“The Power of Music” by Sukumar Ray
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.
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.
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 –
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.
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.
*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.
Stanza
1
Hums
– continuous low sounds or tunes
Strain
– musical note or tune
Plain
– flat stretch of land
Staked
his life – risked his life; did something with full effort
Hell-bent
– determined to do something at any cost
Dazed
– confused or stunned
Retire
– withdraw, go away
Amazed
– surprised or astonished
Well-meant
– done with good intention
Stanza
2
Trampled
– crushed under feet
Panic
rout – disorderly rush/retreat or stampede caused by fear
Languish
– become weak or faint
Pale
– without colour, looking sickly
Plead
– beg earnestly
Broadside
– a loud outburst; here, a blast of sound
Booming
– loud, deep, resounding voice
Unconcerned
– without worry or care
Stanza
3
Wretched
– miserable, unfortunate
Brutes
– animals or beasts
Blare
– loud, harsh sound
Confounded
– confused, bewildered
Frantic
– desperate, wild with fear
Hence
– from here; away
Feathered
fly – birds
Turn
turtle – turn upside down
Winging
– flying
Collapse
– fall down
Crash
– loud noise made when something falls
Stanza
4
Soared
– rose high or went beyond reach
Howe’er
– however
Welkin
– the sky or heavens
Weeps
– cries
Screech
– loud, harsh, unpleasant sound
Mansions
– large, grand buildings
Tumble
– fall down
Billy
goat – male goat
Sagacious
– wise, clever
Downs
his horns – lowers his horns to attack
Bellow
– loud, deep cry (of an animal)
Strains
– musical sounds or notes
Tossed
– thrown violently
Whirled
– turned or spun quickly
Blast
– violent gust or impact
Brutal
– harsh, cruel, forceful
Violence
– great physical force or destruction
Golden
gift of silence – peace and quiet after great noise; humorous expression for
relief from his singing
Stanza
1 – Summary (English):
The
poem begins with the introduction of Bhisma Lochan Sharma, whose singing is
heard everywhere from Delhi to Burma during summer. He sings with great passion
and force, as if his life depends on it. Though his intentions are good, people
are astonished and terrified by his loud and unbearable singing.
हिन्दी सारांश:
कविता की शुरुआत भीष्म लोचन शर्मा से होती है, जिसकी गाने की आवाज़ गर्मियों में दिल्ली से लेकर बर्मा तक सुनाई देती है। वह पूरे जोश और जान लगाकर गाता है, जैसे उसके जीवन का सवाल हो। हालांकि उसका उद्देश्य अच्छा है, परंतु उसकी ऊँची और असहनीय आवाज़ सुनकर लोग हैरान और भयभीत हो जाते हैं।
Stanza
2 – Summary (English):
The
people become panic-stricken and beg him to stop singing because they cannot
bear it any longer. His loud voice creates chaos—bullock-carts overturn, and
horses collapse on the roadside. But Bhisma Lochan Sharma continues to sing
loudly, paying no attention to the suffering around him.
हिन्दी सारांश:
लोग डर और घबराहट में उससे गाने को बंद करने की विनती करते हैं, क्योंकि वे अब उसकी आवाज़ सहन नहीं कर सकते। उसकी ज़ोरदार आवाज़ से चारों ओर अफरा-तफरी मच जाती है—बैलगाड़ियाँ पलट जाती हैं और घोड़े सड़क के किनारे गिर पड़ते हैं। परंतु भीष्म लोचन शर्मा दूसरों की पीड़ा की परवाह किए बिना ऊँचे स्वर में गाना जारी रखता है।
Stanza
3 – Summary (English):
Even
animals and nature cannot tolerate his terrible singing. Animals cry and fall,
fishes dive deep to escape the noise, and trees tremble and collapse. Birds
lose balance in the sky and fall. People again cry out in despair, begging him
to stop singing, fearing they might die from the noise.
