The Echoing Green

William Blake

Extract-1
“The sun does arise,
And make happy the skies.
The merry bells ring
To welcome the Spring.
The sky-lark and thrush,
The birds of the bush,
Sing louder around,
To the bells’ cheerful sound.”

Questions and Answers:

1.What natural phenomena are described in the first two lines of the extract? (3
marks)

Ans- The natural phenomena described in the first two lines of the extract
include the rising of the sun and the resulting happiness in the skies. The sun's
ascent symbolizes the start of a new day, bringing light and warmth. This
depiction sets a positive and joyful tone for the scene. The imagery of the happy
skies reflects the brightness and clarity brought by the sun, enhancing the
overall atmosphere of cheerfulness and renewal in the poem.

2. Which season is being welcomed in this extract, and how is it signaled? (3

marks)

Ans- The season being welcomed in this extract is spring. This is signaled by
the mention of merry bells ringing, which is a traditional way to celebrate the
arrival of spring. Spring is often associated with new beginnings, growth, and
renewal, and the ringing bells serve as a joyful announcement of the season's
arrival. The overall tone of the extract, with its references to the rising sun and
singing birds, also reinforces the sense of springtime rejuvenation and
celebration.

3.Identify two types of birds mentioned in the extract and give a few details
about them? (3 marks)

Ans- The two types of birds mentioned in the extract are the sky-lark and the
thrush. Both birds are known for their melodious songs, which add to the
cheerful and lively atmosphere described in the poem. The sky-lark is often
associated with the open sky and high, soaring flights, while the thrush is
known for its rich, varied singing. Their presence and singing symbolize the
vibrancy and beauty of the natural world during spring, contributing to the
overall sense of joy and celebration.

4.What is the effect of the birds’ singing on the atmosphere described in the
poem? (3 marks)

The effect of the birds’ singing on the atmosphere described in the poem is one
of enhanced cheerfulness and liveliness. The songs of the sky-lark and thrush,
along with other birds, contribute to the overall joyful mood, creating a sense of
harmony and celebration in nature. The louder singing of the birds around the
ringing bells amplifies the festive and welcoming tone of the scene. This
harmonious blend of natural sounds underscores the theme of spring as a time
of renewal, happiness, and communal joy.

5. Explain the relationship between nature and the joy of the season as depicted
in this extract. (4 marks)

In this extract, nature and the joy of the season are closely intertwined, each
enhancing the other. The rising sun and the happy skies signify the start of
spring, a season often associated with renewal and growth. The ringing of merry
bells and the louder singing of birds like the sky-lark and thrush further amplify
this sense of celebration and vitality. Nature, in its various forms, embodies the
spirit of spring, creating an atmosphere filled with cheer and optimism. The
harmonious interaction between these natural elements reflects the poem’s
overarching theme of the cyclical and joyous nature of life, emphasizing the
rejuvenating power of spring.
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Extract-2
“Old John, with white hair
Does laugh away care,
Sitting under the oak,
Among the old folk,
They laugh at our play,
And soon they all say.
‘Such, such were the joys.
When we all girls & boys,
In our youth-time were seen,
On the Echoing Green.”

Questions and Answers:

1.Who is the central figure in this extract, and what physical characteristic is
mentioned? (3 marks)

Ans- The central figure in this extract is Old John, whose physical characteristic
mentioned is his white hair. His white hair signifies his old age and experience,
contrasting with the youthful energy of the children playing on the Echoing
Green. Old John represents the older generation, reflecting on past joys while
observing the current activities. His presence and appearance provide a link
between the past and present, emphasizing the continuity of life and the passage
of time from youth to old age.
2. Where is Old John sitting, and who is he with? (3 marks)

Ans- Old John is sitting under the oak tree, a symbol of strength and endurance,
reflecting his long life and wisdom. He is among the old folk, indicating he is in
the company of other elderly people. This setting under the oak tree among his
peers suggests a communal space where the elders gather, watch the children
play, and reminisce about their own youthful days. The oak tree serves as a
gathering spot that connects generations, reinforcing the poem's theme of
continuity and shared experiences across ages.

3.What do the old folk do as they watch the children play? (3 marks)

Ans- As they watch the children play, the old folk laugh and reminisce about
their own past experiences. Their laughter indicates a sense of joy and perhaps a
bit of nostalgia as they remember their own youthful days. They engage in a
shared reflection, recalling the happiness and innocence of their childhoods.
This collective reminiscing creates a bond between the past and present,
highlighting the enduring nature of childhood joy and the cyclical pattern of
life. Their reactions underscore the poem's theme of the timeless nature of
human experience.

4. How do the elders describe their past experiences on the Echoing Green? (3
marks)

Ans- The elders describe their past experiences on the Echoing Green with a
sense of joy and fondness. They recall their own youth, expressing that the joys
they see in the playing children mirror their own childhood memories. Their
reminiscences are filled with happiness, emphasizing that the Echoing Green
has long been a place of communal joy and innocent pleasures. This nostalgic
reflection underscores the continuity of tradition and the shared human
experience of joy across generations, contributing to the poem’s warm and
reflective tone.
5.Discuss the theme of nostalgia in this extract and how it contributes to the
overall mood of the poem. (4 marks)

Ans- The theme of nostalgia in this extract is portrayed through the elders’
reflections on their youthful days spent on the Echoing Green. Their memories
of past joys, triggered by watching the children play, create a bittersweet
atmosphere that blends happiness with a longing for the past. This nostalgic
sentiment contributes to the overall mood of the poem by emphasizing the
cyclical nature of life. The elders’ fond recollections serve as a reminder of the
transient nature of youth and the enduring joy that spans generations. This
intertwining of past and present experiences creates a harmonious and reflective
mood, underscoring the poem’s themes of continuity and the timelessness of
childhood innocence.

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