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The Rood Not Token
(Robert Frost)

TNx Fcxr
decide which road to follow He stands there for
Robert Frost (1874-1963), a well-known long. He gives a careful thought to each. Then
American poet, was born in San Francisco. He he decides to choose the path which seems to
belongs to the twentieth century, known for its be less travelled. He feels it will make all the
scientific and technological revolution, social difference to his fuhrre life. He decides to save
and cultural upheavals and complexities. The the other path for another day, though he knows
ryodern pgetry, heralded by poets ltke izra that he will not get a chance to go back to it.
Pound, T.S. Eliot and W.H. Auden, is known Later, he might wish he had taken the other
for its ceaseless experimentation.'deiiUerite * path. The feeling in his mind is that of sorrow
obscurities.'realism, and irony. It is mostly an and sadness.
indirect way of expression through symbols and
The poet feels that after ages from now he would
images. Frost is different from other modern
be telling about his decision with a sigh. He
poets. He is modem in the spirit and traditional
would tellhow he took the less frequented road,
in the style of his poetry.
and that had made allthe difference in his life.
Ir.irn0oUCrteni a choice in life
,{aking
----
The poem 'The Road Not Taken' is based on a The pbe\has presentea the"-drf-fleUlly of ma$ng
very common experience. The poet presents a a _c,!r-oice ih{e. We cannot travel all the roads
dilemma of a man in a particular situation. available to us\e have to make a choice. and
O_ne day the poet, while travelling alone, reaches that determinep \ fuhrre. The dilemma faced
a spot where two roads diverge in a wood. He by the poet irfmakin!,.his'choice is the dilemma
entertains a conflict as to which road he should that we all face at some point in our life. We
choose for his onward journey. He stands there have to make a decision. Only the fufure reveals
for a long time and then decides to choose the whether the decision we took was right or
road which is less kavelled. He leaves the other wrong. Having taken a decision, we go on in
road fo:i iorn" other day. Later he wishes he life. We cannot come back to revert our decision.
had taken the other road. At the end of the
Decisions are like the steps that carry us
poem he says that after ages from now, he
forward. We can only look back and repent at
would be telling about his decision with a sigh.
our decision. A decision once taken cannot be
His choice of the less havelled road has made
undone.
allthe difference in his life.

Surulrulety Pa*apu n*sr/ ExprAN,ETroN

Lines 1-5
The poet's dilemma
The road forked iplo two in a yellow forest. i
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost presents a
regretted that I could not travel both the roads
simple situation. One day thg poet, travelling all
aione. reaches a point where the road forks into
at once. I stood and looked for long as far as I
two. He faces a dilemma as to which road to could at one of the roads turning amidst small
plants.
take to continue his journey. He is unable to

Evergreen Literature Companion - 9

 Lines 6-10 Lmsnnnv Devtcss
After great deliberations in my mind, I took the Metaphor : A metaPhor is a kind of
other road that looked as fair and promising as ' comparison, and it establishes a total identity
the first one. It seemed to have a better claim between two objects, qualities or actions. In
because it was overgrown with grass and was this poem, Robert Frost uses the fork in the
still untrodden. Though at the same time I felt road as a metaphor for the choices we make in
that as far as that point, it too had been trodden Iife. The poet suggests that the roads are, in
in the similar way. fact, two alternative ways of life :
Lines 11-15 "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
On that morning both the roads looked And sorry I could not travelboth
iempting as no leaves had been trampled black. And be one traveller ............. "
Therefore, I*tsgp1l!:gja.laad,for-anotherday.
Yet in my heart of hearts I knew how one road Taouer Qursrrorus
leads to another and it might not be possible
for me to refurn to the first one again' I. q+ : . Wheredoesthetraoellerfindhimself ?
What problem does he face ?
Lines 16-20 i&r:s. The traveller finds himself at a place where
I feel that aflerfrqfn.-loql would be telling
age-s-
two roads moved in different directions.
about my decision with a sigh' Thete forked He stands there unable to decide which
the road into two in a wood as I was road he should take. It is a difficult
undertaking a journey. I took the road that was problem for the poet to reach a decision.
less travelled by the people and this has made
allthe difference in my life.
*.t Discuss what these phrases mesn
to You :
TnEurr lt) a Yellow wood
'The Road Not Taken p not.about making a
- (ii).it.wo: grossy anl.,wanted
ia"
w.ear
choice : choose the less frequented, unusual (iii)ihe pg-ssing therjL'
,.:
path. It is rather about the consequences of (io) leaoes no step hiil irodden black
mqling a choic.p. Ii-4an is a limited human being. (o) how u:ay leads on to waY.
He cannot make the right.qnd the final choice.
,

