BA ADA Part 1 English Poems Notes

1. LEISURE
Q1: We do not have time to appreciate beauty of life and nature. Why?
Q2: What are the main ideas explained in the poem Leisure?
Q3: What does poet want to convey in his poem?
Q4: Leisure is criticism on the life of modern man. Discuss.
Q5: What are some of the simple delights we miss in our rushed life?
Answer:
William Davies' poetry is marked with truth and simplicity in idea as
well as in language. This poem is the open criticism on modem man's living-style.
Modern man of machine age himself has become machine. He is passing his days
and nights in doing different jobs but without enjoying pleasure and beauties of
natural world.

There is negligence in his attitude towards beautiful scenes of nature and

attractive actions of a charming woman. His life is worse than animals which have
time to enjoy themselves with the pleasing natural sights.
"What is this life if full of care
We have no time to stand and stare"

He passes through forests but does not give attention towards various
activities of the residents of animal world. He neglects to soothe his eves by watching
a smiling face of an attractive woman. The mechanical occupation has deprived
people of beauties of life and nature.

To conclude the whole topic it would not be wrong to say that modern man's life is
very miserable as well as pitiable due to his own dull and non-aesthetic activities.
The poet thinks that we should spend our free time in enjoying and appreciating the
beauty of nature.

2. TARTARY
Q1: Describe the literary qualities of the poem.
Q2: How can you say that "Tartary "is a romantic land of the poet's dream?
Q3: Describe briefly the pictorial quality of De La Mare's poetry with
reference.
Q4: Write a note on the land of Tartary after your study of the poem "Tartary
Q5: Discuss De La Mare as a poet and lover of nature with reference to his
poem.
Q6: How does the poet look as a king of Tartary?
Answer:
Tartary is the production of an imaginative mind as Coleridge's romantic
poem Kubla Khan. The selection of words, dictions, sounds, and the theme of the
poem make it a model piece of imaginative and natural poetry.

The poet represents all those minds which wish to escape from the human
world of worries, sorrows and miseries into mind-made kingdom of luxuries,
pleasures, and comforts. As poet says:

"My bed should be of ivory,

Of beaten gold my throne"

The presence of peacocks in his court, tigers in forests, and fish in pools,
the twinkling of colorful lights at night, fascinating music with traditional
instruments and presentation of meal to the master of this self-designed land make
it a splendid kingdom.
 De La Mare has composed his poem beautifully and takes his readers into
a dream world, where there is nothing except pleasures. The use of similes, imagery,
and metaphor beautifies the poem.

Tartary would be a utopian land where human beings are not found and it is
hard to believe in its reality. The main idea of this poem does not appeal realistic
minds but the superb use of imagination and figurative language is appreciable.

3. NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Q1: Which resolutions were made by the poetess on the eve of New Year?

Q2: What does poetess think to do in new year and why?

Q3: Why does the poetess want to face the reality?

Q4: Why does the poetess wish to drink long draught of quiet?

Q5: Do you find this poem different from some of other poems you have read?

Answer:

"New Year Resolutions" is one of the glorious poems ‘due to its simple
language, brevity and terseness, profound meaning and excellent message and
theme. This is the lesson for one who wishes to refine and improve oneself; it does
not carry us into dream or imaginative world like Tartary, Kubla Khan and Solitary
Reaper.

In three simple stanzas, the poetess makes three tough but fruitful and
result-oriented promises. She wants to keep herself silent in order to observe herself
and others. Secondly, she wants to do her assessment as Socretes says:

"Know thyself"
 She wishes to know her status and being in the family and society. She
wants to know her rights, duties, obligations and importance. As she says:

"Who l am"

It is said that contentment is the real happiness and the poetess reveals that
a person can get contentment, if someone starts facing every kind of reality. Though
it is difficult to bear and face hard and bitter realities of life, yet this habit of facing
reality brings bout comforts and internal calmness. Therefore, she pledges to face
naked realities of life with bold heart and tearless eyes. She considers it the secret of
real happiness.

To conclude the whole topic it would not be wrong to say that "New Year
Resolutions" is different from other poems and teaches us fruitful lessons. It urges
us to change our life keeping in view the past life.

