. His admiration is expressed through vivid images that emphasize her beauty, which captivates him instantly.

  1. How does Juliet’s desire for night and her vision of Romeo as stars show her deep understanding of love and eternity?

Answer: Juliet longs for night because it allows her to be with Romeo away from the judgment of the outside world. This shows her understanding of the challenges they face and how night symbolizes the privacy they need. By imagining Romeo as stars after his death, she expresses her belief that his beauty and love are eternal, capable of lighting up the night sky. This reflects her deep love and desire for their bond to last forever, even beyond life. It also emphasizes the theme of eternal love in the play, where love transcends life and death.

  1. How does Romeo’s question, “Did my heart love till now?” demonstrate the concept of love at first sight, and why is this significant?

Answer: When Romeo asks, “Did my heart love till now?” he is questioning whether he has ever truly loved before seeing Juliet. This reflects the concept of love at first sight, where he experiences an instant, overwhelming attraction to her that surpasses any previous feelings he had. This is significant because it marks a turning point in the story where Romeo forgets his previous infatuation with Rosaline and falls deeply in love with Juliet. His emotions take over quickly, driving the plot forward and leading to the impulsive decisions that shape the tragic events of the play.

  1. What does the imagery of light and darkness used by both Romeo and Juliet tell us about their relationship and the obstacles they face?

Answer: Romeo uses imagery of light to describe Juliet, comparing her to a shining jewel and a dove among crows, showing that he sees her as pure and beautiful. Juliet embraces the darkness of night because it allows her to be with Romeo in secret, away from their feuding families. This use of light and dark imagery highlights the contrast between the purity of their love and the difficulties they face. Their love must remain hidden in the darkness, symbolizing the challenges posed by their families’ conflict. The imagery emphasizes the tension between their private love and the public obstacles they encounter.

  1. How does Juliet’s wish for Romeo to be turned into stars show her understanding of beauty and her view of love’s power?

Answer: Juliet’s wish for Romeo to be turned into stars after his death shows her belief that his beauty and love are so powerful that even in death, he would continue to shine brightly. This reflects her understanding of beauty as something eternal, capable of transforming the night sky. She imagines that people would fall in love with the night because of Romeo’s presence as stars, showing her view of love as something that can captivate and inspire others. This wish also demonstrates her deep admiration for Romeo and her belief in the lasting power of love, even beyond life.

  1. What similes does Romeo use to convey Juliet’s beauty and to what effect?

Answer: Romeo praises Juliet’s beauty with many similes. He compares her beauty to a rich jewel in an Ethiopia’s ear. Her beauty is too rich for use and expensive on the Earth. Then he compares her as a white as snowy dove which differs from the crows. In the opening lines he exaggerates that Juliet’s beauty surpasses the brightness of light.  His comparison shows his passion and excess possessiveness towards Juliet; hence the names Romeo and Juliet are immortal in the world.

 

  1. How, according to Juliet, would Romeo be immortalized to the world?

Answer: Juliet’s love is more intense than Romeo’s. She expects Romeo to be a star in the bright sky after his death. She wants to make him immortal after his death, by expecting Romeo to shine as a star in the night. She wants to immortalize Romeo as to twinkle like a star in the sky at night. She imagines her beloved Romeo to shine as a star in the sky cut into small glitters, then they all together shine and make the sky brighter and more beautiful than the day.

 

  1. Comment on the imagery of ‘night-day, black-white’ in the poem. What purpose do they serve in highlighting the intensity of love?

Answer: William Shakespeare brings out imagery excellently to make his poem effective. He takes two contrasted images ‘night-day’ and ‘black-white’ to highlight the intensity of love. As to comment on the first ‘night-day’, night serves a special time and peaceful atmosphere to the lovers. As it is calm, lovers remember each other and they expect each other’s embraces to make them feel compassionate and comfortable. Day serves as opposed to this, as they can only look at each other physically and make appointments of place and time at night. So, the day helps lovers to meet at night. To comment on “black and white”, black indicates ugliness and cruelty but white is peace and calmness but white could not shine without black. So, they mutually intensify each other and serve as to intensify the love. Black and White also indicate the pain and pleasure, in love problems are these and pleasure is these so black and white suggest that love is the mixture of pain and pleasure.