Whatever choice he makes, he is sure to look Aus" (i)'lt means a forest during the autump
season.
wistfully at the alternative. This is what we find
in the poem. The speaker chooses the less (,i) The phrase means that grass had
frequented path. Yet he thinks of the bthel path grown on it and wanted the PeoPle
he has not chosen. He realizes that there is to walk uPon it.
hardly any difference between the two paths or (ii,) It means walking on the road.
roads. That is why, he knows that he would tell (iu) It means no one had walked over
with a sigh that he chose the bther' road. the leaves.
(u) It means this is how one road leads
Mr*s.qe r
to another road.
The poem conveys a meaningful message. It
presents a dilemma of a man in a particular
*.1$. Is there ang dlfference between the
two roads as the Poet describes
situation. The divergenc-e oJ 1-oads signifies life them :
offering two different choiees. It gives the
message that man should make a choice at an
(i) in stanzas two ond three ?
important occasion of his life. (ii) in the last two lines of the poem ?

S.ergreen Literature Companion - 9 @

I
 Ans. The speaker in the poem 'The Road Not
,{crs. (i) In stanzas two and three there is no
difference between the two roads' Taken finds himself in great difficulty of
making a choice in life' He faces two
(ii) In the last two lines of the poem there
roads in a jungle going in two different
is a clear hint that the poet says that :

directions. He cannot travel on both the

'he took the road less travelled by''
roads. So he had to make a choice
He thinks that this choice of his has
between the two options' He thought over
made allthe difference in his life'
the whole matter with a cool mind and
Q.4. What do you think the last tuso lines finally decided to make his choice' Only
of the Poem mean ? Looking back' the future reveals whether the decision
does the Poet regtet his choice to taken by a person is right or wrong' The
mske ? How will You make the fact is that decisions have to be made in
choice for what reasons ? life. We cannot come back to regret a
An*" The last two lines describe the theme of decision. These decisions are like the steps
the poem. The lines convey the meaning that carry us forward' We can only look
that the poet chooses the road 'less favelled back and rePent at our decision' We
by'. Yet he thinks of the other road' He should remember that a decision once
realizes that there is hardly any difference
taken cannot be undone'
between the two roads' That might have
made allthe difference in his life' Aoortorar Srorr ArswrR Quesrors
II.8.1 . Hsoe You euer had to make a
dfficult choice, or do You think You Q.1" What choice did the poet hatse to
make ?
will haoe dfficult choices to make ?
How will gou make the choice and Ans. The poet had reached a point where the
for what reasons ? road forked into two' Both the roads
fascinated him. He had a dilemma as to
Ans. Human life is full of problems and
which road he should choose for his
difficulties. There are many occasions
onward journey' He stood there for a long
when PeoPle have to make a choice to
achieve their goal. But the choice often time and then decided to choose the road
becomes difficult. I too had to face this which was seemingly less travelled: He
kind of situation in my life' Once I had to left the other road for some other day'
visit Delhi for an urgent piece of work in Q.2. What was the condition of the two
an office. But I was faced with a dilemma' rosds ?
I started thinking whether the person I Ans. The poet was travelling alone' He reached
was to meet would be available in the a point where the road forked into two'
office or not. The next day was a holiday' Both the roads looked fair' They were
My problem was to make the right choice covered with leaves. They had not been
for various reasons. Finally I took the risk used bY the travellers. ,,

