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Poems: Reference To The Context

Leisure
William Davies
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "Leisure" composed by W.H Davies.
Context:
The present life has become dull and boring. The modern life is characterized by the obsession of
money and cares. He doesn't look at the beautiful aspects of nature in the form of animals, trees,
starry night, a beautiful young girl and her dancing and smile. He leads a poor life.
Explanation:
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These lines present the criticism on modern man. He remains busy in worldly pursuits to such an
extent that he has become materialistic, machine like, and ambitious. He always thinks about
getting world gains. He has neglected the spiritual needs of his inner and remains uninterested in
the beautiful surrounding nature. The poet invites that nature should be enjoyed because. One
touch of nature makes the whole world kin. William Shakespeare. But the modern man
remains obsessed and busy. He doesn't find time to have the company of beautiful nature. He
forgets that a thing of beauty is joy forever. Nature reminds its Creator. Man should develop good
relation to it.
Stanza 2:
No time to see when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams fall of stars, like skies at night.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet shows his sadness on the busy life of modern man. He says that we are in
so much hurry that we even not have time to enjoy the ordinary beauties of nature. While passing
through woods we do not watch squirrels playing and hiding there nuts in grass. We even not enjoy
the beauty of running brooks and streams. When the light of sun reflects from the water it looks

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

like the sky full of stars in night. Here again he shows his sadness by saying that man has no time
to watch this charming scene. In short, in the whole stanza is full of writer's woe over business of
modern man.
Stanza 3:
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eye began.
A poor life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Explanation:
In early lings of the poem, e poet talks about different beauties of nature that we miss due to our
rushed life. But in these lines, the poet refers to the human beauty. He says that apart from other
beauties of nature man also does not enjoy human beauty that is always seen singing and dancing
around him. Here he describes human beauty in the form of young girl, who wants to share her
smile with us. She wants to show her different dancing gestures. Bu, man is so much busy that he
even not waits for so little time to see that smile that began from her eyes to reach her mouth. In
the ending lines of the poem, here again the poet shows his disgust over the business of man. He
says that it would be a poor life if it is full of worldly of cares and worries.
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A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION

Elizabeth Sewell
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "New Year Resolution" composed by Elizabeth Sewell.
Context:
New Year has significance for the Christian. The poetess makes three resolutions. She wants to sit
silent, think over her past life and feel satisfaction in the bony arms of reality.
Explanation:
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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

………………………………………………………………………………………………. These
lines resemble the mystic process of self-recognition. Man is the blend of good and evil. He
commits many mistakes and follies. To err is human; to forgive, divine. The first step towards self-
correction is to think about oneself. The poetess takes three promises in her life. She wants to sit
in silence, ponder her life and realize reality of her life and this world. She is dissatisfied with her
life.
Stanza 1:
I will drain
Long draughts of quite
As a purgation
Explanation:
In these lines the poetess throws light on her New Year resolutions. She wants to drain her self by
long draughts of quite. Now "the draining of long draughts commonly associated with drinking
wine. But, she wants to drink in quite, as a means of purifying herself. Quite is a symbol of
calmness and purity and this is what she wants to achieve.
Stanza 2:
Remember
Twice daily
Who I am;
Explanation:
In these lines, the poetess shows her second intention, what she wants to do in New Year. Actually,
she wants to learn from her past shortcomings and defects. In a day, she wants to remember her
reality twice. She doesn't want to forget her reality but wants to know purpose of her creation. She
wants to know her objective in life and her rights and duties towards others. In short, through these
lines the poetess makes us to realize our purpose of reality.
Stanza 3:
Will lie o'nights
In the bony arms
Of reality and be comforted.
Explanation:
In the ending lings of this short poem, the poetess gives her third intention on New Year. The
poetess doesn't want to spend heights in sound sleeps rather she wants to know realities of life.
She has a desire to spend her nights while staying in the bony arms of reality. She will feel

BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

comfortable while knowing the realities of life. Actually, "the bony arms of reality" refer towards
the bones without flesh that is realities in their true sense. In short, she wants to know the realities
of life though how bitter they are.
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WOMEN WORK
(by Maya Angelo)
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "Women Work" composed by Maya Angelo.
Context:
The black American woman remains busy in her life. She works in the fields as well as in her
house. She takes care of her family, cooks food, has shopping and works in the fields. But she
wants the company of nature in the form of rain, mountains, winds, sunshine and snow.
Explanation:
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These lines present the life of American woman who remains busy in her daily chores. Her life has
become like a machine due to excessive work. She leads a dull and boring life. It is colourless due
to no change. But her romantic desire has not finished. She wants to enjoy the beautiful nature
surrounding him in different forms. She wants a sudden change in her life. Nothing is pleasant
that is not spiced with variety. Francis Bacon. Her romantic desires take her to a fairy land.
Heard melodies are sweet/put those unheard are sweeter. She is the beautiful picture of
sacrifice and obedience.
Stanza 3:
I've got the shirts to press
The tots to dress
The cane to be cut
I got to clean up this hut..
Explanation:
In these lines, the poetess shows light on some the works a woman has to do in her daily life. She
says that a woman has to do a lot of work in a day. The working woman says that she baron the
clothes and then dress her small children for school. To add her miseries she has cut the cane and

