English Class 12
Flamingo - Poems (Literature)

Read the given extract and answer the questions

Extract:

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:

Its loveliness increases; it will never

Pass into nothingness; but still will keep

A bower quiet for us, and a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

(A Thing Of Beauty)

A Thing of Beauty- Extract based questions - Teachoo.png

 

Question (i)

 What is the rhyme scheme of this extract?

  • A) ABABC
  • B) ABABA
  • C) ABCDE
  • D) ABCBA

Answer:

Answer written by student

(B) ABABA

Step-by-step explanation:👇

  • To find the rhyme scheme of a poem, we need to look at the last words of each line and assign them letters based on their sounds.🔊
  • For example, if two lines end with words that rhyme, we give them the same letter. If a line ends with a word that does not rhyme with any other word, we give it a different letter.🔤
  •  In this extract, the last words of the first and fifth lines are "ever" and "breathing", which rhyme with each other. So we give them the letter A.🅰️
  •  The last words of the second and fourth lines are "never" and "sleep", which rhyme with each other. So we give them the letter B.🅱️
  •  The last word of the third line is "keep", which does not rhyme with any other word. So we give it a different letter, C.🆑
  •  Therefore, the rhyme scheme of this extract is ABABA.✔️

Question (ii)

 What does the use of the word "nothingness" suggest in line 3 of the extract?

  • A) The speaker thinks that beauty is eternal and immortal.
  • B) The speaker thinks that beauty is temporary and mortal.
  • C) The speaker thinks that beauty is abstract and intangible.
  • D) The speaker thinks that beauty is concrete and tangible.

 

Answer:

Answer written by student:

(A) The speaker thinks that beauty is eternal and immortal.

Step-by-step explanation:👇

  •  To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning and context of the word "nothingness" in line 3 of the extract.🧐
  •  The word "nothingness" is a noun that describes the state or condition of being nothing or having nothing. It can also mean nonexistence or emptiness.😊
  •  In this extract, the word "nothingness" is used to contrast with beauty in line 3. It means that beauty will never pass into nonexistence or emptiness. It will always exist and have value.😮
  •   Option A is correct because it matches the meaning and context of the word "nothingness" in line 3 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is eternal and immortal. He believes that beauty never fades or dies.👍
  • Option B is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word “nothingness” in line 3 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is temporary and mortal. He does not believe that beauty never fades or dies.👎
  • Option C is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word “nothingness” in line 3 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is abstract and intangible. He does not believe that beauty has a physical or material form.👎
  • Option D is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word “nothingness” in line 3 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is concrete and tangible. He does believe that beauty has a physical or material form.👎
  • Therefore, option A is correct and the rest are incorrect.✔️

Question (iii)

Complete the sentence with the best option:

The speaker uses _____________ to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract.

  • A) metaphor
  • B) simile
  • C) personification
  • D) hyperbole

Answer:

Answer written by student:

(A) metaphor

Step-by-step explanation:👇

To answer this question, we need to identify the literary device that the speaker uses to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract.👀

  •  A literary device is a technique that a writer uses to enhance the style, meaning, or effect of a text. It can also create different effects on the reader.😊
  •  In line 4 of the extract, the speaker says that beauty will keep "a bower quiet for us". This creates a sense of comfort and relaxation for the reader. It makes us feel that beauty will provide us with a sheltered and peaceful place to rest and enjoy.😮
  •   Option A is correct because it matches the literary device that the speaker uses to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract. It shows that he uses metaphor, which is a technique that involves using a word or phrase to describe something in a way that is not literally true, but suggests a similarity or comparison. He compares beauty to a bower, which is a leafy shelter or recess.👍
  •  Option B is incorrect because it does not match the literary device that the speaker uses to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract. It shows that he uses simile, which is a technique that involves using words such as "like" or "as" to compare two things that are different but have something in common. He does not use these words in this line.👎
  •   Option C is incorrect because it does not match the literary device that the speaker uses to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract. It shows that he uses personification, which is a technique that involves giving human qualities or abilities to something that is not human. He does not do this in this line.👎
  •   Option D is incorrect because it does not match the literary device that the speaker uses to create a sense of comfort and relaxation in line 4 of the extract. It shows that he uses hyperbole, which is a technique that involves using exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis or effect. He does not do this in this line.👎
  •  Therefore, option A is correct and the rest are incorrect.✔️

Question (iv)

 What is the tone of this extract?