and decided to visit the office in Delhi to

Q.3. Wss the Poet's choice dfficult ?
I get my work done. It worked very well
and I was verY haPPY. Ans. The poet stood for a long time facing the
made a choice do two roads. It was difficult to make a
-. After You haoe
Q,2,
think sbout uthat might choice between the two' FinallY, he
you always
selected the road 'less kavelled by'' It made
hooe been, or do You accept the
reality ? allthe difference in his life'
Evergreen Literature Companion - 9
 Q.4. Did he regret his choice ? WhylWhy course of his llfe. He could not be like
not ? others throughout his life because he had
Ans. He regretted his choice as the left-out road chosen to be different from them.
seemed to be equally less-havelled. In fact,
he wanted to take both the roads. But LoxeAryswen Qursnorus
being one travelleq he could not take both
the roads at the same time. He would
Q.1. Describe a situation in uhich you
hod to make q choice and tell hou:
express his regret with a sigh. He would it affected your life, uith reference
wonder what would have happened if he to the poem'The Rosd Not Tsken',
had chosen the left-out road.
Ans. In the poem 'The Road Not Taken the
8.5" Describe the two roads that the poet was in a dilemma as to which road
author comes ocross. he should take. He took the road which
Ans. The author comes to a point where the seemed to him to be less-travelled one.
road forks into two. The roads that he This choice made a 'difference' in his
finds are covered with yellow leaves. One iife.
goes in the undergrowth as far as one
Two years ago I faced a difficult situation.
can see. The other seems to be more
Along with some of my friends we had
grassy and less frequented.
made a programme to visit Shimla. I was
Q"6. Which road does the speaker quite excited and looked forward to my
choose ? Why ? visit. A day before our departure my
Ans" The speaker chooses the less-frequented grandfather came to me and said that he
road. He chooses this road because it wanted me to accompany him to
seems to be more grassy and less Chintpurni. He said that if hodid not go
frequented. tomorrow, the Devi would be annoyed
Q.7" Does the speaker seem happy about with him as he had promised to visit her
his decision ? abode tomorrow itself in a dream. I
Ans. The speaker does not seem to be happy remained silent for a while. I saw that
with his choice of the road as the left-out grandfather turned sad and depressed,
road seems to be equally less travelled. In and said that it was all right if I did not
fact, he wants to take both the rogds. But want to come with him. Then I decided
being one travelleq he cannot taie both to cancel my programme and go with my
the roads at the same tipae. He knows grandfather. I thought I could go with my
that he would wondy in futury. what friends any time, but perhaps I might not
would have happened if he had chosen go with my grandfather again. This
the other road. decision made me a better person. I learnt
Q.E. The poet sdys, "I took the one less to be obedient to my elders.
traoelled by,I And that has made Q.2. The poem 'The Road Not Taken'
all the difference." What is the presents a dilemma of a man in a
"difference" thst the poet mentions? particular situation. Discuss.
Ans" The poet chose the road less travelled by. Ans. 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost
It means that he decided to follow a presents a simple sifuation. One day the
different direction in life. His choice was poet, travelling all alone, reaches a point
individualistic, and it made all the where the road forks into two. He faces a
difference in his life. It changed the entire diiemma as to which road to take ro
irergreen Literature Companion - 9
 to And looked down one as far as I could-/
continue his journey' He is unable
Tb where it bent in the undergrowth; 't'
decide which road to follow' He
stands

there for long' He gives a careful thought (a) What Problem does the Poet face ?
to each. Then he decides to choose the (b) Where is the Poet standing ?
He (c) What does the Poet regret ?
path which seems to be less travelled'
ieels it will make all the difference
to his (d) Where did the rosd seem to lead ?
future life. He decides to save the
other
path for another day, though he knows 4llssg
tt ut h" will not get a chance to go back (o) The poet faces a problem' He cannot
to it. Later, he might wish he had taken decide which road to tread'
the other path' The feeling in his mind two
is
(b) The poet is standing at a point where
that of sotrow and sadness' roads are diverging in a wood'
The poet feels that after ages from now (c) The poet regrets that he cannot travel on
he would be telling about his decisiqn both the roads simultaneouslY'
with a sigh' He would tell how he took (d) The road seemed to lead to the undergrowth
the less frequented road' and that had at the bent.
made allthe difference in his life'
The poet has presented the difficul$ of
2. Then tookthe other, just as fair'
travel And hauing perhaps the better claim'
making a choice in life' We cannot
all the roads available to us' We have
to Because it was grossy and wanted wear'

make a choice, and that determines

our ' Though as for that the passing there
future. Only the future reveals whether
Had worn them really about the same'
the decision we took was right or wrong'
What made the Poet choose such
a
(a)
AsstcunneNr road ?
(o) Short Answer Questions : (b) What does the poet mean by 'iust as
fair'?
Q.1. Where was the Poet walking
?
(c) What was the similarity betwedn the
Q.2. What was his Problem ? two roads ?
Q.3. What was difficult for him to
decide ?
(d) Was the poet happy with the choice ?
Q.4. What was his tegtet? Arswrns
(b) Long Answer Questions :
a choice of the road which
Q"1. Why does the poet doubt he should ever ' ' The poet madewith
(o)
grass and bushes' It
was covered
come back ?
appears no one had travelled so far
on this

Q.2. Have you made choices that are acceptable road.