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

to clean her hut to look it beautiful. In short, life of a house wife is not an easy one rather it is fit
of dull routines.
Stanza 4:
Shine on me, sunshine
Rain on me, rain
Fall softly, dewdrops
And cool my brow again.
Explanation:
This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife,
while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to
the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman.
After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her
life/For this she wishes for sunshine and rain. She asks dew drops to fall on her and cool her
eyebrow.
Stanza 5:
Storm, blow me from here
With your fiercest wind
Let me float across the sky
Till I can rest again.
Explanation:
This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife,
while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to
the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman.
After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her
life. She asks wind storms to float across the sky and take her away from this dull life to a world
where she may get some rest and peace. In fact, she wants to run away from this dull and drab life
through her imagination.
Stanza 6:
Fall gently, snowflakes
Cover me with white
Cold icy kisses and
Let me rest tonight.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife,
while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to
the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman.
After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her
life. In these lines, she asks snow flakes to fall on her and cover her all over. She wants to feel the
cold of these flakes. In the last line, she again shows her desire of taking rest. This desire clearly
throws light on her miserable life.
Stanza 7:
Sun, rain, curving sky
Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone
Star shine, moon glow
You're all that I can call my own.
Explanation:
This poem is written in two parts. The initial part describes the routine works of a house wife,
while the second part is about her desire of being in the company of nature. These lines belong to
the second part of the poem. Here in these lines the poetess shows different desires of a woman.
After spending a tiresome routine life, the woman of this poem desires to have some relief in her
life. She wants to call and wants to be among the snowy mountains, glittering sky, vast oceans,
sparkling stars and other objects of nature. She hopes that these objects of nature will bring
happiness in her dismal life.
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PATRIOT INTO TRAITOR

Robert Browning
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "Patriot into Traitor" composed by Robert Browning.
Context:
This dramatic monologue shows the downfall of a leader. His fortune changes in one year. He
dethrones. The people change their attitude from respect to disrespect when he leaves power.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
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These lines are a dramatic monologue by a political leader who has dethroned from power. He
compares his past to the present. In the past he enjoyed the trust, respect and honour by the people
but now he is the victim of their anger. The people of that time are power worshipper and
opportunist. The political scene described in these lines tells the story of tragic downfall of a leader.
This reversal of fortune is classical and human nature is expressed as fickle. It also shows that
nothing is forever here. Only change is enduring in this world. It is the first person narration. It
shows the feelings and experiences of the leader.
Stanza 4:
There's nobody on the house-tops now-
Just a palsied few at the windows set;
For the best of the sight is, all allow,
At the shambles Gate-or, better yet,
By the very scaffold's foot, I trow..
Explanation:
In these lines, the hero of the poem describes his bad conditions after passing of one year. He says
that now there are no people on house tops to welcome him. There are only few weak, sick and
tired people, sitting in the windows. But, they are not here to greet him; they are sitting here to
witness his tragic end. He is being taken to scaffold's foot for hanging. So the scene has changed
with in only one year.
Stanza 5:
In go in the rain, and more than meeds,
A rope cuts both my wrists behind;
And I think, by the feel my fore head bleeds
For they fling, whoever has a mind,
Stones at me for my year's misdeeds.
Explanation:
In these fines the hero of the poem describes his bad condition after passing of one year. He says
that he has been arrested for his so called misdeeds of last year. He is being dragged in rain. His

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

hands are roped behind and his wrists are bleeding. He feels that his forehead is bleeding, as
everyone is throwing stones at him. In short, the hero is really in a miserable condition with in a
year.
Stanza 6:
Thus I entered, and thus I go
In triumph, people have dropped down dead.
‘Paid by the world, what dost thou owe
Me?’-God might question; now instead,
'Tis God shall repay: I am safer so.
Explanation:
In these lines, the hero of the poem describes his bad condition after passing of one year. He says
that the people often are killed when they are in power. He also wishes that he would also have
killed when he was in power. Then he would not have to bear this insult. However, he shows some
hope. He thought, though he has met a tragic end in this world, he will definitely be rewarded by
God in the next world, for his services during his political career. Therefore, he feels safer after all
the sufferings of his life.
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The Huntsman
Edward o bury
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "The Huntsman" composed by Edward o bury.
Context:
Kagwa was a hunter who reported a talking skull to the king. He couldn’t understand the message
and advice in the words of the skull. He is proved liar when skull was not found talking and is
killed.
Explanation:
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These lines are ironic account of a huntsman. It is the part of an African folk tale which teaches a
moral. Death is a great leveller. It teaches a moral lesson to others who are alive. Man's life is
uncertain. If he becomes carless his speech, he is punished as Kagwa. He couldn't understand a

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

simple reality of life that "talking brought me here." He couldn't realize that a single foolish talk
can bring disaster. One should be careful because time and tide waits for none. Time can never be
returned. So man should realize that Speech is silver Silence is gold.
Stanza 5:
The guards said Kneel down’
They killed him with sword and spear
Then the sky opened its mouth;
‘Huntsman, how did you come here?
And the dead man answered:
‘Talking brought me here’.
Explanation:
When the skull did not utter a single word after constant request of Kagwa, the guards got ready
to execute the orders of the king. They asked Kagwa to bend down and killed him with their sword
and spear. But, as soon as, Kagwa died the started speaking. It asked Kagwa, "How did you come
here". Now after being killed Kagwa came to know the reality of these words spoken by the skull
in their first meeting. Kagwa, now, answered, it was talking that brought him here.
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ONE ART
Elizabeth Bishop
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "One Art" composed by Elizabeth Bishop.
Context:
Sad and ironic poem suggests that one should be master in loosing art. One has to face some great
disaster in life. Life is uncertain. One should be ready to face trouble. The gradual mastery of
losing things is necessary and easy he should lose keys, places, names, mother's love tokens and
even beloved to bring contentment, resignation and acceptance in life.
Explanation:
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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

These lines give the idea that one must be proficient in losing art. This art can be mastered by
continuous practice because Practice makes a man perfect. The poetess is sad at the separation
of her homosexual friend. She is sad and makes herself ready for disasters in life. She plans and
advises others to get prepared for great disasters in life. As a result one can live happily and
satisfied. The life of contentment has no alternative. The tone of the poetess is ironic. She shows
that it is easy to master this art. In fact she wants to say that it is not easy to bear the separation of
her friend.
Stanza 4:
I lost my mother's watch. And look; my last, or
Next-to-last, of three loved houses went.
The art of losing isn't hard to master
Explanation:
In these lines, with the help of some examples, the poet tries to tell us that it is not difficult be
faster in the art of losing. She tells us that once she lost her mother's watch. Then, she had three
beautiful houses which were very dear to her. I lost them also. But the life went on and on. It did
not bring any kind of disaster in her life. Hence, if we try it is not hard to become expert in the
field of losing and his will make our life easy.
Stanza 6:
Even losing (the joking voice, a gesture
I love) I shan't have lied. It's evident
The art of losing's not too hard to master
Though it may look like (Write it) like disaster.
Explanation:
In these lines, with the help of some examples, the poet tries to tell us that it is not difficult to be
master in the art of losing. She addresses to her friend and she says that she likes her joking voice
and his gesture. But she is not going to tell a lie. She will even bear his loss also. Actually, with
this example she tries to tell us that though it is hard to bear the loss of some near and dear one.
But it is also a fact that we have to bear this disaster also. It is not hard to master in the art of losing.
______________________________________________________________________________

