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Answering Questions from Poem - All SSC Board Questions with Answers - 2026 / Questions and Answers of Board Questions SSC 2026 / Important Poems with Questions' Answers for SSC Exam


"O Me! O Life!" by Walt Whitman

Questions:

1. What does the poet mean by 'useless years' in the poem "Oh me! Oh Life!"? [Dhaka Board 2026]

2. What does the phrase 'useless years' mean in Whitman's poem 'O Me! O Life!'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

3. How does Whitman view the role of humanity in "O Me! O Life!"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

4. What does the phrase "The powerful play goes on" mean in "O Me! O Life!"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

5. What is the message of the poem "O me! O life!"? [Jashore Board 2026]

6. Why does the poet use the same questions again and again in "O Me! O Life!"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

7. What does the poet refer by 'useless years' in the poem 'O Me! O Life'!? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

8. Why does the poet mention 'empty and useless ears' in the poem "O Me! O Life"? [Barishal Board 2026]

9. What does the poet mean by "eyes that vainly crave the light" in the poem "O Me! O Life!"? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. What does the poet mean by 'useless years' in the poem "Oh me! Oh Life!"? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: The poet uses the phrase 'useless years' to mean the valuable time that people completely waste. Instead of doing good work, people spend their days in foolish struggles, unnecessary sadness, and meaningless fights that do not bring any real peace or happiness to their lives.



2. What does the phrase 'useless years' mean in Whitman's poem 'O Me! O Life!'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The phrase 'useless years' refers to the time people waste on endless sadness, foolish mistakes, and meaningless struggles instead of finding the true beauty and purpose of life.



3. How does Whitman view the role of humanity in "O Me! O Life!"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: Walt Whitman views humanity as an endless, struggling crowd where each individual faces foolishness and despair, yet still possesses a unique purpose and the profound opportunity to contribute their own "verse" to the grand play of life.



4. What does the phrase "The powerful play goes on" mean in "O Me! O Life!"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The phrase is a metaphor indicating that the grand, unstoppable narrative of human history and existence continues despite individual struggles, and everyone has a role to play in it.



5. What is the message of the poem "O me! O life!"? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: The main message of the poem is that human life is very valuable, even with all its sadness and problems. The poet says that the world is full of struggles and foolish people, and we often feel disappointed. But we should not lose hope. Life itself is a great gift. The world is like a big play, and every person has a special part to play in it.



6. Why does the poet use the same questions again and again in "O Me! O Life!"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: The poet deliberately repeats the profound questions "O Me! O Life!" to strongly emphasize his deep inner turmoil, intense frustration, and existential crisis regarding the ultimate meaning and purpose of human existence amidst continuous worldly struggles.



7. What does the poet refer by 'useless years' in the poem 'O Me! O Life'!? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: By the phrase 'useless years', the poet means the long time that human beings waste by doing nothing good. Instead of finding the true beauty of the world, people waste their valuable time being sad, acting foolishly, and fighting for no reason.



8. Why does the poet mention 'empty and useless ears' in the poem "O Me! O Life"? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The poet uses the phrase 'empty and useless years' to describe how people waste their valuable time. Instead of living a good life, people spend their time on foolish activities, endless sadness, and meaningless struggles that bring no real happiness or success.



9. What does the poet mean by "eyes that vainly crave the light" in the poem "O Me! O Life!"? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: By this phrase, the poet means that human beings are always looking for hope, truth, and a good meaning in life. But sadly, the world is full of darkness and struggles, so people often fail to find that beautiful light of hope.




"Two Mothers Remembered" by Joann Snow Duncanson

Questions:

1. How are the two mothers different from each other? [Dhaka Board 2026]

2. What should children do to their mother? [Dhaka Board 2026]

3. Who are the two mothers in Joann Snow Duncanson's poem 'Two Mothers Remembered'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

4. What does the poem "Two Mothers Remembered" suggest about patience? [Cumilla Board 2026]

5. What is the main theme of the poem "Two Mothers Remembered"? [Jashore Board 2026]

6. How are the two mothers dissimilar from each other in "Two Mothers Remembered"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

7. Who was the speaker's second mother in the poem 'Two Mothers Rememberd'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

8. What should children do to their mother and why? [Barishal Board 2026]

9. Did the speaker love both the mothers? Why? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. How are the two mothers different from each other? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: The two mothers are actually the same person at two different times in her life. The first mother is young, strong, and highly energetic, always taking care of her child. The second mother is the same woman, but she has become very old, physically weak, and completely dependent on her child for care.