हिन्दी सारांश:
यहाँ तक कि पशु-पक्षी और प्रकृति भी उसकी भयानक आवाज़ सहन नहीं कर पाते। जानवर चीखने लगते हैं, मछलियाँ शोर से बचने के लिए झील की गहराई में चली जाती हैं, और पेड़ काँप कर गिर पड़ते हैं। पक्षी उड़ते हुए गिरने लगते हैं। लोग फिर से घबरा कर उससे गाना बंद करने की प्रार्थना करते हैं, डरते हैं कि उसकी आवाज़ से उनकी मौत न हो जाए।
Stanza
4 – Summary (English):
Despite
all the pleading, Bhisma Lochan continues singing uncontrollably. Even the sky
seems to weep, and great buildings fall apart. Finally, a clever and brave
billy goat appears and attacks the singer with its horns. The violent clash
silences Bhisma Lochan forever, and the world finally enjoys peace — the
“golden gift of silence.”
हिन्दी सारांश:
लोगों की बार-बार की विनती के बावजूद भीष्म लोचन अपना गाना नहीं रोकता। आकाश भी उसकी आवाज़ से रोता-सा लगता है, और बड़े-बड़े मकान गिर जाते हैं। अंत में एक समझदार और बहादुर बकरा आता है और अपने सींगों से उस पर हमला करता है। इस संघर्ष से उसका गाना हमेशा के लिए बंद हो जाता है, और दुनिया को आखिरकार “स्वर्णिम मौन का उपहार” यानी शांति मिलती है
Q.
1. A. Multiple Choice Questions
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.
His singing is heard from Delhi to ________.
A)
Calcutta
B)
Bombay
C)
Burma
D)
Nepal
Answer:
C) Burma
4.
What does the word “strain” in the poem mean?
A)
Stress
B)
Tune
C)
Work
D)
Noise
Answer:
B) Tune
5.
How does Bhisma Lochan sing?
A)
Slowly and softly
B)
Sweetly and melodiously
C)
As if his life depends on it
D)
Carelessly
Answer:
C) As if his life depends on it
6.
What is the reaction of the people to his singing?
A)
They dance
B)
They get dazed and amazed
C)
They praise him
D)
They ignore him
Answer:
B) They get dazed and amazed
7.
What do people know about his singing?
A)
It is cruel
B)
It is well-meant
C)
It is professional
D)
It is divine
Answer:
B) It is well-meant
8.
What happens to people after hearing his voice?
A)
They become happy
B)
They faint and panic
C)
They clap
D)
They dance
Answer:
B) They faint and panic
9.
What do people plead him to do?
A)
Sing louder
B)
Stop singing
C)
Change the tune
D)
Take rest
Answer:
B) Stop singing
10.
What happens to the bullock-carts?
A)
They move faster
B)
They overturn
C)
They disappear
D)
They stand still
Answer:
B) They overturn
11.
What happens to the horses?
A)
They dance
B)
They sing
C)
They line the roadside
D)
They run away
Answer:
C) They line the roadside
12.
How does Bhisma react to the chaos?
A)
He gets angry
B)
He becomes sad
C)
He remains unconcerned
D)
He stops singing
Answer:
C) He remains unconcerned
13.
What does “booming out his broadside” mean?
A)
Singing softly
B)
Shouting angrily
C)
Singing loudly and forcefully
D)
Talking to people
Answer:
C) Singing loudly and forcefully
14.
Who resents his blaring song?
A)
Birds
B)
Trees
C)
Brutes or animals
D)
People
Answer:
C) Brutes or animals
15.
What do the animals do after hearing his voice?
A)
Run away
B)
Sleep
C)
Dance
D)
Whine and fall
Answer:
D) Whine and fall
16.
What do the fishes do to escape his voice?
A)
Jump out
B)
Dive deep below the lake
C)
Swim to shore
D)
Sing back
Answer:
B) Dive deep below the lake
17.
What happens to the trees?
A)
They bloom
B)
They collapse and shake
C)
They dance
D)
They grow taller
Answer:
B) They collapse and shake
18.
How far can the crash of trees be heard?
A)
A few meters
B)
A mile hence
C)
A kilometre
D)
Ten miles
Answer:
B) A mile hence
19.
What happens to the birds in the sky?
A)
They sing along
B)
Turn turtle and fall
C)
Fly higher
D)
Migrate
Answer:
B) Turn turtle and fall
20.
What do the people again cry?
A)
Please sing more
B)
We’re going to die, stop singing
C)
Sing another song
D)
You are great
Answer:
B) We’re going to die, stop singing
21.
Does Bhisma stop singing after the people’s requests?