and less 'risky' or have you followed the
1

(b) The poet means that the other road was

beaten track ? WhY ? beautiful as the one seen earlier'
BerrnnvcrToCo*@ (c) Both the roads looked untrodden'
(d) No, the poet was not happy with his choice'
Read the extracts given below and
answer
the questions that follow : 3. And both that morning equqlly layd
t. Two roads diuerged in a yellow wood' ln leaues no step had trodden btackb
And sorrY I could not trauel both
/ O
/ Oh, I kept the first lor another dayl
And be one traueller, long I stood
euJtgt""n LiteratY jn!"r r9. C-o-Iga1ion
1''r"'"-" " "' "' ;
I
,: !r:r:ii::r:ria:,lr i:ri::i :r: -:!r':"':r
r,,:.
 t"
," ,,,

Wind
e (Subramania Bharati)

TNn Fasr S LIE'idtfl"{ARY

A pioneer of modern Tamil poetry, Poet's appeal to the violent wind
Chinnaswami Subramania Bharati also known
The poet appeals to the shong wind to blow softly
as Bharathiyar (11 December 1882 - 11
or gently so that the windows do not get broken
September l92L), was an Indian independence
activist and social reformer from Tamil Nadu. or papers are not scattered. The furious winds
Popularly known as "Mahakavi Bharati,', he is make a mess of every affangement. Books are
considered one of the greatest Tamil literary thrown down the shelf, their pages are tom. The
figures of all time. His numerous works were rains follow the winds. That way winds make
fiery songs kindling pahiotism during the Indian fun of the weak things and persons-frail and
Independence movement. delicate doors, rafters, houses, woods, human
Bharati's poetry expressed a progressive, beings and even weak hearts.
reformist ideal. He inhoduced a combination The wind destroys everything
of classical and contemporary elements and The wind god blows violently and crushes
incorporated novel ideas and techniques in his everything that falls in his way. He is so wilful
devotional poems. and despotic that he listens to no appeals. The
He composed numerous verses on diverse only safeguard against the blows of the wind is
topics like Indian nationalism, love songs, building strong homes, having firm doors and
children's songs, songs of nafure and odes to windows-
prominent freedom fighters of India like Tilak,
Gandhi and Lajpat Rai. Bharati advocated The poet prepares us to meet the
greater rights for women and their education. challenges of life
He felt that the world would prosper in times to The poet, therefore, calls upon us allto build up
come when women are given equal rights. strong bodies and steadfast hearh to.meet any
Bharati also fought against the caste system in challenges thrown by winds or circumstances.
the Hindu society. That is the only way to be friendly with the
challenges of life. It is in the nature of strong
trrurB*mucrecnur
things that they tend to blow out weak fires but
Wind, being a great and strong elementalpower, strengthen the strong fires. Let all become strong
shakes and destroys anything that is weak. AII enough to meet challenges of life fearlessly and
the small and fragile things fall an easy prey to courageously.
its strong blows. As it does not listen to any
prayers or appeals of mercy, the only way left Panapn nASE/ ExprANATto N
for us is to build up our physical and mental
Lines : 1-4
strength to meet its challenges. It will then look
Iike a friend when we are fully geared to face it The poet pleads with the wind to blow gently
boldly. courageously and fearlessly. The wind so that it does not cause any havoc or
blows out only weak hearts and fragile things. deshuction. He appeals to the powerful gusts
Strong hearts and fortified buildings defy its of wind not to break the shutters of the
porvers. windows, scatter the papers, and bring down

Evergreen Literature Companion - 9

 I

the books from the shelves thus throwing things brtify ourselves, life willbe a
all its might. If we fortif
into disarray. The repetition of the word 'don't' pleasant journey and md we will be able to take
highlights the endless pleas of the poet for mercy. challenges in their stride
stri< like a strong building
Lines : 5-7 that weathers the stomtorm with ease.

But wind pays no heed to the poet's appeal Lines : 19-22

and moves with a destructive force thus causing In these lines, the poet
roet describes how hardships
wanton destruction. Then the poet adopts an only break down and Lnd destroy
< the weak like the
accusatory tone while speaking to the wind and wind snuffs out a weaweak fire. Just like a strong
complains about the disanangement caused by fire that is rekindled
led as the wind blows, the
the wind in his room. The wind has shown no efriend adversity and emerge
brave and strong befrie
consideration for the papers and books that stronger. Thus the wind
win< can nurture that which
were important to the poet. It has not only is already strong. Thehe only way to survive is to
r