4. WOMAN WORK
Q1: Describe the condition of a domestic woman as is depicted by Maya Anglo.

Q2: What does a woman feel after doing laborious routine work?

Q3: Why does a woman wish to pass her free time in the company of natural
objects?
Q4: Compare the domestic woman of Maya Anglo's society with Pakistani
domestic woman.

Q5: How does Maya Anglo depict the life of western domestic woman?

Answer:

Maya Anglo's poem "Woman Work" is clear depiction of the life of a

domestic woman. Her routine job, passion to serve and desire to achieve peace and
calmness through the objects and nature has been versified in simple but in a
beautiful way.

A domestic woman performs different duties from dawn to dusk at her

home. She has to keep home clean. She has to take care o her babies as well as other
members of family. It is also her job to repair and iron clothes, to bring food and
cook it and some other regular jobs. She also does work in house garden as Pakistani
woman does in open field. There is similarity of job between Pakistani and western
domestic woman.

Entertainment and nourishtment are the basic needs of human beings

because human beings are not like robots. That is why; a tired woman calls objects
of nature for the freshness of her mind and body. As she says:

“Shine on me sunshine

Rain on me, rain

Fall softly, dew drops

And cool my brow again”

Nature is replete with captivating and soothe-giving sights. These natural

objects are the gifts of Allah and every human being can call them own as Maya
Anglo's woman declares. The figurative language of the poem makes it as romantic
as De La Mare's Tartary.

5. THE REBEL
Q1: Apparently the rebel seems to be ridiculous but in fact he is brave.
Comment.

02: Draw a character sketch of a rebel.

Q3: What is the main theme of poem "The Rebel"?

Q4: Discuss the elements of satire and humour in the poem "The Rebel"

Q5: The existence of rebels is good for a society. Discuss.

Answer:

"The Rebel" is the depiction of that incredulous person whose every action
is different from other people of the society. The poet has described the life of this
rebel humorously and satirically.

The rebel differs with people in everything. He does not like to lead his life
are other people do. His every action distinguishes him from other people of the
society. He would like to shape his individuality; He considers it his disgrace to
follow others blindly.

The poet depicts him as a trend setter and innovator. He is not ridiculed but
praised because of his eccentric but individual behaviour.

The important point of composing this poem is to appreciate free thought

and to discourage blind-following. The poet's harmless rebel lives in society but tries
his level best to keep himself different from others.

"When everybody is praising the sun

The rebel remarks on the need for rain"

Movements cause the development of societies and positive rebelliousness

of individuals should not be condemned discouraged because they bring about
revolution in societies. The existence of rebels is beneficial for societies. That is why
people should not discourage these people.

6. PATRIOT INTO TRAITOR

Q1: How is the patriot repaid for his public services?

Q2: What is the relevance of this poem to the political conditions prevailing in
the third world countries?

Q3: How does a patriot turn into a traitor?

Q4: Describe tragic downfall of the hero?

Answer:

Robert Browning’s poem "Patriot into Traitor" shows the naked reality of
political world where there is no consistency of making someone hero or zero.

A person who is welcomed with flowers departures with stones. The political
condition of the third world countries reflects the same picture where people
distribute sweets and entertain new expectations on the advent of every new face on
the throne. Every new ruler is greeted with flowers and admirable remarks as
Browning’s patriot says:

“It was roses all the way

With myrtle mixed in my path"

People start considering their leader as flawless as an angel. They forget

everything for the sake of their new hero. They are ready even to do unbelievable
actions to show their loyalty and love for new hero.

Browning's patriot did a lot for happiness and prosperity of his nation. This
style of politics is found in third world countries where political figures get
popularity quickly and are defamed very quickly. Browning’s patriot was beloved
of everyone and everyone was ready to sacrifice everything for his beloved hero.
 It was all of a sudden when the same beloved hero became the most hateful
person and he was declared the traitor. He was given death sentence. It was a horrible
scene for him when the ex-patriot was being carried towards gallows like a big
traitor. His past admirers had changed their views about him and were seen on that
spot where he was to be hanged

The patriot expects that he will be given good reward in the next world and
in this way he satisfies himself.

