THE POWER OF MUSIC: GLOSSARY, SUMMARY & QUESTION-ANSWERS

 

“THE POWER OF MUSIC” BY SUKUMAR RAY

When summer comes, we hear the hums

................. And Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden

gift of silence.

The original poet of the poem “The Power of Music” (originally titled “Ganer Gunto” in Bengali) is Sukumar Ray, and it was translated into English by Professor Sukanta Chaudhuri.

Details About the Poem

Original Title: "Ganer Gunto" in Bengali

Poetry Collection: Published in the famous 1923 nonsense verse collection Abol Tabol (The Weird and the Absurd)

Core Theme: A humorous and satirical poem about an obnoxiously loud and untalented singer named Bhisma Lochan Sharma.

*The Sequence of actions or reactions of the different agents to the singing of Bhisma Lochan Sharma:

1. People – They stagger, reel, and flee in panic; their faces grow pale and sickly; they collapse helplessly.

2. Bullock-carts – The carts overturn and crash as the animals panic at the terrible noise.

3. Horses – They stop dead, line the roadside, trembling and unable to move forward.

4. Other Animals (Brutes) – They raise their feet in the air, roll about, whine, and stare blankly in confusion.

5. Fishes – They dive frantically deep into the water to escape the dreadful sound.

6. Trees – They shake violently, collapse, and crash to the ground with a loud thud.

7. Birds (Feathered fly) – They lose balance in flight, turn upside down (turn turtle), and fall from the sky.

8. The Sky (Welkin) – It seems to weep, darken, and tremble as if mourning the sound.

9. Mansions – They shake, crack, and tumble down into ruins.

10. Billy Goat – It lowers its horns, charges fiercely at Bhisma, and butts him to silence.

Glossary

Glossary

Stanza 1

Hums – continuous low sounds or tunes / लगातार हल्की गुनगुनाहट या ध्वनि
Strain – musical note or tune / संगीत की धुन या स्वर
Plain – flat stretch of land / समतल भूमि, मैदान
Staked his life – risked his life; did something with full effort / अपना जीवन दाँव पर लगाया; पूरी कोशिश की
Hell-bent – determined to do something at any cost / किसी भी कीमत पर करने के लिए दृढ़ निश्चयी
Dazed – confused or stunned / अचंभित, हक्का-बक्का
Retire – withdraw, go away / पीछे हटना, हट जाना
Amazed – surprised or astonished / आश्चर्यचकित
Well-meant – done with good intention / सद्भावना से किया गया

Stanza 2

Trampled – crushed under feet / पैरों तले कुचला हुआ
Panic rout – disorderly rush/retreat or stampede caused by fear / भय के कारण मची भगदड़
Languish – become weak or faint / कमज़ोर पड़ जाना, शिथिल होना
Pale – without colour, looking sickly / पीला, बीमार-सा दिखने वाला
Plead – beg earnestly / गिड़गिड़ाकर विनती करना
Broadside – a loud outburst; here, a blast of sound / तेज़ शोर; यहाँ ज़ोरदार ध्वनि का विस्फोट
Booming – loud, deep, resounding voice / गूँजती हुई भारी आवाज़
Unconcerned – without worry or care / निश्चिंत, बेपरवाह

Stanza 3

Wretched – miserable, unfortunate / दुखी, दयनीय
Brutes – animals or beasts / पशु, जानवर
Blare – loud, harsh sound / कर्कश, तीखी आवाज़
Confounded – confused, bewildered / अत्यंत भ्रमित
Frantic – desperate, wild with fear / घबराया हुआ, बदहवास
Hence – from here; away / यहाँ से; दूर

Stanza 4
Feathered fly – birds / पंख वाले प्राणी; पक्षी
Turn turtle – turn upside down / उलट जाना
Winging – flying / उड़ते हुए
Collapse – fall down / ढह जाना, गिर पड़ना
Crash – loud noise made when something falls / ज़ोरदार आवाज़ के साथ गिरना

Soared – rose high or went beyond reach / ऊँचा उड़ गया, बहुत ऊपर चला गया
Howe’er – however / हालाँकि
Welkin – the sky or heavens / आकाश, नभ
Weeps – cries / रोता है
Screech – loud, harsh, unpleasant sound / कर्कश चीख
Mansions – large, grand buildings / भव्य इमारतें, महल
Tumble – fall down / लुढ़क कर गिरना

Stanza 5
Billy goat – male goat / नर बकरा
Sagacious – wise, clever / बुद्धिमान, चतुर
Downs his horns – lowers his horns to attack / हमले के लिए सींग झुकाता है
Bellow – loud, deep cry (of an animal) / जानवर की भारी ज़ोरदार आवाज़
Strains – musical sounds or notes / संगीत की ध्वनियाँ
Tossed – thrown violently / ज़ोर से उछाला गया
Whirled – turned or spun quickly / तेज़ी से घूमाया गया
Blast – violent gust or impact / तेज़ झोंका, ज़ोरदार टक्कर
Brutal – harsh, cruel, forceful / निर्दयी, कठोर
Violence – great physical force or destruction / भीषण बल, हिंसा
Golden gift of silence – peace and quiet after great noise; humorous expression for relief from his singing /भीषण शोर के बाद मिली शांति; उसके गायन से मुक्ति का व्यंग्यपूर्ण संकेत

Summary of the Poem

“The Power of Music” is a humorous and satirical poem in which Sukumar Ray exaggerates the effects of music to create comic absurdity. Instead of showing music as soothing or uplifting, the poet presents it as unbearably powerful and destructive, thereby mocking blind admiration of art without sensitivity.

 

The poem opens with the arrival of summer, a season when sounds travel far and wide. During this time, the singing of Bhisma Lochan Sharma can be heard everywhere—from hills and plains to distant regions like Delhi and Burma. His voice spreads uncontrollably, suggesting that it is extremely loud and far-reaching. Bhisma sings with such intensity and determination that it seems as if he has risked his very life on singing. He is completely obsessed with his performance and is determined to sing at any cost.

The people who hear him are stunned and confused. Although they know that his intention is good and that he means no harm, they are unable to tolerate the effect of his singing. Overwhelmed and shocked, they begin to withdraw in amazement, unable to understand how something meant to be pleasant can cause such distress.

As Bhisma continues to sing, the situation worsens. People are trampled in panic as fear spreads everywhere. Some become weak, pale, and sick, while others desperately beg him to stop singing before they collapse completely. The chaos caused by his singing overturns bullock-carts and forces horses to stop helplessly along the roadside. Yet Bhisma remains entirely unconcerned. Oblivious to the suffering around him, he continues singing loudly and forcefully, as if launching a powerful attack of sound.

Not only humans but animals too are affected. The helpless beasts resent the harsh noise. They cry, stare in shock, or fall into complete confusion. Even fish dive deep into lakes in a frantic attempt to escape the terrible sound and find silence. The destruction becomes so exaggerated that even trees are shown collapsing and shaking violently, with the crash heard from miles away. This hyperbole heightens the comic effect of the poem.

The impact reaches the sky as well. Birds flying overhead lose control and turn upside down in mid-air. Once again, people cry out in terror, fearing death and pleading with Bhisma to stop singing. However, Bhisma has now soared beyond their reach. No matter how much they beg or complain, he pays no attention. His shrill screech makes even the sky seem to weep, and huge mansions crumble under the force of his voice. The poet humorously suggests that nothing in the world can withstand the power of his music.

Finally, when all human efforts fail, an unexpected saviour appears—a wise and determined billy goat. Unlike the others, the goat does not plead. It lowers its horns and charges straight at Bhisma with great force, responding to sound with sound. The violent clash scatters and destroys the strains of Bhisma’s song. As a result, Bhisma’s singing is finally stopped.

The poem ends with the world receiving the “golden gift of silence.” This phrase is humorous and ironic, suggesting that silence, not music, becomes the greatest blessing after such unbearable noise.

Overall Meaning and Message

Through exaggeration and humour, Sukumar Ray mocks the idea that all music is pleasant or powerful in a positive way. The poem suggests that art without sensitivity, balance, or consideration for others can become oppressive rather than enjoyable. Ultimately, “The Power of Music” is a playful satire that entertains while reminding readers that even good intentions can cause harm if taken to extremes.

 

कविता का हिंदी सारांश

“द पावर ऑफ़ म्यूज़िक” — सुकुमार राय

कविता “द पावर ऑफ़ म्यूज़िक” एक हास्यपूर्ण और व्यंग्यात्मक रचना है, जिसमें सुकुमार राय संगीत के प्रभाव को अतिरंजित रूप में प्रस्तुत करते हैं। सामान्यतः संगीत को मधुर, शांति देने वाला और आनंददायक माना जाता है, लेकिन इस कविता में कवि उसे असहनीय और विनाशकारी शक्ति के रूप में दिखाकर अंधी प्रशंसा पर व्यंग्य करते हैं।

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कविता की शुरुआत ग्रीष्म ऋतु के आगमन से होती है—वह समय जब आवाज़ें दूर-दूर तक फैलती हैं। इसी मौसम में भीष्म लोचन शर्मा का गायन हर जगह सुनाई देता है—पहाड़ों और मैदानों से लेकर दिल्ली से बर्मा तक। उसकी आवाज़ इतनी दूर तक फैल जाती है कि लगता है मानो वह पूरे संसार को अपने गायन से भर देना चाहता हो। वह इतनी तीव्रता और जुनून से गाता है जैसे उसने अपना जीवन दाँव पर लगा दिया हो और किसी भी कीमत पर गाना चाहता हो।

लोग उसका गायन सुनकर स्तब्ध और भ्रमित हो जाते हैं। यद्यपि वे जानते हैं कि उसकी भावना अच्छी है और उसका उद्देश्य बुरा नहीं है, फिर भी वे उसके गायन को सहन नहीं कर पाते। आश्चर्य और भय से भरे लोग पीछे हटने लगते हैं। उन्हें समझ नहीं आता कि जो चीज़ आनंद देने के लिए होती है, वह इतनी पीड़ा कैसे पहुँचा सकती है।

