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BA ADA Part 1 English Poems Notes

1. LEISURE
Q1: We do not have time to appreciate beauty of life and nature. Why?
Q2: What are the main ideas explained in the poem Leisure?
Q3: What does poet want to convey in his poem?
Q4: Leisure is criticism on the life of modern man. Discuss.
Q5: What are some of the simple delights we miss in our rushed life?
Answer:
William Davies' poetry is marked with truth and simplicity in idea as well as in
language. This poem is the open criticism on modem man's living-style. Modern man of machine
age himself has become machine. He is passing his days and nights in doing different jobs but
without enjoying pleasure and beauties of natural world.

There is negligence in his attitude towards beautiful scenes of nature and

attractive actions of a charming woman. His life is worse than animals which have time to enjoy
themselves with the pleasing natural sights.
"What is this life if full of care We have no
time to stand and stare"
He passes through forests but does not give attention towards various activities of the
residents of animal world. He neglects to soothe his eves by watching a smiling face of an attractive
woman. The mechanical occupation has deprived people of beauties of life and nature.

To conclude the whole topic it would not be wrong to say that modern man's life is very miserable
as well as pitiable due to his own dull and non-aesthetic activities.
The poet thinks that we should spend our free time in enjoying and appreciating the beauty of
nature.

2. TARTARY
Q1: Describe the literary qualities of the poem.
Q2: How can you say that "Tartary "is a romantic land of the poet's dream? Q3: Describe
briefly the pictorial quality of De La Mare's poetry with reference.
Q4: Write a note on the land of Tartary after your study of the poem "Tartary Q5: Discuss
De La Mare as a poet and lover of nature with reference to his poem.

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Q6: How does the poet look as a king of Tartary?
Answer:
Tartary is the production of an imaginative mind as Coleridge's romantic poem Kubla Khan.
The selection of words, dictions, sounds, and the theme of the poem make it a model piece of
imaginative and natural poetry.

The poet represents all those minds which wish to escape from the human world of worries,
sorrows and miseries into mind-made kingdom of luxuries, pleasures, and comforts. As poet says:
"My bed should be of ivory,

Of beaten gold my throne"

The presence of peacocks in his court, tigers in forests, and fish in pools, the twinkling of
colorful lights at night, fascinating music with traditional instruments and presentation of meal to
the master of this self-designed land make it a splendid kingdom.
De La Mare has composed his poem beautifully and takes his readers into a dream world, where
there is nothing except pleasures. The use of similes, imagery, and metaphor beautifies the poem.
Tartary would be a utopian land where human beings are not found and it is hard to believe in its
reality. The main idea of this poem does not appeal realistic minds but the superb use of
imagination and figurative language is appreciable.

3. NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

Q1: Which resolutions were made by the poetess on the eve of New Year?

Q2: What does poetess think to do in new year and why?

Q3: Why does the poetess want to face the reality?

Q4: Why does the poetess wish to drink long draught of quiet?

Q5: Do you find this poem different from some of other poems you have read? Answer:

"New Year Resolutions" is one of the glorious poems ‘due to its simple language, brevity and
terseness, profound meaning and excellent message and theme. This is the lesson for one who
wishes to refine and improve oneself; it does not carry us into dream or imaginative world like
Tartary, Kubla Khan and Solitary Reaper.

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In three simple stanzas, the poetess makes three tough but fruitful and result-oriented promises.
She wants to keep herself silent in order to observe herself and others. Secondly, she wants to do
her assessment as Socretes says:

"Know thyself"
She wishes to know her status and being in the family and society. She wants to know her
rights, duties, obligations and importance. As she says:

"Who l am"
It is said that contentment is the real happiness and the poetess reveals that a person can get
contentment, if someone starts facing every kind of reality. Though it is difficult to bear and face
hard and bitter realities of life, yet this habit of facing reality brings bout comforts and internal
calmness. Therefore, she pledges to face naked realities of life with bold heart and tearless eyes.
She considers it the secret of real happiness.
To conclude the whole topic it would not be wrong to say that "New Year Resolutions" is
different from other poems and teaches us fruitful lessons. It urges us to change our life keeping
in view the past life.