  • A) Angry and bitter
  • B) Sad and hopeless
  • C) Joyful and optimistic
  • D) Calm and hopeful

Answer:

Answer written by student:

(D) Calm and hopeful

Step-by-step explanation:👇

  • To answer this question, we need to understand the tone of this extract.🧐
  •  The tone of a text is the attitude or emotion that the writer conveys through their words and style. It can also affect how the reader feels about the text.😊
  •  In this extract, the tone is calm and hopeful. The writer uses words and phrases that suggest a peaceful and positive mood, such as "a joy for ever", "its loveliness increases", "a bower quiet for us", "a sleep full of sweet dreams", etc. He also expresses his appreciation and admiration for beauty and its effects on us.😮
  •  Option D is correct because it matches the tone of this extract. It shows that the writer conveys a calm and hopeful attitude or emotion through his words and style.👍
  • Option A is incorrect because it does not match the tone of this extract. It shows that the writer conveys an angry and bitter attitude or emotion through his words and style. This is not what he does in this extract.👎
  • Option B is incorrect because it does not match the tone of this extract. It shows that the writer conveys a sad and hopeless attitude or emotion through his words and style. This is not what he does in this extract.👎
  • Option C is incorrect because it does not match the tone of this extract. It shows that the writer conveys a joyful and optimistic attitude or emotion through his words and style. This is not what he does in this extract.👎
  • Therefore, option D is correct and the rest are incorrect.✔️

Question (v)

 What does the use of the word "sleep" suggest in line 5 of the extract?

  • A) The speaker thinks that beauty is relaxing and soothing.
  • B) The speaker thinks that beauty is boring and dull.
  • C) The speaker thinks that beauty is dreamy and unreal.
  • D) The speaker thinks that beauty is unconscious and unaware.

Answer:

Answer written by student: 

(A) The speaker thinks that beauty is relaxing and soothing.

Step-by-step explanation:👇

  • To answer this question, we need to understand the meaning and context of the word "sleep" in line 5 of the extract.🧐
  • The word "sleep" is a noun that describes the state or condition of being asleep. It can also mean rest or slumber.😊
  • In this extract, the word "sleep" is used to describe what beauty will provide us with in line 5. It means that beauty will give us a restful and pleasant sleep that is full of sweet dreams, health, and quiet breathing.😮
  • Option A is correct because it matches the meaning and context of the word "sleep" in line 5 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is relaxing and soothing. He believes that beauty can make us feel calm and comfortable.👍
  • Option B is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word "sleep" in line 5 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is boring and dull. He does not believe that beauty can make us feel interested and excited.👎
  • Option C is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word "sleep" in line 5 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is dreamy and unreal. He does not believe that beauty can make us feel inspired and imaginative.👎
  • Option D is incorrect because it does not match the meaning and context of the word "sleep" in line 5 of the extract. It shows that the speaker thinks that beauty is unconscious and unaware. He does not believe that beauty can make us feel alert and attentive.👎
  • Therefore, option A is correct and the rest are incorrect.✔️

Question (vi)

What is the main theme or message of this extract?

  • A) The power and value of beauty in a world full of pain and sorrow.
  • B) The diversity and complexity of beauty in a world full of different cultures and perspectives.
  • C) The challenge and difficulty of beauty in a world full of competition and standards.
  • D) The change and progress of beauty in a world full of innovation and development.

Answer:

Answer written by student: 

(A) The power and value of beauty in a world full of pain and sorrow.

Step-by-step explanation:👇

  • To answer this question, we need to understand the main theme or message of this extract.🧐
  • The theme or message of a text is the main idea or lesson that the writer wants to convey through their words and style. It can also reflect their views or opinions on a topic or issue.😊
  • In this extract, the main theme or message is the power and value of beauty in a world full of pain and sorrow. The writer wants us to appreciate and admire beauty as a source of joy and inspiration that never fades or dies. He wants us to realize that beauty can make us love life and forget our troubles. He wants us to see beauty as a gift from God and a blessing for humanity.🌺
  • Option A is correct because it matches the main theme or message of this extract. It shows that the writer wants to convey the power and value of beauty in a world full of pain and sorrow.👍
  • Option B is incorrect because it does not match the main theme or message of this extract. It shows that the writer wants to convey the diversity and complexity of beauty in a world full of different cultures and perspectives. This is not what he does in this extract. He does not focus on the variety or difficulty of beauty, but on its universality and simplicity.👎
  • Option C is incorrect because it does not match the main theme or message of this extract. It shows that the writer wants to convey the challenge and difficulty of beauty in a world full of competition and standards. This is not what he does in this extract. He does not focus on the problems or obstacles of beauty, but on its solutions and benefits.👎
  • Option D is incorrect because it does not match the main theme or message of this extract. It shows that the writer wants to convey the change and progress of beauty in a world full of innovation and development. This is not what he does in this extract. He does not focus on the evolution or improvement of beauty, but on its constancy and permanence.
  • Therefore, option A is correct and the rest are incorrect.✔️
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Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo