HSC – Grade 11 – English – Poem – Ch 0202 – QA

Questions & Answers

Maharashtra State Board - Grade - 11

Subject: English

Poem - 02 - The Sower

Types of Questions

Appreciation of the Poem

Appreciation of the Poem – “The Sower”

(Translated by Toru Dutt from the original by Victor Hugo)

Title of the Poem: The Sower
 Name of the Poet: Victor Hugo
 Translated by: Toru Dutt
 Theme: Perseverance, Dignity of Labour, Hope for the Future

About the Poem:
 “The Sower” is a deeply symbolic and reflective poem that pays tribute to the unwavering spirit of a farmer who continues to sow seeds in the field even after sunset. The poem, originally written in French by Victor Hugo, is beautifully translated into English by Toru Dutt. It highlights the silent determination and dignity of a man who works not just for himself but for the future generation.

Mood and Tone:
 The mood of the poem is calm, reflective, and gradually transforms into one of admiration and awe. The tone shifts from a peaceful observation of nature to reverence for the human spirit as symbolised by the sower.

Language and Style:
 The language of the poem is simple yet rich in imagery and metaphor. The translator uses poetic devices such as personification (“Twilight hastens on to rule”), symbolism (the sower, grain, dusk), and hyperbole (“his height seems to touch the starry skies”) to elevate the sower’s image from a common labourer to a heroic figure.

Imagery and Symbolism:
 The poem is rich in visual imagery—the dying sunlight, lengthening shadows, and the black silhouette of the sower dominate the landscape. The sower becomes a symbol of persistence, sacrifice, and the timeless rhythm of nature’s cycles—sowing today for a harvest tomorrow.

Message or Moral:
 The poem conveys a powerful message that sincere effort and dedication to work are noble, regardless of circumstances. It celebrates the virtue of hard work done not for immediate gain, but for a greater good. It teaches us to respect labour and the unseen sacrifices made by those who feed the world.

Conclusion:
 In “The Sower,” Victor Hugo and Toru Dutt together create a timeless tribute to the enduring spirit of man. The poem turns a simple act of sowing seeds into a moment of profound philosophical and emotional significance. It inspires readers to see nobility in persistence and silent service to others.

Rhyming Scheme

Explanation of the Rhyming Scheme

  • The poem follows a regular and consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB in all five stanzas.
  • This means the 1st and 3rd lines rhyme with each other, and the 2nd and 4th lines rhyme with each other in each stanza.
  • The rhyme scheme creates a musical rhythm and structural harmony, which enhances the reflective and respectful tone of the poem.
  • It also gives the poem a classical balance, matching the subject’s timeless nature — the ageless, dignified labour of the sower.

Meanings, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentences

  1. Porchway
    Meaning: A covered entrance to a building
    Synonym: Veranda
     Antonym: Room
     Sentence: She sat quietly in the porchway, enjoying the evening breeze.

 

  1. Twilight
    Meaning: The time between sunset and darkness
    Synonym: Dusk
     Antonym: Daylight
     Sentence: The village looked magical in the twilight.

 

  1. Hastens
    Meaning: Moves quickly or speeds up
    Synonym: Accelerates
     Antonym: Delays
     Sentence: The nurse hastens to the patient’s room with the medicine.

 

  1. Rule (used figuratively)
    Meaning: To dominate or take control
    Synonym: Govern
     Antonym: Submit
     Sentence: Darkness began to rule the forest after sunset.

 

  1. Wellnigh
    Meaning: Almost
    Synonym: Nearly
     Antonym: Absolutely
     Sentence: He was wellnigh exhausted after the long journey.

 

  1. Shadows
    Meaning: Dark shapes caused by objects blocking light
    Synonym: Silhouettes
     Antonym: Light
     Sentence: The shadows grew longer as evening approached.

 

  1. Lingers
    Meaning: Stays for a longer time than necessary
    Synonym: Loiters
     Antonym: Departs
     Sentence: The fragrance of jasmine lingers in the air.

 

  1. Patient
    Meaning: Able to accept delay or hardship without complaint
    Synonym: Calm
     Antonym: Impatient
     Sentence: The teacher was patient with the slow learners.

 

  1. Thrill
    Meaning: A sudden strong feeling of excitement
    Synonym: Rush
     Antonym: Boredom
     Sentence: She felt a thrill of joy on winning the prize.