A)
Yes
B)
No
C)
Sometimes
D)
Only once
Answer:
B) No
22.
What does “soared beyond our reach” mean?
A)
He flew away
B)
He sang too high or uncontrollably
C)
He became invisible
D)
He died
Answer:
B) He sang too high or uncontrollably
23.
What does the word “welkin” refer to?
A)
Earth
B)
Sky
C)
Mountain
D)
River
Answer:
B) Sky
24.
What does the welkin do?
A)
Laughs
B)
Weeps
C)
Sings
D)
Claps
Answer:
B) Weeps
25.
What happens to the mansions?
A)
They shine
B)
They tumble
C)
They glow
D)
They expand
Answer:
B) They tumble
26.
Who appears at the end to stop Bhisma?
A)
A bull
B)
A horse
C)
A billy goat
D)
A man
Answer:
C) A billy goat
27.
What is special about the billy goat?
A)
It is sagacious (wise)
B)
It can sing
C)
It can fly
D)
It is angry
Answer:
A) It is sagacious (wise)
28.
What does the goat do to Bhisma?
A)
Bows to him
B)
Charges at him with its horns
C)
Runs away
D)
Sings with him
Answer:
B) Charges at him with its horns
29.
What happens to Bhisma’s song after the goat attacks?
A)
It becomes louder
B)
It stops
C)
It becomes softer
D)
It turns musical
Answer:
B) It stops
30.
What does the phrase “golden gift of silence” mean?
A)
The peace after Bhisma stops singing
B)
A golden trophy
C)
Musical achievement
D)
Blessing from God
Answer:
A) The peace after Bhisma stops singing
Q.
1. B. Multiple-Choice Questions
1.
Who is the main character in the poem?
a)
Bhisma Lochan Sharma
b)
Bhisma Pitamah
c)
Sharma Lochan Bhisma
d)
Lochan Das
Answer:
a) Bhisma Lochan Sharma. The poem revolves around Bhisma's singing.
2.
What is Bhisma Lochan Sharma known for?
a)
Dancing
b)
Singing
c)
Painting
d)
Preaching
Answer:
b) Singing. Bhisma is infamous for his terrible singing.
3.
When does the poem begin?
a)
In winter
b)
In summer
c)
In the rainy season
d)
In spring
Answer:
b) In summer. The poem starts with the onset of summer.
4.
From which place to which place can Bhisma’s singing be heard?
a)
From Bombay to Calcutta
b)
From Delhi down to Burma
c)
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari
d)
From Patna to Chennai
Answer:
b) From Delhi down to Burma. The poem exaggerates the reach of Bhisma's
singing.
5.
How does Bhisma sing?
a)
Softly and sweetly
b)
As though staked his life on it
c)
In a joking tone
d)
Like a bird
Answer:
b) As though staked his life on it. Bhisma sings with intense passion.
6.
How do people react to his singing?
a)
They are delighted
b)
They dance
c)
They flee in panic
d)
They join him in chorus
Answer:
c) They flee in panic. People are terrified of Bhisma's singing.
7.
What happens to the people listening to his song?
a)
They fall asleep
b)
They become refreshed
c)
They grow pale and sickly
d)
They applaud loudly
Answer:
c) They grow pale and sickly. The people are negatively affected.
8.
What do the people plead with Bhisma to do?
a)
Sing louder
b)
Stop singing
c)
Teach them
d)
Change the tune
Answer:
b) Stop singing. People beg Bhisma to stop.
9.
What happens to the bullock-carts?
a)
They speed up
b)
They overturn
c)
They vanish
d)
They stop peacefully
Answer:
b) They overturn. The chaos affects the bullock-carts.
10.
How do the horses react?
a)
They sleep
b)
They neigh gently
c)
They line the roadside shocked
d)
They dance to the song
Answer:
c) They line the roadside shocked. Horses are also affected.
11.
How does Bhisma respond to the chaos?
a)
He feels sorry
b)
He becomes silent
c)
He remains unconcerned
d)
He cries
Answer:
c) He remains unconcerned. Bhisma ignores the chaos.
12.
How are the brutes (animals) affected by the sound?
a)
They enjoy it
b)
They become violent and confused
c)
They gather around him
d)
They sing along
Answer:
b) They become violent and confused. Animals react negatively.