2. What should children do to their mother? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: Children must love, respect, and unconditionally take care of their mother, especially when she grows old and physically weak. They should always remember the great sacrifices and pure love she gave to raise them, and they should support her with deep gratitude.



3. Who are the two mothers in Joann Snow Duncanson's poem 'Two Mothers Remembered'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The two mothers are actually the same woman seen at two different stages of life. First, she is remembered as a strong, loving young mother, and later as a weak, old woman who needs care.



4. What does the poem "Two Mothers Remembered" suggest about patience? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The poem suggests that a mother's patience is boundless and deeply enduring, highlighting how mothers silently bear immense hardships and make sacrifices to raise their children with unconditional love.



5. What is the main theme of the poem "Two Mothers Remembered"? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: The main theme of this poem is how time changes people, and how children should care for their old parents. The poem talks about the same mother in two different times. First, she is a young, strong mother who takes care of her child. Later, she is an old, weak woman who forgets things. The poem teaches us that children must love and care for their parents when they grow old.



6. How are the two mothers dissimilar from each other in "Two Mothers Remembered"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: In the poem, the two mothers are fundamentally dissimilar in their situations. One mother is remembered for her active, joyful physical presence and warm, loving embrace, while the other is remembered with profound, lingering sorrow because she passed away prematurely, leaving behind a deep void.



7. Who was the speaker's second mother in the poem 'Two Mothers Rememberd'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: The speaker's second mother was not a different person. She was the exact same woman, but seen at a much older age. The strong, young mother had become a very weak, slow, and helpless old lady who desperately needed the love and care of her child.



8. What should children do to their mother and why? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: Children must love, respect, and take proper care of their mother, especially when she becomes old and weak. They must do this because a mother sacrifices her whole life, comfort, and youth to raise her children safely with pure and divine love.



9. Did the speaker love both the mothers? Why? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: Yes, the speaker loved both the mothers very deeply. In truth, they were not two different women; they were the same mother at two different ages. The child loved the strong young mother for her endless care, and also loved the weak old mother out of deep duty and gratitude.




"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost

Questions:

1. Why did the poet stop by the woods though it was dark and he was alone? [Dhaka Board 2026]

2. Describe the scenery where the poet Robert Frost stopped in the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'. [Chattogram Board 2026]

3. What does the word 'sleep' mean in the line 'And miles to go before I sleep'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

4. What is the role of snow in "Stopping by Woods On a Snowy Evening"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

5. What makes the poet stop by the woods? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

6. Why cann't the poet enjoy the natural scenery in the woods? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

7. What does the dark and deep woods symbolise in the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Jashore Board 2026]

8. What does the poet want to say by "The woods are lovely, dark and deep" in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

9. Why did the horse shake his harness bells in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

10. Why did the poet, Robert Frost, stop by the woods when it was dark and he was alone? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

11. What does the poet mean by the verse 'And miles to go before I sleep' in the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

12. What are the promises the poet had to keep before he would sleep in the poem "stopping by woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Barishal Board 2026]

13. Why did the poet stop by the woods though it was dark and he was alone? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. Why did the poet stop by the woods though it was dark and he was alone? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: The poet stopped his horse by the deep woods because the natural beauty of the forest was extremely magical and attractive. Even though it was dark, the peaceful silence and the soft, white falling snow caught his attention and made him want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.



2. Describe the scenery where the poet Robert Frost stopped in the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'. [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The poet stopped by a beautiful, deep, and dark forest. It was a very peaceful and quiet place filled with falling snow on the darkest evening of the year.



3. What does the word 'sleep' mean in the line 'And miles to go before I sleep'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: In the last line of the poem, the word 'sleep' has a deeper meaning. It symbolizes the final, endless rest of human life, which is death.



4. What is the role of snow in "Stopping by Woods On a Snowy Evening"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The falling snow creates a serene, isolated, and hypnotic atmosphere. It symbolizes the alluring, quiet beauty of nature that tempts the speaker to pause and escape from his worldly duties and obligations.



5. What makes the poet stop by the woods? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: The poet was traveling on his horse on a very dark and cold evening. Suddenly, he saw a deep, dark, and extremely beautiful forest. The forest was slowly filling up with soft, white snow. The natural scenery was so peaceful, quiet, and magical that he could not control his mind. This deep beauty of nature made him stop his journey to enjoy the view.



