Appreciating Poetry
Poem-10
Read the following poem and do the activities that follow.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of me.
Questions:
a) Answer the following questions:
i. What does the “thing with feathers” symbolize in the poem?
The “thing with feathers” symbolizes hope. Dickinson uses the image of a small bird with feathers to represent hope as something gentle and persistent that resides within the human soul, bringing comfort even in difficult times.
ii. How does the poet describe hope’s presence in difficult situations?
The poet describes hope as something that continues to sing sweetly even in harsh circumstances, like in a “Gale” or a “chillest land.” This suggests that hope is resilient and can survive even in the darkest or most challenging moments.
iii. What does the poet mean when she says hope “never stops - at all”?
By saying that hope “never stops - at all,” Dickinson implies that hope is constant and unwavering. It always exists within us, offering comfort and strength without any breaks or conditions, no matter the situation.
iv. What is the significance of hope asking for “a crumb” in return?
The poet emphasizes that hope is selfless; it does not demand anything from us. Even though hope provides warmth, comfort, and strength, it does not expect to be repaid. This shows hope’s generosity and unconditional presence in our lives.
v. What message does the poem convey about the nature of hope?
The poem conveys that hope is a powerful yet gentle force within us. It is always there, offering support and resilience in tough times without asking for anything in return. Dickinson suggests that hope is a gift that helps us through life’s challenges, even when all else seems lost.
b) Identify 3 metaphors and 3 similes used in the poem. Then explain the purpose of their uses.
Metaphors:
“Hope is the thing with feathers” – Hope is compared to a bird, symbolizing its ability to lift our spirits.
“That perches in the soul” – Hope is described as a bird that rests in the soul, emphasizing its deep, inner presence.
“And sings the tune without the words” – Hope’s influence is compared to a song, showing how it can inspire and uplift without needing to be seen or heard directly.
Similes:(Note: Dickinson’s poem uses metaphors rather than similes, so hypothetical similes could be added if needed.)
Purpose of their uses.
The metaphors serve to give hope a gentle, nurturing quality, suggesting that it is always there to uplift and support us. Comparing hope to a bird with feathers also highlights its resilience and ability to bring warmth, even in cold or stormy times.
c) Read the poem again and express your feelings.
After reading this poem, I feel inspired and comforted by Dickinson’s vision of hope. She presents hope as a small bird that lives within us, always singing and bringing warmth, no matter how difficult life may become. This image of a bird perching in the soul feels very comforting, as if hope is always close to us, quietly lifting our spirits without us even realizing it.
I am especially moved by how she describes hope’s strength in the worst situations, like “in the chillest land” or “on the strangest sea.” These words make me think of life’s hardest times, when we feel lost or alone. Even then, hope is present, singing and giving us courage. The fact that it “never asks a crumb” in return makes hope seem even more precious, like a gift that we always have but might take for granted.
Overall, the poem reminds me of how powerful hope is, even though it’s often silent and unnoticed. It reassures me that, no matter what challenges I may face, hope will be there, lifting me up without expecting anything in return.
Theme of "Hope" is the thing with feathers:
The theme of Emily Dickinson's poem “Hope” is the thing with feathers explores the concept of hope as a resilient, comforting, and enduring force. Dickinson personifies hope as a small bird with feathers, symbolizing its ability to persist and uplift the human soul, even during difficult or challenging times.
The poem conveys that hope is always present, "perching in the soul," and it continues to sing its song, even in the harshest conditions ("in the Gale"). The bird (hope) provides warmth and comfort, without asking for anything in return, demonstrating hope’s selflessness.
Moreover, the poem highlights the contrast between the peace of hope and the harshness of life's trials. Even though the poet recognizes that hope is never completely free from challenges, it remains an enduring source of strength and inspiration, even in the most extreme situations. The poem ultimately suggests that hope is a powerful and constant presence that can weather life's storms, offering a sense of comfort without needing to be repaid.
In essence, the theme of the poem is about the unyielding, selfless nature of hope, and how it provides solace during times of hardship without asking for anything in return.