13.
How do the fishes react?
a)
They jump above water
b)
They dive deep into the lake
c)
They swim in circles
d)
They float dead
Answer:
b) They dive deep into the lake. Fishes seek silence.
14.
What happens to the trees?
a)
They bloom
b)
They dance in the wind
c)
They collapse and shake
d)
They grow taller
Answer:
c) They collapse and shake. Trees are affected by the sound.
15.
How far away can the sound of crashing trees be heard?
a)
Half a mile
b)
A mile
c)
Several feet
d)
Two miles
Answer:
b) A mile. The impact is far-reaching.
16.
What happens to the birds flying in the sky?
a)
They fly higher
b)
They sing too
c)
They turn turtle mid-air
d)
They vanish
Answer:
c) They turn turtle mid-air. Birds are also affected.
17.
What do the people cry out again?
a)
Sing more
b)
We’re going to die, please stop singing
c)
Let’s escape
d)
Silence forever
Answer:
b) We’re going to die, please stop singing. People are desperate.
18.
Does Bhisma heed their cry?
a)
Yes
b)
No
Answer:
b) No. Bhisma continues singing.
19.
What happens to the welkin (sky)?
a)
It shines
b)
It weeps to hear his screech
c)
It becomes red
d)
It darkens into night
Answer:
b) It weeps to hear his screech. The sky reacts.
20.
What happens to mighty mansions?
a)
They glow
b)
They tumble
c)
They grow taller
d)
They remain safe
Answer:
b) They tumble. Buildings collapse.
21.
Who finally arrives towards the end of the poem?
a)
A bull
b)
A horse
c)
A billy goat
d)
A tiger
Answer:
c) A billy goat. The goat intervenes.
22.
How is the billy goat described?
a)
Foolish
b)
Sagacious
c)
Angry
d)
Mild
Answer:
b) Sagacious. The goat is wise.
23.
What does the billy goat do?
a)
Runs away
b)
Bows down
c)
Charges Bhisma with horns
d)
Eats grass quietly
Answer:
c) Charges Bhisma with horns. The goat attacks Bhisma.
24.
How is the billy goat’s attack described?
a)
With gentle motion
b)
With blast of brutal violence
c)
With careful planning
d)
With musical rhythm
Answer:
b) With blast of brutal violence. The attack is intense.
25.
What happens to Bhisma after the goat’s charge?
a)
He sings louder
b)
He faints silently
c)
He dies or stops singing
d)
He praises the goat
Answer:
c) He dies or stops singing. Bhisma's singing ends.
26.
What “golden gift” does Bhisma grant the world?
a)
His music record
b)
The gift of silence
c)
A teaching of life
d)
His portrait
Answer:
b) The gift of silence. Silence is a welcome relief.
27.
What literary device is mainly used in the poem?
a)
Hyperbole
b)
Metaphor
c)
Simile
d)
Onomatopoeia
Answer:
a) Hyperbole. Exaggeration is used throughout.
28.
What is the tone of the poem?
a)
Tragic
b)
Satirical and humorous
c)
Romantic
d)
Heroic
Answer:
b) Satirical and humorous. The poem is comedic.
29.
Who is the poet of this poem?
a)
Rabindranath Tagore
b)
Sukumar Ray
c)
Harivansh Rai Bachchan
d)
Michael Madhusudan Dutt
Answer:
b) Sukumar Ray. The poem is attributed to Sukumar Ray.
30.
What is the central theme of the poem?
a)
The beauty of music
b)
The destructive power of bad singing
c)
The joy of nature
d)
The wisdom of animals
Answer:
b) The destructive power of bad singing. The poem satirizes bad singing.
Q.
2. 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 his singing be heard from and to?
→
His singing can be heard from Delhi down to Burma.
4.
How does the poet describe the intensity of Bhisma’s singing?
→
The poet says he sings as though he has staked his life or is hell-bent on
singing.
5.
How do the people react to his singing?
→
The people are dazed and amazed though they know his singing is well-meant.
6.
What does “well-meant” signify in the poem?
→
It means that Bhisma’s singing is done with good intention, not to harm anyone.
7.
What is the main idea of the first stanza?
→
The stanza introduces Bhisma Lochan Sharma, whose powerful but unpleasant
singing surprises and disturbs everyone.