7. THE HUNTSMAN
Q1: Discuss the role of cruel fate in Kagwa's story?

Q2: What is the hidden message of Kagwa's story?

Q3: Discuss the use of irony and suspense in this poem?

Q4: The huntsman discovered his blunder but too late. Elaborate.

Answer:

Kagwa's tragic story is full of suspense and irony and conveys a meaningful
message to its readers. Kagwa's weak comprehension of skull's meaningful
statement caused Kagwa's journey towards death.

Fate is the essential part of human life but the role of character is also very
important in human life. We find both character and fate whleh were responsible for
Kagwa's tragic end.

Kagwa was an expert hunter like Santiago. Once Kagwa met a talking skull
during his expedition of hunting lions in the forest. The skull surprised him by his
talking ability.
 In fact, the skull wanted to teach him a lesson of using tongue wisely and
properly but Kagwa could not understand its ironical statement.

Kagwa would like to share this strange discovery with his country king.
Suspense is created many times in the story like here readers think whether Kagwa
will be awarded n or not.

The king listened his story but was not ready to believe in it. He sent his two
guards with Kagwa to verify his statement. It was also king's instructions to kill
Kagwa if the same skull is not found. The skull was searched after great struggle but
it did not speak any word in the presence of guards. The guards killed Kagwa and
the skull asked the same question from Kagwa's skull.

How did you come here?

Kagwa's skull replied:

‘Talking brought me here'.

In the end, Kagwa understood what the skull wanted to teach but the time had
passed.

8. ONE ART
Q1: The art of losing is not hard to master. What is your opinion about it?

Q2: Which lesson does poetess want to teach us in her poem ONE ART?

Q3: How can we learn the art of losing things?

Q4: Discuss the central idea of the poem.

Answer:

ONE ART is a lesson giving poem which teaches us how to achieve

expertness in encountering tough situations of life, especially, when we lose what
we love.

The poetess has used simple and common language. She does try to persuade
her readers that losing and bearing happily bring peace and comfort in someone’s
life. She gives examples from her own experience. She lost many sweet and dear
things but no one brought disaster for her.

"Some realms l owned, two rivers, a continent

I miss them but it was not a disaster”

There is soft touch of irony, satire and humour in this poem. The literary
beauty of this poem increases beauty of the poem. The purpose of using irony and
satire is to convey message with tough criticism. Elizabeth stresses upon repetition
of losing things to be master over this art. We can also get expertness by making
habit of losing things and to tolerate their loss smilingly

It can be said confidently that if we develop a habit of ignoring small and big
losses in life, we can retain a secure hold on happiness and also prepare ourselves
for extremely untoward happenings in real life.

9. THE SOLITARY REAPER

Q1: Common experience of the poet has been discussed in the poem. Comment.

Q2: The song of the girl impressed the poet very much. Elaborate.

Q3: 'The Solitary Reaper' is a romantic poem. Discuss.

Answer:

William Words Worth is one of the pioneers and hard supporters of

Romanticism. Words Worth's production "THE SOLITARY REAPER" is the clear
example of romantic poetry. It has all the elements of romantic poetry. The poem
deals with the life of common people. The poem is also full of romantic images as
the field, reaping and singing.

Once, Wordsworth came across an unknown girl who was busy in field work.
The girl is a representative of a pure natural beauty.

She was singing a song in a strange language but its guessed theme and sad
sound appealed poet's mind. Magnetic voice of girl's song is preferred to nightingale
and cuckoo-bird by the poet.

"A voice so thrilling never was heard

In spring from the cuckoo bird"

Nature is always a source of pleasure and joy for human beings. It was not
unusual experience of the poet but he made it unusual. The use of figurative language
increases beauty and enchantment-of the poem. Maiden’s song left deep impression
over poet's mind and heart. The poet stood still and listened to that sweet song. The
sweet memory of that song became a permanent source of joy for Wordsworth. In
short, it is a beautiful romantic poem.

10. ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Q1: What are the seven stages of man's life which Shakespeare has described?

Q2: Discuss different stages of human life.

Q3: Which stage in human life appeals you most?

