Poem's summary writing Practice for HSC Examination
1. Write a summary of the following poem.
Dreams
D.H. Lawren
All people dream, but not equally.
Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind,
Wake in the morning to find that it was vanity.
But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people,
For they dream their dreams with open eyes,
And make them come true.
[JB 22; Bhola Govt. College,2018)
2. Write a summary of the following poem.
I have seen Bengal's Face
—Jibananda Das
Because I have seen Bengal's face I will seek no more;
The world has not anything more beautiful to show me.
Waking up in darkness, gazing at the fig-tree, I behold
Dawn's swallows roosting under huge umbrella-like leaves.
I look around me
And discover a leafy dome-Jam, Kanthal, Bat, Hijol and
Aswatha trees —
All in a hush, shadowing clumps of cactus and zedoary
bushes.
When long, long ago, Chand came in his honeycombed boat
To a blue Hijal, Bat and Tarnal shade near the Chainpa, he
too sighted
Bengal's incomparable beauty. One day, alas. In the
Ganguri,
On a raft, as the waning moon sank on the river's sandbanks,
Behula too saw countless aswaths bats besides golden rice fields
And heard the thrush's soft song. One day, arriving in
Amara,
Where gods held court, when she danced like a desolate
wagtail,
Bengal's rivers, fields, flowers, wailed like strings of bells
on her feet.
[(CtgB'l7; Ishwardi Mohila Degree College, Ishwardi, Pabna-2019]
3. Write a summary of the following poem.
Dreams
—Langston Huges
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
[Mirpur Cantt. Public School & College,2018]
4. Write a summary of the following poem.
Those Winter Sundays
Robert Hayden
Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake arid hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd. call,
arid slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know of
love's austere and lonely offices?
5. Write a summary of the following poem.
The Schoolboy
William Blake
I love to rise in a summer morn,
When the birds sing on every tree;
The distant huntsman winds his horn,
And the skylark sings with me
0 what sweet company!
But to go to school in a summer morn,_
0 it drives all joy away!
Under a cruel eye outworn,
The little ones spend the day
In sighing and dismay.
Ali then at times I drooping sit,
Arid spend many an anxious hour-,
Nor in my book can I take delight,
Nor sit in learning's bower,
Worn through with the dreary shower.
6. Write a summary of the following poem.
The Schoolboy
William Blake
How can the bird that is born for joy
Sit in a cage and sing?
How can a child, when fears annoy,
But droop his tender wing,
Arid forget his youthful spring!
0 father arid mother if buds are nipped,
Arid blossoms blown away;
And if the tender plants are stripped
-Of their joy in the springing day,
By sorrow and care's dismay,
How shall the summer arise in joy.
Or the summer fruits appear?
Or how shall we gather what griefs destroy,
Or bless the mellowing year,
When the blasts of winter appear?
7. Write a summary of the following poem.
Alone
Maya Angelou
Lying, thinking
Last. night
How to find my soul a home
Where water is not thirsty
And bread loaf is not stone
I came up with one thing
And I don't believe I'm wrong
That nobody.
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
There are some millionaires
With money they can't use
Their -wives run round like banshees
Their children sing the blues
They've got expensive doctors
To cure their hearts of stone.
But nobody
No, nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Now if you listen. closely
I'll tell you what I know
Storm clouds are gathering
The wind is gonna blow
The race of man is suffering
And I can hear the moan,
'Cause nobody,
But nobody
Can make it out here alone.
Alone, all alone
Nobody, but nobody
Can make it out here alone.
8. Write a summary of the following poem.
September 1,1939
W.H. Auden
I sit on one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire.
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger'and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives-,
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.
9. Write a summary of the following poem.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree
W.B. Yeats
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles
made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey
bee
And live alone in the bee loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes
dropping slow
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the
cricket sings-,
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple
glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements
grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.
10. Write a summary of the following poem.
A Minor Bird
Robert Frost
I have wished a bird would fly away,
And not sing by my house all day;
Have clapped my hands at him from the door
When it seemed as if I could bear no more.
The fault must partly have been in me.
The bird was not to blame for his key.
And of course there must be something wrong
In wanting to silence any song.
11. Write a summary of the following poem.
Because I could not stop for Death
Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me
The Carriage held but just Ourselves
And Immortality....