जैसे-जैसे भीष्म लोचन गाना जारी रखता है, स्थिति और भी भयावह हो जाती है। लोगों में अफ़रा-तफ़री मच जाती है और भगदड़ में कई लोग कुचल जाते हैं। कुछ लोग पीले पड़ जाते हैं, दुर्बल हो जाते हैं और बीमार-से दिखने लगते हैं। वे गिड़गिड़ाकर उससे विनती करते हैं कि वह गाना बंद कर दे, नहीं तो वे मर जाएँगे। उसके गायन के प्रभाव से बैलगाड़ियाँ उलट जाती हैं और घोड़े सड़क के किनारे बेबस खड़े रह जाते हैं। लेकिन भीष्म लोचन इन सब बातों से पूरी तरह बेपरवाह रहता है और और भी ज़ोर से गाता चला जाता है।

केवल मनुष्य ही नहीं, पशु भी उसके गायन से पीड़ित हो जाते हैं। बेचारे जानवर उस कर्कश ध्वनि से परेशान हो उठते हैं। वे कराहते हैं, अचंभित होकर इधर-उधर देखते हैं और पूरी तरह भ्रमित हो जाते हैं। मछलियाँ झील की गहराई में शांति खोजने के लिए डर के मारे गोते लगाने लगती हैं। अतिशयोक्ति की पराकाष्ठा यह है कि कवि पेड़ों तक को गिरते और हिलते हुए दिखाता है, जिनके गिरने की आवाज़ मीलों दूर तक सुनाई देती है।

इस विनाशकारी प्रभाव से आकाश भी अछूता नहीं रहता। उड़ते हुए पक्षी संतुलन खो देते हैं और उलटे होकर गिरने लगते हैं। लोग फिर से डर के मारे चिल्लाते हैं और मृत्यु की आशंका में उससे गाना रोकने की प्रार्थना करते हैं। परंतु भीष्म लोचन अब उनकी पहुँच से बहुत ऊपर जा चुका है। उनकी विनती और शिकायतों का उस पर कोई असर नहीं पड़ता। उसकी तीखी चीख से आकाश तक रोने लगता है और विशाल इमारतें ढह जाती हैं।

अंत में, जब मनुष्य पूरी तरह असहाय हो जाते हैं, तब एक अप्रत्याशित उद्धारक प्रकट होता है—एक बुद्धिमान और साहसी नर बकरा। वह किसी से विनती नहीं करता, बल्कि अपने सींग झुकाकर सीधे भीष्म लोचन पर हमला कर देता है। ज़ोरदार टक्कर और हिंसक झटके से भीष्म लोचन का गायन बिखर जाता है और समाप्त हो जाता है।

कविता का अंत संसार को “मौन का स्वर्णिम उपहार” मिलने से होता है। यह वाक्य व्यंग्यात्मक और हास्यपूर्ण है, क्योंकि असहनीय शोर के बाद शांति ही सबसे बड़ा वरदान बन जाती है।

समग्र भाव और संदेश

इस कविता के माध्यम से सुकुमार राय यह दिखाते हैं कि यदि कला में संतुलन, संवेदनशीलता और दूसरों की परवाह न हो, तो वह आनंद देने के बजाय कष्टदायक बन सकती है। “द पावर ऑफ़ म्यूज़िक” एक मनोरंजक व्यंग्य है, जो यह संदेश देता है कि अच्छी नीयत भी यदि अति में बदल जाए, तो हानिकारक हो सकती है।

 Stanza 1 – Summary (English):

The stanza introduces Bhisma Lochan Sharma, whose singing is heard everywhere when summer arrives. His powerful and continuous singing can be heard across a vast area, from Delhi to Burma, suggesting that his voice is extremely loud. He sings with great intensity and determination, as if his entire life depends upon singing and he is absolutely determined to continue. His singing leaves the people dazed and amazed, so they withdraw from the situation. However, despite being disturbed by his singing, they understand that his intention is good and that he does not mean to trouble them deliberately.

Hindi Summary

इस पद्यांश में कवि भीष्म लोचन शर्मा के अत्यन्त ऊँचे और लगातार गाने का वर्णन करता है। गर्मी का मौसम आते ही उनका गीत सुनाई देने लगता है और उनकी आवाज़ दिल्ली से बर्मा तक सुनाई देती है। वे इतनी लगन और दृढ़ता से गाते हैं, मानो उन्होंने अपना पूरा जीवन गाने के लिए लगा दिया हो और किसी भी हालत में रुकना न चाहते हों। उनका गाना सुनकर लोग हैरान, परेशान और स्तब्ध हो जाते हैं तथा वहाँ से हट जाते हैं। फिर भी वे जानते हैं कि भीष्म लोचन का उद्देश्य लोगों को परेशान करना नहीं, बल्कि अच्छे भाव से गाना है।

Odia Summary

ଏହି ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କବି ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉଚ୍ଚ ଓ ଅବିରତ ଗାୟନର ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଗ୍ରୀଷ୍ମ ଋତୁ ଆସିଲେ ତାଙ୍କର ଗୀତ ଶୁଣିବାକୁ ମିଳେ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ୱର ଦିଲ୍ଲୀଠାରୁ ବର୍ମା ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଶୁଣାଯାଏ ବୋଲି କବି ଅତିଶୟୋକ୍ତି କରିଛନ୍ତି। ସେ ଏତେ ଉତ୍ସାହ ଓ ଦୃଢ଼ତାର ସହିତ ଗାଆନ୍ତି, ଯେପରି ତାଙ୍କ ଜୀବନ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବା ଉପରେ ନିର୍ଭର କରୁଛି ଏବଂ ସେ କୌଣସି ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ ଗୀତ ବନ୍ଦ କରିବେ ନାହିଁ। ତାଙ୍କର ଗୀତ ଶୁଣି ଲୋକମାନେ ବିସ୍ମିତ ଓ ବିଚଳିତ ହୋଇ ସେଠାରୁ ଚାଲିଯାଆନ୍ତି। ତଥାପି ସେମାନେ ଜାଣନ୍ତି ଯେ ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନଙ୍କର ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟ ଲୋକଙ୍କୁ ହଇରାଣ କରିବା ନୁହେଁ; ସେ ଭଲ ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ଗାଉଛନ୍ତି।

Stanza 2 – Summary (English):

In this stanza, the poet humorously describes the terrible effect of Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s loud singing on people and animals. The frightened people run away in panic; some are trampled and others become pale, weak and sickly. They desperately request him to stop singing because they feel that they are almost at the end of their endurance. His powerful voice also causes bullock-carts to overturn and horses to collapse or lie exhausted by the roadside. However, Bhisma Lochan remains completely unconcerned about the chaos around him and continues singing loudly and confidently.

हिन्दी में सारांश

इस पद्यांश में कवि ने भीष्म लोचन शर्मा के बहुत तेज़ और प्रभावशाली गायन के भयानक प्रभाव का हास्यपूर्ण वर्णन किया है। लोग घबराकर भागने लगते हैं; कुछ लोग भगदड़ में कुचल जाते हैं, जबकि कुछ डर और परेशानी के कारण पीले, कमजोर और बीमार जैसे हो जाते हैं। वे उससे विनती करते हैं कि वह जल्दी अपना गाना बंद कर दे, क्योंकि उनकी सहनशक्ति लगभग समाप्त हो चुकी है। उसके तेज़ गायन के कारण बैलगाड़ियाँ उलट जाती हैं और घोड़े सड़क के किनारे थके हुए पड़े दिखाई देते हैं। लेकिन भीष्म लोचन अपने चारों ओर हो रही इस अफरा-तफरी से बिल्कुल बेपरवाह रहते हैं और पूरी ताकत से गाना जारी रखते हैं।

Odia ରେ ସାରାଂଶ

ଏହି ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କବି ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉଚ୍ଚ ଓ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଗୀତର ଭୟଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଭାବକୁ ହାସ୍ୟରସାତ୍ମକ ଭାବରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଲୋକମାନେ ଭୟଭୀତ ହୋଇ ଆତଙ୍କରେ ଦୌଡ଼ିବାକୁ ଲାଗନ୍ତି; କେହି କେହି ଭିଡ଼ରେ ଦଳି ହୋଇଯାଆନ୍ତି, ଆଉ କେହି ଭୟ ଓ ଯନ୍ତ୍ରଣାରେ ଫିକା, ଦୁର୍ବଳ ଓ ଅସୁସ୍ଥ ଦେଖାଯାଆନ୍ତି। ସେମାନେ ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନଙ୍କୁ ଶୀଘ୍ର ଗୀତ ବନ୍ଦ କରିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରନ୍ତି, କାରଣ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ସହନଶକ୍ତି ପ୍ରାୟ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଯାଇଛି। ତାଙ୍କର ଉଚ୍ଚ ସ୍ୱର ଯୋଗୁଁ ବଳଦଗାଡ଼ି ଓଲଟିଯାଏ ଏବଂ ଘୋଡ଼ାମାନେ ରାସ୍ତାକଡ଼ରେ ଥକିପଡ଼ିଥିବାର ଦେଖାଯାଏ। କିନ୍ତୁ ଚାରିଆଡ଼େ ଏତେ ଅସ୍ତବ୍ୟସ୍ତତା ସତ୍ତ୍ୱେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ବେପରୁଆ ରହି ଜୋରରେ ଗାଇ ଚାଲନ୍ତି।

Stanza 3 – Summary (English):

In this stanza, the poet humorously exaggerates the terrible effect of Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s loud singing on animals, fish and trees. The poor animals cannot tolerate the deafening sound. Whenever they hear it, they become frightened, confused and distressed. Some of them whine and stare helplessly with their feet in the air. Even the fish dive deep into the lake in a desperate attempt to escape the noise and find some silence. The sound is presented as so powerful that even the trees shake and collapse, and the crash can be heard from a mile away. The stanza uses exaggeration and comic imagery to make the singer’s extremely loud voice appear almost destructive.