 

  1. Silhouette
    Meaning: A dark outline of something against a lighter background
    Synonym: Shadow
     Antonym: Bright figure
     Sentence: The silhouette of the bird looked majestic against the sunset.

 

  1. Dominates
    Meaning: Has control or power over
    Synonym: Overlooks
     Antonym: Submits
     Sentence: The castle dominates the landscape from the hilltop.

 

  1. Furrows
    Meaning: Long narrow trenches made in the ground by a plow
    Synonym: Ridges
     Antonym: Flatland
     Sentence: The farmer walked across the furrows planting seeds.

 

  1. Sow
    Meaning: To plant seeds by scattering them
    Synonym: Seed
     Antonym: Reap
     Sentence: The farmer went out early to sow the wheat crop.

 

  1. Reap
    Meaning: To gather a harvest
    Synonym: Collect
     Antonym: Sow
     Sentence: You reap what you sow in life.

 

  1. Marches
    Meaning: Walks with a steady and deliberate pace
    Synonym: Strides
     Antonym: Wanders
     Sentence: The soldier marches across the parade ground.

 

  1. Plain
    Meaning: A large area of flat land
    Synonym: Grassland
     Antonym: Mountain
     Sentence: The village lies beyond the wide, open plain.

 

  1. To and fro
    Meaning: Back and forth
    Synonym: Backward and forward
     Antonym: Still
     Sentence: The cradle rocked gently to and fro.

 

  1. Scatters
    Meaning: Throws or spreads widely
    Synonym: Sprinkles
     Antonym: Gathers
     Sentence: The wind scatters dry leaves all over the yard.

 

  1. Precious
    Meaning: Of great value
    Synonym: Valuable
     Antonym: Worthless
     Sentence: He gave me a precious gift from his collection.

 

  1. Grain
    Meaning: Seeds of cereal plants
    Synonym: Kernel
     Antonym: Chaff
     Sentence: The silo was filled with tons of grain.

 

  1. Muse
    Meaning: To think deeply
    Synonym: Reflect
     Antonym: Ignore
     Sentence: He mused over the meaning of the painting.

 

  1. Stride
    Meaning: To walk with long steps
    Synonym: March
     Antonym: Shuffle
     Sentence: He strode confidently into the interview room.

 

  1. Darkness
    Meaning: The absence of light
    Synonym: Night
     Antonym: Brightness
     Sentence: Darkness fell over the valley after sunset.

 

  1. Deepens
    Meaning: Becomes more intense or stronger
    Synonym: Intensifies
     Antonym: Lessens
     Sentence: As winter approached, the cold deepened.

 

  1. Fades
    Meaning: Gradually disappears or becomes dim
    Synonym: Diminishes
     Antonym: Brightens
     Sentence: Her smile faded as she read the letter.

 

  1. Gestures
    Meaning: Movements of the body to express ideas or feelings
    Synonym: Signals
     Antonym: Stillness
     Sentence: He made a welcoming gesture with his hand.

 

  1. Mine (as a possessive pronoun)
    Meaning: Belonging to me
    Synonym: My own
     Antonym: Yours
     Sentence: That book is mine, not yours.

 

  1. Eyes
    Meaning: Organs of vision
    Synonym: Vision
     Antonym: Blindness
     Sentence: Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

 

  1. August
    Meaning: Respected and impressive
    Synonym: Majestic
     Antonym: Ordinary
     Sentence: The judge had an august presence in the courtroom.

 

  1. Strange
    Meaning: Unusual or unfamiliar
    Synonym: Odd
     Antonym: Normal
     Sentence: A strange silence filled the room.

 

  1. Height
    Meaning: The measurement from base to top
    Synonym: Elevation
     Antonym: Depth
     Sentence: His height made him stand out in a crowd.

 

  1. Starry
    Meaning: Full of stars
    Synonym: Starlit
     Antonym: Cloudy
     Sentence: They camped under the starry night sky.

 

  1. Skies
    Meaning: The region of the atmosphere above the earth
    Synonym: Heavens
     Antonym: Ground
     Sentence: Birds soared across the blue skies.

 

  1. Cool
    Meaning: Slightly cold
    Synonym: Chilly
     Antonym: Warm
     Sentence: The morning air was cool and fresh.