  1. Between Romeo and Juliet whose love, do you think, is more passionate and intense?

Answer: Though Rome and Juliet belonged to rival families their love is as immense as earth and as wide as sky, they is no black spot in their love. It is difficult to say whose love is more intense because in true love we could not discriminate the lover’s love for each other. But to think Juliet’s love is more intense because generally, it is easy for boys to love, but for girls, it is difficult when they are of rival families. Though Juliet knew this, she did not fear her family, she knows that if her family were to know about their love, definitely Romeo and Juliet would be killed. But she did not fear and she says if she is killed her beloved would be cut into little stars to glitter in the sky and make the sky brighter than a day. This is the evidence to justify that her love is more intense than Romeo’s by her statement that his glow would be brighter than a day and if he stays among stars the world would definitely forget to worship the sun and spend the night peacefully in her beloved’s presence. In this way, her love made his death immortal and his life and her love permanent on the earth.

6 MARKS QUESTIONS

  1. How does Romeo glorify the beauty of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet?

Why does Romeo say he never saw through beauty till that night? Explain.

The present excerpt is taken from William Shakespeare Tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. He is an English poet and playwright. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He is often called as national poet of England. The Montagues and the Capulets were two noble families in Verona. They were rivals. Romeo belongs to the Montagues and Juliet belongs to the Capulets. Old Lord Capulet hosted a grand supper. Romeo the Montagues attended the supper and disguised to see Rosaline his beloved. The present poem highlights the intense love between two youths. Romeo and Juliet, the present verse express Implicit feelings of love for one another.

Romeo attends the supper in disguise to see Rosaline his beloved. He sees Juliet on the dance floor. He is fascinated by her beauty. Her beauty is impeccable, radiant, unmatched and flawless. After the completion of dance, he learns that she is the daughter of Lord Capulet, the sworn enemy of the Montagues.

Romeo considers Juliet as the most beautiful lady in the world. He falls in love with her at first sight. Juliet also feels that she is attracted to him. Both of them experience the prodigious birth of true love.

Shakespeare uses similes to convey Juliets beauty. He says that Juliet is so beautiful and attractive that it looks as if her beauty teaches torches to burn bright. She shines brighter against the darkness of the night. The burning torches look pale. Her beauty surpasses the brightness of the burning torches.

Romeo says that she looks as if she is hanging up on the cheeks of night, like a rich jewel worn by an Ethiopian girl. Both Juliet in the night and the rich jewel in an Ethiopian girl’s ear look More radiant. Her beauty is rare and precious. It is divine too. It is too rich for use and too dear for earth.

Juliet is found moving gently on the dance floor with her companions. Romeo compares Juliet to the snowy dove, which is bright and attractive, and her fellows present on the dance floor to the crows, which According to him, are less attractive. Her movement with her fellows looks like a snowy dove trooping with crows.

He feels that he Is rude. After the completion of dance, he expresses his desire to touch her. He says that he will be blessed when he touches her. Romeo rejects other beauty and love and admits that He has never seen such a true beauty till that night.

  1. How does Juliet immortalise Romeo and Romeo and Juliet?

The present excerpt is taken from William Shakespeare Tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. He is an English poet and playwright. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He is often called as national poet of England.

The Montagues and the Capulets were two noble families in Verona. They were rivals. Romeo belongs to the Montagues and Juliet belongs to the Capulets. Old Lord Capulet hosted a grand supper. Romeo the Montagues attended the supper and disguised to see Rosaline his beloved.

The present poem highlights the intense love between two youths. Romeo and Juliet, the present verse express Implicit feelings of love for one another.

Romeo attends the supper in disguise to see Rosaline his beloved. He sees Juliet on the dance floor. He is fascinated by her beauty. Her beauty is impeccable, radiant, unmatched and flawless. After the completion of dance, he learns that she is the daughter of Lord Capulet, the sworn enemy of the Montagues.

