Class 12th English “Keeping quiet” questions answer
Class 12th English “Keeping quiet” questions answer
keeping quiet 1 mark question answer
1. What is the central idea of the poem "Keeping Quiet"?
Ans: The central idea of the poem "Keeping Quiet" is the importance of introspection, self-reflection, and the need for humanity to pause and contemplate their actions to bring about positive change in the world.
2. Who is the poet of the poem "Keeping Quiet"?
Ans: The poet of the poem "Keeping Quiet" is Pablo Neruda.
3. In the poem, what does the act of keeping quiet symbolize?
Ans: In the poem, the act of keeping quiet symbolizes a temporary cessation of human activity, noise, and conflict. It represents a moment of stillness and contemplation that allows individuals to connect with themselves and others.
4. What is the significance of the number "ten" in the poem?
Ans: The number "ten" in the poem signifies unity and solidarity. It suggests that if all individuals remain quiet and introspective together, a collective understanding and harmony can be achieved.
5. According to the poet, what would be the consequences of keeping quiet?
Ans: According to the poet, the consequences of keeping quiet would be profound. It would help individuals recognize their shared humanity, break the cycle of mindless actions, and foster a sense of empathy, unity, and responsibility towards each other and the world.
6. Explain the phrase "a brief moment of respite" as used in the poem.
Ans: The phrase "a brief moment of respite" refers to a short period of rest or relief. In the poem, it implies that by keeping quiet, individuals can find a temporary escape from the chaos and discord of daily life. It allows them to introspect and seek solace in the collective silence.
7. How does the poem emphasize the need for introspection and self-reflection?
Ans: The poem emphasizes the need for introspection and self-reflection by suggesting that only through quiet contemplation can individuals truly understand themselves, their actions, and their impact on the world. It prompts individuals to question their own roles, responsibilities, and the need for collective change.
8. Identify and explain one poetic device used in the poem "Keeping Quiet."
Ans: One poetic device used in the poem "Keeping Quiet" is imagery. The poet employs vivid descriptions to create mental images that evoke a sense of silence, stillness, and contemplation. For example, lines such as "Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still" and "Only then, when we speak we will have discovered fire" paint visual pictures in the reader's mind.
9. Describe the change in perspective that the poet suggests through the act of keeping quiet.
Ans : Through the act of keeping quiet, the poet suggests a change in perspective from a self-centered existence to a more connected and empathetic one. By momentarily ceasing their actions and engaging in introspection, individuals can realize the impact of their behavior and develop a sense of responsibility towards others.
10. How does the poem "Keeping Quiet" promote a sense of unity among human beings?
Ans: The poem "Keeping Quiet" promotes a sense of unity among human beings by highlighting the shared experiences, emotions, and responsibilities that bind them together. It emphasizes the idea that silence can be a powerful tool to break down barriers, foster understanding, and create a collective consciousness that transcends individual differences, promoting a sense of harmony and unity among all people.
keeping quiet important questions and answers
Q.1. How long does the poet want to stay still?
A. The poet wants to stay still for one second.
Q.2. What does he hope to achieve by keeping quiet?
A. The poet hopes to achieve a moment of stillness and silence by keeping quiet. The phrase "For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language" suggests a desire to transcend linguistic barriers and experience a shared moment of peace and tranquility.
Q.3. What does the poet mean by 'not move our arms so much'?
A. By the phrase "not move our arms so much," the poet is emphasizing the importance of physical stillness along with silence. It suggests a call to cease physical activity and gestures momentarily, emphasizing the desire for complete calmness during that one second of silence.
Q.4. What is the exotic moment the poet Pablo Neruda wishes for?
Ans: The poem you provided is "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda. In this poem, the exotic moment the poet wishes for is a moment of stillness and silence among all people. By suggesting that everyone stops speaking in any language, remains still, and refrains from moving their arms, the poet hopes to create a unique and extraordinary moment of unity and peace on Earth. This moment of quietness and inaction, where people pause their daily activities and thoughts, allows them to connect with each other and with the world around them in a deeper and more profound way. It represents a departure from the usual chaos and noise of human existence and offers a glimpse into a different, more serene and harmonious reality.