 

  1. Dying
    Meaning: Coming to an end
    Synonym: Fading
     Antonym: Growing
     Sentence: The fire was dying out slowly.

 

  1. Task
    Meaning: A specific duty or job
    Synonym: Chore
     Antonym: Leisure
     Sentence: Completing the assignment was a tough task.

 

  1. Set
    Meaning: Ready or prepared to begin
    Synonym: Positioned
     Antonym: Unprepared
     Sentence: The athlete was set for the race.

 

  1. Come
    Meaning: To arrive or happen
    Synonym: Approach
     Antonym: Leave
     Sentence: A time will come when you understand this.

 

  1. Time
    Meaning: A measured period during which events occur
    Synonym: Moment
     Antonym: Eternity
     Sentence: He arrived just in time for the meeting.

 

  1. Along
    Meaning: Moving in a constant direction
    Synonym: Beside
     Antonym: Against
     Sentence: They walked along the riverbank at dusk.

 

  1. Lands
    Meaning: Areas of ground
    Synonym: Terrains
     Antonym: Waters
     Sentence: The farmer ploughed his lands after the rain.

 

  1. Stands
    Meaning: Remains upright and still
    Synonym: Rests
     Antonym: Falls
     Sentence: He stands alone in the field as dusk falls.

 

  1. Old
    Meaning: Having lived for a long time
    Synonym: Elderly
     Antonym: Young
     Sentence: The old man continued working in silence.

 

  1. Rags
    Meaning: Torn and worn-out clothes
    Synonym: Tatters
     Antonym: Garments
     Sentence: The beggar wore rags but had a kind heart.

 

  1. Black
    Meaning: The darkest color; absence of light
    Synonym: Ebony
     Antonym: White
     Sentence: A black cloud covered the sun.

 

  1. High
    Meaning: Tall or elevated
    Synonym: Lofty
     Antonym: Low
     Sentence: The kite flew high above the trees.

 

  1. Precious
    Meaning: Highly valued
    Synonym: Treasured
     Antonym: Worthless
     Sentence: She kept the ring as a precious memory.

 

  1. Looking
    Meaning: Directing one’s gaze
    Synonym: Observing
     Antonym: Ignoring
     Sentence: He was looking out the window at the rain.

 

  1. Sees
    Meaning: Perceives with eyes
    Synonym: Notices
     Antonym: Misses
     Sentence: She sees beauty where others see flaws.

MCQ

  1. Where is the poet sitting in the beginning of the poem?
    (a) Under a tree
    (b) On a bench
     (c) In a porchway cool
     (d) In the field
     Answer: (c) In a porchway cool

 

  1. What is happening to the sunlight in the poem?
    (a) It is getting brighter
    (b) It is dying fast
     (c) It is turning red
     (d) It is blocked by clouds
     Answer: (b) It is dying fast

 

  1. What time of day is described in the first stanza?
    (a) Morning
    (b) Noon
     (c) Twilight
     (d) Midnight
     Answer: (c) Twilight

 

  1. What does the word ‘wellnigh’ mean in the context of the poem?
    (a) Certainly
    (b) Already
     (c) Nearly
     (d) Not yet
     Answer: (c) Nearly

 

  1. What does the poet see moving across the land?
    (a) Water
    (b) Clouds
     (c) Shadows
     (d) Birds
     Answer: (c) Shadows

 

  1. Who is the central figure described in the poem?
    (a) The poet
    (b) A traveller
     (c) A sower
     (d) A landlord
     Answer: (c) A sower

 

  1. What is the sower wearing?
    (a) A rich cloak
    (b) Farmer’s uniform
     (c) Rags
     (d) Traditional dress
     Answer: (c) Rags

 

  1. How does the poet feel when he sees the sower?
    (a) Confused
    (b) Afraid
     (c) Bored
     (d) Thrilled
     Answer: (d) Thrilled

 

  1. What does the word ‘silhouette’ refer to in the poem?
    (a) A sound
    (b) A shadow outline
     (c) A light beam
     (d) A field
     Answer: (b) A shadow outline

 

  1. What does the silhouette of the sower dominate?
    (a) The clouds
    (b) The furrows deep
     (c) The forest
     (d) The village
     Answer: (b) The furrows deep