4. WOMAN WORK
Q1: Describe the condition of a domestic woman as is depicted by Maya Anglo. Q2: What

does a woman feel after doing laborious routine work?

Q3: Why does a woman wish to pass her free time in the company of natural objects?
Q4: Compare the domestic woman of Maya Anglo's society with Pakistani domestic woman.

Q5: How does Maya Anglo depict the life of western domestic woman?

Answer:

Maya Anglo's poem "Woman Work" is clear depiction of the life of a domestic woman. Her
routine job, passion to serve and desire to achieve peace and calmness through the objects and
nature has been versified in simple but in a beautiful way.
A domestic woman performs different duties from dawn to dusk at her home. She has to keep
home clean. She has to take care o her babies as well as other members of family. It is also her job
to repair and iron clothes, to bring food and cook it and some other regular jobs. She also does
work in house garden as Pakistani woman does in open field. There is similarity of job between
Pakistani and western domestic woman.

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Entertainment and nourishtment are the basic needs of human beings because human beings are
not like robots. That is why; a tired woman calls objects of nature for the freshness of her mind
and body. As she says:

“Shine on me sunshine

Rain on me, rain

Fall softly, dew drops

And cool my brow again”

Nature is replete with captivating and soothe-giving sights. These natural objects are the gifts
of Allah and every human being can call them own as Maya Anglo's woman declares. The
figurative language of the poem makes it as romantic as De La Mare's Tartary.

5. THE REBEL
Q1: Apparently the rebel seems to be ridiculous but in fact he is brave.
Comment.

02: Draw a character sketch of a rebel.

Q3: What is the main theme of poem "The Rebel"?

Q4: Discuss the elements of satire and humour in the poem "The Rebel"

Q5: The existence of rebels is good for a society. Discuss.

Answer:

"The Rebel" is the depiction of that incredulous person whose every action is different from
other people of the society. The poet has described the life of this rebel humorously and satirically.
The rebel differs with people in everything. He does not like to lead his life are other people do.
His every action distinguishes him from other people of the society. He would like to shape his
individuality; He considers it his disgrace to follow others blindly.
The poet depicts him as a trend setter and innovator. He is not ridiculed but praised because of
his eccentric but individual behaviour.
The important point of composing this poem is to appreciate free thought and to discourage
blind-following. The poet's harmless rebel lives in society but tries his level best to keep himself
different from others.

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"When everybody is praising the sun

The rebel remarks on the need for rain"

Movements cause the development of societies and positive rebelliousness of individuals should
not be condemned discouraged because they bring about revolution in societies. The existence of
rebels is beneficial for societies. That is why people should not discourage these people.

6. PATRIOT INTO TRAITOR

Q1: How is the patriot repaid for his public services?

Q2: What is the relevance of this poem to the political conditions prevailing in the third world
countries?

Q3: How does a patriot turn into a traitor?

Q4: Describe tragic downfall of the hero?

Answer:

Robert Browning’s poem "Patriot into Traitor" shows the naked reality of political world where
there is no consistency of making someone hero or zero.
A person who is welcomed with flowers departures with stones. The political condition of the third
world countries reflects the same picture where people distribute sweets and entertain new
expectations on the advent of every new face on the throne. Every new ruler is greeted with flowers
and admirable remarks as Browning’s patriot says:

“It was roses all the way

With myrtle mixed in my path"

People start considering their leader as flawless as an angel. They forget everything for the
sake of their new hero. They are ready even to do unbelievable actions to show their loyalty and
love for new hero.
Browning's patriot did a lot for happiness and prosperity of his nation. This style of politics is
found in third world countries where political figures get popularity quickly and are defamed very
quickly. Browning’s patriot was beloved of everyone and everyone was ready to sacrifice
everything for his beloved hero.
It was all of a sudden when the same beloved hero became the most hateful person and he was
declared the traitor. He was given death sentence. It was a horrible scene for him when the ex-

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patriot was being carried towards gallows like a big traitor. His past admirers had changed their
views about him and were seen on that spot where he was to be hanged
The patriot expects that he will be given good reward in the next world and in this way he
satisfies himself.