8.
What happens to the people when Bhisma starts singing?
→
The people panic, become pale and sickly, and plead with him to stop.
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 by the force of his singing.
11.
How do the horses react to his singing?
→
The horses fall and line the roadside, unable to bear the sound.
12.
What is Bhisma’s reaction to the chaos around him?
→
Bhisma remains unconcerned and continues singing loudly.
13.
What does “booming out his broadside” mean?
→
It means singing with great loudness and force like a cannon’s blast.
14.
What is the tone of the second stanza?
→
The tone is humorous yet critical, showing the disastrous effects of his
singing.
15.
Who are referred to as “wretched brutes” in the poem?
→
The animals who suffer from Bhisma’s loud singing are called “wretched brutes.”
16.
How do the animals respond to his singing?
→
They whine, fall, and act confused and frightened.
17.
What do the fishes do in reaction to his voice?
→
The fishes dive deep below the lake in search of silence.
18.
What happens to the trees when they hear him sing?
→
The trees shake, collapse, and fall to the ground.
19.
How far can the sound 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, lose balance, and fall from the sky.
21.
What do the people cry out again in this stanza?
→
They cry, “We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?”
22.
Does Bhisma pay attention to the people’s cries?
→
No, Bhisma ignores their pleas and continues singing.
23.
What does the phrase “soared beyond our reach” mean?
→
It means Bhisma has gone beyond control, singing without restraint.
24.
What does “welkin” mean in the poem?
→
“Welkin” means the sky or heavens.
25.
What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the sky?
→
The sky (welkin) seems to weep to hear his harsh voice.
26.
What happens to the mighty mansions?
→
The mansions tumble down because of his powerful singing.
27.
Who finally comes to end Bhisma’s singing?
→
A clever and courageous billy goat comes to stop him.
28.
What does the billy goat do to Bhisma?
→
The goat lowers its horns and charges straight at him.
29.
What is the result of the goat’s attack?
→
Bhisma’s singing stops forever, bringing peace to the world.
30.
What is meant by “the golden gift of silence”?
→
It humorously refers to the peace and relief the world gets after Bhisma stops
singing.
Q.
3. Reference-to-Context
Extract
1:
“When
summer comes, we hear the hums Bhisma Lochan Sharma.”
1.
Who is Bhisma Lochan Sharma? → He is the singer whose powerful, unpleasant
music creates chaos.
2.
When does he sing? → He sings during the summer season.
3.
What does the word “hums” suggest? → It refers to the continuous, vibrating
sound of his singing.
4.
How do people react to his singing? → They are shocked, disturbed, and amazed.
5.
What is the tone of the line? → Humorous and slightly sarcastic.
6.
What does the poet introduce here? → The character and the comic tone of the
poem.
7.
Poetic device: Onomatopoeia — “hums” imitates the natural sound of humming.
Extract
2:
“You
catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi down to Burma.”
1.
What does “strain” mean here? → It means the tune or melody of his singing.
2.
What is the range of his voice? → It can be heard from Delhi to Burma.
3.
What does this exaggeration suggest? → His voice is extremely loud and
far-reaching.
4.
How do people feel about it? → They are disturbed and horrified.
5.
What mood does the poet create? → Comic exaggeration and irony.
6.
Why does the poet name two faraway places? → To heighten the humour through
overstatement.
7.
Poetic device: Hyperbole — exaggerating the reach of his singing.
Extract
3:
“The
people, dazed, retire amazed although they know it’s well-meant.”
1.
Who are “the people”? → Those who hear Bhisma Lochan’s singing.
2.
What does “retire amazed” mean? → They move away, shocked and astonished.
3.
Why are they amazed? → Because the singing is terribly loud but meant kindly.
4.
What does “well-meant” reveal? → His intention is good though the effect is
bad.
5.
What is the reaction of the crowd? → They are confused, dazed, and fearful.
6.
How does the poet treat Bhisma here? → With gentle humour and irony.
7.
Poetic device: Consonance/Internal rhyme — repetition of the -azed sound in
“dazed” and “amazed.”
Extract
4:
“The
bullock-carts are overturned, and horses line the roadside.”
1.
What happens to the bullock-carts? → They overturn due to the power of his
singing.
2.