6. Why cann't the poet enjoy the natural scenery in the woods? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: The poet really wanted to stay in that beautiful, snowy forest forever. But suddenly, he remembered his real life. He realized that he could not stay there to enjoy the natural scenery because he had many duties and responsibilities. He had to fulfill his promises to society and travel a very long distance before he could finally rest or go to sleep.



7. What does the dark and deep woods symbolise in the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: In this poem, the "dark and deep woods" stand for the beauty and peace of nature. They also mean a strong desire to escape from the hard work and stress of daily life. The speaker wants to stay in the peaceful woods and rest. But he remembers that he cannot stop. He has duties and promises to complete in the real world before he can finally rest.



8. What does the poet want to say by "The woods are lovely, dark and deep" in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: Through this iconic line, the poet expresses that the snow-covered woods possess a mysterious, enchanting, and deeply alluring beauty that strongly tempts him to escape from reality, abandon his worldly duties, and stay in that peaceful isolation forever.



9. Why did the horse shake his harness bells in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: The horse shook his harness bells because he was highly confused and impatient. He found it very strange and unusual that his master had stopped in the middle of a freezing, dark, isolated wood where there was no farmhouse or shelter nearby.



10. Why did the poet, Robert Frost, stop by the woods when it was dark and he was alone? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: The poet was traveling on a very dark and cold evening. He suddenly stopped by the deep woods because the forest looked extremely beautiful and peaceful. He just wanted to stand quietly and watch the soft, white snow falling beautifully all over the trees.



11. What does the poet mean by the verse 'And miles to go before I sleep' in the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: In this famous line, the word 'sleep' actually means the final rest of death. The poet means that human life is very busy. He cannot stop in the forest forever because he has many duties, hard work, and promises to finish before his life ends.



12. What are the promises the poet had to keep before he would sleep in the poem "stopping by woods on a Snowy Evening"? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The 'promises' mean the important duties, social responsibilities, and hard work of human life. The poet wants to rest in the beautiful woods, but he remembers that he must complete all his life's tasks before he can finally sleep the endless sleep of death.



13. Why did the poet stop by the woods though it was dark and he was alone? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: The poet stopped by the woods because the natural scenery of the forest was extremely beautiful, deep, and peaceful. He was totally mesmerized by the quiet dark woods filling up with soft white snow, so he stopped to enjoy the view.




"The Sands of Dee" by Charles Kingsley

Questions:

1. What was the weather like when Mary went to bring the cattle home? [Dhaka Board 2026]

2. How has the poet described the sea? [Dhaka Board 2026]

3. Why does Charles Kingsley call the river 'cruel' and 'hungry' in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

4. What does the poet suggest about human resilience in "The Sands of Dee"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

5. How is Mary's hair described in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

6. How does the poem "The Sands of Dee" portray the relationship between humans and nature? [Jashore Board 2026]

7. What did the fisherman think about Mary's golden hair in "The Sands of Dee"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

8. How has the poet described the western tide in the poem, 'The Sands of Dee'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

9. What does the poem 'The Sands of Dee' suggest about the relation between humans and nature? [Barishal Board 2026]

10. Why is the sea described as "hungry" in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Barishal Board 2026]

11. How has the poet described the sea in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Sylhet Board 2026]

12. What task was Mary given in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. What was the weather like when Mary went to bring the cattle home? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: When the young girl Mary went to bring the cattle home, the weather was terribly bad and highly dangerous. A violent, dark storm was coming from the sea, the western tide was rolling in very fast, and a heavy, thick fog completely covered the entire sandy beach.



2. How has the poet described the sea? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: In the poem "The Sands of Dee", the poet has described the sea as a very cruel, angry, and hungry monster. The sea waves silently crawled over the sand like a wild animal in the dark fog, just to trap and blindly kill the innocent young girl.



3. Why does Charles Kingsley call the river 'cruel' and 'hungry' in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The poet calls the river 'cruel' and 'hungry' because the wild waves and thick fog showed no mercy and took the life of the innocent young girl named Mary.



4. What does the poet suggest about human resilience in "The Sands of Dee"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: While the poem highlights the tragic fate of Mary and the destructive power of nature, the continuous, echoing call of the fishermen reflects human resilience, showing how communities endure and remember their lost ones.