7. THE HUNTSMAN
Q1: Discuss the role of cruel fate in Kagwa's story?

Q2: What is the hidden message of Kagwa's story?

Q3: Discuss the use of irony and suspense in this poem?

Q4: The huntsman discovered his blunder but too late. Elaborate.

Answer:

Kagwa's tragic story is full of suspense and irony and conveys a meaningful message to its readers.
Kagwa's weak comprehension of skull's meaningful statement caused Kagwa's journey towards
death.
Fate is the essential part of human life but the role of character is also very important in human
life. We find both character and fate whleh were responsible for Kagwa's tragic end.
Kagwa was an expert hunter like Santiago. Once Kagwa met a talking skull during his expedition
of hunting lions in the forest. The skull surprised him by his talking ability.
In fact, the skull wanted to teach him a lesson of using tongue wisely and properly but Kagwa
could not understand its ironical statement.
Kagwa would like to share this strange discovery with his country king. Suspense is created many
times in the story like here readers think whether Kagwa will be awarded n or not.
The king listened his story but was not ready to believe in it. He sent his two guards with Kagwa
to verify his statement. It was also king's instructions to kill Kagwa if the same skull is not found.
The skull was searched after great struggle but it did not speak any word in the presence of guards.
The guards killed Kagwa and the skull asked the same question from Kagwa's skull.
How did you come here?

Kagwa's skull replied:

‘Talking brought me here'.

In the end, Kagwa understood what the skull wanted to teach but the time had

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passed.

8. ONE ART
Q1: The art of losing is not hard to master. What is your opinion about it?

Q2: Which lesson does poetess want to teach us in her poem ONE ART?

Q3: How can we learn the art of losing things?

Q4: Discuss the central idea of the poem.

Answer:

ONE ART is a lesson giving poem which teaches us how to achieve expertness in encountering
tough situations of life, especially, when we lose what we love.
The poetess has used simple and common language. She does try to persuade her readers that losing
and bearing happily bring peace and comfort in someone’s life. She gives examples from her own
experience. She lost many sweet and dear things but no one brought disaster for her.
"Some realms l owned, two rivers, a continent

I miss them but it was not a disaster”

There is soft touch of irony, satire and humour in this poem. The literary beauty of this poem
increases beauty of the poem. The purpose of using irony and satire is to convey message with
tough criticism. Elizabeth stresses upon repetition of losing things to be master over this art. We
can also get expertness by making habit of losing things and to tolerate their loss smilingly
It can be said confidently that if we develop a habit of ignoring small and big losses in life, we can
retain a secure hold on happiness and also prepare ourselves for extremely untoward happenings
in real life.

9. THE SOLITARY REAPER

Q1: Common experience of the poet has been discussed in the poem. Comment.

Q2: The song of the girl impressed the poet very much. Elaborate.

Q3: 'The Solitary Reaper' is a romantic poem. Discuss.

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Answer:

William Words Worth is one of the pioneers and hard supporters of Romanticism. Words Worth's
production "THE SOLITARY REAPER" is the clear example of romantic poetry. It has all the
elements of romantic poetry. The poem deals with the life of common people. The poem is also
full of romantic images as the field, reaping and singing.
Once, Wordsworth came across an unknown girl who was busy in field work. The girl is a
representative of a pure natural beauty.
She was singing a song in a strange language but its guessed theme and sad sound appealed poet's
mind. Magnetic voice of girl's song is preferred to nightingale and cuckoo-bird by the poet.
"A voice so thrilling never was heard

In spring from the cuckoo bird"

Nature is always a source of pleasure and joy for human beings. It was not unusual experience of
the poet but he made it unusual. The use of figurative language increases beauty and enchantment-
of the poem. Maiden’s song left deep impression over poet's mind and heart. The poet stood still
and listened to that sweet song. The sweet memory of that song became a permanent source of joy
for Wordsworth. In short, it is a beautiful romantic poem.

10. ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Q1: What are the seven stages of man's life which Shakespeare has described?

Q2: Discuss different stages of human life.

Q3: Which stage in human life appeals you most?