Romeo considers Juliet as the most beautiful lady in the world. He falls in love with her at first sight. Juliet also feels that she is attracted to him. Both of them experience the prodigious birth of true love.

Romeo and Juliet are attracted to each other. Both express their love feelings for one another. Day pass. The initial love between Romeo and Juliet intensifies. Juliets love is more intense and passionate than Romeo her love for Romeo knows no bounds. She expresses her undying and deep love and admiration for him.

She is desperately waiting for the fall of night. She says that she is eager to see Romeo. She knows that the night fall will ensure the arrival of Romeo. She invites the night. She asks the night to come fast. She claims that Romeo belongs to her. So, she appeals the night to give her Romeo. She associates the fall of night with arrival of Romeo

Juliet glorifies Romeo’s beauty. She is expressed by Romeo’s charm. She says that Romeo is like a day in the night. She addresses night as gentle, loving and black browed. Romeo’s presence in the night makes her to feel the day. She describes him as whiter than new snow found on the back of Raven, The bird. It is bright and charming. She compares Romeo’s charm to the charm of New Snow. Romeo’s arrival at night is compared to the coming of Raven with white snow on its back.

Juliet wants to immortalise Romeo. She says that after her death, the night should take Romeo and cut him into little stars. Those little stars will enhance the beauty and charm of the sky. Now she expresses the impact of the act. The heaven become so fine that it is admired by everyone. The whole world is attracted to night.it will fall in love with night than day. People who usually worship the day will stop worshipping the garish sun.

The Juliet immortalises Romeo.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

  1. Who is the man from the enemy family to whom Juliet is attracted?

(a) Tybalt (b) Mercutio (c) Romeo (d) Benvolio

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, who hosted the supper?

(a) Romeo (b) Juliet (c) An Ethiopian girl (d) Old Lord Capulet

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo attends the supper…

(a) Openly (b) With crows (c) In disguise (d) With stars

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says that something should “burn bright.” What is it?

(a) The night (b) The stars (c) The sun (d) The torches

  1. What does Juliet teach the torches to do?

(a) Move gently (b) Burn bright (c) Make heaven finer (d) Fly like a raven

  1. Who is compared to a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear?

(a) Romeo (b) Juliet (c) A star (d) A crow

  1. Who is referred to as “yonder lady”?

(a) Dove (b) Night (c) Juliet (d) Rosaline

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, whose beauty is described as “too rich for use”?

(a) Rosaline’s (b) Romeo’s (c) Heaven’s (d) Juliet’s

  1. Whose beauty is described as “too dear for earth”?

(a) The stars’ (b) Juliet’s (c) Romeo’s (d) The ravens’

  1. According to Juliet, who is whiter than new snow on a raven’s back?

(a) Night (b) Romeo (c) The sun (d) The sky

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks that Romeo be cut into little stars…

(a) After his death (b) After the dance (c) After the fall of night (d) After her death

  1. Where is Juliet seen during the Capulet party?

(a) Among the stars (b) On the back of a raven (c) On the sun (d) On the dance floor

  1. In Romeo and Juliet, “measure done” refers to the completion of…

(a) The exile of the Montagues                           (b) Romeo’s description of Juliet’s beauty

(c) The dance organized by Lord Capulet (d) Juliet’s description of Romeo’s charm

  1. According to Romeo, whose beauty is true beauty?

(a) Juliet’s (b) Rosaline’s (c) The snowy doves’ (d) The ravens’

  1. What does Juliet associate with the fall of night?

(a) A raven (b) White snow (c) The sun (d) Romeo

  1. When does Juliet ask the night to cut Romeo into little stars?

(a) After the completion of the dance            (b) After the fall of night

(c) After his death                                                    (d) After her death

  1. Juliet asks the night to cut Romeo into…

(a) The garish sun (b) Little stars (c) A rich jewel (d) A raven

  1. Who will make the face of heaven finer?

(a) The night (b) The stars (c) Romeo cut into little stars (d) The garish sun

  1. What will the world no longer worship after Romeo makes the face of heaven finer? (a) The Garish Sun (b) A Raven (c) The Crows (d) Juliet
  1. The phrase, ‘teach the torches to burn bright’ suggests:

(a) Juliet’s glow is brighter than the light of the torch.