5. How is Mary's hair described in the poem 'The Sands of Dee'? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: In the poem, the dead girl Mary's beautiful hair is described in a very sad and painful way. After the cruel sea waves took her life, her dead body was found in the water. Her long, beautiful golden hair was seen floating on the wild sea water. The poet says her hair looked exactly like golden sea-weed drifting out on the ocean foam.



6. How does the poem "The Sands of Dee" portray the relationship between humans and nature? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: The poem shows that nature is beautiful but also very dangerous and powerful. In the poem, a young girl named Mary goes to the beach to call the cows home. Suddenly, a wild sea wave and thick fog trap her, and she dies. This shows that humans are very small compared to nature. Nature does not show mercy, and it is much stronger than we are.



7. What did the fisherman think about Mary's golden hair in "The Sands of Dee"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: When the fishermen finally found Mary's drowned body caught in the cruel fishing nets, they tragically mistook her beautiful, floating golden hair for a patch of bright golden seaweed drifting in the cold sea water.



8. How has the poet described the western tide in the poem, 'The Sands of Dee'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: The poet has described the western sea tide as a very angry, cruel, and hungry monster. It did not make any loud noise at first, but it crawled silently over the beach in the dark fog just to trap and kill the poor, innocent young girl.



9. What does the poem 'The Sands of Dee' suggest about the relation between humans and nature? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The poem suggests that nature is very beautiful but also extremely powerful and dangerous. Humans are helpless in front of nature's wild power. The cruel sea waves and fog show no mercy to the innocent girl, proving that nature does not care about human life.



10. Why is the sea described as "hungry" in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The sea is described as "hungry" because it acts like a wild, starving monster looking for food. The violent, rolling sea waves silently crawled across the beach to swallow and kill the innocent young girl named Mary without any mercy.



11. How has the poet described the sea in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: The poet has described the sea as a very cruel, dark, and dangerous monster. The sea was extremely hungry and its wild foam silently crawled over the sand in the thick fog just to kill the innocent young girl.



12. What task was Mary given in the poem "The Sands of Dee"? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: Mary was a sweet and innocent young girl. She was given a very simple daily task. She was asked to go across the lonely, sandy beach of Dee and call the cattle home before the dark night arrived.




"Time, You Old Gipsy Man" by Ralph Hodgson

Questions:

1. Why does the poet call time an old gipsy man? [Dhaka Board 2026]

2. What else can the poet offer time if it stays for a day? [Dhaka Board 2026]

3. Why is time called 'an old gipsy man' in the poem 'Time, You Old Gipsy Man'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

4. Why does the poet use the metaphor of a caravan in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

5. How does the poet personify time? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

6. Make a list of things the poet will offer time if it stays just for a day. [Rajshahi Board 2026]

7. Why does the poet call time an "Old Gipsy Man"? [Jashore Board 2026]

8. How does the poet portray time as a traveller in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

9. What things will the poet offer time in the poem 'Time, You Old Gypsy Man' if it stays just for a day? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

10. How does the poet address time in the poem "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Barishal Board 2026]

11. What is the significance of time being compared to a 'Gipsy Man'? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. Why does the poet call time an old gipsy man? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: A gipsy is a nomadic traveler who never builds a permanent home and never stays in one place. The poet calls time an old gipsy man because time is exactly like that. It is always running forward restlessly and never stops or waits for anyone in the world.



2. What else can the poet offer time if it stays for a day? [Dhaka Board 2026]


Answer: To persuade time to stop and stay for just one single day, the poet is ready to offer very expensive and rich bribes. The poet offers to give time beautiful silver bells, shiny rings made of pure gold, and a magnificent golden caravan to ride in.



3. Why is time called 'an old gipsy man' in the poem 'Time, You Old Gipsy Man'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: A gipsy is a traveler who never stays in one place. Time is called an old gipsy man because time also never stops or waits for anyone; it is always moving forward.



4. Why does the poet use the metaphor of a caravan in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The poet uses the metaphor of a caravan to depict Time as a restless, wandering gypsy that never permanently halts, emphasizing the fleeting, unstoppable, and ever-moving nature of time.



5. How does the poet personify time? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: To personify means to give a human quality to a non-living thing. In this poem, the poet personifies time as a very restless, moving, and old gipsy man. A gipsy is a traveler who loves the open road and refuses to stay in one town. Just like that gipsy, time is always running forward and never stops to wait for anyone or anything.