Answer:

Shakespeare was an eminent literary figure of sixteen century. His humanistic and universal
literary works have made him the man of genius for all ages.
'All the World's a Stage' is an extract taken from Shakespeare's play "As You like It". The life of a
man has been divided into seven stages and every stage has been described masterfully by
Shakespeare.

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A man begins his life as a language less child who feels comfort in the arms of his nurse. He drinks
milk but vomits it sometimes. He takes food and passes smile and pleasure in return.
He reaches school going age but is not willing to bear the burden of books. His face appears
twinkling but his walking speed shows displeasure for this boring job
Third stage is very risky. It is dominant by heart -decisions and unripened emotions. His eyes
always search the desired face. His lips do not move but only in praise of his beloved.
He becomes respect hungry at fourth stage. He keeps himself ready to fight on small issues. He
does not speak but to impress others to get hollow reputation.
"Jealous in honour sudden and quick in quarrel

Seeking the bubble reputation"

A man gets the status of a sound judge at the fifth stage of his life. His physique changes, mind
becomes mature and language wise.
Sixth stage displays weak body, thin legs, dim eye sight and lose clothes. His sound seems unclear
and like children.
The final stage of man's life is very miserable. His sensitive and important parts of body leave
working properly. A man is seen but with sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, and sans everything.

11. DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL

Q1. Discuss the theme / message / central idea of the poem.

Q2. Discuss Eliot's optimism in accordance with his "Departure and Arrival Answer:

Thomas Sterns Eliot is one of those idealistic and optimistic literary writers whose literary writings
have humanistic touch and hopeful lesson. Eliot is modern writer and he uses similes, metaphors,
and imagery for the presentation of his ideas and thoughts. "Departure and Arrival” is thought
provoking poem for new generation of waste land.
Human life is like a journey but this zigzag journey should be initiated with hope and should be
ended by leaving a enviable legacy for coming generation. It is not easy task because this journey
is full of affliction hardships and unknown fears.
Eliot's optimistic mind does discourage but persuades everyone to accept all these challenges. It is
we who will have to change the destiny of this century. We are to relieve the pain and suffering of
human beings. We should dedicate our energies and abilities to make this century enviable.
We are its sons and we are to do it. This poem has been written on the behalf of
Wordsworth's poetry. T. S. Eliot has preferred intellect to emotions and has tried to inspire
young generation to do something unique so that they may be proud of it.

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As Eliot says:

"In future years be found with those who try

To labour for those the good until they die"

To conclude the whole topic it would be easy to say that Eliot was idealistcum-optimist poet. There
is encouragement and inspiration in this poem for young hearts.

12. A POISON TREE

Q1: Which message / central idea / moral has been given in the poem A Poison Tree?

Q2: There is no need of any poison tree where there is no frankness. Discuss.

Q3: What happened with the enemy of the poet?

Answer:

This is a personality shaping poem. A beautiful lesson has been delivered through an exemplary
story of two characters that had different opinion about each other. Their story with sad conclusion
has been narrated symbolically.
It is said that wrath is itself a disease and its medicine is to search a reasonable way to finish it.
Once, poet was angry with one of his friends but he concealed his resentment and let it increase in
his heart. He meets his foe with smiling face but hating-heart. He was entangling him in detrimental
net like Satan entrapped Adam and Eve.
The poet generates a tree of hatred in his heart and waters it by his tears of grudge.
"And I watered it in fears,

Night and morning with my tears"

The poet succeeded in his mission when his enemy ate up sweet looking poisonous red apple. The
enemy died and the poet felt delight. The hidden meaning can be understood that we should express
our feelings for others whether these are good or bad. We should avoid from hypocrisy.
To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that clear expression of feelings brings peace whereas
hypocrisy always causes destructive results.

13. BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH

Q1: Death is very courteous host in "Because I Could not Stop for Death" Explain.

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Q2: Describe Emily Dickinson's journey in the company of death.

Q3: Death is not the traditional sergeant but a friend and a guide. Elaborate.

Q4: Death is by no means dreadful; he is friendly and patronizing. Comment.