All the World stage

Reference:
The lines have been taken from "All the world stage" which is the speech of Jacques in As You
Like it written by Willium Shakespeare.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Context:
The life of man passes from infancy to-old age. It is similar to a stage and all human beings are
actors. Everyone performs certain roles before sing the stage of the world. During the course of
drama of life, man passes through the age of infant schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, pantaloon,
and second childhood. Every phase of life has certain characteristics Mart's role is like an actor.
He goes away after his role.
Explanation:
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These lines are the part sonnet poem Man's life is the most unreliable thing in this world. It goes
on changing. Change is its rule Life is like a stage and men and women are actors. Everyone has
limited role and short time. No one can say here. Man's nature doesn't change. Only change is
enduring. He forgets his purpose of life and involves himself into the world. He forgets that there
is a down fall after climax of youth. Shakespeare is very objective and universal in his picturing
human life. Death is a great reality. It gives purpose to life. Every mortal has to taste death. In
these lines-stage of life is mentioned. This stage has following characteristics.
Stanza 1:
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
Explanation:
These are starting lines of the poem. Here, in these lines the poet declares this world a stage. He
asks human beings actors. He says that we come in this world as actors have entries on the stage.
Each of us plays his given part and leaves the world as an actor leaves the stage. According to
poet, a man has to play different roles in his life. They can be divided into seven ages. In short,
these are beginning lines of the poem which set a stage for the seven stages of life.
Stanza 3:
And then the lover,
Sighing like a furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress' eyebrow.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
In these lines, third stage of a man's life is described and this is youth. Every man has great passion
of love in his youth. He loves to remain close and win his beloved. He sighs for her and sound of
his sighing resemble with that of the sound that a furnace produces. He likes to remain sad and
even writes some sad verses in praise of her beloved's eyebrows. The feelings of a young man for
his behaved are very naturally described by the poet.
Stanza 5:
And then the justice,
In fair round belly with good capon lin'd,
With eyes severe, and beard ith of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instances;
And so he plays his part.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet describes fifth stage of a man's life Here, the poet says that in the mature
age of his life, a person likes to be on some respectable position like that of a judge. When he
becomes a judge, he like to live a comfortable life and eat rich food. He has a fat belly full of
special cocks. He has serious and harsh looks. Now, he keeps a beard of a formal cut. He knows a
lot of wise sayings and can advise with examples.
Stanza 7:
Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste sans everything.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet describes the last stage of a man's life. This is the age of extreme old age.
This is last scene of drama of life. Eventful life of a man comes to an end. Now he becomes a child
for the second time. He is deprived of all the pleasures of life. He loses everything in this age. His
teeth have fallen, his eye sight has gone and he cannot taste things. In short, this is the most tragic
stage of human life.
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The Solitary Reaper

William Wordswort

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Reference:
The lines have been taken from "The Solitary Reaper" composed by William Wordsworth.
Context:
The poet meets a beautiful young girl reaping in the fields. The poet describes his experience of
listening to a sad song of her the fields of Scotland. The highland girl represents the beauty of
nature. Her lovely presence and her skeet song are the source of permanent pleasure for the poet.
The poet can't forget these delights.
Explanation:
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These lines give the idea that beauty has everlasting appeal. A thing of beauty is joy forever.
Nature and aesthetic beauty has universal appeal. It doesn't depend upon the knowledge of
language and geographical area. Romanticism has a universal language. The sadness and beauty
of the young girl in the fields is the source of enjoyment even in the imaginations. The poet is
unable to forget those delights. The remembrance of the past encounter with the girls is constant
source of enjoyment. One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.
Stanza 2:
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen; for the Vale profound
Is overwhelming with the sound.
Melancholy
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet tells us something more about the working of girl and her song. He says
that the girl was working alone in the field. She was alone cutting and binding the grain. But,
during her work she was singing a sad song. The sound of her song filled the whole valley. It
appeared as if the sound was overflowing the valley.
Stanza 4:
A voice so thrilling nev'r was heard
In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird,
Breaking the silence of the seas

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Among the farthest Hebrides.

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet compares the singing of the girl with the singing of cuckoo. He says that
the cuckoo's singing in spring disturbs pleasantly the silence of far-off islands like debrides. But,
he opines that the voice of girl is more thrilling and enchanting even than the voice of cuckoo bird.
In short, the poet wants to say that the girl was singing in a beautifully than the singing birds like
cuckoo and nightingale.
Stanza 5:
Will no one tell me what she sings?
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things,
And battles long ago.
Explanation:
Actually, Wordsworth listen the song of a girl while he was on his visit to Scotland. She was
singing in her native language. Hence, he could not understand what the theme of song is. There
was no one to tell him about the song. So, he himself tried to suppose about is theme He felt that
the girl was singing sadly. So, her song might be about some tragedies or unhappy incidents or
battles of past. In short, though the poet was not able to understand the real theme of the song, yet
he was mesmerized by the voice of the girl.
Stanza 6:
Or is it more humble lay,
Familiar matter of today?
Some natural sorrow, loss or pain.
That has been, and may be again?.
Explanation:
Actually, Wordsworth listen the song of a girl while he was on his visit to Scotland. She was
singing in her native language. Hence, he could not understand what the theme of song is. There
was no one to tell him about the song. So, he himself tried to suppose about its theme. He thought
that her song might about some ordinary matters of everyday life. If night about some/common
sorrows, losses or sufferings that she has suffered and that might come again. In short, though the
poet was not able to understand the real theme of the song, yet he was mesmerized by the voice of
the gut.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 7:
Whatever the theme, the Maiden song
As if her song could have no ending;
I saw her singing at her work,
And o'er the sickle bending
Explanation:
Actually Wordsworth listen the song of a girl while he was on his visit to Scotland. She was singing
in her native language. Hence, he could not understand what the theme of song is. There was no
one to tell him about the song. Though, he could not understand the theme of the song, yet the
voice of the girl was so enchanting that he thinks that as if there was no end of the song. He felt
that the girl would remain singing forever and her song would have no end. Then, he observed her
cutting the grain and bending over her sickle. It was her working and singing in natural
surroundings that pleased the poet more.
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DEPATURE AND ARRIVAL