Answer:

Shakespeare was an eminent literary figure of sixteen century. His humanistic

and universal literary works have made him the man of genius for all ages.

'All the World's a Stage' is an extract taken from Shakespeare's play "As You
like It". The life of a man has been divided into seven stages and every stage has
been described masterfully by Shakespeare.

A man begins his life as a language less child who feels comfort in the arms
of his nurse. He drinks milk but vomits it sometimes. He takes food and passes smile
and pleasure in return.

He reaches school going age but is not willing to bear the burden of books.
His face appears twinkling but his walking speed shows displeasure for this boring
job

Third stage is very risky. It is dominant by heart -decisions and unripened

emotions. His eyes always search the desired face. His lips do not move but only in
praise of his beloved.

He becomes respect hungry at fourth stage. He keeps himself ready to fight

on small issues. He does not speak but to impress others to get hollow reputation.

"Jealous in honour sudden and quick in quarrel

Seeking the bubble reputation"

A man gets the status of a sound judge at the fifth stage of his life. His
physique changes, mind becomes mature and language wise.
 Sixth stage displays weak body, thin legs, dim eye sight and lose clothes. His
sound seems unclear and like children.

The final stage of man's life is very miserable. His sensitive and important
parts of body leave working properly. A man is seen but with sans teeth, sans eyes,
sans taste, and sans everything.

11. DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL

Q1. Discuss the theme / message / central idea of the poem.

Q2. Discuss Eliot's optimism in accordance with his "Departure and Arrival

Answer:

Thomas Sterns Eliot is one of those idealistic and optimistic literary writers
whose literary writings have humanistic touch and hopeful lesson. Eliot is modern
writer and he uses similes, metaphors, and imagery for the presentation of his ideas
and thoughts. "Departure and Arrival” is thought provoking poem for new
generation of waste land.

Human life is like a journey but this zigzag journey should be initiated with
hope and should be ended by leaving a enviable legacy for coming generation. It is
not easy task because this journey is full of affliction hardships and unknown fears.

Eliot's optimistic mind does discourage but persuades everyone to accept all
these challenges. It is we who will have to change the destiny of this century. We
are to relieve the pain and suffering of human beings. We should dedicate our
energies and abilities to make this century enviable.

We are its sons and we are to do it. This poem has been written on the behalf
of Wordsworth's poetry. T. S. Eliot has preferred intellect to emotions and has tried
to inspire young generation to do something unique so that they may be proud of it.
As Eliot says:

"In future years be found with those who try

To labour for those the good until they die"

To conclude the whole topic it would be easy to say that Eliot was idealist-
cum-optimist poet. There is encouragement and inspiration in this poem for young
hearts.

12. A POISON TREE

Q1: Which message / central idea / moral has been given in the poem A Poison
Tree?

Q2: There is no need of any poison tree where there is no frankness. Discuss.

Q3: What happened with the enemy of the poet?

Answer:

This is a personality shaping poem. A beautiful lesson has been delivered

through an exemplary story of two characters that had different opinion about each
other. Their story with sad conclusion has been narrated symbolically.

It is said that wrath is itself a disease and its medicine is to search a reasonable
way to finish it. Once, poet was angry with one of his friends but he concealed his
resentment and let it increase in his heart. He meets his foe with smiling face but
hating-heart. He was entangling him in detrimental net like Satan entrapped Adam
and Eve.
 The poet generates a tree of hatred in his heart and waters it by his tears of
grudge.

"And I watered it in fears,

Night and morning with my tears"

The poet succeeded in his mission when his enemy ate up sweet looking
poisonous red apple. The enemy died and the poet felt delight. The hidden meaning
can be understood that we should express our feelings for others whether these are
good or bad. We should avoid from hypocrisy.

To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that clear expression of feelings
brings peace whereas hypocrisy always causes destructive results.

13. BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH

Q1: Death is very courteous host in "Because I Could not Stop for Death"
Explain.

Q2: Describe Emily Dickinson's journey in the company of death.

Q3: Death is not the traditional sergeant but a friend and a guide. Elaborate.

Q4: Death is by no means dreadful; he is friendly and patronizing. Comment.