(b) her beauty is capable of enabling the torches to burn bright.

(c) her beauty of surpasses the brightness of light.

  1. ‘for earth too dear’ this phrase suggests that the lady’s beauty is

(a) divine.

(b) rare.

(c) expensive.

  1. ‘The measure done’, connotes the completion of

(a) Romeo’s admiration of Juliet’s beauty.

(b) dance organized by Lord Capulet.

(c) the glorification of Juliet’s charm.

  1. The line, ‘did my heart love till now?’ suggests

(a) Romeo feels he has fallen in love.

(b) Romeo has been attracted before.

(c) Romeo feels this is true love.

  1. The phrase ‘new snow’, suggests

(a) love as pure as snow.

(b) description of Romeo’s charm.

(c) Juliet’s discreet love for Romeo.

  1. What do you think the phrase; ‘face of heaven’ signifies?

 

ANSWERS

  1. c) Romeo
  2. d) Old Lord Capulet
  3. c) In disguise
  4. d) The torches
  5. b) Burn bright
  6. b) Juliet
  7. c) Juliet
  8. d) Juliet’s
  9. b) Juliet’s
  10. b) Romeo
  11. d) After her death
  12. d) On the dance floor
  13. c) The dance organized by Lord Capulet
  14. a) Juliet’s
  15. d) Romeo
  16. d) After her death
  17. b) little stars
  18. c) Romeo cut into little stars
  19. a) The garish sun
  1. (c) her beauty of surpasses the brightness of light.
  2. (c) expensive.
  3. (a) Romeo’s admiration of Juliet’s beauty.
  4. (c) Romeo feels this is true love.
  5. (c) Juliet’s discreet love for Romeo.
  6. Night sky with bright twinkling stars.

 

MATCH THE FOLLOWING

  1. Match the names with their details related to Romeo and Juliet
  2. Garish                stars
  3. Snowy                sun
  4. Little dove

 

  1. Match the names with their details related to Romeo and Juliet
    1. Day in night Juliet
    2. Yonder lady Juliet’s companion
    3. Crow Romeo

 

  1. Match the names with their details related to Romeo and Juliet

 

  1. New night
  2. Gentle                beauty
  3. True snow

 

  1. Match the phrase with their details related to Romeo and Juliet
    1. The measure done starlit sky
    2. Yonder lady completion of dance
    3. Face of heaven Juliet

 

  1. Identify the sequence related to glorification of Juliet’s beauty by Romeo
  2. describes her beauty-attends supper-mesmerized-sees Juliet
  3. Sees Juliet-describes her beauty-attends supper-mesmerized
  4. attends supper-sees Juliet-mesmerized-Describes her beauty
  5. attends supper-Describes her beauty-mesmerized-sees Juliet

 

  1. identify the sequence related to immortalizing romeo by Juliet in romeo and Juliet
    1. invites night-cut into little stars-heaven becomes finer-world loves night
    2. world loves night-invites night-cut into little stars-heaven becomes finer
    3. cut into little stars-invites night-heaven becomes finer-world loves night
    4. heaven becomes finer-invites night-cut into little stars-world loves night

 

********************

 

 

To the foot from its child by Pablo Neruda

Leave a reply

KEY WORDS AND PHRASES

1. Stand on one’s own feet15. Eyeless reptiles
2. Brave heart16. Tiny, petaled toes
3. In cold blood17. Callused
4. Take to one’s heel18. Volcanoes of death
5. Child’s foot19. Coarsening
6. Butterfly20. Walks without respite
7. Apple21. Fields, mines, markets, and ministries
8. Stones and bits of glass22. Scarcely taking time to bare itself
9. Paths in the rough earth23. In love or sleep
10. Cannot fly24. Descended underground
11. Prisoner condemned to live in a shoe25. Everything was dark
12. Dark26. Burying
13. Blind man27. Fly
14. Hard as horn28. Become an apple