brought the books down from the shelves and accept the challenges, face them with courage
ges,
ripped ihe pages, but has also brought rain f
and fortitude and be fearless. Wind as a force
with it to cause further distress. can be very useful if vwe befriend it. When we
are able to harness ss itits shength, it is a good
Lines :8-12
friend to us and d nmakes our lives more
While the poet's tone while speaking to the wind
comfortable in terms
rrms of providing us with
is still accusatory, now it also has a tinge of
electricip.
sadness to it. The wind can tear down the
doors, the rafters, or entire wooden houses THupxr
altogether. It rips apart all the exterior protection
In the poem 'Wind',
rd', Subramania
I Bharati has
exposing people to the harsh world outside and
cture of wind which ridicules
drawn a living picfure
leaves a trail of disasters behind. The wind
the weak-minded people
peotr who succumb before
ridicules the weak objecis and will not hesitate
rd br
obstacles in life and break down in the face of
to crush them under its mighty power. Be it adversity. Wind is a a powerful element that
weak and withering buildings or weak and
destroys anything that is weak and crumbling.
cowardly human hearts, all will fallprey to the
Only the strong canan re
resist the destructive force
destructive force of wind. All pleas and prayers
of the wind. The poet
roet calls
c upon mankind to be
for mercy will land on deaf ears as the wind strong and courageous
eous in challenging moments.
god is nature's filtering process in place. It will
He has compared d the
thr ordeals of life to the
remove and crush the weak and unfit till only
strong gusts of wind that ruthlessly bring down
nd th
the strong remain who can endure hardships all that is weak andrnd ccrumbling. Life tests our
and face challenges.
mettle and only the brave and unyielding can
he br
Lines : 13-18 survive its violent blows.
blow
Now the poet addresses the readers and thr need for mental and
Bharati advocatess the
cautions them to strengthen their foundation as physical strength that
hat can
c protect man from the
the wind will not pay any heed to their pleas onslaught of this violer
violent and unforgiving God.
for mercy. The only way to survive the onslaught Only those who are rre strong
st can face trials and
of the wind god is to strengthen ourselves to tribulations in life and emerge
r unscathed.
meet challenges head on. It is with a strong
heart and firm body alone that we can tide ftffiresemr
over difficulties in life. Otherwise, like a weak, The poem conveys the message that the wind
/s thr
dilapidated building, we willcrumble and perish is very violent and forceful.
forcr It causes destruction
when adversity comes to rattle our doors with everywhere. It is wilful
wilfu and despotic. It does

Evergreen Literature Companion - 9

I
 not listen to any appeal. The only way to protect the books and tears the pages. Then it
us against the deskuctive power of the wind is brings rain and causes further destruction.
to build strong bodies and steadfast hearts. We Hatse you seen angbody winnow
Q.2.
should be strong enough to face the challenges graln at home or in a paddy field?
of life. What ls the word in your language
Lrrrnnnv Devrcrs for wlnnowing? What do people use
Repetition for winnowing?
(Students can answer this question
Repetition is a literary device that repeats the
same words or phrases a few times to make an
with terminology trom their
respectiae mother tongues.)
idea clearer and more memorable. As a
rhetorical device, it is used to emphasize the Ans. Yes, I have seen women winnowing grain
significance of an idea in the entire text. at home in the villages. Winnowing is
generally known as anajparchana in Hindi.
Lines 2-4 Repetition of the word 'don't'
emphasizes the appeal of the poet to the wind
The village people use the chhaaj
(in Hindi), for winnowing.
not to break the shutters of the windows and
not to wreak havoc and disarrange the interiors Q.3. What does the poet say the wind
of his room with its forcefulgales. god wlnnows?
Lines 9-11 Repetition of the word 'crumbling' Ans. The wind god separates the weak from
stresses the idea that only that which is weak the strong like the chaff from the grain. It
and frail will fall prey to the aggressive assault crumbles anything that is frailJhe doors,
of the wind. houses, rafters, wood, bodies, lives and
Metaphor even weak hearts. Only the strong and
courageous survive the onslaught of the
A metaphor is a literary device that makes a
forcefulwind.
direct or hidden comparison between two things
that are unrelated, but which share some Q.4. What should we do to make friends
common characteristics. In other words, a with the wtnd ?
resemblance of two contradictory or different Ans. The wind ridicules weak things and
objects is based on a single or some common destroys them with its strength. We should
characteristics. strengthen ourselves physically and
The thought presented in the poem is a mentally and befriend the wind in order
metaphorical throughout as the poet has to survive.
compared the wind and its destructive assault Q"5. What do the last four lines of the
on the weaklings as life and its challenges poem meon to gou?
mercilessly break down the weak-hearted. Ans. The last four lines emphasize on the need
to be physically and mentally strong. The
Txruar Qussuols
poet reiterates that the wind will only
I. Q,l, What are the thlngs the wind does destroy all that is weak as the challenges
in the first stanza? of life break down only the weak and
Ans. In the first stanza the wind pays no heed cowardly. The strong and the courageous
to the appeal of the poet. It mercilessly shine in the face of adversip and emerge
breaks the shutters of the windows. It victorious. We can make the wind our
scafters the papers. It even throws down friend and use its strength to our
advantage.