 

  1. What task is the sower performing?
    (a) Ploughing
    (b) Reaping
     (c) Sowing
     (d) Harvesting
     Answer: (c) Sowing

 

  1. What will happen after sowing, according to the poem?
    (a) Rest
    (b) Celebration
     (c) Reaping
     (d) Rain
     Answer: (c) Reaping

 

  1. How does the sower walk?
    (a) To and fro
    (b) In circles
     (c) Slowly
     (d) Around the trees
     Answer: (a) To and fro

 

  1. What does the sower scatter from his hands?
    (a) Water
    (b) Soil
     (c) Precious grain
     (d) Seeds of flowers
     Answer: (c) Precious grain

 

  1. What does the poet do as he sees the sower stride?
    (a) Shouts
    (b) Claps
     (c) Muses
     (d) Sings
     Answer: (c) Muses

 

  1. What happens to the light as the poem progresses?
    (a) It brightens
    (b) It remains the same
     (c) It fades
     (d) It turns red
     Answer: (c) It fades

 

  1. How are the sower’s gestures described at the end?
    (a) Aggressive
    (b) Childish
     (c) August
     (d) Careless
     Answer: (c) August

 

  1. What strange impression does the sower give by the end of the poem?
    (a) He disappears
    (b) He flies
     (c) He seems to touch the starry skies
     (d) He cries
     Answer: (c) He seems to touch the starry skies

 

  1. What poetic device is used in the line “Twilight hastens on to rule”?
    (a) Simile
    (b) Personification
     (c) Metaphor
     (d) Irony
     Answer: (b) Personification

 

  1. What quality of the sower is most admired in the poem?
    (a) His wealth
    (b) His youth
     (c) His perseverance
     (d) His humour
     Answer: (c) His perseverance

 

  1. Which poetic device is used in the phrase “precious grain”?
    (a) Irony
    (b) Metaphor
     (c) Alliteration
     (d) Personification
     Answer: (c) Alliteration

 

  1. What is the central theme of the poem?
    (a) Entertainment
    (b) Nature’s beauty
     (c) Dignity of labour and perseverance
     (d) War and peace
     Answer: (c) Dignity of labour and perseverance

 

  1. Who translated the poem into English?
    (a) Sarojini Naidu
    (b) Rabindranath Tagore
     (c) Toru Dutt
     (d) William Wordsworth
     Answer: (c) Toru Dutt

 

  1. What is the mood of the poet at the start?
    (a) Frustrated
    (b) Calm and observant
     (c) Angry
     (d) Cheerful and playful
     Answer: (b) Calm and observant

 

  1. What does the poet compare the height of the sower to?
    (a) Trees
    (b) Buildings
     (c) Starry skies
     (d) Mountains
     Answer: (c) Starry skies

 

  1. What figure of speech is in “his height seems to touch the starry skies”?
    (a) Personification
    (b) Hyperbole
     (c) Metaphor
     (d) Onomatopoeia
     Answer: (b) Hyperbole

 

  1. What makes the sower appear majestic in the poem?
    (a) His age
    (b) His shadow
     (c) His height and gestures in darkness
     (d) His wealth
     Answer: (c) His height and gestures in darkness

 

  1. Why does the sower continue to sow even in darkness?
    (a) He is lost in thought
    (b) He wants to impress the poet
     (c) He is devoted to his duty
     (d) He has no sense of time
     Answer: (c) He is devoted to his duty

 

  1. What is the poet likely symbolising through the image of the sower?
    (a) Science
    (b) The working class’s spirit
     (c) Wealth and prosperity
     (d) Art and beauty
     Answer: (b) The working class’s spirit

 

  1. Which of the following best describes the tone of the poem?
    (a) Satirical
    (b) Humorous
     (c) Reverent and admiring
     (d) Mocking and critical
     Answer: (c) Reverent and admiring