We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess - in the Ring
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain -
We passed the Setting Sun –
12. Write a summary of the following poem.
My Heart Leaps Up When Behold
My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began:
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!
The. Child is father of the Man;
.And I could wish my days to be
Bound each to each by natural piety.
13. Write a summary of the following poem.
To the Moon
Art thou pale for weariness
Of climbing heaven and Razing on the earth, Qrr¬Wandering companionless
Among the stars that have a different birth
14. Write a summary of the following poem. Ah Sun-ftc
Ah Sun-flower! weary of time,
Who countest the steps of the ' Sun:
Seeking after that sweet golden clime
Where the traveller's journey is done:
14. Write a summary of the following poem.
The Tyger
William Blake
Tyger, Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare sieze the fire?
And what shoulder what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? and what. dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy braini,
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!
When the stars threw down their spears
And water'd heaven with their tears
he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger, Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
15. Write a summary of the following poem.
She Walks in Beauty
Lord Byron
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes :
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
16. Write a summary of the following poem.
She Walks in Beauty
Lord Byron
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tree,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
17. Write a summary of the following poem.
She Walks in Beauty
Lord Byron
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent
19. Write a summary of the. following poem.
I Died for Beauty
I died for beauty, but was scarce
Adjusted in the tomb,
When one who died for truth was lain
In an adjoining room.
He questioned softly why I failed?
'For beauty,' I replied.
'And I for truth— the two are one;
We brethren are,' he said.
And so, as kinsmen met a-night,
We talked between the rooms,
Until the moss had reached our lips,
And covered up our names.
Answers:
Lower intermediate
In this poem, the poet reflects on the nature of dreams. He notes that everyone dreams, but not in the same way. He distinguishes between two types of dreams: those that occur subconsciously at night, which he considers vain and meaningless, and those that occur consciously during the day, which are serious and pursued by determined people who strive to make them come true at any cost.
The poet, who deeply loves nature, does not feel the need to see the rest of the world because he finds everything he desires in his beloved Bengal. In Bengal, he has experienced the heart of nature and encountered mythological characters like Champa, Behula, and Chand Saudagor, as well as legendary places like Ganguri and Amara. Bengal is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, which he views as heavenly gifts.
This poem emphasizes the importance of holding onto dreams. The poet advises that if dreams are lost, life becomes inactive and meaningless. He compares a life without dreams to a barren field covered in snow, where nothing can grow or be gained. Thus, dreams are essential for a fulfilling life.
The poem illustrates a father’s love for his child during difficult times. Despite his own hardships, the father wakes up early, warms the room, and tends to his son. The son, however, often responds with ungrateful indifference, failing to recognize that true love is often expressed through actions rather than words.
Childhood is a time for innocent mischief and joy. Children do not want to leave the delights of nature, such as birds' songs and the huntsman's horn, for the dreary schoolroom during summer mornings. They find school joyless and oppressive and would rather learn from nature, which is full of life and excitement.
A child is like a joyful bird that resists being caged. He wants to be free like wildlife on a spring morning. The child seeks to escape the dullness of school and experience nature, gaining strength and courage for the future. He pleads with his parents not to crush his dreams during this vibrant season of his life.
The poem stresses the importance of human connection. The speaker, feeling isolated, believes that people need community to live meaningful lives. She argues that money cannot buy happiness, and even the wealthy can feel lonely. Therefore, she urges people to prioritize making friends and working together to solve problems, warning that isolation will lead to more suffering.
The poet, who cherishes peace and despises war, is tormented by the news of impending conflict. He dreams of a world gripped by fear, anger, and uncertainty as war approaches, reflecting his deep distress over the outbreak of war in September 1939.
The poet yearns for love and peace and seeks to escape societal conflict. He dreams of living on a serene island where he can enjoy a peaceful, carefree life. He criticizes city life for its selfishness and conflict and praises the tranquility and beauty of a solitary, natural setting.
The poem explores the difficulty modern urban people have in appreciating nature. The speaker is annoyed by a bird’s song and drives it away. Later, he realizes that his inability to enjoy nature reflects a deeper problem within himself, highlighting his disconnection from the natural world.