TS Eliot
Reference:
The lines have been taken from "Departure and Arrival" composed by TS Eliot.
Context:
Man's life goes on changing. There are many challenges on the way to the next world or next
century. The Poet greets the twentieth century after the departure of nineteenth century. He asks
us to be courageous and brave for facing the new challenges of the coming century. Man's life is
a continuous struggle. The poet hopes that the next century would be the restoration of the golden
age, producing great geniuses, heroes, better inventions and overcoming misery and pain.
Explanation:
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Every day is a new day. (Hemingway)
These lines are the fears of the poet followed by hopes and optimism. Life never remains
constant and static. Only change is enduring in this world. Man is like a traveler who has to enter
this sea of the world. There are many dangers in this voyage. There are many threats, challenges,

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

difficulties and fears on the way. Many duties are to be performed in this life. One should set
good examples for the future generation. In this way, one would be remembered by others. It is
the first person narration. It shows the feelings and thoughts of the poet. The poet gives the
message of hope. "To lose faith is a sin." Optimism is the faith with which TS Eliot goes to
the twentieth century." God, Thou art Love I build my faith on that"
Stanza 2:
Although the path be tortuous and slow,
Although it bristles with a thousand fears,
To hopeful eye of youth it still appears
A lane by which the rose and hawthorn grow
We hope it may be, would that we might know;
Would we might look into future years.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that the path of life is full of twists and turns. There are many fears
and worries. This path of life is full of thorny bushes. But, a hope full young man also sees roses
and flowers with these thorns. He advises us to look at the future with hope. Definitely, we shall
success if we move ahead courageously.
Stanza 3:
Great duties call-the twentieth century
More grandly dowered that those which came before,
Summons who knows what time may hold in store,
Or what great deed the distant years may see,
What conquest over pain and misery,
What heroes greater than were ever of yore.
Explanation:
This poem was written at the departure of 19th century and arrival of 20th century. In these lines
the poet tells us that the coming time demands some more efforts on our part. He hopes that this
century will have more facilities and comforts than any other century. He is optimistic about the
future. He says that human beings can make full use of available and hidden resources to overcome
the pains and miseries. This century will produce greater heroes than the heroes of old time.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza:
A legacy of benefits-may we
In future for the good until they die,
And ask no other question than to know
That they have helped the cause to victory,
That with their aid the flag is raised on high.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet asks us to do such good deeds that last forever. He asks us to leave good
legacy for the coming generations that can benefit them for a long time. He wants us to work for
the betterment and glory of the humanity so that the coming generations remember us as hard
workers. Then in their turn, they will also work for the benefits of humanity and leave behind
sweet memories.
Stanza 6:
Sometime in distant years when we are grown
Gray-haired and old, whatever be our lot,
We shall desire to see again the spot
Which, whatsoever we have been or done
Or to what distant lands we may have gone,
Through all the years will never have been forgot.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that when we will grow old, we will remember the struggles we have
done for the betterment of human life. We shall desire to visit the places where we worked hard
and long. The people of coming generation will never forget our good deeds. In this way, this
world will become a happy place to live.
______________________________________________________________________________

A Poison Tree
William Blake
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "A Poison Tree" written by William Blake.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Context:
Hatred, jealousy and hypocrisy are destructive human characteristics. Once, the poet couldn't
express his hatred with his friend. Symbolically, his hate and jealousy grew into a poison tree and
the friend tasted its apple. This caused his death.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Man is a social animal. He lives in a society where he may have differences and similarities with
others. Anger, hypocrisy and jealousy are destructive aspects of human nature. They bring
destruction in human relations. This was the jealousy and hate which encouraged Satan to misguide
Eve to taste tree of knowledge. Forgiveness and tolerance are great virtues. They are necessary for
peaceful coexistence of human beings. The poet didn't express his anger towards his friend and he
continued to show his friendship. He behaved hypocritically. This caused his death. There is
Christian morality in the poem and Blake is famous for it.
Stanza 1:
I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that once he got angry with his friend. He expressed his anger to his
friend and his anger ended. But, once he got angry with his enemy. He did not tell it to his enemy
about it his anger. The misunderstanding grew stronger and anger between him and his enemy.
This resulted into a bitter enmity. Actually, through these lines the poet wants to tell us that we
should love every one and should not have concealed hatred for any one.
Stanza 3:
And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet describes the fast growth of feelings for his enemy inside him. He resembles
his hatred with an apple tree says that at last a bright apple grows on that tree of hatred. Although,
his enemy knew that it was his apple yet the brightness of apple tempted his enemy to get it.
Actually, in these lines, the poet refers to the scene of temptation in paradise.
Stanza 4
And into my garden stole
When the night had veil’d the pole:
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that the bright apple of his hatred tempted his enemy and he secretly
went into his garden. Darkness had covered the whole world. He stole that apple and ate it. His
enemy was not aware that it was poisonous. Hence, when the poet entered his garden in the
morning, he was glade to see that his enemy was dead. In short, it can be said that poet's concealed
hatred killed his enemy.
______________________________________________________________________________

Because I Could Not Stop for Death

Emily Dickinson
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Because I couldn't stop for death" composed by
Emily Dickinson.
Context:
Death is the greatest reality and poetess takes it a kind and civil friend. The carriage life passes
through different stages and reaches the real home of grave. But this is not an end. It goes beyond
death and reaches eternity. Eternity is the end of soul union with God.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Death is a certain reality and nobody can deny it. Human life is temporary and transitory. F. Scott
says, "So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight." The poetess takes this reality