6. Make a list of things the poet will offer time if it stays just for a day. [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: The poet really wants time to stop moving so he can enjoy his life a little longer. To make time stay for just one single day, the poet promises to offer some very rich and expensive gifts. The list of these gifts includes beautiful silver bells, shiny rings made of solid gold, and a wonderful golden caravan for time to ride in.



7. Why does the poet call time an "Old Gipsy Man"? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: A gypsy is a traveler who never stays in one place. They always move from one town to another. The poet calls time an "Old Gipsy Man" because time is just like that. Time never stops for anyone. Even if we offer time gold, silver, or sweet words, it will not stay. It is always moving forward.



8. How does the poet portray time as a traveller in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: The poet uniquely portrays time as an old, restless gypsy traveller who is constantly on the move in his caravan. He refuses to stop, settle down, or wait for anyone, completely ignoring all earthly temptations, wealth, or desperate pleas to stay for just one more day.



9. What things will the poet offer time in the poem 'Time, You Old Gypsy Man' if it stays just for a day? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: The poet wants time to stop moving so he can enjoy life a little longer. To make time stay for just one single day, the poet promises to give time very rich gifts. He offers beautiful silver bells, shiny gold rings, and a wonderful golden carriage.



10. How does the poet address time in the poem "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The poet addresses time as a restless, old gipsy man. Just like a gipsy traveler who never builds a permanent house and always moves from one town to another, time is always running forward and never waits for anyone, even for rich bribes.



11. What is the significance of time being compared to a 'Gipsy Man'? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: A gipsy is a wandering traveler who never builds a permanent home and never stays in one place. Time is compared to a gipsy man because time also runs forward endlessly and never stops or waits for anyone in this world.




"Books" by Eleanor Farjeon

Questions:

1. Why does Eleanor Farjeon call each book 'a magic box'? [Chattogram Board 2026]

2. What does the poem 'Books' suggest about reading as a mental journey? [Cumilla Board 2026]

3. What do the books hold for their lovers in between their outside covers? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

4. Why does the poet call "each book a magic box" in the poem? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

5. Do you think "each book a magic box"? Why? [Jashore Board 2026]

6. Why is a book "a magic box" according to the poem 'Books'? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

7. What rises in our fancies and our eyes according to the poem 'Books'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

8. How does the poem "Books" reflect the idea of 'escapism' in relation to reading books? [Barishal Board 2026]

9. What do books bring in our fancies and eyes? [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. Why does Eleanor Farjeon call each book 'a magic box'? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The poet calls each book a magic box because a book hides wonderful surprises inside. When we open it, it magically takes us to new worlds of imagination and adventure.



2. What does the poem 'Books' suggest about reading as a mental journey? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The poem suggests that reading is a powerful mental journey that acts as a magical vessel, transporting the reader's imagination to different times, realms, and experiences without ever leaving their physical location.



3. What do the books hold for their lovers in between their outside covers? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: For the people who love to read, a book is not just paper and ink. In between their outside covers, the books hold amazing magic and grand surprises. When a reader opens a book, they can find exciting new worlds, beautiful magical cities, brave knights, and thrilling adventures. Books hold the key to a wonderful world of pure imagination.



4. Why does the poet call "each book a magic box" in the poem? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: A magic box is something that hides amazing and unexpected secrets inside it. The poet calls each book a magic box because a book works in the exact same way. From the outside, it looks like a simple object. But when a child opens the pages, it magically unlocks a wonderful new world of pure imagination, joy, and adventure.



5. Do you think "each book a magic box"? Why? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: Yes, I think each book is a magic box. A magic box is full of wonderful surprises. In the same way, a book is full of imagination. When we open a book, we can travel to new worlds, meet magical animals, and go on great adventures. We can do all this without leaving our house. Reading a book feels exactly like opening a box of magic.



6. Why is a book "a magic box" according to the poem 'Books'? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: According to the poem, a book is considered "a magic box" because, just like magic, opening its pages instantly transports a child’s imagination to wonderful, faraway lands, introducing them to fascinating characters and thrilling adventures without them ever having to leave their room.



7. What rises in our fancies and our eyes according to the poem 'Books'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: According to the beautiful poem 'Books', our imagination wakes up when we read. We can clearly see magical new worlds, wonderful cities, brave knights, and great adventures rising in our minds and in front of our eyes, even if we are just sitting in a room.



8. How does the poem "Books" reflect the idea of 'escapism' in relation to reading books? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The poem shows 'escapism' by describing how a simple book can take us far away from our boring daily life. When we read, our imagination takes us to magical cities, unknown lands, and wonderful adventures without ever leaving our comfortable room.