हिन्दी में सारांश

इस पद्यांश में कवि ने भीष्म लोचन शर्मा के अत्यन्त तेज़ और कर्कश गायन के जानवरों, मछलियों और पेड़ों पर पड़ने वाले हास्यास्पद रूप से भयानक प्रभाव का वर्णन किया है। बेचारे जानवर उस तेज़ आवाज़ को सहन नहीं कर पाते। आवाज़ सुनते ही वे डर जाते हैं, बेचैन और भ्रमित हो जाते हैं। कुछ जानवर कराहते हुए अपने पैर हवा में उठाकर असहाय अवस्था में पड़े रहते हैं। यहाँ तक कि मछलियाँ भी शोर से बचने और शान्ति पाने के लिए झील के बहुत नीचे चली जाती हैं। कवि अतिशयोक्ति करते हुए कहता है कि उस आवाज़ के प्रभाव से पेड़ भी हिलकर गिर पड़ते हैं और उनके गिरने की आवाज़ एक मील दूर तक सुनाई देती है। इस प्रकार कवि ने हास्य और अतिशयोक्ति के माध्यम से गायक की अत्यन्त ऊँची आवाज़ का चित्र प्रस्तुत किया है।

Odia ରେ ସାରାଂଶ

ଏହି ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କବି ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉଚ୍ଚ ଓ କର୍କଶ ଗୀତର ପଶୁ, ମାଛ ଓ ଗଛ ଉପରେ ପଡ଼ୁଥିବା ହାସ୍ୟାସ୍ପଦ ଭାବରେ ଭୟଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଭାବ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ବିଚରା ପଶୁମାନେ ଏହି ପ୍ରଚଣ୍ଡ ଶବ୍ଦକୁ ସହିପାରନ୍ତି ନାହିଁ। ଶବ୍ଦ ଶୁଣିବାମାତ୍ରେ ସେମାନେ ଭୟଭୀତ, ବିଚଳିତ ଓ ହତବୁଦ୍ଧି ହୋଇଯାଆନ୍ତି। କେତେକ ପଶୁ କାନ୍ଦିବା ବା କରାହିବା ସହିତ ପାଦଗୁଡ଼ିକୁ ଉପରକୁ ଉଠାଇ ଅସହାୟ ଭାବରେ ପଡ଼ି ରହନ୍ତି। ଏପରିକି ମାଛମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଶବ୍ଦରୁ ରକ୍ଷା ପାଇ ନିରବତା ଖୋଜିବା ପାଇଁ ହ୍ରଦର ଗଭୀରତାକୁ ଚାଲିଯାଆନ୍ତି। କବି ଅତିଶୟୋକ୍ତି କରି କହିଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ଏହି ପ୍ରଚଣ୍ଡ ଶବ୍ଦର ପ୍ରଭାବରେ ଗଛଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟ ଥରି ଉଠି ଭାଙ୍ଗିପଡ଼ନ୍ତି, ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ପଡ଼ିବାର ଶବ୍ଦ ଏକ ମାଇଲ ଦୂରରୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ଶୁଣାଯାଏ।

Stanza 4 – Summary (English):

In this stanza, the poet continues to describe, with comic exaggeration, the disastrous effect of Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s extremely loud singing. The birds flying in the sky are so disturbed by the sound that they turn upside down while flying. Once again, the frightened people cry out that they are going to die and desperately ask him to stop singing. However, Bhisma continues singing, completely beyond their control, despite all their pleas and complaints. His voice is described as so terrible that even the sky seems to weep on hearing it, while great buildings collapse because of the tremendous sound. The stanza humorously presents Bhisma’s singing as an almost irresistible destructive force.

हिन्दी में सारांश

इस पद्यांश में कवि भीष्म लोचन शर्मा के अत्यन्त तेज़ गायन के विनाशकारी प्रभाव का हास्यपूर्ण अतिशयोक्ति के साथ वर्णन करता है। आकाश में उड़ रहे पक्षी भी उसके भयंकर स्वर से इतने परेशान हो जाते हैं कि वे उड़ते-उड़ते उलटे हो जाते हैं। भयभीत लोग फिर चिल्लाकर कहते हैं कि वे मरने वाले हैं और उससे गाना बंद करने की विनती करते हैं। लेकिन भीष्म लोचन उनकी प्रार्थनाओं और शिकायतों से बिल्कुल प्रभावित नहीं होते और लगातार गाते रहते हैं। उनकी आवाज़ इतनी भयानक बताई गई है कि आकाश भी उसे सुनकर रोने लगता है और विशाल इमारतें तक गिर पड़ती हैं। इस प्रकार कवि ने अतिशयोक्ति और हास्य के माध्यम से भीष्म के गायन की असाधारण शक्ति और उसके हास्यास्पद प्रभाव को प्रस्तुत किया है।

Odia ରେ ସାରାଂଶ

ଏହି ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କବି ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ଶର୍ମାଙ୍କର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉଚ୍ଚ ଗୀତର ବିନାଶକାରୀ ପ୍ରଭାବକୁ ହାସ୍ୟରସାତ୍ମକ ଅତିଶୟୋକ୍ତି ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ଆକାଶରେ ଉଡ଼ୁଥିବା ପକ୍ଷୀମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାଙ୍କର ଭୟଙ୍କର ସ୍ୱରରେ ଏତେ ବିଚଳିତ ହୋଇଯାଆନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେମାନେ ଉଡ଼ୁଥିବା ସମୟରେ ଓଲଟିଯାଆନ୍ତି। ଭୟଭୀତ ଲୋକମାନେ ପୁଣି ଚିତ୍କାର କରି କହନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେମାନେ ମରିଯିବେ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଗୀତ ବନ୍ଦ କରିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରନ୍ତି। କିନ୍ତୁ ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଅନୁରୋଧ ଓ ଅଭିଯୋଗକୁ ଆଦୌ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱ ନଦେଇ ଗାଇ ଚାଲନ୍ତି। ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ୱର ଏତେ ଭୟଙ୍କର ବୋଲି କୁହାଯାଇଛି ଯେ ଆକାଶ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାଙ୍କର ଚିତ୍କାର ଶୁଣି କାନ୍ଦେ ଏବଂ ବିଶାଳ ଅଟ୍ଟାଳିକାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ମଧ୍ୟ ଭୁଶୁଡ଼ି ପଡ଼େ। ଏହିପରି ଭାବରେ କବି ଅତିଶୟୋକ୍ତି ଓ ହାସ୍ୟରସ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଭୀଷ୍ମଙ୍କ ଗୀତର ଅସାଧାରଣ ଓ ବିନାଶକାରୀ ପ୍ରଭାବକୁ ଦର୍ଶାଇଛନ୍ତି।

Stanza 5 – Summary (English):

A clever billy goat arrives and brings an end to Bhisma Lochan's terrible singing by charging at him. The goat lowers its horns and attacks with a loud roar that matches the singer's own noise. The brutal force of the goat's collision completely shatters the horrific song, scattering the notes away. As a result, Bhisma Lochan is finally forced to stop singing, granting the world the beautiful and long-awaited gift of silence.

हिन्दी में सारांश

एक बुद्धिमान बकरा वहाँ आता है और भीष्म लोचन पर हमला करके उसके भयानक गाने को बंद कर देता है। वह बकरा अपने सींग नीचे करता है और भीष्म की आवाज़ का जवाब अपनी तेज़ आवाज़ से देते हुए सीधे उस पर हमला कर देता है। बकरे के इस जोरदार प्रहार से गाने के सुर हवा में बिखर जाते हैं। आखिरकार, भीष्म लोचन का गाना बंद हो जाता है और पूरी दुनिया को शांति (खामोशी) का एक अनमोल उपहार मिलता है।

Odia ରେ ସାରାଂଶ

ଏକ ଚତୁର ବୋଦା (ଛେଳି) ସେଠାକୁ ଆସି ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନଙ୍କ ଉପରକୁ ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରି ତାଙ୍କର ସେହି ଭୟଙ୍କର ଗୀତକୁ ବନ୍ଦ କରିଦିଏ। ବୋଦାଟି ନିଜ ଶିଙ୍ଗକୁ ତଳକୁ କରି ଭୀଷ୍ମଙ୍କ ରଡ଼ିର ଜବାବ ନିଜ ଗର୍ଜନରେ ଦେଇ ସିଧାସଳଖ ତାଙ୍କ ଆଡ଼କୁ ମାଡ଼ିଯାଏ। ବୋଦାର ଏହି ଶକ୍ତ ଧକ୍କା ଯୋଗୁଁ ଗୀତର ସ୍ୱର ସବୁ ପବନରେ ଭାଙ୍ଗି ଚୂରମାର ହୋଇଯାଏ। ଶେଷରେ, ଭୀଷ୍ମ ଲୋଚନ ଗୀତ ଗାଇବା ବନ୍ଦ କରିଦିଅନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ସମଗ୍ର ପୃଥିବୀକୁ ଶାନ୍ତି ତଥା ନୀରବତାର ଏକ ମୂଲ୍ୟବାନ ଉପହାର ମିଳେ।

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS – SET 1

1. Who is the main character of the poem?
A) Bhisma Lochan Sharma
B) Tansen
C) Kalidas
D) Tagore
Answer: A) Bhisma Lochan Sharma

2. In which season does Bhisma Lochan sing?
A) Winter
B) Summer
C) Spring
D) Rainy
Answer: B) Summer

3. From where to where can Bhisma’s singing be heard?
A) Calcutta to Bombay
B) Delhi down to Burma
C) Kashmir to Nepal
D) Patna to Chennai
Answer: B) Delhi down to Burma

