Line 27

“Then back again to his friends he went,”
1. Literal Meaning

After helping the woman, he returns to his friends.

2. Literary / Deeper Meaning

The act is small and ordinary. He does not stay for praise or reward; he simply goes back to his group.

3. Poetic Devices
Simple narrative movement means the poem quickly moves to the next event
Example: “He finished the task and went home” moves the story forward.
In the poem: “back again to his friends” Effect: It makes the kindness feel natural rather than dramatic.
4. Theme

Selfless action.

5. Tone

Matter-of-fact and warm.

6. Mood

The reader respects his simplicity.

7. Rhyming Scheme

“went” rhymes with “content” in the next line.

Questions for Line 27
What does the boy’s quick return to his friends suggest about his act? 2 Marks
How to answer: Explain why he does not appear to seek attention.
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Answer: It suggests that he helps naturally and does not expect praise or reward. He simply does what he feels is right.

How does the use of simple narrative movement in this line add to its meaning? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain the line first, then connect it to the effect of simple narrative movement.
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Answer: The act is small and ordinary. He does not stay for praise or reward; he simply goes back to his group. It makes the kindness feel natural rather than dramatic. The line also develops the idea of Selfless action .

Line 28

“His young heart happy and well content.”
1. Literal Meaning

He feels happy and satisfied after helping.

2. Literary / Deeper Meaning

The poem shows that kindness benefits both people: the woman gains safety, and the boy gains genuine happiness.

3. Poetic Devices
Emotional imagery means the line focuses on an inner feeling
Example: “Her heart filled with joy.”
In the poem: “His young heart happy and well content” Effect: The reader feels the quiet reward of doing good.
4. Theme

Kindness brings inner satisfaction.

5. Tone

Warm and approving.

6. Mood

The mood becomes peaceful and happy.

7. Rhyming Scheme

“content” completes the rhyme with “went”.

Questions for Line 28
What reward does the boy receive for helping the woman? 2 Marks
How to answer: Focus on the emotional reward, not money or praise.
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Answer: His reward is the happiness and satisfaction he feels in his heart after doing a kind act.

How does the use of emotional imagery in this line add to its meaning? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain the line first, then connect it to the effect of emotional imagery.
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Answer: The poem shows that kindness benefits both people: the woman gains safety, and the boy gains genuine happiness. The reader feels the quiet reward of doing good. The line also develops the idea of Kindness brings inner satisfaction .

Questions for Stanza 14
What reward does the boy receive in Stanza 14? 3 Marks
How to answer: Do not look for money or praise; focus on his feeling.
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Answer: His reward is inner happiness and satisfaction. The poem shows that doing something kind can itself make a person feel content.

How do the two lines of Stanza 14 work together to develop its main idea? 3 Marks
How to answer: Explain what each line contributes, then combine them into the stanza’s overall meaning.
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Answer: He returns to his friends feeling happy and satisfied.

Why is Stanza 14 important to the poem as a whole? 5 Marks
How to answer: Place this couplet inside the larger story. Explain what it adds before the poem moves forward.
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Answer: Stanza 14 is important because it develops the turning point in which one boy notices, helps and feels the reward of kindness. He returns to his friends feeling happy and satisfied. This helps the poem move naturally towards its larger message of empathy, kindness and seeing the human value in another person.

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CA Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant with 16+ years of practical experience and 20+ years of teaching experience. At Teachoo, he simplifies Accounts, Tax and GST with step-by-step examples so students can apply concepts confidently in exams and real life.

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