Vocabulary along with their English meanings and Bangla translations:
Vocabulary | English Meaning | Bangla Meaning |
Hope | A feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen | আশা |
Thing | An object or item; used metaphorically here for "hope" | বস্তু, বিষয় |
Feathers | Soft, light coverings that form the outer covering of birds | পালক |
Perches | Sits or rests on something, especially for a bird | বসে থাকা (পাখির মতো) |
Soul | The spiritual or immaterial part of a person or being | আত্মা |
Sings | To produce musical tones with the voice | গান গাওয়া |
Tune | A melody or a series of musical notes | সুর |
Words | Written or spoken language | শব্দ |
Stops | To cease doing something; to come to an end | থামানো, বন্ধ করা |
Gale | A strong wind | ঝড়, তুফান |
Sweetest | The most pleasant or delightful | সবচেয়ে মিষ্টি |
Heard | Perceived sound through the ears | শোনা |
Sore | Painful or intense | বেদনা, কষ্ট |
Storm | A violent disturbance of the atmosphere, usually with wind or rain | ঝড় |
Abash | To embarrass or disconcert | লজ্জিত করা |
Little | Small in size or amount | ছোট |
Bird | A feathered creature that can fly | পাখি |
Warm | Having a comfortable temperature | উষ্ণ |
Chillest | The most cold | সবচেয়ে শীতল |
Land | A specific area of the earth's surface | জমি, ভূমি |
Sea | A large body of saltwater | সাগর |
Strangest | Very unusual or odd | অদ্ভুত |
Extremity | The furthest or most extreme point or condition | অতি সীমা |
Asked | Requested or inquired | চাওয়া |
Crumb | A small piece, often of bread or food | টুকরা, দানা |
Keeps | Maintains or holds something | রাখা, ধারণ করা |
Many | A large number of | অনেক, বহু |
Must | Expressing necessity or obligation | অবশ্যই |
Never | At no time or under no circumstances | কখনও না |
Warmth | The quality of being warm or comforting | উষ্ণতা, সান্ত্বনা |
Bangla Translation
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -"আশা" হল পালকযুক্ত একটি জিনিস -আশাকে কবি একটি পালকযুক্ত পাখির সাথে তুলনা করেছেন, যা তাকে হালকা ও সজীব করে তোলে।
That perches in the soul -যা আত্মার মধ্যে বসে থাকে -এই পাখিটি আমাদের আত্মায় বাস করে, আমাদের শক্তি ও আশা যোগায়।
And sings the tune without the words -এবং কথাবিহীন সুর গায় -এই আশা আমাদের জন্য কোনো শব্দ ছাড়াই গান গায়, মানে এটি চিরকালীন এক শান্তি ও সান্ত্বনার উৎস।
And never stops - at all -এবং কখনও থামে না - মোটেই -এই আশার পাখিটি কোনো অবস্থাতেই থামে না; এটি নিরন্তর আমাদের অনুপ্রাণিত করে।
And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -এবং ঝড়ে - সবচেয়ে মিষ্টিভাবে শোনা যায় -কঠিন সময়ে বা বিপদের মধ্যে এই আশার সুর সবচেয়ে মিষ্টি শোনায়, কারণ তখনই আমাদের সবচেয়ে বেশি আশা প্রয়োজন।
And sore must be the storm -এবং ঝড়টি অবশ্যই প্রচণ্ড হতে হবে -যদি কখনও এই আশার পাখিটি থেমে যায়, তবে সেই ঝড়টি ভীষণ শক্তিশালী হতে হবে।
That could abash the little Birdযা সেই ছোট্ট পাখিটিকে স্তম্ভিত করতে পারেএমনই কোন কঠিন পরিস্থিতি এই আশার পাখিটিকে স্তম্ভিত করতে পারে, যা আমাদের এতবার সান্ত্বনা দিয়েছে।
That kept so many warm -যা এতগুলোকে উষ্ণ রেখেছে -এই আশার পাখি আমাদের অনেকের হৃদয় উষ্ণ ও শান্ত রেখেছে, কঠিন সময়ে আমাদের শক্তি দিয়েছে।
I’ve heard it in the chillest land -আমি একে সবচেয়ে শীতল দেশে শুনেছি -আমি এই আশাকে সবচেয়ে শীতল ও কঠিন পরিস্থিতিতেও অনুভব করেছি, যেখানে অন্য কিছু ছিল না।
And on the strangest Sea -এবং সবচেয়ে অদ্ভুত সমুদ্রেও -এমনকি সবথেকে অদ্ভুত ও অনিশ্চিত পরিবেশেও এই আশা ছিল।
Yet - never - in Extremity,তবুও - কখনও - চরম দুর্দশায়,তবে চরম পরিস্থিতিতেও,
It asked a crumb - of me.এটি কখনও আমার কাছে এক টুকরো রুটিও চায়নি।এই আশার পাখিটি কখনও কোনো প্রতিদান বা বিনিময় চায়নি; এটি বিনা চাহিদায় আমাদের সঙ্গ দিয়েছে।
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