4. What does “strain” mean in the context of the poem?
A) Stress
B) Tune or singing
C) Physical effort
D) Noise
Answer: B) Tune or singing

5. How does Bhisma sing?
A) Softly and gently
B) Sweetly and melodiously
C) As though he has staked his life
D) Carelessly
Answer: C) As though he has staked his life

6. What does “hell-bent” suggest about Bhisma?
A) He is afraid of singing
B) He is extremely determined to sing
C) He wants to leave the place
D) He has lost his voice
Answer: B) He is extremely determined to sing

7. Why are the people “dazed” and “amazed”?
A) They are delighted by his music
B) They are astonished by the extraordinary effect of his singing
C) They want to sing with him
D) They are waiting for a performance
Answer: B) They are astonished by the extraordinary effect of his singing

8. What do the people know about Bhisma’s singing?
A) It is well-meant
B) It is professional
C) It is divine
D) It is deliberately cruel
Answer: A) It is well-meant

9. What happens to the people in the “panic rout”?
A) They dance together
B) They are trampled in the panic
C) They gather around Bhisma
D) They applaud him
Answer: B) They are trampled in the panic

10. How are the people described when they languish?
A) Happy and cheerful
B) Pale and sickly
C) Strong and energetic
D) Calm and peaceful
Answer: B) Pale and sickly

11. What do the people plead with Bhisma to do?
A) Sing another song
B) Sing more loudly
C) Stop his singing quickly
D) Change the place
Answer: C) Stop his singing quickly

12. What happens to the bullock-carts?
A) They overturn
B) They disappear
C) They move faster
D) They stop peacefully
Answer: A) They overturn

13. What do the horses do?
A) Run into the fields
B) Line the roadside
C) Attack Bhisma
D) Pull the carts faster
Answer: B) Line the roadside

14. What does Bhisma do despite the chaos?
A) Stops singing
B) Apologizes to the people
C) Remains unconcerned and continues singing
D) Runs away
Answer: C) Remains unconcerned and continues singing

15. What does “booming out his broadside” suggest?
A) Singing softly
B) Singing loudly and forcefully
C) Whispering a secret
D) Speaking politely
Answer: B) Singing loudly and forcefully

16. Who are called “wretched brutes”?
A) The people
B) The birds
C) The animals
D) The horses alone
Answer: C) The animals

17. How do the wretched brutes react to the blare?
A) They whine and stare with their feet in the air
B) They dance happily
C) They gather around Bhisma
D) They become completely silent
Answer: A) They whine and stare with their feet in the air

18. What do the fishes do in response to the singing?
A) Jump out of the lake
B) Dive below the lake in search of silence
C) Swim towards Bhisma
D) Float on the surface
Answer: B) Dive below the lake in search of silence

19. What happens to the trees?
A) They blossom
B) They collapse and shake
C) They bend towards Bhisma
D) They grow taller
Answer: B) They collapse and shake

20. What is heard “a mile hence”?
A) Bhisma’s voice
B) The people’s cries
C) The crash of the trees
D) The goat’s bellow
Answer: C) The crash of

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS – SET 2

1. Who is the poet of The Power of Music?
A) Rabindranath Tagore
B) Sukumar Ray
C) Michael Madhusudan Dutt
D) Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Answer: B) Sukumar Ray

2. What is the effect of Bhisma’s singing on the people?
A) It makes them cheerful
B) It causes them to panic and flee
C) It makes them dance
D) It puts them to sleep
Answer: B) It causes them to panic and flee

3. Which expression emphasizes the vast reach of Bhisma’s singing?
A) “hill and plain”
B) “near our end”
C) “from Delhi down to Burma”
D) “golden gift”
Answer: C) “from Delhi down to Burma”

4. Which phrase suggests that Bhisma sings with extreme determination?
A) “retire amazed”
B) “hell-bent”
C) “pale and sickly”
D) “near our end”
Answer: B) “hell-bent”

5. What contrast is created by the expression “well-meant”?
A) His singing is good, but he dislikes music
B) His intention is good, but its effect is disturbing
C) His voice is soft, but people praise it
D) His singing is brief, but people want more
Answer: B) His intention is good, but its effect is disturbing

6. Which word best describes Bhisma’s attitude towards the chaos?
A) Concerned
B) Frightened
C) Unconcerned
D) Regretful
Answer: C) Unconcerned

7. What does the phrase “bellow answering bellow” refer to?
A) The people answering Bhisma
B) The goat answering Bhisma’s powerful sound
C) The birds answering the goat
D) The trees answering the people
Answer: B) The goat answering Bhisma’s powerful sound

8. What does “turn turtle” mean in the context of the poem?
A) Fly faster
B) Turn upside down
C) Fly towards the lake
D) Stop singing
Answer: B) Turn upside down

9. What do the people cry when Bhisma continues singing?
A) “Please sing again!”
B) “We’re going to die”
C) “Sing more loudly!”
D) “What a wonderful voice!”
Answer: B) “We’re going to die”

10. What does “howe’er” mean in “howe’er we plead and grumble”?
A) Whenever
B) However
C) Wherever
D) Whatever
Answer: B) However

11. What does “soared beyond our reach” suggest?
A) Bhisma physically flies into the sky
B) Bhisma becomes beyond the people’s reach or control
C) Bhisma leaves the country
D) Bhisma stops singing
Answer: B) Bhisma becomes beyond the people’s reach or control

12. What is another word for “welkin”?
A) Earth
B) Sky
C) Lake
D) Mountain
Answer: B) Sky

13. Which literary device is used in “The welkin weeps”?
A) Simile
B) Personification
C) Alliteration
D) Oxymoron
Answer: B) Personification

14. What happens to the “mighty mansions”?
A) They shine
B) They tumble
C) They disappear into the lake
D) They become silent
Answer: B) They tumble

15. How is the billy goat described?
A) Timid
B) Sagacious
C) Weak
D) Confused
Answer: B) Sagacious

16. What does the billy goat do before charging?
A) Raises its tail
B) Downs its horns
C) Runs away
D) Begins to sing
Answer: B) Downs its horns

17. What does “blast of brutal violence” describe?
A) The people’s panic
B) The forceful action of the billy goat
C) The movement of the fishes
D) The falling trees
Answer: B) The forceful action of the billy goat

18. What finally happens to Bhisma’s singing?
A) It becomes sweeter
B) It becomes louder
C) It comes to an end
D) It continues throughout the night
Answer: C) It comes to an end

19. Why is silence called a “golden gift”?
A) It is a musical prize
B) It is precious and welcome after Bhisma’s unbearable singing
C) It is given by the king
D) It represents wealth
Answer: B) It is precious and welcome after Bhisma’s unbearable singing

20. Which device is most characteristic of the poem as a whole?
A) Hyperbole
B) Elegy
C) Apostrophe
D) Paradox
Answer: A) Hyperbole

21. Which of the following is NOT a reaction described in the poem?
A) Fishes dive below the lake
B) Trees collapse and shake
C) Birds turn turtle while flying
D) Birds begin singing with Bhisma
Answer: D) Birds begin singing with Bhisma

22. Which statement best describes the poem’s humour?
A) It presents a serious tragedy
B) It exaggerates the effects of Bhisma’s singing to create comic situations
C) It praises Bhisma as a great musician
D) It describes a peaceful musical performance
Answer: B) It exaggerates the effects of Bhisma’s singing to create comic situations

23. What finally brings relief to the world?
A) Bhisma voluntarily stops singing
B) The people applaud him
C) The billy goat’s intervention
D) The arrival of winter
Answer: C) The billy goat’s intervention

24. Which pair is correctly matched?
A) Welkin — lake
B) Sagacious — foolish
C) Strain — singing or tune
D) Brutes — mansions
Answer: C) Strain — singing or tune

25. Which statement is TRUE according to the poem?
A) Bhisma stops when the people first plead with him
B) The fishes enjoy his singing
C) The billy goat charges at Bhisma
D) The people praise his voice
Answer: C) The billy goat charges at Bhisma

26. Which statement is NOT TRUE according to the poem?
A) Bhisma’s singing is well-meant
B) The bullock-carts are overturned
C) The trees collapse and shake
D) Bhisma apologizes for disturbing the people
Answer: D) Bhisma apologizes for disturbing the people

27. Which literary device is present in “crash”?
A) Onomatopoeia
B) Simile
C) Metonymy
D) Antithesis
Answer: A) Onomatopoeia

28. What is the dominant tone of the poem?
A) Humorous and satirical
B) Tragic and mournful
C) Romantic and sentimental
D) Solemn and devotional
Answer: A) Humorous and satirical

29. Which of the following best explains the irony of the ending?
A) A singer defeats a goat through music
B) Silence, rather than music, becomes the precious gift
C) The people finally begin to sing
D) The goat becomes a famous singer
Answer: B) Silence, rather than music, becomes the precious gift

30. What does the ending chiefly contribute to the poem?
A) A tragic conclusion
B) A humorous resolution to the chaos
C) A romantic transformation
D) A historical explanation
Answer: B) A humorous resolution to the chaos

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS SET 3

1. Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the opening stanza?
(a) People retire → Bhisma sings → summer comes → people become amazed
(b) Summer comes → Bhisma's hums are heard → his singing spreads from Delhi to Burma → people retire amazed
(c) Bhisma sings → summer comes → people plead with him → his singing reaches Burma
(d) People become sick → Bhisma sings → summer comes → people retire
Answer: (b) Summer comes → Bhisma's hums are heard → his singing spreads from Delhi to Burma → people retire amazed

2. Which event occurs immediately after the people retire “amazed”?
(a) The bullock-carts are overturned.
(b) The fishes dive below the lake.
(c) They are trampled in the panic rout or languish pale and sickly.
(d) The billy goat charges at Bhisma.
Answer: (c) They are trampled in the panic rout or languish pale and sickly.

