Important Questions and Answers Poem Keeping Quiet Grade 12

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Important Questions and Answers for the Poem "Keeping Quiet" (Grade 12

CBSE English)

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

Q1. What does the poet mean by 'keeping quiet'?


Answer:
The poet Pablo Neruda suggests that we should stop all our activities and spend a few moments
in silence and introspection. By 'keeping quiet,' he means taking a pause from our busy lives to
understand ourselves, our actions, and their impact on the world.

Q2. How does 'keeping quiet' help us?


Answer:
Keeping quiet helps us introspect, reflect on our actions, and promote peace. It gives us a chance
to shed our selfishness, avoid conflicts, and develop a deeper connection with others and nature.

Q3. Why does the poet not advocate complete inactivity?


Answer:
The poet does not promote total inactivity because life itself is an ongoing process, and complete
inactivity would mean death. He advocates a pause for reflection to bring about positive change,
not the end of activity.

Q4. What is the significance of the number 12 in the poem?


Answer:
The number 12 symbolizes a complete cycle, such as the 12 hours of a day or 12 months in a
year. It signifies a brief yet meaningful moment of silence that can lead to self-realization and
harmony.

Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)

Q1. The poet’s call for introspection and unity in "Keeping Quiet" is extremely relevant in
today’s world. Justify.
Answer:
In "Keeping Quiet," the poet emphasizes the need for silence and introspection to foster unity
and peace. In today's fast-paced, conflict-ridden world, this message holds immense significance.
Global issues such as climate change, wars, and social inequalities demand collective action and
reflection. The poem encourages individuals to pause, reconsider their actions, and adopt a
harmonious approach toward life. This introspection can lead to better understanding,
cooperation, and the resolution of global issues. Therefore, the poet's call for keeping quiet is a
timeless and relevant solution for modern challenges.
Q2. How does Pablo Neruda use imagery and symbolism to convey his message in
"Keeping Quiet"?
Answer:
Pablo Neruda uses vivid imagery and symbolism in the poem to convey his message of peace
and introspection. The imagery of "fishermen in the cold sea" harming whales and "man
gathering salt" injuring his hands symbolizes human exploitation of nature and self. The poet’s
suggestion to count to twelve symbolizes a brief pause, akin to meditation. By asking people to
remain still, he uses symbolism to promote inner peace and global unity. These literary devices
reinforce his vision of harmony and self-awareness.

Grammar Bits

Q1. Fill in the blanks with suitable words:

1. Let us stop for a moment and __________ (introspect/introspecting).


Answer: introspect.
2. The poet __________ (suggest/suggests) keeping quiet for peace.
Answer: suggests.

Q2. Choose the correct option:

1. The poet wants us to avoid violence and ____.


a) inactivity
b) reflection
c) war
d) harm
Answer: c) war.
2. The phrase "without rush, without engines" emphasizes:
a) movement
b) stillness
c) speed
d) silence
Answer: d) silence.

Q3. Rearrange the following to form a meaningful sentence:

1. keep / to / the poet / suggests / quiet


Answer: The poet suggests to keep quiet.
2. human / exploitation / pauses / help / reduce
Answer: Pauses help reduce human exploitation.

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