Evergreen Literature Companion - 9

 Q.6" How does the Poet sPeak to the created on the surface of the sea' \\:hen
wind - in anger ot wlth humour? it blows on the Atlantic, its water is throrvn
You must also haue seen or heard into a state of agitation. The waves nse
of the wind "crumbllng tiues". What very high. The plants at the bottom of the
is your response to this? Is it ltke sea become aware of its arrival' They
the poet's? begin to tremble in fear and shed their
Ans" (Answers may vary) The poet speaks to leaves. Thus the force of wind is felt
the wind neither in anger nor with humour. everywhere.
He acknowledges the shength of the wind
AanrctoNer Sruorr Arysum Qursroivs
and accepts it as a wilful force. He
encourages us to strengthen ourselves and 8.1. What harm does the wlnd do when
make friends with the wind as its strength It blows hard ?
can be used for manY Productive Ans" Sometimes the wind is very skong and
purposes.
violent. It breaks doors and windows, It
Yes, I have seen loss of property and lives causes great damage.
at the hands of the wind's aggression. I
fully agree with the poet's response. Q.f . How does the wlnd bring rain ?
Nature has to take its own course and Ans" The wind takes the shape of a storm. It
the only way to protect ourselves is to brings the clouds with it. Thereafter the
fortify ourselves physically and mentally. clouds cause rain. After the rain it is all
quiet.
Similarly, life will continue to throw
challenges in our way and with our grit 8.S" How does the wlnd Poke fun at
and determination we can overcome these weaklings ?
challenges to lead a successfullife. Ans. The wind is not kind and sympathetic to
II.Q.l. The poem you hatse Just read ls ln the weak. When it blows, it deshoys the
the Tamil language. Do You know weak. Old and weak buildings are
sny such poems in Your oun deshoyed. They meet their doom.
language? Q.4. Do you conslder wlnd our sensant
Students can anstu,er this question or master or nelther ? Gioe reasons.
with poems from their resPectloe Ans. The wind is neither a servant nor a master.
mother tongues. It enjoys great powers. When it blows it
Here is another example from P.B. causes deitruction all around. At the same
Ans.
Shelley's poem 'Ode to the West Wind.' time it helps the shong to flourish.
In this poem the poet describes the power Q.5. Whg should we make strong homes
of the West Wind. It is invisible, but it is and doors ?
very violent and forceful. Its power can Ans. We should make strong homes and doors
be seen on the earth. It uproots the trees so that the wind does not cause anY
and drives, dead leaves everywhere. The damage to them. The wind helps those
poet calls it a destroyer. things which are so strong.
When the West wind moves across the Q.6. Subramanla Bharatl says 'We praise
sky, stormy conditions develop in the sky' hlm erseryday'. Whom do we Praise
Clouds can be seen moving about swiftly. and why ?
It brings rains and hail storms. It is Ans. We praise the wind everyday because it
uncontrollable. The similar scene is is shong and fierce.
-