3. Which is the correct sequence of events in the second stanza?
(a) Horses line the roadside → people plead → bullock-carts overturn → Bhisma sings
(b) People plead → bullock-carts overturn → horses line the roadside → Bhisma continues singing
(c) Bullock-carts overturn → Bhisma stops → horses run away → people plead
(d) Horses line the roadside → Bhisma stops singing → carts overturn → people retire
Answer: (b) People plead → bullock-carts overturn → horses line the roadside → Bhisma continues singing

4. Which sequence correctly represents the reactions of nature and creatures?
(a) Fishes dive → trees collapse → birds turn turtle → goat charges
(b) Trees collapse → fishes dive → goat charges → birds turn turtle
(c) Birds turn turtle → fishes dive → trees stand still → goat retreats
(d) Fishes surface → trees fall → birds fly normally → goat charges
Answer: (a) Fishes dive → trees collapse → birds turn turtle → goat charges

5. What happens immediately before the billy goat attacks Bhisma Lochan?
(a) The people begin to applaud him.
(b) The mansions tumble and the people continue pleading.
(c) The fishes emerge from the lake.
(d) Bhisma voluntarily stops singing.
Answer: (b) The mansions tumble and the people continue pleading.

6. Which is the final sequence of events in the poem?
(a) Goat bellows → Bhisma sings louder → people applaud → silence follows
(b) Goat charges → song is tossed and whirled → Bhisma grants silence
(c) Goat retreats → Bhisma stops → mansions tumble
(d) Goat sings → Bhisma charges → silence follows
Answer: (b) Goat charges → song is tossed and whirled → Bhisma grants silence

7. “When summer comes, we hear the hums” contains prominent:
(a) Alliteration and rhyme
(b) Metaphor and irony
(c) Personification and oxymoron
(d) Apostrophe and pun
Answer: (a) Alliteration and rhyme

8. “He sings as though he's staked his life” is an example of:
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Personification
(d) Irony
Answer: (a) Simile

9. The repetition of “he sings” in “he sings as though he's staked his life, he sings / as though he's hell-bent” is primarily an example of:
(a) Repetition
(b) Onomatopoeia
(c) Oxymoron
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (a) Repetition

10. “The wretched brutes resent the blare” chiefly uses:
(a) Alliteration
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Paradox
Answer: (a) Alliteration

11. “The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence” is humorous because the fishes:
(a) want to escape from water
(b) desperately seek a place free from the unbearable sound
(c) want to hear Bhisma more clearly
(d) are trying to meet the billy goat
Answer: (b) desperately seek a place free from the unbearable sound

12. “The very trees collapse and shake” contributes mainly to the poem's:
(a) realistic scientific description
(b) exaggerated comic effect
(c) romantic atmosphere
(d) peaceful mood
Answer: (b) exaggerated comic effect

13. “The welkin weeps to hear his screech” contains:
(a) Personification
(b) Simile
(c) Metonymy
(d) Euphemism
Answer: (a) Personification

14. “The strains of song are tossed and whirled / by blast of brutal violence” presents the singing as though it were:
(a) a physical object being violently thrown about
(b) a beautiful flower
(c) a peaceful stream
(d) a gentle breeze
Answer: (a) a physical object being violently thrown about

15. “The golden gift of silence” is an example of:
(a) Metaphorical expression
(b) Simile
(c) Pun
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (a) Metaphorical expression

16. Statement I: Bhisma Lochan's singing is presented as extraordinarily powerful.
Statement II: His singing affects people, animals, birds and even the surrounding natural world.
(a) Both are true, and Statement II supports Statement I.
(b) Both are true, but Statement II contradicts Statement I.
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
(d) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.
Answer: (a) Both are true, and Statement II supports Statement I.

17. Statement I: The people consider Bhisma's singing harmful despite knowing that it is well-meant.
Statement II: They plead with him to stop because they are suffering from its effects.
(a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.
(b) Both are true, but Statement II does not support Statement I.
(c) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.
(d) Both are false.
Answer: (a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.

18. Statement I: Bhisma Lochan is unaffected by the suffering around him.
Statement II: He continues to “boom” out his song despite the overturned carts and distressed creatures.
(a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.
(b) Both are true, but Statement II contradicts Statement I.
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
(d) Both are false.
Answer: (a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.

19. Statement I: The billy goat is portrayed as courageous and determined.
Statement II: It lowers its horns and charges directly towards Bhisma Lochan.
(a) Both are true, and Statement II supports Statement I.
(b) Both are true, but Statement II does not support Statement I.
(c) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.
(d) Both are false.
Answer: (a) Both are true, and Statement II supports Statement I.

20. Statement I: The ending presents silence as something valuable.
Statement II: Bhisma's stopping his singing is called “the golden gift of silence.”
(a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.
(b) Both are true, but Statement II contradicts Statement I.
(c) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
(d) Both are false.
Answer: (a) Both are true, and Statement II explains Statement I.

21. Consider the following statements about Bhisma Lochan's singing:
I. It can be heard from Delhi to Burma.
II. He sings with extreme intensity.
III. He is “hell-bent” on singing.
IV. He willingly stops when people plead with him.

Which combination is correct?
(a) I, II and III only
(b) I, II and IV only
(c) II, III and IV only
(d) I, III and IV only
Answer: (a) I, II and III only

22. Consider the following statements about the people:
I. They become dazed.
II. They retire amazed.
III. Some are trampled in the panic.
IV. They enjoy the song throughout.

Which combination is correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) I, II and III only
(c) II, III and IV only
(d) I and IV only
Answer: (b) I, II and III only

23. Consider the following statements about the animals:
I. Bullock-carts are overturned.
II. Horses line the roadside.
III. The “wretched brutes” resent the blare.
IV. The animals peacefully gather around Bhisma.

Which combination is correct?
(a) I, II and III only
(b) I and IV only
(c) II and III only
(d) I, II, III and IV
Answer: (a) I, II and III only

24. Consider the following statements about the natural world:
I. Fishes dive below the lake.
II. Trees collapse and shake.
III. Birds turn turtle while flying.
IV. The sky remains completely unaffected.

Which combination is correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) I, II and III only
(c) II, III and IV only
(d) I, III and IV only
Answer: (b) I, II and III only

25. Which of the following correctly describes the billy goat?
I. It is called sagacious.
II. It downs its horns.
III. It charges straight.
IV. Its bellow answers Bhisma's sound.

(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I, II and III only
(d) I, II, III and IV
Answer: (d) I, II, III and IV

26. What is the predominant emotion of the people when they say, “My friend, we're near our end”?
(a) Relief
(b) Fear and desperation
(c) Admiration
(d) Pride
Answer: (b) Fear and desperation

27. What emotion is suggested by the people's repeated plea, “oh won't you stop your singing?”
(a) Irritation mixed with helplessness
(b) Joy mixed with excitement
(c) Gratitude mixed with admiration
(d) Curiosity mixed with amusement
Answer: (a) Irritation mixed with helplessness

28. What attitude is conveyed by “Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned”?
(a) Compassion
(b) Indifference
(c) Anxiety
(d) Shame
Answer: (b) Indifference

29. What mood is created by “the welkin weeps” and “mighty mansions tumble”?
(a) Calmness and serenity
(b) Comic catastrophe and exaggerated destruction
(c) Romantic happiness
(d) Religious devotion
Answer: (b) Comic catastrophe and exaggerated destruction

30. What feeling is associated with the final “golden gift of silence”?
(a) Relief
(b) Fear
(c) Anger
(d) Confusion
Answer: (a) Relief

31. Which of the following is NOT TRUE according to the first stanza?
(a) Bhisma Lochan's singing is heard over a very wide area.
(b) His singing is associated with the arrival of summer.
(c) The people immediately praise him for his musical excellence.
(d) The people retire amazed.
Answer: (c) The people immediately praise him for his musical excellence.

32. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the people's reaction?
(a) They become pale and sickly.
(b) They are caught in a panic rout.
(c) They plead with Bhisma to stop.
(d) They remain completely calm and unaffected.
Answer: (d) They remain completely calm and unaffected.

33. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the bullock-carts and horses?
(a) The bullock-carts are overturned.
(b) Horses line the roadside.
(c) Their condition contributes to the chaotic scene.
(d) The horses are shown enjoying Bhisma's song.
Answer: (d) The horses are shown enjoying Bhisma's song.

34. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the fishes and trees?
(a) The fishes dive below the lake.
(b) The fishes search desperately for silence.
(c) The trees collapse and shake.
(d) The trees remain perfectly still despite the song.
Answer: (d) The trees remain perfectly still despite the song.

35. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the birds?
(a) They are described as feathered creatures.
(b) They are flying in the sky.
(c) They turn turtle while winging.
(d) They continue flying normally without being affected.
Answer: (d) They continue flying normally without being affected.

36. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about Bhisma Lochan in the fourth stanza?
(a) He is beyond the reach of the people's pleas.
(b) People plead and grumble.
(c) He stops singing out of sympathy.
(d) His screech is described as affecting even the welkin.
Answer: (c) He stops singing out of sympathy.

37. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the billy goat?
(a) It is called “a most sagacious fellow”.
(b) It downs its horns.
(c) It charges straight.
(d) It begs Bhisma to stop singing.
Answer: (d) It begs Bhisma to stop singing.

38. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the conclusion of the poem?
(a) The goat's bellow answers Bhisma's sound.
(b) The force of the goat's attack disrupts the song.
(c) Bhisma finally grants the world silence.
(d) The people continue suffering from his singing after the goat's intervention.

WHO SAID / WHO SAID ABOUT WHOM?

1. “You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi down to Burma.”
Who said this and about whom?
→ The poet, Sukumar Ray, said this about Bhisma Lochan Sharma, describing the extraordinarily wide reach of his singing.

