“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.
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
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
Stanza 4
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
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।
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 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 [confused/ shocked] 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 [Turn over]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.
Who Said / Who Said to Whom?
1. “You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi down to Burma.”
Who said this and about whom?
Answer: The poet (Sukumar Ray) said this about Bhisma Lochan Sharma, describing how far his singing spreads.
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?
Answer: The poet says this about Bhisma Lochan Sharma. It shows that Bhisma sings with extreme determination and obsession, without caring about consequences.
3. “The people, dazed, retire amazed although they know it's well-meant.”
Who are “the people” and why do they retire?
Answer: “The people” are the listeners. They retire because they are stunned and confused by Bhisma’s overpowering singing, though they know his intention is good.
4. “Oh stop your singing quickly!”
Who says this and to whom?
Answer: The frightened and suffering people say this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma, begging him to stop singing.
5. “My friend, we're near our end.”
Who says this and in what situation?
Answer: The people say this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma when his loud singing causes panic, illness, and near destruction.
6. “But Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned, goes booming out his broadside.”
Who says this and what does it reveal about Bhisma?
Answer: The poet says this. It reveals that Bhisma is completely indifferent to the chaos and suffering caused by his singing.
7. “The wretched brutes resent the blare the hour they hear it sounded.”
Who says this and who are “the brutes”?
Answer: The poet says this. “The brutes” refer to animals, who are distressed by the loud noise.
8. “The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence.”
Who says this and what is being emphasized?
Answer: The poet says this, emphasizing the extreme and exaggerated impact of Bhisma’s singing even on fish.
9. “Again we cry, ‘We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?’”
Who cries this and to whom?
Answer: The terrified people cry this to Bhisma Lochan Sharma, fearing death because of his singing.
10. “But Bhisma’s soared beyond our reach, howe’er we plead and grumble.”
Who says this and what does it suggest?
Answer: The poet says this. It suggests that Bhisma is beyond control and unaffected by human pleas.
11. “The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty mansions tumble.”
Who says this and what literary device is used?
Answer: The poet says this, using personification and hyperbole to show the exaggerated power of Bhisma’s voice.
12. “He downs his horns and charges straight, with bellow answ’ring bellow.”
Who is described here and by whom?
Answer: The poet describes the billy goat, who charges at Bhisma Lochan Sharma.
13. “The strains of song are tossed and whirled by blast of brutal violence.”
Who says this and what happens here?
Answer: The poet says this. Bhisma’s singing is violently stopped when the goat attacks him.
14. “And Bhisma Lochan grants the world the golden gift of silence.”
Who says this and what does it mean?
Answer: The poet says this. It humorously means that silence becomes a blessing after Bhisma’s unbearable singing finally ends.
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 the poet 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. The poet’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 the poet 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.
Poetic Devices
Stanza 1
Hyperbole: “from Delhi down to Burma” exaggerates the reach of Bhisma’s singing to stress its unbearable loudness.
Simile: “as though he's staked his life” and “as though he's hell-bent” compare his singing to a reckless, life-risking act, showing obsession.
Alliteration: “hill and plain” repeats the h sound, creating rhythm.
Irony: Music, usually pleasant, is presented as disturbing and overwhelming.
Stanza 2
Hyperbole: Panic, illness, and overturned carts exaggerate the destructive effect of the song.
Metaphor: “booming out his broadside” treats Bhisma’s song like a violent cannon attack.
Imagery: Visual images of chaos—trampled people, overturned carts—make the scene vivid.
Stanza 3
Personification: Animals “resent,” fish “search for silence,” and trees “collapse,” giving human actions to nature.
Hyperbole: Trees crashing and sound travelling miles heighten comic absurdity.
Onomatopoeia: “crash” imitates the sound of destruction.
Imagery: Strong sensory images appeal to sight and sound.
Stanza 4
Personification: “The welkin weeps” gives the sky human emotion.
Hyperbole: “mighty mansions tumble” exaggerates the power of the voice.
Inversion: “howe’er we plead and grumble” alters normal word order for rhythm.
Imagery: Birds turning turtle in the sky creates a dramatic picture.
Stanza 5
Metaphor: “blast of brutal violence” compares the goat’s charge to a destructive storm.
Alliteration: “blast of brutal violence” repeats the b sound, adding force.
Irony: Silence, not music, becomes the greatest blessing.
Symbolism: The billy goat symbolizes practical wisdom and corrective action.
Humour and Satire: The “golden gift of silence” humorously concludes the poem by mocking excessive noise and ego.
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.
COURTESY: Different AI Sources
Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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