Evergreen Literature Companion - 9

I
 moments. Like the wind skikes with all
8.?" "The wind god winnows and
its might and destroys all that is weak
crushes them all". How ?
and frail in its path, similarly life shatters
Ans" The poet rightly describes that the wind
those who are weak and cowardly' Those
god winnows and crushes them all' It
who are strong mentally and physically
means the blowing of the wind removes
are fortified and protected against the
the chaff from the gain. It removes all
destructive force of disasters' Winners are
sorts of weak things. It damages doors
made of sterner shrff and do not surrender
and windows.
before difficulties in life. They fight with
Q.S. WhY does the Poet Praise the every bit of their strength and eventually
wind ? tide over all hurdles.
Ans. The poet praises the wind because it is d;t 3, What characteristic traits can
very strong and powerful. It is the source prepare man to face the challenges
of life for all living things. It serves as a of lik?
friend and so the poet showers praises
il.trr*. Trials and tribulations are a part and
on the wind. (
parcel of life. Life is a rollercoaster-ride
Lcn'c A;v.swm fJ{.lrsfl*"tlus with uPs and downs and however hard
man might try, he cannot escaPe these
{#"}.. A physicallg and mentally strong obstacles. The only way out is to prepare
person can meet anY challenge in himself well so that when disaster strikes,
life. Do You agree ? Discuss with he is well-geared to face it.
refetence to the Poem'Wind"
It is only with a Positive attitude,
Ans. In the poem 'Wind' the poet makes it confidence and an indomitable spirit that
clear that only a strong man can meet
he can face these hurdles. He cannot give
challenges in life. The weak or the timid
up because yielding before difficulties is
badly suffer in drastic circumstances' This
a sign of the weak. Man has to be fearless
is true if we think of human life in general'
Men who are physically and mentally
and exhibit strength of character when
disaster strikes. With the passion of a
skong face any challenge boldly and come
out unscathed. Adverse circumstances brave heart and the fire of a winner
bring out their hidden skength to the fore' burning bright in his heart, he has to
They are able to overcome all obstacles' charge forward and face the challenges'
On the other hand, those who are i;} € According to the poet, the wind is
physicatly and mentally weak give up a great and strong elemental power'
easily. They are easily overpowered by Do you agree ? Giue suitable
bad circumstances. TheY are often illustrations from the Poem 'Wind"
maltreated and exPloited bY their &*s. Wind, being a great and strong elemental
adversaries. They have to suffer heavily' power, shakes and destroys anything that
Therefore, all of us should aim at is weak. All the small and fragile things
becoming bold and strong physically,
fall an easy prey to its strong blows' As i:
| .entally and morallY.
does not listen to any prayers or appeals
Q.2. What messsge does the poet conoey of mercy, the only way left for us is tc
through his dePiction of the wind's build up our physical and mentalstrengtr
destructiue force? to meet its challenges. It will then looi
Ans. Subramania Bharati has stressed the like a friend when we are fully geared tc
need for man to be strong in trYing face it boldly, courageously and fearlessl;

Evergreen Literature Companion' i

 ,i

The wind blows out only weak hearts and

You tore the pages of the books.
fragile things. Strong hearts and fortified
buildings defu its powers. The poetappeals You brought rain again.
to the strong wind to blow softly or gently You're uery cleuer at poking fun at weaklings.
so that the windows do not get broken or (a) Wrtte
papers are not scattered. The furious wind
about any two destructiae
actialties of the utind.
makes a mess of every arrangement.
(b) How can we make
Books are thrown down the shelf, their friends with the
pages are torn. The rains follow the winds. wind ?
Thatway the wind makes t'un olthe weak (c) Whot is trte wind a symbol of ?
things and persons-frail and delicate (d) What harm is done to books by the
doors, rafters, houses, woods, human
wind ?
beings and even weak hearts.
Arvswrns
Asse tlnltrur
(o) The wind is destructive. lt breaks the
(o) Short Answer Questions :
shutters of windows when it blows. lt
Q.1. When is the wind pleasing ? scatters the papers and throws down
the
Q.2. Wnat is the poet's plea to the wind ? books.
Q.3. What does the wind make fun of ? (b) We can make friends with
the wind by
Q.4. What is the nature of the wind god ? building strong homes and shong body
Q.5. Wnat can be done to save ourselves from and heart.
furious winds ? (c) The wind is a symbol of destructiv
e force.
Q.e . What is the message of the poem ? (d) The wind throws down books
on the shelf
(b) Long Answer euestions : and tears their pages.
Q.f . "You never know how strong you are until 2. Frail crumbling houses, crumbling doors,
being strong is the only .horc" you crumbling rafters,
have.,,
How do adverse situations bring out the
crumbling wood, crumbling bodies,
best in man ? crumbling
liues,
Q.2. Do you think the poet has projected the
wind as a double edged force in the crumbling hearts -
poem ? Why does he want man the wind god winnow.s ond crushes them
to befriend all.
the wind ?
He won't do what you tell him.
Rep nrxcr. To CoNrxr (a) Name the poem and the poet.
eursnoivs (SoLvro)
Read the extracts given below and (b) WhV is the wlnd consldered
answer as a god ?
the questions that foflow : (c) What is the llterary deuice
1: used in
Wind, come softly the *pression,the wind god,?
Don't break the shutters of theuindous, (d) How does the wind god come
?
Don't scatter the papers
.4niswuas
Don't throw down the books on the
shelf.
There, look what you did_ you (o) The poem is 'Wind' by Subramania
threw them
all down. Bharati.