9. What do books bring in our fancies and eyes? [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: When we read a book, our imagination wakes up. The books magically bring wonderful new worlds, beautiful fairies, brave knights, and thrilling adventures straight into our fancies and in front of our eyes.




"Solitude" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Questions:

1. What is the final message of the poem 'Solitude' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox? [Chattogram Board 2026]

2. What does the poet mean by "Be glad and your friends are many" in "Solitude"? [Cumilla Board 2026]

3. According to the poem what is the importance of solitude? [Rajshahi Board 2026]

4. What does the poet mean by "The sad old earth must borrow its mirth"? [Jashore Board 2026]

5. What does the poet mean by "halls of pleasure" in 'Solitude'? [Mymensingh Board 2026]

6. When do you have friends and when do they leave you according to the poem 'Solitude'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]

7. Why do the mountains echo the songs that we sing but not our sighs? [Barishal Board 2026]

8. "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone;" Explain briefly in the light of the poem 'Solitude'. [Sylhet Board 2026]




Questions with Answers:

1. What is the final message of the poem 'Solitude' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox? [Chattogram Board 2026]


Answer: The final message is that when you are happy and successful, people will gladly join you. But when you are sad or in pain, you have to suffer and cry all alone.



2. What does the poet mean by "Be glad and your friends are many" in "Solitude"? [Cumilla Board 2026]


Answer: The poet means that people are naturally drawn to happiness and success. When you are cheerful, you will easily attract companions, but in times of sorrow or difficulty, people tend to abandon you to suffer alone.



3. According to the poem what is the importance of solitude? [Rajshahi Board 2026]


Answer: Solitude means being completely alone. The poem teaches us a very harsh truth about human life and friendship. It says that solitude is very important because we must learn to face our sadness alone. When we are happy, rich, and smiling, the whole world wants to be our friend. But when we are sad or in pain, people leave us. So, solitude teaches us to be strong by ourselves.



4. What does the poet mean by "The sad old earth must borrow its mirth"? [Jashore Board 2026]


Answer: "Mirth" means joy or happiness. The poet means that the world is already full of pain and sadness. The earth does not make its own happiness. So, the world has to "borrow" happiness from cheerful people. The simple meaning is that people will join you when you are happy, but when you are sad, you have to cry alone because the world already has too much sadness.



5. What does the poet mean by "halls of pleasure" in 'Solitude'? [Mymensingh Board 2026]


Answer: By "halls of pleasure," the poet metaphorically refers to places of joy, celebration, luxury, and success in life. The poet implies that people eagerly flock to these places to share your happiness, but they will quickly abandon you when you enter the lonely "halls" of sorrow.



6. When do you have friends and when do they leave you according to the poem 'Solitude'? [Dinajpur Board 2026]


Answer: The poem teaches a very harsh truth about human nature. It says that when you are very happy, rich, and successful, many people will come to be your friends. But when you fall into bad times, become sad, and start crying, all those friends will leave you to suffer completely alone.



7. Why do the mountains echo the songs that we sing but not our sighs? [Barishal Board 2026]


Answer: The mountains echo our songs to show that the world is very happy to join us when we are cheerful and successful. But the mountains do not echo our sighs because the world does not want to share our pain; it leaves us alone to suffer our sadness.



8. "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone;" Explain briefly in the light of the poem 'Solitude'. [Sylhet Board 2026]


Answer: These famous lines teach a very harsh reality of human nature. When a person is happy, wealthy, and successful, everyone eagerly wants to be his friend. But when the same person is sad, poor, and crying, all those friends run away and leave him to suffer all alone.






















Important Poems for SSC 2027


Questions for Practice

Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)


(a) How does "O Me! O Life!" highlight human imperfections?

(b) Why does the poet call books a "magic box" in the poem "Books"?

(c) How does "Two Mothers Remembered" explore the theme of role reversal?

(d) What is the significance of the grave by the sea in "The Sands of Dee"?

(e) What does "Time, You Old Gipsy Man" suggest about the fleeting nature of time?

(f) How does "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" depict solitude and contemplation?

(g) What lesson does "Solitude" convey about human companionship?


Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)


(a) How does "O Me! O Life!" suggest overcoming despair?

(b) What does "Books" suggest about the lasting impact of reading?

(c) How does "Two Mothers Remembered" show the strength of women?

(d) Why does the poet emphasize Mary's call in "The Sands of Dee"?