Answer:

Emily Dickinson's poem" Because I Could not Stop for Death" is a faith making and fear ending
poem. The most dangerous thing has been presented like peace giving and kind one. Every human
being has to have taste of death. None of us likes death.
Dickinson's poem urges its readers to deal with death as true friend because it carries us from
transitory world to immortal world.
A person passes through different stages of life as Shakespeare has divided human life into seven
stages. Dickinson has taken human life as a journey. The destination of his journey is a mud house
and it is death which helps the passenger to reach there.
The poetess portrays human life symbolically. School and field of grazing grain symbolize early
and mature stages of human life. The setting sun is the symbol of ending of life.
Death has been shown as a kind companion by poetess. In fact, death is fearful but the poetess
presents it in a sympathetic way.

""Because I could not stop for death, he

kindly stopped for me."
According to the poetess, death is not the end of life, but the beginning of immortal life.

17. WHEN I HAVE FEARS

Q1: What are Keats's fears?

Q2: How reliable and durable is love and fame in the eyes of Keats?

Q3: What is the central idea of the poem "When I have Fears"?

Answer:

A young patient poet whose mind was full of excellent ideas and thoughts, had fears about his
unexpected death. It was his desire to convey his ideas through his literary pen. His eyes see beauty
of universe and his mind would like to present these beautiful sights but he regrets that his life is
short and the world is vast. He wishes to pass his time in the company of his beloved. The presence
of his beloved may make his life happy but his life is very short.

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These are the fears in his heart and mind that his surrounding natural world is beautiful but he is
ill-fated because he is unable to get pleasure for a long time.
John Keats' poetry shows maturity of thought and his keen observation of human life. He has
presented a very deep thought in the ending two lines of his sonnet. Human life is mortal and
everything is related to it is mortal.

“Of the wide world stand alone and think

Till love and fame to nothingness do sink”

To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that chief fears of Keats are fears of unfulfilled love
and about his early and immature death.

19. HAWK'S MONOLOGUE

Q1: What are the thoughts and activities of Hawk?

Q2: Discuss the main ideas / theme of the poem Hawk's Monologue?

Q3: What is the hidden message of Hawk's Monologue?

Q4: Discuss the character of Hawk described by Ted Hughes?

Answer:

Death, destruction, violence and savagery are the major themes of Ted Hughes' poetry. Hawk's
monologue is one of its shining examples. Monologue means conversation of character with
himself. The character of this poem considers himself a unique and matchless creature. His whole
body, especially his feet and feathers have been designed masterfully.
It is the influence of his power that everything moves according to his will. He feels happiness like
dictator in plundering and destroying others. Hawk's nature resembles a powerful dictator who
considers himself as perfect as Ted's Hawk.
Both power drunk tear off those who try to challenge them. They are flawless and it is they who
decide who are to live and who are to die because the allotment of death is their right.
"For the one path of my flight is direct

Through the bones of the living

No arguments assert my right."

To sum up the whole discussion it can be said that Hawk's thoughts symbolize dictators who can
do whatever they want without caring for any moral or legal restriction.

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21. POLITICS
Q1: Why does the poet wish to become young again?

Q2: How does Yeats contrast the reality of love with that of politics?

Q3: Discuss the power of love in human life?

Answer:

The approach of W.B. Yeats' writing is modern cum traditional. Therefore, his writing appeals
both traditional and modern minds. His poem ‘Politics’ deals with very delicate and complicated
human emotion that is love.
Human life is the amalgamation of emotions and passions, there is no limitation of these emotions
in human heart but W.B. Yeats considers that "love" is dominant on all.
Today's age is the age of power politics and everyone is looked submerged in it. Old people are
looked more active in doing politics in different fields.
It is the beautiful face of a dream girl whose appearance causes disappearance of everything from
the minds of on lookers; the poet shares his thoughts that he has become old but a charming young
face makes him young as well. He surrenders himself for the sake of getting pleasure by taking her
in his old arms.
Local or foreign politics has lost importance when a heart winning face of a smart lady is present
before any politician. In fact, this poem shows the power of love over human heart and mind. Its
taste is delectable and attractable. Therefore, everyone wishes to take it.

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