P-1 STD 11
P-1 STD 11
P-1 STD 11
Q1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Ans: Counting up to twelve takes very short time. Keeping still for this brief interval of time
gives us a momentary pause to introspect and review the course of action. It is generally
observed that most of the ills and troubles of the world are caused by our rush or hurry.
Violence is caused by anger. Keeping quiet and still will give us necessary respite and ensure
peace.
Q2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
Ans: No, he doesn’t advocate either total inactivity or death. He makes it quite clear that
‘stillness’ should not be confused with “total inactivity or equated to it. Total inactivity brings
death. But Neruda has ‘no truck with death’. His stillness means halting of harmful and
hostile human activities.
Q3. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
Ans: Man’s sadness is formed out of his own actions and thoughts. It is quite ironical that
man who understands so much fails to understand himself and his action. Rash actions prove
harmful and disastruous. Man is the creator of all disasters. He is always threatening himself
with death because of his thoughts and actions. This is the tragedy of his life.
Q4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under
apparent stillness?
Ans: The poet wants to prove that there can be life under apparent stillness. The poet invokes
the earth as a living symbol to prove his point. The earth never attains total inactivity. Nature
remains at work all the time even under apparent stillness. It keeps earth alive. This idea is
beautifully illustrated by the following lines:“as when everything seems dead and later proves
to he alive.”
Q6. Why shouldn’t we “speak in any language” and “not move our arms so much”?
Ans: People of the world speak in different languages. They indulge in unnecessary debates
and disputes. Most of these arguments lead to destructive wars. The poet urges people to stop
speaking in any language. They must speak through their hearts. So far men have moved their
arms only to harm others. Therefore, the poet wants that they should not move their arms so
much. Let these arms rest for once. Let a feeling of mutual understanding , be created among
human beings.
Q8. What does the poet ask the fisherman and the man collecting salt to dot What docs
In-exactly want to convey by this?
Ans: Pablo Neruda is against any kind of violence. He addresses the fishermen and asks them
not to harm whales living in the cold seas of the polar regions. He is also against any kind of
self torturing. The man who is gathering salt has hint his hands. He asks this man to look after
himself and take care of his injured hands.
Q9. What are the different kinds of war mentioned towards war?
Ans: The poet is against wars of all kinds. He wants a total stoppage of war. Green wars
against the environment, wars with poisonous gases and wars with fire must be terminated
(stopped) at once.
Q10 What alternative does Pablo Neruda suggest instead of indulging in wars?
Ans: Instead of indulging in wars, the people must come out in their best dresses with then-
brothers. They should go out for a walk under the shady trees and enjoy themselves doing
nothing. This would bring the feeling of togetherness among them.
Q11 How does the poet distinguish ‘stillness’ from ‘total inactivity’? Why does Neruda
saw I want no truck with death?
Ans: Pablo Neruda is in favour of stillness or silence. We remain still and quiet for sometime.
On the other hand, total inactivity is a permanent suspension of work. It is just like death.
‘Stillness’ should not be Confused with ‘total inactivity’. Life goes on as usual. There can’t
be anything like total inactivity. The poet refuses to associate with death or deal with it.
Q17.Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’
Ans: The poet talks about the exotic moment when everyone keeps quiet. There will be no
rush for a second. The machines must stop for a moment. That moment will be fascinating for
all of us. All of us shall enjoy the sudden strangeness of the moment together.