(e) How does "Time, You Old Gipsy Man" reflect the poet's emotions about aging?

(f) What does "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" reveal about responsibilities?

(g) How does "Solitude" contrast feasting and fasting?


Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)


(a) What does "O Me! O Life!" suggest about contributing a verse to life?

(b) Why does "Books" portray books as lifelong companions?

(c) What does "Two Mothers Remembered" reveal about a mother’s guidance?

(d) How does "The Sands of Dee" depict nature’s power?

(e) What does the poet mean by "only a moment" in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"?

(f) Why does "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" resonate with readers?

(g) What does "Solitude" imply about isolation and grief?


Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)


(a) How does "O Me! O Life!" reflect Whitman’s perspective on self-expression?

(b) Why does the poem "Books" call books treasures?

(c) What message does "Two Mothers Remembered" convey about caregiving?

(d) How does "The Sands of Dee" explore the relationship between humans and nature?

(e) Why does the poet ask time to "stay just for a day" in "Time, You Old Gipsy Man"?

(f) What does the phrase "promises to keep" signify in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"?

(g) What does "Solitude" suggest about human selfishness?


Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)


(a) How does "O Me! O Life!" emphasize the significance of life’s struggles?

(b) What does "Books" suggest about the influence of books on children?

(c) How does "Two Mothers Remembered" highlight the bond between mother and child?

(d) Why does the repetition of "call the cattle home" matter in "The Sands of Dee"?

(e) What does "Time, You Old Gipsy Man" say about the inevitability of change?

(f) How does "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" portray the allure of nature?

(g) Why does "Solitude" mention “the hills will answer”?




More To Practice


Set 1 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! suggest overcoming despair?

  2. Why does the poem Books call books a "magic box"?

  3. How does the poem Two Mothers Remembered explore the theme of caregiving?

  4. What does The Sands of Dee suggest about nature’s power?

  5. What does Time, You Old Gipsy Man imply about the fleeting nature of life?

  6. Why does the poet describe the woods as “lovely” in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude reflect the isolation of grief?

Set 2 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What does O Me! O Life! highlight about human imperfections?

  2. Why does the poem Books say books are magical?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered depict the impact of memories on the speaker?

  4. What does the repeated calling of cattle symbolize in The Sands of Dee?

  5. Why does the poet ask time to "stay just for a day" in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What does the phrase “promises to keep” signify in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude contrast feasting and fasting?

Set 3 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What message does O Me! O Life! convey about self-expression?

  2. How does Books describe the relationship between a reader and a story?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered address the idea of role reversal?

  4. Why do the boatmen hear Mary’s call in The Sands of Dee?

  5. How does Time, You Old Gipsy Man reflect the poet's personal feelings?

  6. Why does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening resonate with readers?

  7. What lesson does Solitude convey about human nature?

Set 4 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. Why does Whitman emphasize contributing a verse in O Me! O Life!?

  2. How does Books portray books as lifelong companions?

  3. How does the speaker view her second mother in Two Mothers Remembered?

  4. What is the significance of the grave by the sea in The Sands of Dee?

  5. What does Time, You Old Gipsy Man suggest about the passage of time?

  6. What role does the setting play in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude explore the theme of loneliness?

Set 5-- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What is Whitman’s tone at the conclusion of O Me! O Life!?

  2. How does Books suggest the influence of books on children?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered portray the strength of women?

  4. Why does The Sands of Dee focus on the tide’s movement?

  5. What does the poet’s plea to time reveal in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. Why does the poet continue his journey in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What does Solitude say about the selfishness of human relationships?

Set 6 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What does O Me! O Life! suggest about the significance of life's struggles?

  2. How does Books emphasize curiosity and learning?

  3. Why is caregiving important in Two Mothers Remembered?

  4. What is the significance of the boatmen hearing Mary’s call in The Sands of Dee?

  5. How does the poet view the nature of human companionship in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. Why does the poet call the woods "lovely" in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What does Solitude reveal about emotional isolation?

Set 7 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What does O Me! O Life! say about human resilience?

  2. How does Books depict books as a source of inspiration?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered highlight the theme of love and loss?

  4. What is the role of nature in The Sands of Dee?

  5. What does Time, You Old Gipsy Man imply about accepting change?

  6. What does the phrase “miles to go” mean in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude contrast happiness and sorrow?

Set 8 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What is the poet’s message in O Me! O Life!?