Fill in the Blanks

  1. The poet is sitting in a __________ at the beginning of the poem.
     porchway cool


  2. The poem begins when the __________ is dying fast.
     sunlight


  3. __________ hastens on to rule as the day ends.
     Twilight


  4. The working hours have __________ past.
     wellnigh


  5. The poet observes that __________ run across the lands.
     shadows


  6. Despite the darkness, the __________ continues to work.
     sower


  7. The sower is described as old and dressed in __________.
     rags


  8. The sight of the sower gives the poet a __________.
     thrill


  9. The sower’s __________ dominates the furrows deep.
     silhouette


  10. The task set before the sower is to __________.
     sow


  11. After sowing, the time shall come to __________.
     reap


  12. The sower marches along the __________.
     plain


  13. He walks to and fro and __________ the grain.
     scatters


  14. The poet refers to the grain as __________.
     precious


  15. The poet muses as he sees the sower __________.
     stride


  16. As the poem progresses, the __________ deepens.
     darkness


  17. The __________ fades as the sower continues his task.
     light


  18. The poet finds the sower’s gestures to be __________.
     august


  19. The sower’s height seems to touch the __________.
     starry skies


  20. The sower stands with great __________ and patience.
     dignity


  21. The poem reflects the theme of __________ of labour.
     dignity


  22. The poet is deeply __________ by the sower’s dedication.
     moved


  23. The poet admires the sower’s strong sense of __________.
     duty


  24. The line “Twilight hastens on to rule” is an example of __________.
     personification


  25. The line “his height seems to touch the starry skies” is an example of __________.
     hyperbole


  26. The poem’s tone can be described as __________ and admiring.
     reverent


  27. The poem uses vivid __________ to describe the setting.
     imagery


  28. The act of sowing symbolizes __________ and hope.
     perseverance


  29. The poem ends with a tone of deep __________ for the sower.
     respect


  30. The original poem was written by __________.
     Victor Hugo

Figures of Speech

  1. Identify the figure of speech in: “Twilight hastens on to rule.”
     Personification


  2. Identify the figure of speech in: “His height seems to touch the starry skies.”
     Hyperbole


  3. Identify the figure of speech in: “Black and high, his silhouette dominates the furrows deep!”
     Imagery


  4. Identify the figure of speech in: “Now his gestures to mine eyes are august.”
     Transferred epithet


  5. Identify the figure of speech in: “Soon shall come a time to reap.”
     Metaphor


  6. Identify the figure of speech in: “Looking on, I feel a thrill.”
     Hyperbole


  7. Identify the figure of speech in: “Darkness deepens. Fades the light.”
     Alliteration


  8. Identify the figure of speech in: “Marches he along the plain, to and fro.”
     Repetition


  9. Identify the figure of speech in: “Precious grain.”
     Epithet


  10. Identify the figure of speech in: “Twilight hastens on to rule—working hours have wellnigh past.”
     Personification


  11. Identify the figure of speech in: “Black and high, his silhouette.”
     Visual Imagery


  12. Identify the figure of speech in: “The sower lingers still.”
     Alliteration


  13. Identify the figure of speech in: “From his hands the precious grain.”
     Metaphor


  14. Identify the figure of speech in: “Looking on, I feel a thrill.”
     Synecdoche (“I” standing for the poet’s full self — emotion)


  15. Identify the figure of speech in: “Fades the light.”
     Inversion


  16. Identify the figure of speech in: “He patient stands.”
     Inversion


  17. Identify the figure of speech in: “Dominates the furrows deep.”
     Personification


  18. Identify the figure of speech in: “Sitting in a porchway cool.”
     Transferred epithet


  19. Identify the figure of speech in: “Now to sow the task is set.”
     Alliteration


  20. Identify the figure of speech in: “Seems to touch the starry skies.”
     Imagery

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Short Answer Questions  

  1. Who is the poet of the original poem “The Sower”?
     Victor Hugo


  2. Who translated the poem “The Sower” into English?
     Toru Dutt


  3. Where is the poet sitting in the beginning of the poem?
     In a porchway cool


  4. What time of day is described at the beginning of the poem?
     Twilight


  5. What is the sower doing in the field?
     He is sowing seeds


  6. What is meant by the phrase “working hours have wellnigh past”?
     The working hours are nearly over


  7. How is the sower dressed?
     In old, ragged clothes


  8. How does the poet feel while observing the sower?
     He feels a thrill and admiration


  9. What does the poet see running across the lands?
     Shadows


  10. What stands out in the field during the fading light?
     The black silhouette of the sower


  11. What poetic device is used in the phrase “Twilight hastens on to rule”?
     Personification


  12. What does the act of sowing symbolise in the poem?
     Hope, perseverance, and future harvest


  13. What does the poet mean by “Now his gestures to mine eyes are august”?
     The sower’s actions appear noble and majestic