Q.5. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: (Delhi 2010)
It would he an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
(a) What does ‘TP’ refer to?
(b) Who is the poet speaking to?
(C) What would be the moment like?
Ans: (a) TP refers to that moment of silence and quietness when peace and calmness will prevail.
(b) The poet is addressing mankind who has no time for quiet introspection in its over-hectic, busy life.
(c) The moment would be exotic and unusual, a new experience in which mankind will experience a sense of bonding and togetherness with each other.
Q.6. According to the poet, what is it that human beings can learn from Nature?
Ans: According to the poet, Pablo Neruda, human beings can learn stillness and introspection from nature. In the poem "Keeping Quiet," Neruda suggests that by observing the tranquility and harmony of nature, humans can understand the importance of silence and contemplation. He emphasizes the need for humans to pause their hectic lives, cease their activities, and remain quiet for a moment. By doing so, they can connect with nature and learn from its inherent serenity and wisdom. The poet suggests that through this connection with nature and the practice of stillness, humans can find inner peace, unity, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Q.7. Why is Pablo Neruda against ‘total inactivity?
Ans: In the poem "Keeping Quiet," Pablo Neruda does not express opposition to "total inactivity." On the contrary, the poem encourages a moment of stillness and inaction as a means to reflect and connect with one another and the world. The poet suggests that by momentarily ceasing our usual activities and adopting a state of stillness, we can experience a deeper sense of unity and peace. This momentary pause from action and noise is seen as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, understanding, and connection with others. It allows individuals to break away from the rush and chaos of daily life, fostering a moment of introspection and contemplation. Therefore, the poet does not express opposition to total inactivity but rather highlights its significance as a means to achieve a different, more profound kind of engagement and connection.
Additional questions:
1. What is the central theme of the poem "Keeping Quiet"?
Ans: The central theme of the poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda is the importance of stillness, introspection, and the potential for personal and collective transformation through silence. The poem explores the idea that by pausing, reflecting, and embracing silence, individuals can break free from the cycle of violence, hatred, and indifference that plagues the world. It suggests that silence allows people to connect with one another on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding. Additionally, the poem highlights the interconnectedness of all human beings and emphasizes the need for global unity and cooperation in order to create a more peaceful and harmonious world.
2. How does the speaker in the poem advocate for silence and stillness?
Ans: The speaker in the poem "Keeping Quiet" advocates for silence and stillness by encouraging the readers to pause their actions and remain motionless for a brief period of time. The speaker urges individuals to stop speaking, moving, and even thinking, suggesting that through this intentional silence and stillness, a deeper understanding and connection among people can be achieved. The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of silence, suggesting that it can help break the cycle of violence and indifference, and create a space for introspection, empathy, and unity among humanity.
3. What is the significance of the title "Keeping Quiet" in relation to the overall message of the poem?
Ans: The title "Keeping Quiet" holds great significance in relation to the overall message of the poem. It suggests that silence is not merely the absence of noise, but an intentional act of restraint and contemplation. By "keeping quiet," individuals are encouraged to refrain from their usual activities, thoughts, and expressions, creating a space for introspection and connection. The title emphasizes the importance of breaking away from the incessant noise and busyness of everyday life, and embracing a state of stillness and silence. It signifies a deliberate choice to pause, reflect, and find unity with others, thereby reinforcing the poem's message of personal and collective transformation through silence.
4. How does the poem explore the idea of interconnectedness among humans?
Ans: The poem "Keeping Quiet" explores the idea of interconnectedness among humans by emphasizing the shared experiences and common humanity that bind people together. It suggests that despite our differences, we are all interconnected and part of a larger whole. The poem encourages individuals to recognize this interconnectedness by engaging in a collective act of silence and stillness. Through silence, the poem suggests that individuals can break down barriers and foster a sense of unity, empathy, and understanding. It emphasizes that the actions of one person have repercussions on others and highlights the need for cooperation and collaboration to address the world's challenges. By advocating for a moment of collective introspection, the poem underscores the profound interconnectedness that exists among all human beings.
