NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo Poem 4 A Thing of Beauty

Page No: 98

Before you Read

Q1. What pleasure does a beautiful thing give us? Are beautiful things worth treasuring?

Answer:- The world is filled with negative elements which make our life dull, sad, depressing and bereft of hope. In such moments, a beautiful thing gives us everlasting joy and helps us forget our sorrows.
Yes, a beautiful thing is worth treasuring because even its memory soothes our nerves and inspires us to overcome the challenges of life.

Page No: 99

Think it Out

Q1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.

Answer:- The things of beauty are the sun, the moon, old and new trees, daffodils, clear rills, musk roses that bloom among the thick forest ferns.

Q2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.

Answer:- The things that cause suffering are dark phases of our life, adverse circumstances, gloomy days, death of noble people and bad health.

Q3. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?

Answer:- This line suggests that things of beauty bind us to the earth with a beautiful connection. According to the poet, even if the world is not worth living because of the innumerable reasons that ultimately result in gloom and depression, the zeal to live a happy and content life can be derived from the sight of the beautiful bounties of nature around us.

Q4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?

Answer:- Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the existence of several natural and beautiful things around them. These things of beauty never fade. They give joy and optimism to human mind, and thus, help in overcoming or bearing the troubles and sufferings.

Q5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?

Answer:- The ‘grandeur’ of the ‘mighty dead’ lies in their noble deeds. They have left behind the beautiful legacy of their brave acts. Their selfless sacrifice for their nation and deeds for the welfare of mankind still continue to inspire us.

Q6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?

Answer:- The poet believes that when we encounter a beautiful thing, even for a small moment, the pleasure remains with us forever. It leaves a lasting impression that inspires us to live life with hope and optimism.

Q7. What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?

Answer:- The poet uses the image of ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. The earth, like a fountain, pours unto us numerous beautiful sights like the sun, the moon, flowers, rivers and greenery.

A Thing of Beauty Extra Questions and Answers

A Thing of Beauty Short Answer Questions

Q1. What is the source of the endless fountain and what is its effect?

Answer:- “Endless fountain” refers to the unending beauty of nature. This is a gift from the creator. Our life is full of trials and tribulations, but the beautiful things of nature soothen our sorrows and give us the motivation to move on.

Q2. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed?

Answer:- Trials and tribulations of life spread the pall of despondence over our dark spirits. Loss of faith and disappointment are the results of our own making. We can remove it by making life worthwhile with the beautiful things of life that lift the veil of gloom, paving way for optimism and hope.

Q3.What is the message of the poem,‘A Thing of Beauty’?

Answer:- The message of the poem is that a beautiful object is treasured in our mind because it provides us eternal and everlasting joy. Therefore, let us keep the natural beauty intact. Let us not destroy it.

Q4. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?

Answer:- A thing of beauty is a joy forever because its loveliness increases. A beautiful thing is perennial and constant. It sustains human spirit in all ages and stages. It never passes into nothingness. In fact, it moves away the pall from our dark spirits and makes life worth living.

Q5. Describe any three things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’.
OR
According to Keats, what moves the pain and suffering away from human life?

Answer:- Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. Some of them are the sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, the green pastures and the blooming musk-roses. All of them are things of beauty. They are the constant sources of joy and pleasure, and remove the gloom of life.

Q6. What does Keats consider as an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink immortal?

Answer:- God has created so much beauty around us; everywhere it is endless. In nature, there is divine beauty, a fountain of eternal joy. Keats considers the beauty of nature as an endless fountain of immortal drink. That immortal drink has to be poured into the heart and soul of man.

Q7. What does a thing of beauty do for us?

Answer:- A thing of beauty brings joy and removes the gloom. It makes life worth living in spite of being despondent. Its loveliness keeps on increasing, providing a pleasant and quiet place for us.

Q8. Mention any four things of beauty that add joy to our life.

Answer:- ‘The things of beauty that Keats refers to in his poem are the sun, the moon, the trees, the innocence of the sheep, the blossoming of the daffodils in the meadows, the musk-roses blooming, the mass of ferns and the clear streams among mountains.

Q9. Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering.

Answer:- The things that cause pain and suffering are despondency, dearth of noble natures, gloomy days and overdarkened ways.

Q10. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’?

Answer:- Everything of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. Some of them are the sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, mass of fern and the blooming of musk-roses. All of them are things of beauty. They are the constant sources of joy and pleasure.

Q11. How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty?

Answer:- The ‘mighty dead’ can be things of beauty as the inspirational deeds of martyrs are not only splendid but continue to live as guides, enhancing the quality of life.

Q12. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort?

Answer:- In the hot season, man and beast take shelter in the green world where clear rills a quiet bower, and the mid forest brake rich with springling of fair musk-roses blossom.’

Q13. What rich bounty has the heaven given us?

Answer:- Heaven has blessed us with unending beauty in nature that encircles and makes our life beautiful eternally whenever we think of it. Like an eternal fountain from the brink of heaven, beauty blesses us with joy forever.

Q14. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings?

Answer:- Keats shows his unhappiness by saying that there are only few people, who are noble in character and who rise above pretty differences by being magnanimous and generous. There is a dearth of such noble souls on our earth; as man is selfish and self-centred. Trials and tribulations of life spread the pall of despondence over our dark spirits. We can remove it by making life worthwhile by enjoying the beautiful things of life bestowed upon us by nature, but we are keen on destroying them.

Q15. How does Keats define a thing of beauty?

Answer:- Keats says that a thing of beauty is eternal and is forever. It does not fade with time, and our love for it enhances with time. He says that thing of beauty acts like a soothing, relaxing shade of trees that helps us sleep peacefully and enjoy good health.

Q16. What troubles and sufferings do human beings face in life?

Answer:- In life, humans face adverse circumstances and gloomy days which cause suffering. Malice and disappointment dampen our spirits. Lack of noble qualities, death and bad health bring sadness in life.