NCERT English Class 12 | Chapter 11 | Keeping Quiet | Question Answer |

THINK IT OUT                                                                                              PAGE 95-96

1. What does the title of the poem suggest to you? What do you think the poem is about?

Answer: The poem's title alludes to the importance of quiet.

The poetry is about the value of introspection and self-examination. It's also a call for universal peace.

(For students' convenience, a model response has been supplied.) It is strongly advised that students prepare their own responses based on their personal experiences.)

2. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Answer: Stepping away from our daily routine by 'counting up to twelve' and 'staying still,' as per the poet, can help us better comprehend ourselves and others around us. The calm and tranquilly will help us comprehend the importance of peace and tranquilly in this age of meaningless pursuits. As a result, they will aid introspection and self-analysis.

3. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

Answer: Although the poet feels that silences aid introspection and provide a respite from the world of chaotic activities, he does not advise complete inaction or death. Rather, he feels that pausing to observe quiet every now and then helps people re-energize.

4. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

Answer: The poet refers to the 'sadness' of not being capable of understanding oneself in one's mundane daily life. He also thinks it's unfortunate that humanity is on the verge of annihilation due to its irrational actions. He regrets that our haste to outdo others has caused us to lose sight of humanity's principles.

5. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

Answer: The poet utilises the earth as a symbol to show that life can exist in the midst of apparent silence.


TRY THIS OUT                                                                                                  PAGE 97

1. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind?

Answer: Yes, at first, I felt a peculiar quiet swallow me. But I quickly began to reflect on my day and the things that I had undertaken. My mind drifted to thoughts or behaviours that distracted me on its own. As my thoughts were arranged, the unbalanced priorities became clear on their own. It also provided me with the opportunity to reprioritise my priorities and the motivation to work with new zeal. All of my problems faded away, and I felt stress-free. It became simpler for me to concentrate on more essential aspects of my life and to clear my mind of minor worries that I had been dwelling on for no purpose. As a result, these five minutes of peace and reflection resulted in a significant shift in my viewpoint. I've made the decision to do this for the forever.

(For students' convenience, a model response has been supplied.) It is strongly advised that students prepare their own responses based on their personal experiences.)

 

1. The Last Lesson Question Answer

2. Lost Spring Question Answer

3. Deep Water Question Answer

4. The Rattrap Question Answer

5. Indigo Question Answer

6. Poets and Pancakes Question Answer

7. The Interview Question Answer

8. Going Places Question Answer

9. My Mother  at Sixty-six Question Answer

10. An Elementary School Classroom in a Slum Question Answer

11. Keeping Quiet Question Answer

12. A Thing of Beauty Question Answer

13. A Roadside Stand Question Answer

14. Aunt Jennifer's Tigers Question Answer

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