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

happily. She has an unusual feelings and thoughts about death. Mostly it is considered as horrible.
The soul is bound to unite with eternity after death. It isn't an end rather a beginning of
timelessness. There is excessive use of alliteration, metaphors, paradoxes and personification.
Stanza 2:
We slowly drove-He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labour and my leisure too,
For his Civility.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poetess says that the though man is in hurry but the death was not in haste. It
was driving the carriage very slowly. It was so well behaved and kind that she left all her works
and worldly activities to go with it. Actually, the poetess realized the importance of the journey,
hence, left all her "labour and leisure".
Stanza 3:
We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess in the Ring,
We passed the Field of Gazing grain
We passed the Setting Sun-
Explanation:
In these lines, the poetess describes that as the carriage driven by death moved ahead it took her
through different stages of life. It can also be said that when death takes us away we remember all
our stages of life. The first stage through which she passed was her school going age. Here, the
children were enjoying recess. Then they passed by the fields of ripened fields. She felt as if the
grain was constantly looking towards them. Actually, this denotes the prime time of her age, youth.
As the day progressed, coming towards an end, they witnessed the setting sun, a symbol of old
age.
Stanza 4:
Or rather- He passed Us-
The Dews drew quivering and chill-
For only Gossamer, my Gown-
My Tippet-only Tulle

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
While, past with deaths through different stages of life, the poetess describes last scene of life. She
says at last the sun of disappeared. They reached the last stage of life. With the coming of darkness
the dew drops started falling and it became cold. She started trembling. She felt that her gown and
her shoulder coverings were not thick enough to protect her from that cold. Actually, through these
lines the poetess wants to say that in old age man thinks about his bad deeds that he committed in
his life, which disturbs him.
Stanza 5:
We passed before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground-
The roof was scarcely visible-
The Cornice-in the Ground-
Explanation:
In these lines, the poetess describes the last stage of her journey with death. She says that after all
the carriage stopped at a house that seemed a swelling of the ground. As it was grave its roof could
not be seen. Only raised part of cornice of the grave could be seen. Here, in these lines, actually
the poetess describes her final resting place grave.
______________________________________________________________________________

Light Out
Edward Thomas
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Light Out" composed by Edward Thomas.
Context:
Sleep is a great blessing of God. It brings end to daily routine of life. The strong force of ambitions,
love, pleasures and troubles come to an end. Human sleep is a metaphor of death. It is reality and
everyone has to experience it.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
"The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our separate ways, I to die, and you to live.
Which of these two is better only God knows." Socrates

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Human life is temporary. Death is inevitable (necessary). Sleep is the metaphor of death. It is
described in the perspective of daily routine. Man remains busy in his life. There are many
preferences. Sleep overpowers all of them. Nobody can stop it. The poet considers it peaceful
Death is a transition to the other world. It is like a friend who takes a noble person to soul union
with God.
Stanza 2:
Many a road track
That, since the dawn's first crack,
Up to the forest brink,
Deceived the travelers,
Suddenly now blurs,
And in the sink.
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet says that though life is full of hardships and tiresome struggles, yet the sleep
is there to dominate all. It leads man to a peaceful valley, where there are many paths. Man walks
on these paths till dawn. After the whole days work, man has to succumb to sleep willingly or
unwillingly. It deceives man and slowly overcomes man and takes him into the world of peace.
Stanza 4:
There is not any book
Or face of dearest look
That I would mot turn from now
To go into the unknown
I must enter, and leave, alone.
I know not how
Explanation:
In these lines, the post describes experience of sleep. When man is overshadowed by sleep neither
any book nor any image of a near or dear one can stop him from entering this land of peace and
pleasure. When man comes to this world has to enter this unknown world. He has to leave behind
everything to enter the world of sleep. Here, actually the poet has compared sleep with that of
death. He wants to say that when death comes man has to leave everything and nothing can stop
him.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 5:
The tall forest towers;
Its cloudy foliage lowers
Ahead, shelf above shelf;
Its silence I hear and obey
That I may lose my way
And myself.
Explanation:
Here in these lines, the poet compares sleep with physical forest. A forest has huge trees like towers
with unaccountable leaves. These trees are covered with layers of layers of leaves one upon
another. In the same way, the sleep overcome man layer over layer. When sleep overcomes man,
silence prevails over him. Man has to yield every command of sleep. When a man enters a thick
forest he loses his way. In the same way, when man enters into sleep he loses his way and remains
wandering in this forest of sleep till morning.
______________________________________________________________________________

After apple picking

Robert Frost
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "After Apple Picking" composed by Robert Frost.
Context:
Apple picking is the metaphor of desires and images of life. The poet is picking the apples with
the ladder. The poet has collected the apples all the day. He has tired after day's work. But sheep
has overpowered him. He sleeps like woodchuck. This sleep is symbol of death.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Human desires are in large number and they never end. The Apples are symbols of ideals and
sentiments. Man doesn't satisfy in his life. He continues to get dreams throughout his life. But
human life is temporary. Sleep overpowers all of them. Sleep is the metaphor of death. Death is
inevitable (necessary). It is described in the perspective of apple picking. The themes of life and
religion are very common in Frost's poetry.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 2:
Essence of winter sleep is on the night,
The scent of apples: I am drowsing off.
I cannot rub the strangeness from my sight
I got from looking through a pane of glass
I skimmed this morning from the drinking trough
And I held against the world of hoary grass
It melted, and I let it fall and break.
But I was well
Upon my way to sleep before it fell,
And I could tell
Explanation:
In these lines, the poet gives a pictorial description of the garden where he is working. He says that
smell of apples creates such an effect on him that he starts dozing. Although, he has not completed
his work, yet he cannot escape from the captivating smell of apples. There was a long open box of
drinking water for animals in the garden. The water in it had a frozen ice. The poet removed a
sheet of ice from it in the morning and held it before him. Through this sheet of ice he looked at
the white snow covered grass. The poet was sleepy as the sheet of ice was falling form his hands.
Stanza 4:
For I have had too much
Of apple-picking: I am overtired
Of the great harvest I myself desired.
There were ten thousand fruit to touch,
Cherish in hand, left down and not let fall
For all That struck the earth
No matter if not bruised or spiked with stubble,
Went surely to the der-apple heap
As of no worth.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
In these lines, the poet explains that he has tired from apple picking. Still, there are thousands of
apples on the trees and he wants to pluck all these apples with his own hands. He knows that all
those apples that fell down and hit the ground, will surely become useless for storage. These
spoiled apples will then be crushed for juice in the machine.
Stanza 5:
One can see what will trouble
This sleep of mine, whatever sleep it is,
Were he no gone,
The woodchuck could say whether it's like his
Longs sleep, as I describe-its coming on
Of just some human sleep.
Explanation:
These are ending lines of the poem. The poet says that who wants to sleep is well aware what will
disturb his sleep. Apart forms that, he wants to know what kind of sleep he is having. He says
woodchuck could tell it easily about it. But that animal has gone. Now poet does not say surely
whether his/sleep with be like that of woodchuck or just a normal sleep for a few hours. He cannot
also say whether it will be ordinary Human sleep or the sleep of death. Here, in these lines the poet
ends his poem with these thoughts that all our activities ends in sleep. Death is also an sleep that
ends our tiresome journey of life.
______________________________________________________________________________