2. “He sings as though he’s staked his life, he sings as though he’s hell-bent.”
Who says this and what does it show about the singer?
→ The poet says this about Bhisma Lochan Sharma. It shows that Bhisma sings with extreme determination and intensity, as though nothing can stop him.

3. “The people, dazed, retire amazed although they know it’s well-meant.”
Who are “the people” and why do they retire?
→ “The people” are the listeners who hear Bhisma’s singing. They retire because they are dazed and amazed by his extraordinary singing, although they know that his singing is well-meant.

4. “Oh stop your singing quickly!”
Who says this and to whom?
→ The frightened and suffering people say this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma, pleading with him to stop singing.

5. “My friend, we’re near our end.”
Who says this and in what situation?
→ The people say this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma when his singing causes panic and suffering. They feel that they are close to their end and desperately ask him to stop.

6. “But Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned, goes booming out his broadside.”
Who says this and what does it reveal about Bhisma?
→ The poet says this. It reveals that Bhisma remains unconcerned despite the people’s suffering and continues to sing loudly and forcefully.

7. “The wretched brutes resent the blare the hour they hear it sounded.”
Who says this and who are “the brutes”?
→ The poet says this. “The brutes” refer to the animals that react distressfully when they hear Bhisma’s loud singing.

8. “The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence.”
Who says this and what is being emphasized?
→ The poet says this, emphasizing through humorous exaggeration how unbearable Bhisma’s singing is, since even the fishes are shown desperately seeking silence.

9. “Again we cry, ‘We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?’”
Who cries this and to whom?
→ The frightened people cry this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma, desperately asking him to stop his singing.

10. “But Bhisma’s soared beyond our reach, howe’er we plead and grumble.”
Who says this and what does it suggest?
→ The poet says this. It suggests that Bhisma has gone beyond the people’s reach and continues singing despite their pleas and complaints.

11. “The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty mansions tumble.”
Who says this and what literary devices are used?
→ The poet says this. Personification is used in “welkin weeps,” while hyperbole is used in “mighty mansions tumble” to exaggerate the power of Bhisma’s singing.

12. “He downs his horns and charges straight, with bellow answ’ring bellow.”
Who is described here and by whom?
→ The billy goat is described here by the poet. It lowers its horns and charges straight at Bhisma, answering his loud singing with its own bellow.

13. “The strains of song are tossed and whirled by blast of brutal violence.”
Who says this and what happens here?
→ The poet says this. The billy goat’s violent charge disrupts Bhisma’s singing, causing its “strains” to be tossed and whirled until the singing comes to an end.

14. “And Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden gift of silence.”
Who says this and what does it mean?
→ The poet says this. It humorously means that, after the goat’s intervention, Bhisma’s singing ends and the world receives the precious relief of silence.

ONE-MARK QUESTIONS

1. Who is the singer mentioned in the poem The Power of Music?
→ The singer mentioned in the poem is Bhisma Lochan Sharma.

2. In which season does Bhisma Lochan Sharma sing?
→ He sings in the summer season.

3. Where can Bhisma Lochan’s singing be heard from and to?
→ It can be heard from Delhi down to Burma.

4. How does the poet describe the intensity of Bhisma’s singing?
→ He sings as though he has staked his life and is “hell-bent” on singing.

5. How do the people react to his singing?
→ The people become dazed and amazed, though they know his singing is well-meant.

6. What does “well-meant” signify in the poem?
→ It signifies that Bhisma sings with a good intention, not with an intention to harm.

7. What is the main idea of the first stanza?
→ It introduces Bhisma and humorously describes the extraordinary effect of his singing.

8. What happens to the people when Bhisma starts singing?
→ They are trampled in the panic and become pale and sickly.

9. What do the people beg Bhisma to do?
→ They beg him to stop singing quickly.

10. What happens to the bullock-carts in the poem?
→ The bullock-carts are overturned.

11. What happens to the horses because of Bhisma’s singing?
→ The horses line the roadside.

12. What is Bhisma’s reaction to the chaos around him?
→ He remains unconcerned and continues singing.

13. What does “booming out his broadside” mean?
→ It means that Bhisma continues to sing loudly and forcefully.

14. What is the tone of the second stanza?
→ The tone is humorous and exaggerated, presenting the disastrous effects of Bhisma’s singing.

15. Who are referred to as “wretched brutes” in the poem?
→ The animals affected by Bhisma’s loud singing are called “wretched brutes.”

16. How do the animals respond to his singing?
→ They whine and stare with their feet in the air or remain completely confounded.

17. What do the fishes do in reaction to his voice?
→ The fishes dive below the lake in a frantic search for silence.

18. What happens to the trees when they hear him sing?
→ The trees collapse and shake.

19. How far can the crash of the falling trees be heard?
→ It can be heard a mile away.

20. What happens to the birds in the sky?
→ The birds “turn turtle” while they are flying.

21. What do the people cry out again in this stanza?
→ They cry, “We’re going to die,” and ask Bhisma to stop singing.

22. Does Bhisma respond to the people’s pleas?
→ No. He remains beyond their reach despite their pleas and grumbling.

23. What does “soared beyond our reach” mean?
→ It suggests that Bhisma has become beyond the people’s reach or control while continuing to sing.

24. What does “welkin” mean in the poem?
→ “Welkin” means the sky or heavens.

25. What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the welkin?
→ The welkin is humorously said to weep on hearing his screech.

26. What happens to the mighty mansions?
→ The mighty mansions tumble.

27. Who finally comes to end Bhisma’s singing?
→ A billy goat finally comes and puts an end to his singing.

28. What does the billy goat do?
→ It lowers its horns and charges straight at Bhisma.

29. What is the result of the billy goat’s action?
→ The singing is brought to an end, and the world receives the “golden gift of silence.”

30. What is meant by “the golden gift of silence”?
→ It refers humorously to the precious relief and peace brought by the end of Bhisma’s singing.

Reference-to-Context

Extract 1:

Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions that follow:

When summer comes, we hear the hums
Bhisma Lochan Sharma.
You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi
down to Burma.
He sings as though he's staked his life, he sings
as though he's hell-bent;
The people, dazed, retire amazed although they
know it's well-meant.

i. What does the poet mean by saying that Bhisma Lochan's “strain” can be heard from Delhi to Burma? Why is this detail significant? [3]
Answer: The poet humorously exaggerates the tremendous power and range of Bhisma Lochan's singing. His “strain” is supposedly audible over an enormous distance, from Delhi to Burma. This exaggeration immediately establishes his singing as extraordinarily loud and powerful and prepares the reader for the comic destruction and disturbance it causes throughout the poem.

ii. What does the expression “he's staked his life” suggest about the way Bhisma Lochan sings? [3]
Answer: The expression suggests that Bhisma Lochan sings with extreme intensity and determination, as if his very life depends upon singing. He gives himself completely to his performance and shows no sign of restraint. The exaggerated expression also contributes to the poem's humour by making his singing appear extraordinarily forceful.

iii. Why are the people described as “dazed” and “amazed”? What does this reveal about the effect of the singing? [3]
Answer: The people are “dazed” because Bhisma Lochan's powerful singing overwhelms and disturbs them. They are “amazed” because they are astonished by the extraordinary force of his voice. Their reaction shows that his singing is far from ordinary and has an almost overpowering effect on those who hear it.

iv. Explain the significance of the words “although they know it's well-meant”. [3]
Answer: The words indicate that Bhisma Lochan does not intend to harm anyone through his singing. His purpose is apparently innocent and well-intentioned. However, despite his good intentions, his singing produces disastrous and disturbing effects on the people and the surroundings. This contrast between intention and consequence creates much of the poem's humour.

v. How does Sukumar Ray establish the extraordinary nature of Bhisma Lochan's singing in this stanza? What effect does his description have on the reader? [4]
Answer: Sukumar Ray uses deliberate exaggeration to present Bhisma Lochan's singing as extraordinarily powerful. His “strain” is heard from Delhi to Burma, while he sings as though his life depends on it and as though he is “hell-bent” on singing. The people become “dazed” and “amazed” despite knowing that his intention is good. These exaggerated descriptions create a humorous and comic impression of a singer whose voice is almost unbelievably powerful.

Extract 2:

They're trampled in the panic rout or languish

pale and sickly,

And plead, 'My friend, we're near our end, oh

stop your singing quickly! '

The bullock-carts are overturned, and horses

line the roadside;

But Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned, goes

booming out his broadside.

i. What happens to the people because of Bhisma Lochan's singing? Why do they plead with him to stop? [3]
Answer: The people are caught in a panic and are either trampled in the rush or left pale and sickly. They feel that they are close to death because of the overwhelming effect of Bhisma Lochan's singing. Therefore, they desperately plead with him to stop singing immediately and save them from further suffering.

ii. What does the condition of the bullock-carts and horses reveal about the effect of Bhisma Lochan's singing? [3]
Answer: The bullock-carts are overturned and the horses are found lining the roadside. These details show that Bhisma Lochan's singing is so powerful that it creates widespread confusion and disorder. The effects are not limited to human beings but extend to animals and transport as well, making the situation increasingly chaotic and humorous.

iii. What does the word “unconcerned” tell us about Bhisma Lochan's attitude? How does he behave despite the people's pleas? [3]
Answer: The word “unconcerned” shows that Bhisma Lochan is completely indifferent to the suffering caused by his singing. Although the people desperately plead with him to stop because they feel they are near their end, he pays no attention to them. Instead, he continues singing loudly and confidently.

iv. Explain the meaning and effect of the expression “booming out his broadside”. [3]
Answer: “Booming out his broadside” means that Bhisma Lochan continues to produce his powerful, loud singing without restraint. The word “booming” suggests a deep, forceful sound, while “broadside” humorously presents his song as though it were a powerful attack. The expression therefore intensifies the comic picture of his destructive singing.

v. How does this extract combine fear, destruction and humour to show the power of Bhisma Lochan's singing? [4]
Answer: The extract presents the people as terrified and physically helpless: some are trampled, while others become pale and sickly. Their desperate plea that they are “near our end” heightens the sense of danger. The overturned bullock-carts and horses by the roadside extend the destruction to the surroundings. Yet the scene remains humorous because Bhisma Lochan is completely “unconcerned” and continues to “boom” out his song as though nothing is happening.