How do the horses react? → They collapse and lie helpless along the roadside.
3.
What is the poet trying to show? → The destructive force of Bhisma’s terrible
singing.
4.
What atmosphere does this create? → Confusion and comic chaos.
5.
What emotion does the poet stir in the reader? → Amusement mixed with pity.
6.
How does the poet criticize Bhisma? → By mocking his uncontrolled passion for
music.
7.
Poetic device: Hyperbole — exaggerating that his singing overturns carts and
stuns animals.
Extract
5:
“The
fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence.”
1.
Who are affected in this line? → Even fishes in the lake are affected.
2.
Why do the fishes dive deep? → To escape the dreadful noise of his singing.
3.
What does “frantic” suggest? → A sense of fear and desperation.
4.
What humour is used here? → Exaggerated situational humour.
5.
What aspect of nature reacts to his song? → Aquatic life and the water itself.
6.
What idea does this convey? → Nature rejects unpleasant human noise.
7.
Poetic device: Oxymoron — “frantic search for silence” combines opposite ideas
(restless action and quiet).
Extract
6:
“And
in the sky the feathered fly turn turtle while they’re winging.”
1.
What does “feathered fly” mean? → It refers to birds flying in the air.
2.
What happens to them? → They lose balance, turn upside down, and fall.
3.
What causes this? → Bhisma’s unbearable singing.
4.
What kind of humour is used? → Absurd exaggeration.
5.
What is the poet’s purpose here? → To amuse the reader by showing impossible
results of bad music.
6.
What image does the poet create? → A comic picture of birds falling mid-air.
7.
Poetic device: Alliteration — repetition of initial sounds in “feathered fly”
(/f/) and “turn turtle” (/t/).
Extract
7:
“The
welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty mansions tumble.”
1.
What does “welkin” mean? → It means the sky or heavens.
2.
Why does the welkin “weep”? → Because it cannot bear the harsh sound of his
singing.
3.
What happens to the mansions? → They fall apart from the force of his voice.
4.
What emotion is conveyed? → Comic destruction and exaggeration.
5.
What figure of speech is used for “welkin weeps”? → The sky is given human
feelings.
6.
What is the sound described as “screech”? → A loud, unpleasant, high-pitched
sound.
7.
Poetic device: Personification — the sky is described as weeping like a person.
Extract
8:
“And
Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden gift of silence.”
1.
What happens to Bhisma at the end? → He stops singing, probably after being
attacked by the goat.
2.
What is the “golden gift of silence”? → The peace and relief that come after
his singing stops.
3.
Why is silence called “golden”? → Because it is precious and peaceful.
4.
Who brings about this silence? → The wise billy goat who attacks Bhisma.
5.
How does the poet end the poem? → With humour and irony.
6.
What is the message of this ending? → Silence can sometimes be more valuable
than sound.
7.
Poetic device: Metaphor — “golden gift” compares silence to a precious
treasure.
4.
Two-Mark Questions
1.
How does the poet introduce Bhisma Lochan Sharma in the poem?
→
The poet introduces Bhisma Lochan Sharma humorously as a singer whose loud,
unpleasant singing creates havoc everywhere. Though his intentions are good,
his music is unbearable and causes chaos among people, animals, and even nature
itself, showing comic exaggeration.
2.
What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the people?
→
The people become dazed, shocked, and panic-stricken. They try to escape from
the deafening sound. Though they know he sings with good intention, his
powerful and harsh voice terrifies them, turning admiration into horror and
amusement, reflecting the poem’s humour.
3.
How does nature react to Bhisma Lochan’s music?
→
Nature itself seems to rebel against Bhisma’s harsh voice. The fishes dive deep
in fear, trees collapse, and birds fall from the sky. These exaggerated effects
show the poet’s humorous criticism of bad music’s power to disturb peace and
harmony in nature.
4.
What happens to the bullock-carts and horses due to his singing?
→
The bullock-carts overturn, and the horses collapse on the roadside because of
the powerful vibrations of his terrible singing. This hyperbolic image adds humour
and exaggeration, showing how Bhisma’s uncontrolled passion creates chaos
instead of melody.
5.
Explain the humour in “The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for
silence.”
→
The humour lies in the absurd idea that even fishes, living underwater, panic
and dive deeper to escape sound. The poet uses exaggeration and irony to mock
the singer’s lack of harmony, turning fear into a comical scene.