The Vanishing Village

RS Thomas
References:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Vanishing Village" composed by RS Thomas.
Context:
The poem is lyrical and sad picture of a village. The village size has reduced due to modernization.
The whole village is the sad picture of destruction. The houses are empty. There is no activity.
Only a dog and a girl remain there. The dog is inactive and girl is moving. She is a ray of hope
The gaiety of the village will restore one day.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
Modernization has a very bad impact on villages. It has been a center of human civilization. It had
been unit of human society. But there is a lot of migration towards cities in present times. The
people move towards cities to get better prospects. The poet draws a gloomy picture of modern
village. It has no activity. But the poet knows that everything goes towards its center. The poet is
optimist. He thinks that the glory of the village will be restored.
Stanza 1:
Majority of population has moved towards cities. There are a few residents. Human activity has
restricted now. The size of the village is reducing. Even the raves and shops are deserted.
Stanza 2:
There are a few things remaining. A dog is killing the fleas. He has nothing to do. His passivity
shows lack of action in the village. Though, there is hope in the form of a girl. She moves from
door to door. She is a symbol of future activity.
Stanza 3
The village has been center of human civilization since its beginning. Plato thought it its unit. The
human civilization started from the rivers. developed villages. Then, cities were formed. It is
necessary to remember our past.
______________________________________________________________________________

When I have Fears

Context:
The poem is a sonnet. It is lyrical poem having the fears of the poet. He has the fears of death and
end of fame and high romance. Everything is going to be finished. Man has short span of life in
this world.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………
These lines are the part of sonnet having fourteen lines. These lines are about the fears of the poet.
There is autobiographical account of the poet. He was the patient of T.B. He had seen his brother
and mother dying of it. His life was sure to end. His ambitions are at stake. He wanted to get fame,
love and success but death ends everything.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

After life's fitful fever he sleeps well (Shakespeare)

Stanza 1:
The poetic career of the poet is rich. It is described by the metaphor of crops and harvest. His brain
is full of ideas and thoughts. But the fear of death has stopped every faculty.
Stanza 2:
The poet has great romantic ideals. He thinks that some chance will give him a great fame. But the
dark shades of night are befalling on him. The night is the approaching death.
Stanza 3:
Man's life is the most unreliable thing of this universe. This world is transitory. His time is limited
in this world. Love will be lost and imaginations will come to an end. The romantic enjoyment and
love feelings are sure to end with end.
Stanza 4:
The poet gives pessimistic view of life. Keats feels loneliness. Death has swept away everything.
Love and fame will sink into nothingness.
______________________________________________________________________________

Kubla Khan
ST Coleridge
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Kubla Khan" Composed by ST Coleridge.
Context:
Kubla Khan was an ancient Mongol King. Coleridge imagines him in his opium induced dream.
Kubla Khan orders to build a palace.
The palace is the desires and fantasies of the poet. It is located on the Alph river. This earthly
paradise has gardens, measureless caverns, a fountain and waterfall, singing and dancing rock.
However, it is threatened by waning moon, sunless sea, lifeless ocean, demon lover, prophecy of
war and measureless caverns.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
These lines are the part of a romantic poem. Coleridge has described two aspects of nature. He has
projected mysterious or supernatural side of nature which is horrible. This aspect is dominating.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

This was the plan of two great pioneers of romantic ism in Lyrical Ballads in 1798. Wordsworth
took pleasant aspect of nature while Coleridge took mysterious one. The imaginations are very
strong and flowing in these lines. He develops an earthly paradise in his dreamy image. But the
palace of man's innocent desires is challenged by different fears and threats. There is use of
alliteration, simile, metaphor and personification to make his image alive and rich. Thing of beauty
is joy forever. (Keats)
Stanza l. (1-5):
Xanadu is famous land of ancient Mongol The poet develops a powerful and romantic image of
past kingdom. Kubla Khan orders to build a palace surrounded by Alph river. Its depth is unknown
to man. The romantic image of past and palace of desires is an imaginative paradise. The
measureless caves and sacred river of Alph (Greek river, Alpheus) are mysterious aspects of
nature. The river falls into dark sea.
Stanza 2 (6-11):
The image of palace is beautifully developed. There is the area of ten miles in which river flows.
The presence of walls, towers, beautiful garden, odour giving flowers, zigzag streams, ancient hills
and sunny spots are romantic aspects of his paradise.
Stanza 3 (12-17):
There is imaginative view of the mountain from the palace. The river emerges from a hole covered
by Cedar trees. This place mysterious holy and magical. The supernatural images of waning moon,
cursed woman having ghost lover and unending turmoil are threats to poet's romantic paradise.
Stanza 4 (18-26):
The distant of waterfall is further explored. It is bursting like breathing. The mountain seems
moving and dancing. The water from chasm moves like hailing. It looks like grains coming from
thresher. The sacred river of Greeks flows through the woods and valleys.
Stanza 5 (27-30):
The beautiful image of chasm, river and water fall is spoiled by mystical elements. The use
measureless caverns, prediction of war and lifeless ocean create horrific images. It is supernatural
effect.
Stanza 6 (31-48):
The palace is located on the bank of the historic river of Alph. Its shades wave on the water
surface. It is extra ordinary creation of man's desire. It has uniqueness. The caves have cold
water. The poet has a vision of beautiful girl playing music. Her song is fascinating. This is a
romantic image. This is the paradise of his desires. He wants to enjoy delights of nature.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 7 (49-55):
The poet is afraid of dangers to his built palace of desire. A cry informs him to be aware. The
supernatural elements of nature are dreadful. The flashing eyes and floating hair are terrifying
images. However, the poet has taken milk of paradise to forget all these.
___________________________________________________________________________

