Poetic Appreciation (4 Marks)
1. The Song of the Open Road – Walt Whitman
About the poet and poem:
This poem is written by Walt Whitman, a famous American poet known for free verse. The poem celebrates freedom, self-confidence, and optimism in life.
Theme:
The open road symbolizes freedom and independence. The poet wants to live a carefree life without fear, burden, or restrictions.
Language & Poetic Devices:
The language is simple and conversational. It is written in free verse.
Example: “The open road” – Metaphor/Symbolism, where the road represents the journey of life and freedom.
Special Features:
The poem is motivational and inspiring. It encourages readers to follow their own path in life.
My Opinion:
I like this poem because it teaches self-reliance and confidence. It inspires us to live life boldly and positively.
2. Indian Weavers – Sarojini Naidu
Poetic Appreciation (5 Marks)
1 About the poet and poem:
Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India, wrote this poem. It presents three stages of human life through weavers’ work.
2 Theme:
The poem represents the cycle of life—birth, youth, and death—through morning, evening, and night.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
The poem has a musical rhyme scheme (aabb).
Example: “Why do you weave, O weavers?” – Interrogation, used to introduce the theme, not to seek an answer.
4 Special Features:
The symbolic use of colours and time of day is impressive and meaningful.
5 My Opinion:
The poem beautifully connects Indian culture with philosophy of life. Its rhythm and symbolism are admirable.
3. The Inchcape Rock – Robert Southey
1 About the poet and poem:
Robert Southey wrote this ballad based on a legendary sea story involving a pirate and a warning bell.
2 Theme:
The poem teaches that evil deeds lead to punishment. The pirate dies due to his own wrongdoing.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
It has a regular rhyme scheme (aabb).
Example: “The Sun in heaven was shining gay” – Personification, as the sun is given human feelings.
4 Special Features:
The sea background and strong storytelling make the poem lively and dramatic.
5 My Opinion / Message:
The poem teaches the moral: As you sow, so shall you reap.
4. Have You Earned Your Tomorrow – Edgar Guest
1 About the poet and poem:
Edgar Guest, a people’s poet, wrote this inspirational poem focusing on human behavior.
2 Theme:
Today’s actions decide tomorrow’s future. Kindness and goodness bring positive results.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
The poem uses simple language and repeated questions.
Example: “Have you earned your tomorrow?” – Interrogation, used to make the reader think deeply.
4 Special Features:
The direct questioning style makes the poem impactful.
5 My Opinion / Message:
The poem motivates us to live positively today to earn a better tomorrow.
5. Father Returning Home – Dilip Chitre
1 About the poet and poem:
Dilip Chitre wrote this poem portraying a lonely, tired father returning from work.
2 Theme:
The poem highlights alienation, loneliness, and neglect of elderly people in modern society.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
Written in free verse.
Example: “Like a word dropped from a long sentence” – Simile, showing the father’s neglect and loneliness.
4 Special Features:
The realistic portrayal of urban life is touching and emotional.
5 My Opinion / Moral:
The poem reminds us to respect and care for our parents.
6. Money – William H. Davies
1 About the poet and poem:
William H. Davies wrote this reflective poem based on his experiences of poverty and wealth.
2 Theme:
Money attracts false friends, while poverty reveals true relationships.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
The poem has five quatrains.
Example: “Money, alas! I have none” – Inversion, as the normal word order is changed for emphasis.
4 Special Features:
The contrast between rich and poor life is clearly shown.
5 My Opinion / Message:
Money cannot buy happiness or genuine friendship.
7. She Walks in Beauty – Lord Byron
1 About the poet and poem:
Lord Byron wrote this ode praising the beauty of an unnamed woman.
2 Theme:
The poem celebrates harmony between inner purity and outer beauty.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
The poem is lyrical and rich in imagery.
Example: “She walks in beauty, like the night” – Simile, comparing her beauty to the calm night.
4 Special Features:
The comparison of beauty with nature enhances poetic charm.
5 My Opinion / Message:
Inner beauty is more lasting and valuable than physical beauty.
8. Small Towns and Rivers – Mamang Dai
1 About the poet and poem:
Mamang Dai wrote this poem reflecting on nature, life, and environmental concerns.
2 Theme:
Rivers symbolize continuity of life, while towns represent change and human interference.
3 Language & Poetic Devices:
Written in free verse.
Example: “The river has a soul” – Personification, as the river is given human qualities.
4 Special Features:
The poem provokes thought about environmental destruction.
5 My Opinion / Message:
We must protect nature, especially rivers, for future generations.