6.
What is meant by “The welkin weeps to hear his screech”?
→
“Welkin” means the sky. The line personifies the heavens as weeping in pain at
Bhisma’s awful singing. It humorously suggests that even celestial bodies
cannot bear his voice, revealing the poet’s use of hyperbole and
personification together.
7.
How does the poet use exaggeration to create humour?
→
The poet exaggerates the effects of Bhisma’s singing—carts overturn, animals
faint, birds fall, and even the sky weeps. This comic overstatement ridicules
poor singing and highlights how powerful sound can be when uncontrolled.
8.
What role does the billy goat play in the poem?
→
The billy goat acts as the saviour who ends the chaos by attacking Bhisma
Lochan. His wise and bold action silences the destructive music, restoring
peace to the world. The poet humorously praises the goat’s sense and courage.
9.
Why is silence called the “golden gift”?
→
Silence is called “golden” because it brings peace, relief, and calmness after
Bhisma’s terrible singing. The phrase humorously suggests that his silence is a
valuable blessing for everyone who suffered from his loud and unpleasant music.
10.
What message does Harindranath Chattopadhyaya convey through this poem?
→
The poet humorously criticizes people who sing without real talent or
sensitivity. Through exaggeration and irony, he teaches that music should bring
joy, not disturbance, and that silence can sometimes be more precious than
sound.
5.
Three-Mark Questions
1.
Describe Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s character as portrayed in the poem.
→
Bhisma Lochan Sharma is a comic figure whose singing causes disaster
everywhere. He sings with full devotion and passion but without any musical
sense. The poet presents him as sincere yet ridiculous—his voice disturbs
people, animals, and even nature. Through exaggeration and humour, the poet
mocks self-absorbed artists who lack awareness of their effect on others.
Bhisma becomes a symbol of misguided enthusiasm.
2.
How does the poet use humour and exaggeration to entertain the reader?
→
The poem is filled with hyperbolic situations: bullock-carts overturn, trees
collapse, and birds fall dead due to Bhisma’s voice. These impossible effects
amuse the reader. The humour lies in treating an ordinary singer as a
destructive natural force. Harindranath’s exaggeration makes the poem
light-hearted, mocking loud, emotionless performers in a playful, ironic
manner.
3.
Explain how animals and nature react to Bhisma Lochan’s singing.
→
The animals and natural elements behave as if tortured by the singer’s voice.
Bullocks, horses, and birds lose balance; fishes dive deep; even trees fall and
the sky “weeps.” These exaggerated reactions express the poet’s humour and
irony, emphasizing that true music must harmonize with nature—not disturb it.
The entire environment seems to reject false art and rejoice in silence.
4.
What is the significance of the billy goat’s action in the poem?
→
The billy goat’s attack symbolizes practical wisdom ending unnecessary
suffering. While humans only plead, the goat acts decisively to silence
Bhisma’s chaotic singing. It restores peace, giving the world “the golden gift
of silence.” The poet uses this humorous conclusion to show that even a simple
creature can bring relief when reason fails.
5.
Discuss the theme of “The Power of Music.”
→
The poem ironically presents the “power” of music not to inspire but to
destroy. Bhisma Lochan’s singing has such force that it brings chaos instead of
joy. The poet humorously shows how unrefined passion without talent can become
harmful. The theme thus contrasts true artistic beauty with ignorant
enthusiasm, teaching that harmony is more powerful than noise.
6.
How does Harindranath Chattopadhyaya use personification and hyperbole in the
poem?
→
The poet personifies the sky (“welkin weeps”) and the trees (“collapse and
shake”) to show nature’s comic suffering. He exaggerates every effect—animals
faint, mansions tumble, birds fall. These devices heighten humour and irony,
making Bhisma’s music seem absurdly powerful while gently criticizing lack of
artistic discipline.
7.
Comment on the ending of the poem and its message.
→
The poem ends humorously with the billy goat restoring silence, described as a
“golden gift.” The ending contrasts destructive noise with soothing quietness.
It conveys that silence and moderation are often more beautiful than noisy
self-expression. Through comic exaggeration, the poet teaches humility,
balance, and the need for harmony in art and life.
No comments:
Post a Comment