Hawk's Monologue
Ted Hughes
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Hawk's Monologue" composed by Ted Hughes.
Context:
The poem is a dramatic monologue of an eagle. He considers himself the center of this universe.
He thinks right to kill other birds. He is proud and cruel. He is the symbol of a proud dictator.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
These lines are the part of dramatic monologue of a hawk. The use of monologue is a technique to
expose the inner feelings and emotions. The lines are given in the first person narration. The Hawk
is the symbol of pride and power of a dictator. He takes everything under his control. He considers
it right to do injustice. This is his delusion that every creation is at his foot. Ted has used animal
imagery to criticize the power drunk person. Pride went before, ambition follows him.
(Shakespeare)
Stanza 1:
The hawk dreams in his imaginations. He repeats his practice of flying and attack in the dreams.
His days and nights are full of such images. He is the symbol of power and pride.
Stanza 2:
The hawk flies to height. Everything in the world is for sim. Even the air and the rays of sun are
assisting him. The earth is at his view. He can watch everything this is reflection of his pride. He
considers the whole world for him.
Stanza 3:
The hawk is sitting at a rough bark. His delusion continues. He considers himself the supreme
creation of God Almighty. His feet and feathers is a special creation. He considers everything at
his foot step. The whole universe belongs to him. The word of creation has to meaning. The
capitalized word represents God while small letter shows the creatures.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 4:
The hawk flies wherever he wants. The whole world is his. He kills the other birds. He believes
his right because he believes in. "Might is Right His body has no fault and weakness.
Stanza 5:
The hawk continues to mention his powers. He kills others because he has license to allot death.
His flight is direct to his prey. The birds feel fear even in their bones. He has supernatural powers.
This is a dream of a proud and power drunk person.
Stanza 6:
The presence of the hawk is necessary in this world. He is the symbol of destructive aspect of
nature. He is the king of dark ness he has left the sun behind. The order of this universe is
maintained through his presence. Everything is same for him. He is the monarch of this world.
______________________________________________________________________________

Politics
W.B Yeats
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Politics" composed by W.B Yeats.
Context:
This poem is lyrical and narrates the importance of romantic feelings in man's life. Though politics
is characterized by experience, knowledge, power and attraction, yet the poet is unable to resist his
desire to enjoy beauty. He wants to have a young girl in his arms as a young man.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
These lines show that love for beauty is human instinct. It is very dominating force. No one can
resist it. It dominates all other passions and sentiments. Even it overcomes the sentiments of power
and knowledge, which are considered to be very strong. Thing of beauty is joy forever. The poet
has tired due to destructive nature of politics. It has caused many deaths in the wars. The Spanish
civil wars, red revolution of Russia and Roman wars have claimed millions of the people. Thus
the poet takes refuge in the beautiful shadows of love and beauty. He knows that 'Beauty is truth,
truth beauty,' - that is all ye know on earth land all ye need to know. John Keats Politics and girl
can be considered a metaphor for the poet's love for England and Ireland.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Stanza 1:
The poet contrasts two sentiments of human life in these lines. He puts a rhetoric question. He
unable to avoid his love for beauty. Romanticism is ultimate refuge for a distressed mind. It is
inherited. His question on the politics of Russia, the Roman s and Spain is a criticism. He asks
whether he should like even though it has caused many deaths.
Stanza 2:
The importance of politics can't be denied. It has been powerful in human history. The politicians
have knowledge, experience, thoughts and power. But what is the use of all these qualities if they
are destructive. These ideas have killed millions of the people. The poet is sick of it.
Stanza 3:
The importance and power of politics can't be ignored however it is dangerous. It has killed
humanity due to conflict. The poet wants to be young again. He wants to relish his youth memories.
He wants to have his beloved in his arms. His romantic desires are stronger than any other
sentiment.
______________________________________________________________________________

Snake
W.H Lawrence
Reference:
These lines have been taken from the poem "Snake" composed by W.H Lawrence.
Context:
Man is directed by different motives in his life. The poet encounters a snake in his water trough.
He considers him a guest in his loneliness. Though he likes his presence yet his nature and
education force him to attack him with a log. He feels pity for his action like marines after Killing
Albatross.
Explanation:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………
These lines are the part of the poem, snake. They show the dilemma of modern man who remains
in psychological confusion. Man has become isolated due to modernism. He has a psychological
conflict. He has a great love for nature and finds snake his guest and friend in loneliness. He has
unusual thoughts which are different from others. He moves away front romanticism and lyrical
Victorian towards realism. Free verse style in these lines is the feature of modernism in literature.
He is manipulated by his instinct. Man has inherent weakness of original sin. After committing