  14. How does the sower appear in the growing darkness?
     His silhouette becomes larger and more awe-inspiring


  15. What does the sower scatter from his hands?
     Precious grain (seeds)


  16. What quality of the sower is most highlighted in the poem?
     His dedication and perseverance


  17. What poetic device is used in the phrase “his height seems to touch the starry skies”?
     Hyperbole


  18. What feeling does the poet convey through the poem?
     Respect and reverence for the hardworking sower


  19. What does the poet muse about while watching the sower?
     The noble spirit of the man who works even after sunset


  20. How is the movement of the sower described?
     He marches to and fro across the plain


  21. What is the central theme of the poem?
     The dignity of labour and commitment to duty


  22. How does the fading light affect the atmosphere of the poem?
     It creates a solemn and respectful tone


  23. Why does the sower continue his work even in darkness?
     Because of his strong sense of responsibility and faith


  24. What does the poet compare the sower’s height to?
     To the starry skies


  25. What does the furrow refer to in the poem?
     The long narrow trenches in the field for sowing


  26. What effect does the fading daylight have on the poet’s perception?
     It makes the sower appear more majestic and symbolic


  27. What kind of person does the sower represent?
     A selfless, hardworking, and devoted individual


  28. How does the sower’s presence change by the end of the poem?
     He appears larger than life and awe-inspiring


  29. What literary device is used in “precious grain”?
     Epithet


  30. What is the overall tone of the poem?
     Reverent, reflective, and admiring

Long Answer Questions

  1. Describe the central theme of the poem “The Sower”.
    Answer:
    The central theme of the poem “The Sower” is the dignity of labour and the unwavering dedication of a man to his duty. The sower, though old and poor, continues to sow seeds even in the darkness, symbolising hope, selflessness, and faith in the future. The poet admires his perseverance and presents him as a figure of nobility and reverence, highlighting how such silent workers contribute to the cycle of life without expecting immediate reward.

 

  1. How does the poet portray the sower as a symbol of strength and commitment?
    Answer:
    The poet uses vivid imagery and respectful tone to portray the sower as a majestic symbol of strength and commitment. Despite the fading light, the sower marches “to and fro” and scatters “precious grain.” His silhouette appears “black and high,” dominating the field, and his gestures are described as “august.” Even in darkness, he continues his work. This portrays his tireless spirit and unshakable faith in the future harvest, making him a heroic and larger-than-life figure.

 

  1. Explain the significance of the sower’s actions in the poem.
    Answer:
    The sower’s actions in the poem reflect selfless service, patience, and dedication to his work. Though night is falling and his own labour may not directly benefit him, he continues to sow seeds that will grow for the next generation. His perseverance in adverse conditions signifies hope, responsibility, and sacrifice, which are core human values. His sowing becomes a metaphor for all meaningful work done without expectation of personal gain.

 

  1. How does the imagery in the poem enhance its meaning and mood?
    Answer:
    The poem is rich with visual imagery, which enhances both its meaning and mood. Phrases like “sunlight dying fast,” “shadows run across the lands,” and “black and high, his silhouette” create a solemn, reflective atmosphere. The deepening darkness contrasts with the sower’s unwavering movement, making his figure more majestic and symbolic. The imagery not only brings the scene alive but also elevates the sower to a transcendent symbol of labour and hope.

 

  1. How does the poet’s perception of the sower change from beginning to end?
    Answer:
    At the beginning, the poet observes the sower with curiosity as he continues working past dusk. As the poem progresses and darkness deepens, the poet’s perception changes to awe and reverence. The sower’s gestures become “august,” and his height seems to “touch the starry skies,” suggesting that he transforms from a common labourer into a mythic, almost divine figure. The poet recognises the greatness in his quiet persistence and tireless work.

 

  1. Comment on the use of personification and hyperbole in the poem.
    Answer:
    Personification is used in lines like “Twilight hastens on to rule,” where twilight is given human traits. This adds a sense of motion and urgency to the setting. Hyperbole is found in “his height seems to touch the starry skies,” exaggerating the sower’s stature to symbolise his moral greatness and heroic image. Both devices are effectively used to create atmosphere and elevate the sower from a simple man to a timeless symbol of labour.