The poem describes a journey to the afterlife. The poet narrates how she was taken on a ride by Death in his carriage, accompanied by Immortality. They pass a school, fields, and the setting sun, symbolizing the stages of life. This journey leads her to the eternal afterlife.
The poem expresses the poet’s deep love for nature. He delights in seeing rainbows and wishes to continue enjoying them in the future, just as he did in his childhood. He believes that the future naturally follows from the present and hopes to spend his life in love and worship of nature.
The poem depicts the eternal loneliness of the moon. Its endless journey makes it pale and weary. Despite being surrounded by stars, which are different from it, the moon remains alone, emphasizing its isolation.
The poem symbolizes human existence and the longing for a better life. The sunflower follows the sun, seeking a place where travelers find peace after their journey, tired of its stagnant existence.
The poet marvels at God’s creation, questioning whether the same creator made both the fierce tiger and the gentle lamb. He ponders the diversity of species and the qualities that distinguish them, reflecting on the wonders of creation.
Women’s beauty is likened to a cloudless night with starry skies. This beauty, both inner and outer, is unparalleled and surpasses that of any day, as it is seen as a divine gift.
The poem describes the perfect and delicate balance of beauty in women and nature. Even a slight change can disrupt this harmony. Women’s beautiful thoughts are portrayed as a gift of nature, contributing to their overall beauty.
Women possess various forms of beauty, both inner and outer. With calm cheeks and brows, sweet smiles, glowing complexions, peaceful minds, and innocent hearts, they are the epitome of beauty.
Beauty and truth are presented as eternal companions. One died for beauty, and the other for truth, and they were buried side by side. This symbolizes that beauty and truth are everlasting and interconnected, and their glorification will never end.
Answers:
Upper intermediate
In this poem, the poet delves into the nature and significance of dreams. He observes that while everyone dreams, not all dreams are the same. He distinguishes between two types of dreams: those experienced subconsciously at night and those envisioned consciously during the day. Nighttime dreams, which arise from the depths of the subconscious mind, are often filled with vanity and hold little real significance. In contrast, daytime dreams, born from conscious thought, are serious and pursued passionately by individuals who are determined to achieve them, often at great personal cost.
The poet, a devoted lover of nature, feels no need to explore the world beyond his beloved Bengal, as he finds everything he desires within it. In Bengal, he has experienced the essence of nature and encountered mythological figures such as Champa, Behula, and Chand Saudagor, along with legendary places like Ganguri and Amara. Bengal is a treasure trove of natural beauty and diverse wildlife, which he views as heavenly gifts. The poet's deep connection to Bengal's landscapes and stories fulfills his longing for natural and cultural richness.
This poem emphasizes the vital importance of holding onto one's dreams. The poet advises that losing dreams renders life inactive and meaningless. He uses vivid imagery to convey this message, comparing a life without dreams to a barren field covered in snow, where nothing can grow or be harvested. Dreams, according to the poet, are essential for vitality and purpose, and without them, life becomes desolate and unproductive, like a fruitless tree or an infertile field.
The poem illustrates the profound love and dedication of a father for his child, even during the most challenging times. Despite his own physical pain and exhaustion from overwork, the father rises early, warms the room, and ensures his child's comfort. The child's response, however, is marked by ungrateful indifference, as he fails to recognize that true love often manifests through actions rather than words. The poem highlights the father's silent sacrifices and the child's lack of awareness and appreciation.
Childhood is depicted as a time of innocent joy and playful mischief. Children, during this period, do not want to leave the enchanting sounds of birds' songs, the huntsman's horn, and the companionship of skylarks for the dreary confines of a schoolroom on summer mornings. To them, school is a place of sighs, drooping spirits, dismay, and anxiety. They prefer the vibrant, life-affirming lessons of nature to the joyless and rigid teachings of the classroom, especially during the liberating summer season.
A child is likened to a joyful bird that resists being caged and drooping like fragile objects of nature. He longs to be wild and free, like wildlife on a spring morning. Released from the drudgery of school, the child wishes to immerse himself in nature, gathering strength and courage to face future challenges. He pleads with his parents not to crush his dreams in their budding stage, during the vibrant springtime of his life. The child’s desire is to experience the fullness of nature's beauty and learn from it.