5. What poetic devices are used in "Keeping Quiet" to convey its message effectively?
Ans: The poem "Keeping Quiet" employs several poetic devices to convey its message effectively. These include metaphors, imagery, repetition, and rhetorical questions. Metaphors are used to illustrate abstract concepts such as silence and stillness. Imagery helps create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, enhancing the impact of the poem. Repetition of phrases and words reinforces the poem's central ideas. Rhetorical questions engage the reader and provoke thought. The skillful use of these poetic devices adds depth and resonance to the poem, allowing it to effectively convey its message of the transformative power of silence and interconnectedness among humans.
6. How does the poet use imagery to depict the impact of silence and introspection?
Ans: The poet in "Keeping Quiet" utilizes vivid imagery to depict the impact of silence and introspection. Through imagery, the poem portrays the transformative effects of silence on the world, comparing it to a "forest of dead souls" and a "field of freshly planted wheat." These visual images evoke a sense of stillness, renewal, and growth. The poem also employs imagery to convey the interconnectedness among humans, portraying individuals as "linked hands" and "transparent waves." These images highlight the power of silence to foster unity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of one another. The imagery enriches the poem, allowing readers to visualize and experience the profound impact of silence and introspection.
7. Discuss the role of nature in the poem and its connection to the idea of silence.
Ans: Nature plays a significant role in the poem "Keeping Quiet" and is closely connected to the idea of silence. The poem emphasizes the importance of observing and learning from nature in order to understand the value of silence. Nature is depicted as a source of wisdom and inspiration, as the speaker suggests that by observing "the trees willing to be the forest," individuals can grasp the significance of stillness and unity.
The poem also uses natural imagery to convey the transformative power of silence. References to a "field of freshly planted wheat" and "transparent waves" symbolize growth, renewal, and interconnectedness. By aligning with nature and embracing silence, individuals can tap into the inherent wisdom and harmony found in the natural world.
Furthermore, nature serves as a reminder of the fragility and interconnectedness of life. The poem mentions the "green plantations" and "fruit-laden branches," which allude to the vulnerability of the environment and the urgency to protect it. Silence, therefore, becomes a means to reflect on our responsibility towards nature and to foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Overall, the role of nature in the poem underscores the profound connection between silence and the wisdom of the natural world. It invites individuals to learn from and align themselves with nature, emphasizing that silence can lead to a greater understanding of our place in the interconnected web of life.
8. What is the speaker's attitude towards the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and how does silence provide an alternative?
Ans: The speaker's attitude towards the hustle and bustle of everyday life is weary and perhaps overwhelmed. They see it as a chaotic and demanding existence. Silence, on the other hand, offers an alternative that the speaker finds appealing. It provides solace and respite from the noise and demands of the world. In silence, the speaker finds a peaceful refuge where they can escape the constant activity and find inner calm. It represents a much-needed break from the fast-paced nature of everyday life, allowing for reflection, introspection, and a sense of tranquility.
9. What social and environmental issues are addressed in the poem, and how does silence relate to them?
Ans: The poem addresses various social and environmental issues, highlighting the interconnectedness between them. It touches upon themes such as overconsumption, pollution, disconnection from nature, and the toll of modern living on individuals and communities. Silence is presented as a response and solution to these issues. It symbolizes a break from the noise and chaos that perpetuate these problems, allowing individuals to reconnect with nature, reflect on their actions, and find a sense of inner peace. By embracing silence, there is an implied call for mindfulness, environmental stewardship, and a shift towards a more balanced and sustainable way of life.
10. How does "Keeping Quiet" suggest that silence can lead to personal and collective transformation?
Ans: "Keeping Quiet" suggests that silence can lead to personal and collective transformation by emphasizing the power of introspection and unity. The poem proposes a moment of stillness and silence as a catalyst for change. By pausing, reflecting, and embracing silence, individuals can become aware of their interconnectedness and the shared responsibility for the world. This self-awareness and sense of unity can motivate personal transformation and inspire collective action towards positive change. Through silence, the poem suggests that we can break the cycle of thoughtless actions, deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, and ultimately foster a transformation that extends beyond the individual to the collective level.