 

  1. What qualities of the sower does the poet admire the most, and why?
    Answer:
    The poet admires the sower’s perseverance, patience, and sense of duty. Even after the day ends and light fades, the sower continues to work, undeterred by the darkness. His consistent labour without concern for immediate reward showcases selfless dedication. The poet is moved by the quiet nobility of this act and presents the sower as an embodiment of dignity, strength, and spiritual greatness.

 

  1. Discuss the relevance of the poem “The Sower” in today’s world.
    Answer:
    In today’s fast-paced and result-oriented world, “The Sower” reminds us of the value of patience, hard work, and silent perseverance. It honours the often-overlooked labourers whose work sustains society. The poem encourages respect for those who work without seeking fame or reward. Its message is timeless — true greatness lies in selfless action and faith in the future, which remains deeply relevant in both personal and societal contexts.

 

  1. How does the poem celebrate the dignity of manual labour?
    Answer:
    The poem celebrates manual labour by portraying the sower as a dignified and noble figure. Though old and in rags, he is shown working tirelessly in the field even after sunset. His actions are described with words like “august,” and he is depicted as touching “the starry skies,” symbolising moral elevation. The poem acknowledges and honours the physical labour that forms the foundation of society, making it a tribute to every unsung worker.

 

  1. What role does darkness play in the poem, both literally and symbolically?
    Answer:
    Literally, darkness in the poem represents the end of the day — a time when most people stop working. Symbolically, it stands for hardship, the unknown, and adversity. Yet, the sower continues to sow seeds in darkness, which signifies his faith, courage, and commitment. The deepening darkness also helps transform the sower into a larger-than-life figure, making him appear more majestic and symbolic. Thus, darkness enhances both the mood and the meaning of the poem.

Punctuation

  1. sitting in a porchway cool sunlight i see dying fast
    Answer: Sitting in a porchway cool, sunlight I see, dying fast.

 

  1. twilight hastens on to rule working hours have wellnigh past
    Answer: Twilight hastens on to rule—working hours have wellnigh past.

 

  1. shadows run across the lands but one sower lingers still
    Answer: Shadows run across the lands; but one sower lingers still.

 

  1. old in rags he patient stands looking on i feel a thrill
    Answer: Old, in rags, he patient stands. Looking on, I feel a thrill.

 

  1. black and high his silhouette dominates the furrows deep
    Answer: Black and high, his silhouette dominates the furrows deep!

 

  1. now to sow the task is set soon shall come a time to reap
    Answer: Now to sow the task is set. Soon shall come a time to reap.

 

  1. marches he along the plain to and fro and scatters wide
    Answer: Marches he along the plain, to and fro, and scatters wide.

 

  1. from his hands the precious grain muse i as i see him stride
    Answer: From his hands, the precious grain; muse I, as I see him stride.

 

  1. darkness deepens fades the light
    Answer: Darkness deepens. Fades the light.

 

  1. now his gestures to mine eyes are august and strange his height seems to touch the starry skies
    Answer: Now his gestures to mine eyes are august; and strange—his height seems to touch the starry skies.

 

  1. the sower continues to work even when the light fades
    Answer: The sower continues to work, even when the light fades.

 

  1. though he is old he does not stop
    Answer: Though he is old, he does not stop.

 

  1. the furrows are deep and the field is wide
    Answer: The furrows are deep, and the field is wide.

 

  1. his figure looks noble majestic and powerful
    Answer: His figure looks noble, majestic, and powerful.

 

  1. he walks to and fro tirelessly and alone
    Answer: He walks to and fro, tirelessly and alone.

 

  1. i feel a thrill as i look at him
    Answer: I feel a thrill as I look at him.

 

  1. soon shall come a time to reap the reward of his labour
    Answer: Soon shall come a time to reap the reward of his labour.

 

  1. the poet is observing the sower from a porchway
    Answer: The poet is observing the sower from a porchway.

 

  1. his gestures are slow solemn and rhythmic
    Answer: His gestures are slow, solemn, and rhythmic.

 

  1. the sower becomes a symbol of hope perseverance and strength
    Answer: The sower becomes a symbol of hope, perseverance, and strength.

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