Metaphors

  1. The child’s foot wanting to be a butterfly or an apple – This metaphor expresses the innocent desires of the foot (or child) to be free, light, and full of potential.
  2. Stones, bits of glass, streets, and ladders teaching the foot – Life’s hardships symbolized by physical objects, teaching the foot (child) its limitations.
  3. The foot as a prisoner condemned to live in a shoe – The shoe represents the restrictions of adult life, confining the free and playful foot (child).
  4. Tiny petaled toes transforming into eyeless reptiles with triangular heads – The once delicate toes are metaphorically described as turning into something hard, deformed, and reptilian, symbolizing the loss of innocence and transformation through experience.
  5. Callused foot covered with faint volcanoes of death – The calluses are compared to volcanoes, symbolizing wear, decay, and the impact of life’s burdens.
  6. Blind thing walking without respite – The foot is metaphorically described as blind, unaware, trudging through life without stopping, symbolizing the relentless forward march of time.
  7. Burying the foot underground so it could fly or become an apple – Even in death, the foot wonders whether it will be set free (like flying) or transformed into something new (like an apple).

Imageries

  1. Butterfly or an apple – Vivid images of lightness and growth, representing the child’s initial aspirations.
  2. Stones, bits of glass, streets, ladders, and rough earth – These images evoke a harsh, unforgiving world that the foot must navigate, symbolizing life’s challenges.
  3. Living in a shoe – The image of the foot confined in a shoe suggests a dark, restricted space, symbolizing the constraints of adulthood.
  4. Darkness – The recurring imagery of darkness symbolizes ignorance, limitation, and the absence of freedom.
  5. Hard as horn – The nails of the foot turning hard like horn represents the physical and emotional hardening that comes with age.
  6. Eyeless reptiles with triangular heads – A striking image comparing toes to reptiles, conveying distortion and loss of beauty over time.
  7. Volcanoes of death – The callused foot resembling volcanoes give an image of roughness and decay, emphasizing the toll life takes on the body.
  8. Walking through fields, mines, markets, and ministries – A series of images representing the various paths of life, from nature to labour, commerce, and governance.
  9. Foot descending underground – The final image of the foot descending into darkness reflects death and the return to the earth.
  1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences (2 Marks Questions)
  2. What does the child’s foot want to be at first?

Answer: The child’s foot wants to be a butterfly or an apple, symbolizing its desire for freedom and lightness.

  • Why does the child’s foot learn that it cannot fly or be a fruit?

Answer: The foot learns this because it faces obstacles like stones, streets, and rough paths that teach it about its limitations.

  • What happens to the child’s foot as it grows older?

Answer: As the foot grows older, it becomes hard, callused, and loses its softness, symbolizing the hardships of life.

  • Why is the foot compared to a prisoner?

Answer: The foot is compared to a prisoner because it is trapped inside a shoe, much like how people become confined by life’s responsibilities.

  • What does the poet mean by the foot being “blind”?

Answer: The foot being “blind” means it walks through life without knowing its final destination or purpose, symbolizing the uncertainties of life.

  • What does the child’s foot desire to become?

Answer: The child’s foot desires to become a butterfly or an apple.

  • What challenges does the foot face as it grows?

Answer: The foot faces challenges like stones, streets, and rough paths, which teach it about life’s difficulties.

  • How does the foot change as it gets older?

Answer: As the foot gets older, it becomes hard and callused, losing its softness.

  • Why is the foot described as being in a “shoe”?

Answer: The foot is described as being in a shoe to show how it becomes confined and limited by life’s struggles.

  1. Where does the foot go when it finally stops walking?

Answer: The foot descends underground, symbolizing death and the end of life.

  1. What lesson can we learn from the foot’s journey through life?

Answer: We learn that life is full of challenges, but we must keep moving forward, even when things are difficult.

  1. How does the poem show the change from childhood to adulthood?

Answer: The poem shows this change by describing how the soft, delicate child’s foot becomes hard and callused over time, symbolizing the effects of life’s struggles.