Extract 3:

The wretched brutes resent the blare the hour

they hear it sounded,

They whine and stare with feet in air or wonder

quite confounded.

The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search

for silence,

The very trees collapse and shake - you hear the

crash a mile hence –

i. How do the “wretched brutes” react when they hear Bhisma Lochan's singing? [3]
Answer: The “wretched brutes” strongly dislike Bhisma Lochan's loud singing. As soon as they hear the blare, they react with distress and confusion. They whine and stare, sometimes with their feet in the air, and appear completely bewildered. Their reactions emphasize the extraordinary and disturbing effect of Bhisma's powerful voice.

ii. What does the expression “feet in air” suggest about the condition of the animals? [3]
Answer: The expression “feet in air” suggests that the animals are thrown into a state of extreme disturbance and helplessness by the loud singing. They appear unable to behave normally and are completely confused. The exaggerated description adds to the comic effect while showing the tremendous impact of Bhisma Lochan's voice.

iii. Why do the fishes dive below the lake? What does “frantic search for silence” suggest? [3]
Answer: The fishes dive below the lake because they are trying to escape the unbearable sound of Bhisma Lochan's singing. The phrase “frantic search for silence” suggests that they desperately seek a place where they cannot hear the blare. It humorously exaggerates the reach and disturbing power of his voice.

iv. What happens to the trees, and what does “you hear the crash a mile hence” indicate? [3]
Answer: The trees collapse and shake because of the tremendous effect of Bhisma Lochan's singing. The statement that the crash can be heard “a mile hence” is a deliberate exaggeration. It emphasizes the enormous force of the disturbance and adds a humorous, almost impossible dimension to the description of his singing.

v. How does Sukumar Ray use different creatures and objects in this extract to exaggerate the power of Bhisma Lochan's singing? [4]
Answer: The poet humorously shows that Bhisma Lochan's singing affects every part of the natural world. The animals whine, stare and become confounded; the fishes dive desperately beneath the lake in search of silence; and even the trees collapse and shake. The crash of the falling trees is supposedly heard a mile away. Through these exaggerated reactions, the poet makes Bhisma's singing appear unbelievably powerful and creates a comic effect.

Extract 4:

And in the sky the feathered fly turn turtle while

they're winging,

Again we cry, 'We're going to die, oh won't you

stop your singing? '

But Bhisma's soared beyond our reach, howe'er

we plead and grumble;

The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty

mansions tumble.

i. What happens to the “feathered” creatures in the sky when Bhisma Lochan sings? What does “turn turtle” mean here? [3]
Answer: The birds flying in the sky are so disturbed by Bhisma Lochan's powerful singing that they “turn turtle” while flying. The expression suggests that they turn upside down or lose their normal position in the air. It is a humorous exaggeration showing the extraordinary and disruptive effect of his singing.

ii. Why do the people once again cry, “We're going to die”? What does their repeated plea reveal? [3]
Answer: The people once again cry that they are going to die because Bhisma Lochan's singing continues to overwhelm and terrify them. Their repeated request that he stop singing shows their desperation and helplessness. Despite their suffering, they are unable to make him stop, which increases the comic effect.

iii. Explain the meaning of “Bhisma's soared beyond our reach”. Why are the people unable to stop him? [3]
Answer: “Bhisma's soared beyond our reach” suggests that Bhisma Lochan has continued singing with such force that he is beyond the people's ability to influence or stop. Although they plead and grumble, he remains unaffected. The expression humorously presents him as almost unreachable because of the overwhelming power of his singing.

iv. What is meant by “The welkin weeps to hear his screech”? Identify the literary device used. [3]
Answer: “The welkin” means the sky or heavens. The poet humorously imagines the sky itself weeping because it cannot bear Bhisma Lochan's terrible singing. The literary device is personification, as the sky is given the human ability to weep. This exaggeration intensifies the comic description of his voice.

v. How does this extract heighten the comic exaggeration of Bhisma Lochan's singing? [4]
Answer: The poet extends the effects of Bhisma Lochan's singing from people and animals to the sky and buildings. Birds are so disturbed that they “turn turtle” while flying, while the people repeatedly cry that they are going to die. Bhisma remains beyond their reach despite their pleas. Even the sky is imagined as weeping, and mighty mansions tumble. These impossible consequences create powerful comic exaggeration.

Extract 5:

But now there comes a billy goat, a most

sagacious fellow,

He downs his horns and charges straight, with

bellow answ'ring bellow.

The strains of song are tossed and whirled by

blast of brutal violence,

And Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden

gift of silence.

i. Why is the billy goat described as a “sagacious fellow”? What does it do when it approaches Bhisma Lochan? [3]
Answer: The billy goat is described as “sagacious” because, unlike the helpless people and animals, it takes decisive action against Bhisma Lochan's unbearable singing. It lowers its horns and charges straight at him. Its bold action finally provides a solution to the problem that everyone else has failed to solve.

ii. What does “with bellow answ'ring bellow” suggest? How does it contribute to the poem's humour? [3]
Answer: “With bellow answ'ring bellow” suggests that the goat responds to Bhisma Lochan's loud singing with its own powerful cry. The repetition of “bellow” emphasizes the contest between the two sounds. It creates a humorous image of the goat confronting the singer by answering his tremendous voice with an equally forceful bellow.

iii. Explain the meaning of “The strains of song are tossed and whirled / by blast of brutal violence”. [3]
Answer: The lines mean that the forceful attack of the billy goat disrupts and overwhelms Bhisma Lochan's singing. The poet humorously describes the musical sounds as though they were physical objects that could be tossed and whirled about. “Brutal violence” refers to the goat's powerful physical intervention against the singer.

iv. Why is silence called the “golden gift”? What does this expression suggest about the effect of Bhisma Lochan's silence? [3]
Answer: Silence is called the “golden gift” because everyone has suffered greatly from Bhisma Lochan's unbearable singing and desperately longs for it to end. His silence therefore becomes extremely precious and welcome. The expression also creates irony, since something as ordinary as silence is presented as a valuable gift after the prolonged disturbance caused by his singing.

v. How does the billy goat bring the poem to its humorous conclusion? [4]
Answer: The billy goat provides a surprising solution to the chaos caused by Bhisma Lochan's singing. Described humorously as a “sagacious fellow,” it lowers its horns and charges straight at the singer, answering his bellow with its own. The violent force of the attack overwhelms the song, and Bhisma Lochan finally stops singing. The poet humorously calls the resulting silence the “golden gift of silence,” giving the poem a comic and satisfying ending.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the poet introduce Bhisma Lochan Sharma in the poem? [3]
The poet introduces Bhisma Lochan Sharma humorously as a singer whose powerful singing can be heard over a vast area, “from Delhi down to Burma.” Though he sings with great enthusiasm and means well, his unbearable voice creates panic and disorder among people, animals and even nature. The exaggeration makes his character highly comic.

2. What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the people? [3]
Bhisma’s singing leaves the people dazed and amazed. They panic, become pale and sickly, and desperately plead with him to stop because they feel they are “near our end.” Yet Bhisma remains unconcerned and continues singing. The contrast between their suffering and his confidence creates humour.

3. How does nature react to Bhisma Lochan’s music? [3]
Nature appears to be unable to tolerate Bhisma’s singing. The fishes dive below the lake in a frantic search for silence, while the trees collapse and shake. The birds in the sky also “turn turtle” while flying. These exaggerated reactions humorously suggest that his voice has a disturbing effect even on the natural world.

4. What happens to the bullock-carts and horses because of Bhisma’s singing? [3]
The bullock-carts are overturned, while the horses line the roadside. These unusual events are presented as consequences of Bhisma’s deafening singing. The poet deliberately exaggerates the destructive power of his voice to create a comic picture of widespread confusion and panic.

5. Explain the humour in “The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence.” [3]
The humour lies in the exaggerated reaction of the fishes to Bhisma’s singing. Although they already live underwater, they are portrayed as desperately diving below the lake to escape the sound and find silence. The impossible situation is a comic exaggeration of how unbearable Bhisma’s singing is.

6. What is meant by “The welkin weeps to hear his screech”? [3]
“Welkin” means the sky or heavens. The poet personifies the sky by saying that it “weeps” on hearing Bhisma’s screech. This is a humorous exaggeration suggesting that even the heavens cannot tolerate his singing. The expression combines personification with hyperbole to intensify the comic effect.

7. How does the poet use exaggeration to create humour in the poem? [3]
The poet repeatedly exaggerates the effects of Bhisma’s singing. People panic, bullock-carts are overturned, horses line the roadside, fishes desperately seek silence, trees collapse and shake, birds turn turtle, and mighty mansions tumble. Such impossible and excessive consequences make the poem amusing while emphasizing the extraordinary loudness of the singing.

8. What role does the billy goat play in the poem? [3]
The billy goat becomes the unexpected agent who ends Bhisma’s singing. Described as a “sagacious fellow,” it lowers its horns and charges straight at Bhisma, answering his bellow with its own. The goat’s force finally stops the singing and restores silence. Its sudden intervention provides the humorous solution to the chaos.

9. Why is silence called “the golden gift”? [3]
Silence is called a “golden gift” because it brings relief and peace after Bhisma’s unbearable singing. Throughout the poem, people and other beings desperately seek silence, but Bhisma continues singing. When the goat finally stops him, silence becomes precious and welcome. The phrase humorously emphasizes how valuable silence has become.