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

mistake, he feels remorse over his actions. The Biblical allusions widen the scope of the themes.
The snake in the poem is Biblical snake.
Stanza 1:
Modern man has the conflict of "to be and not to be" (A Snake---Etna Smoking)
These lines are narrative account of poet's encounter with a snake. The poet becomes happy to find
a snake on the pond on a hot day. The poet describes the movement, colour and water drinking of
the snake with the use of simile and repetition. He comes from a hole in the wall. It is an allusion
to hell. It is devil who misguided Eve. The poet has to wait for him and he considers himself second
comer. The second come is also an allusion to Christ. The allusions of Sicilian July and Etna
Smoking describe hot July. It also tells the past of the poet in Sicily.
Stanza 2:
(The voice of --- his back was turned)
The psychological conflict of the poet starts in these lines. He wavers between education and
rationality. His education and traditions persuade him to kill the snake. The brown snakes are
dangerous in Sicily. On the other hand, he likes it. He considers him a beautiful aspect of nature
and guest of his isolation. This conflict is the dilemma of modern man. He will be a coward and
afraid if he doesn't attack. But the poet's courtesy forces him to avoid it. After drinking water, de
departs thanklessly into metaphorical hole.
Stanza 3:
(I looked around--- end)
The poet is driven by his instinct of having power and supremacy. He attacks the snake with a
clumsy log. Power is a basic instinct which is exercised everywhere. The poet feels remorse after
attack as mariner does in Rhyme of Ancient Mariner. He kills an Albatross and a curse befalls as
a result. This is regret which is similar to Adam's regret after prayer.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

General Contexts Plays

The Bear
By: Anton Chekov.
Reference:
This dialogue has been taken from "The Bear" Written by Anton Chekov.
Context.
The play "The Bear" actually reflects European society and culture where unfaithfulness and
treachery (‫ )دوھہک‬are quite common. The dramatist has reflected character of a common European
man and woman. Popova is one such character who is a young widow. Instead of it there is a man
named Smirnov. These two characters are also representative of their society. They have decided
not to fall into the matters of love. Popova's husband died seven months ago and she is in a state
of mourning. Smirnov is fed up with his earlier love affairs. In the end of the play both of them
forget their so called promises. They create soft corners for each other and decide to get married
at last.
Explanation:

‫اسےصحںیمدییئگالنئوکرصتخماےنپاافلظںیمھکلدںی۔‬
Comments:
In this play the two characters are not only individual but also type. Faithlessness and inconsistency
of Smirnov and Popova are truly the reflection of the age and society to which they belong. These
two characters also represent the universal society. The mood of play is funny and humorous
throughout. The writer has beautifully brought to light the universal human nature. Chekov and
Shakespeare can be compared with each other in the description of human nature.
______________________________________________________________________________

2. The Boys Comes Home

By: A.A.Milne
Reference:
This dialogue has been taken from the play "The Boy Comes Home" written by A.A.Milne.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Context:
This play highlights the generation gap between old and young generation. Though the difference
of opinion exists in the old man's dream, yet that dream can also come true. The old man Uncle
James is a guardian of young boy Philip. The boy has come from the battlefield after four years of
war against Germany. The uncle wants him to come to his business. The boy wants to join diploma.
This difference turns into a clash between the two. Philip threatens the old man with a revolver,
then with a bomb in order to convince him. The play revolves around the theme that the young
generation should be given freedom of action.
Explanation:

‫اسےصحںیمدییئگالنئوکرصتخماےنپاافلظںیمھکلدںی۔‬
Comments:
In this play Philip and Uncle James are representative characters. Philip stands for ambitious and
promising youth of modern age. Uncle James symbolizes traditional and conservative old
generation, which is fed up with the new age and its new trends Uncle James may also be called a
figure of Victorian age known for its harshness, rigidity, and with a wish to lead the others by the
nose. The play beautifully points out the clashes that appear between two generations, youth and
old. The play also throws light on the solution of the problem.
_____________________________________________________________________________

3. Something to Talk About

By: Eden Philpots
Reference:
This dialogue has been taken from the play "Something to Talk About" written by Eden Philpots.
Context:
This is a play full of fun and humour. The play also highlights material greed found in British
families. A famous burglar comes into the Sydney family house on the eve of Christmas This
burglary turns into an act of fun for the whole family. The Wolf tries to cut open the safe in order
to steal the things but he is unable to do so. At last, he is given the password by Lord Redchester.
When the burglar is ready to go away, the Bishop tempts (‫ )الچل دانی‬him with very costly belongings
of another Wallaby family if he spares Sydney family's things. The Wolf agrees and gives them
all their things back.

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 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

Explanation:

‫اسےصحںیمدییئگالنئوکرصتخماےنپاافلظںیمھکلدںی۔‬
Comments:
In the play we find an element of fun and humour throughout. There is also suspense and action in
the play. Although the burglar comes to steal the Sydney family presents, yet the Sydney family
enjoys his company. In the end of the play the members of this family also succeed in getting back
those presents. We find that both the Wolf and the Sydney family show materialism. The character
of the Wolf and the Sydney family represent (‫ )امندنئیگ رکنا‬poor and rich classes of the British society
respectively. Through these characters we find an imbalance in the system of Capitalism (‫)وسدی اظنم‬
which is turning the poor into more poverty and those rich into more richness.
______________________________________________________________________________

4. Smoke Screens
By: Harold Brighouse
Reference:
This dialogue has been taken from the play "Smoke Screens " written by Harold Brighouse.
Context:
This is a modern and feminine play that circles around the theme of marriage. The theme of
generation gap can also be pointed out that exists between young and old generation. The dramatist
has beautifully analyzed the topic of marriage in the countries like Europe where marriages are
breaking up due to faithless couples. We also find the condition of European men and women and
their faithlessness which is quite common. The play also highlights parent children relationship.
Explanation:

‫اسےصحںیمدییئگالنئوکرصتخماےنپاافلظںیمھکلدںی۔‬
Comments:
The play beautifully highlights difference of thinking of a mother Lucy and her daughter The play
beautifully highlights difference of thinking of a mother Lucy and her daughter Primrose. Lucy is
very much against the topic of marriage in her house. She has deep rooted hatred for men in her
heart. Now her daughter Primrose decides to marry a very ugly man John. This is an experiment
that she is doing in order to have a good future as her mother could not achieve any happiness out
of her marriage though her husband was very charming. The play highlights various facts. Firstly'

BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

 BA BSc ADP English Notes 03207589658 WhatsApp

it shows this fact that real beauty is actually the beauty of heart not of face. Secondly it shows this
reality that unfaithfulness is such a factor which is the base of break up of marriage.

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