  1. Why is it important for the foot to “stand on its own”?

Answer: It’s important because standing on one’s own symbolizes independence and the ability to face life’s challenges with strength.

  1. How does the poet use the image of the foot to reflect human experiences?

Answer: The poet uses the foot to represent how people face obstacles, grow through hardships, and eventually come to terms with life’s realities.

  1. What does the foot being “blind” teach us about facing the future?

Answer: It teaches us that we may not always know what the future holds, but we must keep going with hope and determination.

  1. Answer the following questions in about 60 words (3 Marks)
  2. Wy does the child’s foot desire to be a butterfly or an apple in the poem?

Answer: In the poem, the child’s foot desires to be a butterfly or an apple because it symbolizes freedom, lightness, and the endless possibilities that come with childhood dreams. The foot is unaware of the limitations it will face as it grows older. The butterfly represents the ability to fly and explore, while the apple symbolizes growth and beauty. This reflects the child’s innocent hopes before encountering the realities of life.

  • How does the poet describe the process of the foot’s transformation from childhood to adulthood?

Answer: The poet describes the foot’s transformation by showing how it starts soft and delicate, like petals, but gradually hardens and becomes callused. The foot faces  challenges like walking on rough paths, stones, and glass, which represent life’s difficulties. As time passes, the foot loses its softness and becomes rough, much like how people grow tougher with age. This transformation symbolizes how life’s hardships shape us as we grow older.

  • What does the poet mean when he says the foot is a “prisoner condemned to live in a shoe”?

Answer: When the poet says the foot is a “prisoner condemned to live in a shoe,” he means that the foot, like a person, becomes confined by the restrictions of life as it grows older. The shoe represents the limits imposed by society, responsibilities, and the physical toll life takes on the body. The foot, which once wished to fly and be free, is now trapped and restricted, just like how people’s dreams and freedoms are often limited by life’s circumstances.

  • Why does the poet describe the foot as “blind,” and what does this suggest about the way people live?

Answer: The poet describes the foot as “blind” because it walks through life without seeing where it is going, symbolizing the uncertainty people face in life. The foot blindly follows a path, never fully aware of its final destination or purpose. This suggests that people often move through life without knowing what lies ahead, making choices and decisions without complete understanding, but continuing forward regardless. It reflects the human experience of living without fully understanding our future or destiny.

  • Why does the foot stop dreaming of becoming a butterfly or an apple?

Answer: The foot stops dreaming of becoming a butterfly or an apple because it faces harsh realities like stones, streets, and rough paths. These challenges teach the foot that it cannot fly or become a fruit, symbolizing how life’s obstacles make us realize our limitations and let go of childhood dreams.

  • How does the foot change physically as it grows older?

Answer: The foot changes physically by becoming hard, callused, and losing its soft, petaled-like toes. As it grows older, the once delicate and smooth foot becomes rough and hardened, symbolizing how people change and become tough due to the challenges they face throughout life.

  • What does the poet mean by the foot walking “without respite”?

Answer: The poet means that the foot walks without stopping, symbolizing how people continue to work, move, and live without rest. It suggests that life is full of constant movement and effort, and people rarely take breaks or time for themselves, even though they are burdened by responsibilities.

  • What is the significance of the foot descending “underground” at the end of the poem? Answer: The foot descending “underground” represents death, symbolizing the end of life. After walking and facing life’s challenges, the foot finally stops and returns to the earth, suggesting that death is the final destination for all living beings and the end of the struggles of life.
  • How does the poet use the foot to represent life’s journey?

Answer: The poet uses the foot to symbolize life’s journey by showing how it starts soft and full of dreams, but faces challenges like stones and rough paths. Over time, the foot becomes hard and callused, representing how life’s difficulties shape and change us as we grow older.

  1. What does the poem teach us about facing challenges in life?

Answer: The poem teaches us that challenges in life, like the foot facing stones and rough paths, are unavoidable. It shows that even though life can be difficult and confining, like the foot in a shoe, we must keep moving forward and adapt to the hardships we encounter.

