A Thing of Beauty – Class 12 Questions and Answers (NCERT Solutions)
Poem Summary:
"A Thing of Beauty," written by John Keats, emphasizes how beautiful things bring joy and comfort in our lives. The poet highlights how nature, stories of heroic deeds, and various forms of art provide eternal happiness and peace. Beauty has the power to uplift our spirits and remove negativity from our lives.
Short Answer Questions:
Q1. What is the message of the poem "A Thing of Beauty"?
Ans: The poem conveys that beautiful things provide eternal joy and help us overcome negativity, sorrow, and despair in life. Beauty acts as a constant source of happiness and motivation.
Q2. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort?
Ans: A thing of beauty acts as a shelter from life's hardships and struggles. It brings comfort to the soul and helps remove the darkness caused by negativity and sorrow.
Q3. What does the poet mean by "bower quiet for us"?
Ans: The phrase "bower quiet for us" refers to a peaceful, shady place created by beautiful things in nature where one can find rest, peace, and comfort.
Q4. Why does the poet refer to the endless fountain of immortal drink?
Ans: The poet uses the metaphor of an "endless fountain of immortal drink" to symbolize the everlasting joy and peace that beauty provides. It nourishes the soul, just as water nourishes the body.
Q5. What role do stories of heroes play in providing comfort?
Ans: Stories of heroic deeds inspire and motivate people. They remind us of human courage, perseverance, and the victory of good over evil, which provide comfort and a sense of positivity in difficult times.
Long Answer Questions:
Q1. How does John Keats describe the concept of beauty in the poem?
Ans: In the poem "A Thing of Beauty," John Keats describes beauty as an eternal source of joy that brings peace and comfort to the soul. He believes that beautiful things in nature, art, and life have the power to uplift the human spirit and remove sorrow and negativity. Keats lists various things of beauty, such as nature, stories of heroic deeds, and objects of art, that provide everlasting pleasure. He compares beauty to an "endless fountain" that nourishes the soul with immortal drink, symbolizing eternal happiness.
Q2. Explain the significance of the natural elements described in the poem.
Ans: The poet describes various natural elements, such as the sun, moon, trees, flowers, and rivers, as sources of beauty that provide joy and comfort. These natural elements act as a balm for the weary soul. They offer shade, peace, and inspiration, helping individuals find relief from their struggles. The poet emphasizes the importance of staying connected to nature, as it rejuvenates the spirit and helps individuals overcome negativity.
Q3. How does the poet highlight the contrast between beauty and suffering in the poem?
Ans: The poet highlights the contrast between beauty and suffering by showing how beautiful things provide relief from the harsh realities of life. While the world is filled with negativity, pain, and sorrow, beauty acts as a beacon of hope and positivity. Beautiful things, whether in nature or art, bring solace to troubled minds and offer a break from the suffering of the real world.
Extract-Based Questions:
Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness
i) What does the poet mean by "a joy forever"?
Ans: The poet means that a thing of beauty brings eternal joy and happiness. Its impact on the human soul is everlasting, and it never fades away.
ii) How does the poet describe the everlasting nature of beauty?
Ans: The poet describes beauty as something that continues to provide joy and comfort. Unlike material things, beauty never loses its charm and remains fresh and meaningful forever.
Important Points to Remember:
- Theme: The central theme of the poem is the power of beauty to bring joy, peace, and positivity in life.
- Poetic Devices: The poet uses imagery, metaphors, and alliteration to convey his ideas.
- Key Message: Beauty has a healing effect on the human soul, helping individuals overcome life's challenges.