Evergreen Literature Companion _ g

 (b) The wind is considered as a god because (c) What is the peculiu quality of the
it is very powerful and skong and can ruin wind ?
anything in its way. (d) Is the wind taken qs an inqnimate
(c) It is metaphor. thing ?
(d) The wind god comes crushing the walls ATVSWTTS
and windows.
(o) We can make the wind our friend o.
3. So, come, let's build strong homes,
making ourselves strong and bold.
Let's join the doors firmly
(b) The poet tells us that we should b;
Practise to firm the body. physically and mentally strong.
Make the heart steadfast. (c) The wind is a foe of the weak but a frien*
Do this, and the wind will be friends with of the strong.
us.
The wind blows out weak fires. (d) The wind is personified as a living beinc

(a) What does the poet want us to do ? ,ffi,,,,oiiir V1i 3r,.r { " i.,i o;,: :];'r iia.}'-:s,.,.1,. ,-,,..,

(b) What does the wind do to fires ?

Read the extracts given below and answer
(c) Whot is the adt'lice of the poet ? the questions that follow :
(d) Wherein lles the power of the wind ?
Arysnrns There, look what you did - you threw them c
down.
(o) The poet wants us to build our homes You tore the pages of the books.
shong.
You brought rain again.
(b) The wind blows out the fire.
(o) Why is the poet disappointed ?
(c) The poet advises us to make ourselves
(b) What are the acts of the wind ?
physically and mentally skong.
(c) What does 'you' here stand for ?
(d) The power of the wind lies in destroying
(d) What appeal does the poet make to ri^..
the weak.
wind ?
4. Make the heart steadfast Q g, The wind god winnows ond crushes them c
Do this, the wind will be friends with us.\) He won't do what you tell him
The wind blows qut weak fires. Q- So, come let's build strong homes.
He makes strong fires roar and flourish. d Let's join the doors firmly.
His t'riendship is good. (o) How does the wind god come ?
We praise him euery day. (b) WhV does the poet want to join the doc-
-..-- firmly ?
corn u)e make the wind our
YQWow (c) What is the advice of the poet ?
friend ?
(b) What adolce does the poet gioe in (d) How can we challenge the power of r;
the aboue lines ? wind ?

Evergreen Literature Companic' -

 Yet knowing how way leads on to way, (1 f It seemed grassy and covered with plants -
I doubted if I could euer come back. b ,- and bushes.

(a) Which"road did the poet choose poet feels that if he had taken another
? JpJhe
road his life woutd have been diffefent.
(b) What utas the poet's doubt ?
(c) 'a way of life'
(c) What is the poet descrlbing ?
(d) No, the poet is not happy with his choice.
(d) Did the poet euer come back ?
An'swrrs Errrnervcr To Coxrao Fon Pnecncn

(o) The poet chose the second road which Read the extracts given below and answer
was less travelled by others. the questions that follow :
(b) The poet doubted if he would ever be able !. Tuto roads diuerged in a yellow wgod, +- C4

to come back. And sorry I could not trauel both. b

(c) The poet is describing the two roads and And be one traueller, Iong I stood c\
the choice of the road he has opted.
And looked down one osfor os I couldtt
(d) Nq he continued on the road he had chosen.
(o) What does the word 'yellow' indicate ?
4. I shall be telling this with o sigh (b) WhV was the poet sorry ?
Somewhere ages and ages hence; .u,/ (c) What was the poet's dilemma ?
Uo rgads diuergT.d in a wood, and I 7-r (d) What did he do at the crossroads ?

I tookthe one less trauelled by, 2. Then took the other, just as fair,
And that has made all th'e dit'ference. And hauing perh;nps the better claim,
(a) How did the poet make his cholce Because it was grossy and wonted wear;
about the roads ?
Though as for that the passing there
(b) What had made a lot of difference ln
Had worn them really about the same.
the poet's lik ?
(a) What does bther' refer to in the above
(c) What does the term'rosd' standfor ?
lines ?
(d) ls the poet happy with his cholce of
(b) Which road did the poet choose ? Why ?
the road ?
(c) Was there any difference in the two roads ?
Arvsurrs (d) Which road appeared more tempting and
(o) He took the road which was less travelled. promising ?

-<h1*tt

ivergreen Literature Companion - 9

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