  1. Why is the foot described as “blind” in the poem, and what does it mean for people? Answer: The foot is described as “blind” to show that it continues moving without seeing its path, just like people face life’s challenges without knowing their future. It means that, despite uncertainty, we must keep walking forward and trust the process, even if we can’t predict where life will lead.
  1. What lesson can we learn from the foot’s transformation from soft to hard?

Answer: The foot’s transformation from soft to hard teaches us that life’s challenges make us stronger. Just as the foot becomes callused over time, people grow tougher and more resilient as they face difficulties. It shows that while life can be hard, these experiences shape us and help us adapt.

FROM QUESTION BANK

  1. What according to the speaker is the child’s foot not yet aware of in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: According to the speaker, the child’s foot is not yet aware that it is a foot and would like to be something else, like a butterfly or an apple.

  • Mention one of the things that the child’s foot likes to be in ‘To the Foot From its Child’. Answer: One of the things the child’s foot likes to be is a butterfly.
  • According to the speaker in ‘To the Foot From its Child’, what would like to be a butterfly or an apple?

Answer: According to the speaker, the child’s foot would like to be a butterfly or an apple.

  • Where is the child’s foot condemned to live according to the speaker in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The child’s foot is condemned to live in a shoe.

  •  
    What is out of touch with its fellow in the poem, ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: In the poem, the foot is out of touch with its fellow, meaning it is isolated and enclosed in its own world, not connected with other parts.

  • Who feels out life like a blind man in the poem, ‘To the Foot From its Child’? Answer: The foot feels out life like a blind man in the poem.
  • What do the soft nails of the child change themselves into in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The soft nails of the child change themselves into a hard, opaque substance, hard as horn.

  • What are the toes of the child compared to in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The toes of the child are compared to eyeless reptiles with triangular heads, like worms.

  • What form do the petaled toes take on in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The petaled toes take on the form of eyeless reptiles with triangular heads.

  1. What does the blind thing refer to in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The “blind thing” refers to the foot, which walks through life without seeing or knowing its final destination.

  1. Mention any one of the places through which the foot walks in ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: One of the places through which the foot walks is the fields.

  1. How long does the foot walk in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: The foot walks without respite, never stopping, hour after hour, throughout its life.

  1. Where did the foot descend after it ceased to be in ‘To the Foot From its Child’? Answer: After it ceased to be, the foot descended underground.
  1. Answer the following questions in about 100 words each (4 Marks)
  2. How does the poem ‘To the Foot From its Child’ bring out the contrast between illusion and reality?

Answer: The poem contrasts illusion and reality by illustrating the child’s foot’s initial dreams of being a butterfly or an apple, which symbolize freedom and potential. However, as the foot encounters life’s challenges—such as walking on rough paths, stones, and glass—it faces the harsh reality of physical confinement and hard work. This shift from the foot’s innocent desires to the reality of adult life highlights the stark difference between youthful fantasies and the often difficult truths of growing up.

  • What happens to the foot when it is condemned to live in a shoe as presented in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: When the foot is condemned to live in a shoe, it becomes confined and restricted. This metaphorical shoe represents the limitations and burdens imposed by adult life, trapping the foot and preventing it from realizing its early dreams of flying or being a fruit. The confinement in the shoe symbolizes how responsibilities and societal expectations limit personal freedom and how the foot loses its initial flexibility and freedom as it grows older.

  • Trace the stages of the foot’s transformation as portrayed in ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: The foot’s transformation begins with its initial state of softness and innocence, where it dreams of being a butterfly or an apple. As it encounters life’s obstacles, such as stones and rough paths, it becomes hard and callused. Over time, the foot’s once-soft skin turns into a tough, opaque substance. In its later stages, the foot becomes deformed and calloused, reflecting the cumulative impact of life’s hardships. Finally, it walks tirelessly until it descends underground, symbolizing death and the end of its journey.