10. What message does the poet convey through the poem? [3]
The poem humorously shows the contrast between Bhisma’s good intention and the disastrous effect of his singing. It suggests that enthusiasm alone does not make something enjoyable; its effect on others also matters. Through exaggeration, irony and humour, the poet presents a situation in which silence becomes more welcome than an unbearable performance.

11. Why does the poet say that Bhisma sings “as though he’s hell-bent”? [3]
The expression “hell-bent” means extremely determined to do something. Bhisma sings with such determination that nothing seems capable of stopping him. Even when people suffer and plead with him to stop, he remains unconcerned and continues singing. The phrase therefore emphasizes his extraordinary persistence and adds to the humour.

12. What is the significance of “although they know it’s well-meant”? [3]
The phrase shows that Bhisma does not intend to harm anyone through his singing. His intention is good, but the result is quite different because his voice causes panic and suffering. This contrast between his good intention and the disastrous effect creates irony and contributes greatly to the humour of the poem.

13. How does the poet show that Bhisma’s singing affects more than human beings? [3]
The poet extends the effects of Bhisma’s singing beyond human beings. Bullock-carts are overturned, horses line the roadside, animals whine and stare with their feet in the air, fishes dive below the lake, trees collapse and shake, and birds turn turtle while flying. These exaggerated reactions make his singing seem extraordinarily powerful and disturbing.

14. How does the poet contrast Bhisma’s attitude with that of the people? [3]
The people are frightened, helpless and desperate to escape Bhisma’s singing. They plead with him to stop and repeatedly cry that they are going to die. In contrast, Bhisma remains completely “unconcerned” and continues “booming out his broadside.” This sharp contrast between their fear and his indifference creates much of the poem’s humour.

15. How does the ending of the poem provide a humorous solution to the problem? [3]
The problem is solved unexpectedly by a billy goat. Calling it “sagacious,” the poet describes how it lowers its horns and charges at Bhisma, answering his bellow with a bellow. The force of the goat interrupts the singing, and Bhisma finally gives the world the “golden gift of silence.” The unexpected solution makes the ending comic and memorable.

FOUR-MARK QUESTIONS

1. Describe Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s character as portrayed in the poem. [4]
Bhisma Lochan Sharma is portrayed as an extremely enthusiastic and determined singer. He sings as though he has “staked his life” and is “hell-bent” on singing. Though his singing is well-meant, it causes panic and suffering among people, animals and nature. He remains “unconcerned” even when people plead with him to stop. His exaggerated confidence and persistence make him a highly comic character.

2. How does the poet use humour and exaggeration to entertain the reader? [4]
The poet creates humour through fantastic exaggeration. Bhisma’s singing is shown as so powerful that people panic, bullock-carts are overturned, fishes search frantically for silence, trees collapse and shake, birds “turn turtle,” and even the “welkin” weeps. Finally, a billy goat attacks the singer and brings silence. These impossible consequences turn Bhisma’s singing into a comic force of destruction.

3. Explain how animals and nature react to Bhisma Lochan’s singing. [4]
Animals and nature are presented as being unable to tolerate Bhisma’s singing. Bullock-carts are overturned and horses line the roadside. The “wretched brutes” whine and stare with their feet in the air. Fishes dive below the lake in search of silence, while trees collapse and shake. Birds “turn turtle” while flying, and the welkin “weeps.” These exaggerated reactions heighten the humour.

4. What is the significance of the billy goat’s action in the poem? [4]
The billy goat’s action provides the unexpected solution to the chaos caused by Bhisma’s singing. Unlike the helpless people who merely plead with him to stop, the “sagacious” goat acts decisively. It lowers its horns and charges at Bhisma, its bellow answering his bellow. The force of the attack interrupts the singing, and Bhisma finally gives the world the “golden gift of silence.”

5. Discuss the theme of “The Power of Music.” [4]
The poem presents the power of music in a deliberately comic and ironic way. Instead of producing pleasure, Bhisma Lochan’s singing causes panic, confusion and exaggerated destruction. Its effects extend from human beings to animals and nature. Although Bhisma’s singing is “well-meant,” nobody can tolerate it. The poem therefore humorously contrasts the expected pleasure of music with the extraordinary disturbance caused by Bhisma’s voice.

6. How does the poet use personification and hyperbole in the poem? [4]
The poet uses personification when the “welkin” is said to “weep,” giving the sky a human quality. Hyperbole is used throughout the poem to exaggerate the effects of Bhisma’s singing: bullock-carts are overturned, fishes desperately seek silence, trees collapse and shake, birds turn turtle, and mighty mansions tumble. These devices make the singer’s voice appear absurdly powerful and create the poem’s comic effect.

7. Comment on the ending of the poem and its message. [4]
The poem ends with the humorous intervention of a billy goat. It charges at Bhisma and overcomes his singing through its violent attack. The final silence is described as a “golden gift,” showing how welcome it is after the prolonged disturbance. The ending brings a comic resolution to the chaos and reinforces the poem’s central contrast between Bhisma’s unbearable singing and the precious relief of silence.

Poetic Devices

Stanza 1

Hyperbole: “from Delhi down to Burma” — exaggerates the enormous range of Bhisma’s singing and makes his voice seem extraordinarily powerful.

Simile: “as though he’s staked his life” and “as though he’s hell-bent” — compare his intense singing to someone risking everything or being determined to do something at any cost.

Alliteration: “summer… hear the hums” — repetition of the h sound creates musicality and rhythm.

Irony: Bhisma’s singing is “well-meant,” yet it produces fear and confusion instead of pleasure. This contrast creates comic irony.

Stanza 2

Hyperbole: “They’re trampled in the panic rout,” “languish pale and sickly,” and “The bullock-carts are overturned” — exaggerate the destructive effects of Bhisma’s singing.

Metaphor: “booming out his broadside” — Bhisma’s singing is metaphorically presented as a powerful attack or broadside, suggesting the force of his voice.

Imagery: The descriptions of people being trampled, becoming pale and sickly, overturned bullock-carts and horses lining the roadside create vivid pictures of panic and disorder.

Irony: While everyone is desperate for him to stop, Bhisma remains “unconcerned” and continues singing.

Stanza 3

Personification: “The wretched brutes resent the blare” — the animals are given the human ability to “resent” something.

Hyperbole: “The very trees collapse and shake” and “you hear the crash a mile hence” — greatly exaggerate the physical effects of the singing.

Onomatopoeia: “crash” — imitates the loud sound of the falling trees.

Imagery: The whining animals, fishes diving below the lake and trees collapsing create vivid visual and auditory images.

Stanza 4

Personification: “The welkin weeps” — the sky or heavens are given the human ability to weep.

Hyperbole: “mighty mansions tumble” — exaggerates the destructive power of Bhisma’s singing.

Inversion: “howe’er we plead and grumble” — the unusual arrangement of words helps maintain the poem’s rhythm and rhyme.

Imagery: “the feathered fly turn turtle” creates a striking visual picture of birds overturning while flying.

Irony: The people cry that they are going to die and beg Bhisma to stop, but he continues singing, making the situation absurdly comic.

Stanza 5

Metaphorical imagery: “blast of brutal violence” presents the goat’s forceful attack in terms of a powerful blast, emphasizing the violence and suddenness of the action.

Alliteration: “blast of brutal” — repetition of the b sound gives the phrase greater force.

Irony: After all the emphasis on Bhisma’s “music,” the most welcome result is finally silence.

Symbolism: The billy goat can be viewed as a humorous symbol of decisive action because it does what the frightened people cannot do—it brings the singing to an end.

Humour: “the golden gift of silence” is humorous because silence, rather than music, becomes the precious gift at the end of the poem.

Satire: Through Bhisma’s exaggerated confidence and the disastrous effects of his singing, the poet humorously satirizes excessive self-confidence and singing that ignores its effect on others.

Character-based Questions

1. Sketch the character of Bhisma Lochan Sharma.
Answer: Bhisma Lochan Sharma is portrayed as an exaggerated comic figure whose defining trait is his obsessive and insensitive passion for singing. He sings with such intensity that it seems he has staked his very life on it. Though his intention is not evil, he is completely unaware of the suffering his singing causes to people, animals, and even nature. His unconcerned attitude in the midst of panic, destruction, and desperate pleas highlights his lack of social awareness. Bhisma represents a person who mistakes loudness and persistence for talent. The poet uses him satirically to show how art, when divorced from sensitivity and balance, can become oppressive. Bhisma’s character embodies blind self-absorption, where personal enthusiasm overrides responsibility toward others.

2. Describe the people and animals as collective characters in the poem.
Answer: The people and animals in the poem function as collective victims of Bhisma Lochan’s overpowering singing. The people are shown as helpless, frightened, and physically affected—trampled in panic, pale with fear, and begging desperately for relief. Their repeated pleas highlight human vulnerability before uncontrolled force. Animals too react instinctively: beasts resent the noise, fish dive deep in search of silence, birds lose balance in the sky, and even trees seem to collapse. Together, humans, animals, and nature form a unified response of suffering and chaos. Through them, the poet emphasizes that Bhisma’s singing disrupts the natural order. They symbolize common sense, harmony, and the right to peace, which are violated by unchecked individual excess.

3. Examine the character and role of the billy goat in the poem.
Answer: The billy goat, though appearing briefly, plays a crucial role and is described as “sagacious,” or wise. Unlike humans, who plead and complain helplessly, the goat takes decisive action. It lowers its horns and charges straight at Bhisma, confronting sound with force. The goat represents practical wisdom and action where words fail. Symbolically, it stands for nature’s corrective power, restoring balance when excess goes too far. Its violent interruption of Bhisma’s song ends the chaos and brings silence back to the world. The “golden gift of silence” that follows highlights the goat’s role as an unlikely saviour. Thus, the billy goat embodies effective resistance and natural justice.