The poem underscores the necessity of human connection and community. The speaker, feeling isolated, asserts that people need each other to lead meaningful lives. She emphasizes that money cannot buy happiness, and even the wealthy can suffer from loneliness. The speaker urges people to prioritize friendships and communal bonds over material wealth. She warns that if people do not come together to address their collective problems, they will continue to face isolation and suffering. The poem calls for unity and mutual support as the foundation for a fulfilling life.
The poet, a fervent advocate for peace, is deeply troubled by the prospect of war. The news of imminent conflict fills his soul with torment, fear, and anger. He dreams of a world overwhelmed by these emotions before the outbreak of war on September 1, 1939. The poem captures his anguish and despair at the thought of a world consumed by violence and the impact it has on the human spirit.
The poet longs for love and peace, seeking to escape the conflicts and tensions of society. He dreams of retreating to a tranquil island where he can enjoy a serene and carefree life, free from the strife and selfishness of city life. He glorifies the peacefulness and natural beauty of a solitary place while condemning the conflicts and disadvantages of urban living. The poet's vision is of a life in harmony with nature, where he can find solace and contentment away from societal discord.
The poem explores the disconnect modern urban people feel from nature. The speaker is initially annoyed by the song of a minor bird and drives it away, only to later reflect on his inability to appreciate the beauty of nature. He recognizes that this annoyance reveals a deeper incompetency within himself—a failure to value the natural world. The poem highlights the modern struggle to connect with and enjoy nature amidst the distractions and pressures of urban life.
The poem describes a journey to the afterlife, where the poet recounts being taken on a ride by Death in his carriage, accompanied by Immortality. As they travel, they pass by a school, fields, and the setting sun, symbolizing the different stages of life. This journey culminates in the afterlife, which is portrayed as eternal and unending. The poem uses this metaphorical journey to reflect on the nature of life and the transition to immortality.
The poem expresses the poet’s deep and enduring love for nature. He delights in the sight of rainbows and wishes to continue enjoying them in the future, just as he did in his childhood. He feels that if he cannot experience this joy, life would lose its meaning. The poet believes that the future is a natural continuation of the past and present, and he hopes to spend his life in love and worship of nature, finding fulfillment in its beauty.
The poem depicts the eternal loneliness of the moon. Despite its journey through the night sky, the moon becomes pale and weary from its endless travel. Even in the company of stars, which are different in nature and origin, the moon remains solitary. This loneliness highlights the moon's unique existence and its perpetual state of isolation, despite being surrounded by celestial bodies.
The poem symbolizes the human condition and the longing for a better existence. The sunflower, following the sun across the sky, represents a desire for a place where travelers find peace after their journey. It is weary of its stagnant existence and seeks a goal where it can rest and find fulfillment. The sunflower's journey reflects the human quest for meaning and a better life.
The poet marvels at the diversity of God's creations, wondering at the sight of a tiger at night. He questions whether the same creator could have made both the fierce tiger and the gentle lamb. This contemplation leads him to ponder the source of such contrasting qualities and the complexity of creation. The poem reflects on the wonder and mystery of how different species are made by the same creator.
Women’s beauty is compared to a cloudless night with starry skies. This beauty, both inner and outer, is seen as unparalleled and surpasses that of any day. The poet believes that God has endowed women with a unique and divine beauty that is both striking and serene, combining the tranquility of the night with the brilliance of the stars.
The poem describes the perfect and delicate balance of beauty found in women and nature. Even a slight adjustment can disrupt this harmony, underscoring the fragility of such beauty. The poet views women’s beautiful thoughts as a natural gift, contributing to their overall grace and charm. This balance between inner and outer beauty creates an ideal form of aesthetic perfection.
Women possess a range of beauties, both inner and outer. The poet highlights their calm cheeks and brows, sweet smiles, glowing complexions, peaceful minds, and innocent hearts. These qualities make women the epitome of beauty, embodying both physical and spiritual grace. The poem celebrates the multifaceted nature of women’s beauty, recognizing it as a harmonious blend of inner and outer attributes.
Beauty and truth are portrayed as eternal companions in the poem. One character dies for beauty, while the other dies for truth, and they are buried side by side. This symbolizes the inseparable nature of beauty and truth, suggesting that they are united in life and death. The poem conveys the idea that the glorification of beauty and truth will never end, as these elements are enduring and timeless.
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