  • Explain the similarity between the foot’s early life and its end as depicted in ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: The similarity between the foot’s early life and its end is seen in the themes of limitation and confinement. Initially, the foot is confined by its innocence and dreams of unattainable things. At the end, it is confined by death and burial underground. Both stages reflect a state of restriction—the early confinement of unfulfilled dreams and the final confinement in death. This reflects how both youth and old age come with their own forms of limitations and inevitable constraints.

  • How does the poem ‘To the Foot From its Child’ bring out the plight of a person dictated by society?

Answer: The poem illustrates the plight of a person dictated by society through the foot’s journey from freedom to confinement. The foot starts with dreams and potential but becomes restricted by the physical limitations of living in a shoe, symbolizing societal expectations and responsibilities. This confinement represents how societal norms and roles constrain personal freedom and ambitions. The poem shows how individuals are often trapped by societal demands, losing their initial dreams and freedom as they conform to prescribed roles and duties.

  • Explain the instances that make the child’s foot aware of the obstacles and hardships in ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: The child’s foot becomes aware of obstacles and hardships through direct experiences with rough and painful conditions. It encounters stones, bits of glass, and uneven paths that challenge its earlier, softer state. These harsh experiences teach the foot about its limitations and the difficulties of life. The once-innocent dreams of flying or being a fruit are replaced by the reality of enduring physical pain and confinement, illustrating how life’s challenges lead to a deeper understanding of the world and its hardships.

  • ‘To the Foot From its Child’ is a comment on the journey of life. Discuss.

Answer: “To the Foot From its Child” comments on the journey of life by portraying the foot’s transformation from childhood innocence to adulthood’s harsh reality. Initially, the foot is soft and full of dreams, wanting to be a butterfly or an apple, symbolizing freedom and potential. As it encounters life’s challenges, such as rough paths and stones, it becomes hardened and calloused. This change represents how life’s trials shape and confine individuals, reflecting the inevitable process of growing up and facing the reality of adult responsibilities.

  • Society crushes dreams of individuals and condemns them to live in captivity. Explain with reference to ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: In “To the Foot From its Child,” society is depicted as crushing dreams and confining individuals through the metaphor of the foot being condemned to live in a shoe. Initially, the foot dreams of being a butterfly or an apple, representing freedom and potential. However, as it grows, it is restricted by societal expectations and responsibilities, symbolized by the shoe. This confinement reflects how societal norms limit personal freedom and dreams, forcing individuals to adapt to roles and conditions imposed by society, thus living in a metaphorical captivity.

  • The poem ‘To the Foot From its Child’ represents the conflict between illusion and reality. Elaborate.

Answer: The poem “To the Foot From its Child” vividly represents the conflict between illusion and reality through the journey of the foot. In its early stages, the foot holds illusions of being a butterfly or an apple, symbolizing unbounded dreams and possibilities. However, as the foot encounters life’s challenges—like rough paths and stones—it confronts the harsh reality of physical limitations and societal constraints. This shift from idealistic dreams to the reality of confinement and hard work highlights the stark contrast between youthful fantasies and the often harsh truths of life.

  1. The norms of society control a man just as the foot is enclosed in a shoe. How is this depicted in ‘To the Foot From its Child’?

Answer: In “To the Foot From its Child,” the norms of society controlling a man are depicted through the metaphor of the foot being enclosed in a shoe. Initially, the foot is free and dreams of boundless possibilities. However, as it grows, it becomes confined within a shoe, symbolizing how societal norms and expectations restrict personal freedom. The shoe represents the constraints and roles imposed by society, which limit the individual’s potential and freedom, similar to how the foot’s dreams are suppressed and it is confined by the physical and metaphorical shoe.

  1. The foot is forced to play various roles and shoulder many responsibilities. Explain with reference to ‘To the Foot From its Child’.

Answer: In “To the Foot From its Child,” the foot is forced to play various roles and shoulder numerous responsibilities, symbolizing the demands of adult life. Initially, the foot is soft and carefree, but as it encounters life’s obstacles, it becomes hard and calloused, reflecting how it takes on the burdens of walking through rough paths and fulfilling responsibilities. The poem illustrates how, over time, the foot must endure constant movement and labour, representing the multiple roles and obligations that life imposes on individuals as they grow older.