  2. Why does Books refer to reading as a magical experience?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered depict emotional strength?

  4. What does the tide symbolize in The Sands of Dee?

  5. What does the poet mean by “only a moment” in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. How does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening depict solitude?

  7. What does Solitude suggest about finding comfort in loneliness?


Set 9 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! inspire individuals to find purpose?

  2. How does Books describe the emotional connection with books?

  3. What does Two Mothers Remembered reveal about the passage of time?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee convey a sense of loss?

  5. Why does the poet plead with time in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What effect does repetition have in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What is the poet’s view on social behavior in Solitude?

Set 10 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What role does self-reflection play in O Me! O Life!?

  2. How does Books present books as a gateway to imagination?

  3. What emotions does Two Mothers Remembered evoke?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee depict the forces of nature?

  5. What does the poet mean by calling time a "gipsy" in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. How does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening reflect duty and responsibility?

  7. What contrast does Solitude draw between joy and sorrow?

Set 11 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! address the value of each individual?

  2. What makes books “magic” in Books?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered explore maternal sacrifice?

  4. What does the sea symbolize in The Sands of Dee?

  5. How does Time, You Old Gipsy Man convey urgency?

  6. Why does the poet pause in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What lesson about human nature does Solitude teach?

Set 12 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What does O Me! O Life! say about human imperfection?

  2. How does Books capture the transformative power of reading?

  3. What does Two Mothers Remembered highlight about family bonds?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee use imagery to create mood?

  5. What plea does the poet make in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What do the woods symbolize in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude explore emotional isolation?

Set 13 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! encourage self-examination?

  2. What does Books suggest about the role of books in shaping minds?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered illustrate gratitude?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee create a tragic atmosphere?

  5. What does time symbolize in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. Why is the journey unfinished in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude compare different human experiences?

Set 14 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What does O Me! O Life! suggest about making an impact on the world?

  2. Why does the poet in Books refer to books as “friends”?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered reflect on aging?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee use repetition for effect?

  5. What is the poet’s view of time in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. How does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening capture a sense of wonder?

  7. What warning does Solitude give about human behavior?

Set 15 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What realization does O Me! O Life! lead to?

  2. How does Books capture the timelessness of stories?

  3. What emotions does Two Mothers Remembered emphasize?

  4. What role does nature play in The Sands of Dee?

  5. How does Time, You Old Gipsy Man reflect nostalgia?

  6. What does the traveler represent in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. How does Solitude contrast shared happiness and private sorrow?

Set 16 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What key message does O Me! O Life! convey?

  2. How does Books celebrate the power of storytelling?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered depict the process of remembering?

  4. What emotions are evoked by The Sands of Dee?

  5. How does the poet address the idea of fleeting time in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. How does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening explore obligations?

  7. What is the deeper meaning of Solitude?

Set 17 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. Why does O Me! O Life! emphasize the role of an individual?

  2. How does Books describe books as an adventure?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered reflect on generational bonds?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee use sound to create atmosphere?

  5. What is the poet’s relationship with time in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What internal conflict does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening show?

  7. What does Solitude teach about life’s ups and downs?

Set 18 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! inspire readers to take action?

  2. What is the poet’s attitude toward books in Books?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered present themes of devotion?

  4. Why is the tide an important element in The Sands of Dee?

  5. What role does time play in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What makes the woods so captivating in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What social observation does Solitude make?

Set 19 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. How does O Me! O Life! address self-worth?

  2. Why does Books describe reading as a magical experience?

  3. How does Two Mothers Remembered explore changing relationships?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee build suspense?

  5. How does Time, You Old Gipsy Man portray the passage of time?

  6. Why does Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening use repetition?

  7. What contrast does Solitude make between joy and despair?

Set 20 -- Answer any 5 (five) of the following questions from poems. (2×5=10)

  1. What question does O Me! O Life! ask the reader?

  2. How does Books describe the transformative effect of reading?

  3. What does Two Mothers Remembered suggest about memory and loss?

  4. How does The Sands of Dee depict tragedy?

  5. Why does the poet plead for time in Time, You Old Gipsy Man?

  6. What does the setting symbolize in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?

  7. What does Solitude reveal about human emotions?


Poems with Questions & Answers








Important Poems for SSC 2027


Extensive List

Poems - Alphabetically ordered





Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis


 

 

 

 


Exercises / Worksheet



 











 
 
 

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