Answer:

Emily Dickinson's poem" Because I Could not Stop for Death" is a faith
making and fear ending poem. The most dangerous thing has been presented like
peace giving and kind one. Every human being has to have taste of death. None of
us likes death.
 Dickinson's poem urges its readers to deal with death as true friend because it
carries us from transitory world to immortal world.

A person passes through different stages of life as Shakespeare has divided

human life into seven stages. Dickinson has taken human life as a journey. The
destination of his journey is a mud house and it is death which helps the passenger
to reach there.

The poetess portrays human life symbolically. School and field of grazing
grain symbolize early and mature stages of human life. The setting sun is the symbol
of ending of life.

Death has been shown as a kind companion by poetess. In fact, death is fearful
but the poetess presents it in a sympathetic way.

""Because I could not stop for death, he kindly stopped for me."

According to the poetess, death is not the end of life, but the beginning of
immortal life.

17. WHEN I HAVE FEARS

Q1: What are Keats's fears?

Q2: How reliable and durable is love and fame in the eyes of Keats?

Q3: What is the central idea of the poem "When I have Fears"?

Answer:

A young patient poet whose mind was full of excellent ideas and thoughts,
had fears about his unexpected death. It was his desire to convey his ideas through
his literary pen. His eyes see beauty of universe and his mind would like to present
these beautiful sights but he regrets that his life is short and the world is vast. He
wishes to pass his time in the company of his beloved. The presence of his beloved
may make his life happy but his life is very short.

These are the fears in his heart and mind that his surrounding natural world is
beautiful but he is ill-fated because he is unable to get pleasure for a long time.

John Keats' poetry shows maturity of thought and his keen observation of
human life. He has presented a very deep thought in the ending two lines of his
sonnet. Human life is mortal and everything is related to it is mortal.

“Of the wide world stand alone and think

Till love and fame to nothingness do sink”

To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that chief fears of Keats are
fears of unfulfilled love and about his early and immature death.

19. HAWK'S MONOLOGUE

Q1: What are the thoughts and activities of Hawk?

Q2: Discuss the main ideas / theme of the poem Hawk's Monologue?

Q3: What is the hidden message of Hawk's Monologue?

Q4: Discuss the character of Hawk described by Ted Hughes?

Answer:

Death, destruction, violence and savagery are the major themes of Ted
Hughes' poetry. Hawk's monologue is one of its shining examples. Monologue
means conversation of character with himself. The character of this poem considers
himself a unique and matchless creature. His whole body, especially his feet and
feathers have been designed masterfully.

It is the influence of his power that everything moves according to his will.
He feels happiness like dictator in plundering and destroying others. Hawk's nature
resembles a powerful dictator who considers himself as perfect as Ted's Hawk.

Both power drunk tear off those who try to challenge them. They are flawless
and it is they who decide who are to live and who are to die because the allotment
of death is their right.

"For the one path of my flight is direct

Through the bones of the living

No arguments assert my right."

To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that Hawk's thoughts symbolize
dictators who can do whatever they want without caring for any moral or legal
restriction.

21. POLITICS
Q1: Why does the poet wish to become young again?

Q2: How does Yeats contrast the reality of love with that of politics?

Q3: Discuss the power of love in human life?

Answer:

The approach of W.B. Yeats' writing is modern cum traditional. Therefore,

his writing appeals both traditional and modern minds. His poem ‘Politics’ deals
with very delicate and complicated human emotion that is love.
 Human life is the amalgamation of emotions and passions, there is no
limitation of these emotions in human heart but W.B. Yeats considers that "love" is
dominant on all.

Today's age is the age of power politics and everyone is looked submerged in
it. Old people are looked more active in doing politics in different fields.

It is the beautiful face of a dream girl whose appearance causes disappearance

of everything from the minds of on lookers; the poet shares his thoughts that he has
become old but a charming young face makes him young as well. He surrenders
himself for the sake of getting pleasure by taking her in his old arms.

Local or foreign politics has lost importance when a heart winning face of a
smart lady is present before any politician. In fact, this poem shows the power of
love over human heart and mind. Its taste is delectable and attractable. Therefore,
everyone wishes to take it.