1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
1. Who is the speaker in the poem?
Explanation:
The speaker is a man who is searching for his employer.
2. “The king, sword in hand” suggests
(i) wealth (ii) power (iii) more power than wealth
Mark the appropriate item in the context of stanza 1.
2. “The king, sword in hand” suggests
(i) wealth (ii) power (iii) more power than wealth
Mark the appropriate item in the context of stanza 1.
Explanation:
The phrase "sword in hand" suggests power.
3. The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. Why did he turn down the offer?
3. The old man offered the speaker a lot of money. Why did he turn down the offer?
Explanation:
The speaker declined the offer of a lot of money because he valued his freedom more than becoming a servant for gold.
4. Find in the poem, lines that match the following. Read both one after another.
(i) I have nothing to give you except goodwill & cheer.
(ii) Her happiness was no more than sorrow in disguise.
(iii) The king’s might was not worth much.
4. Find in the poem, lines that match the following. Read both one after another.
(i) I have nothing to give you except goodwill & cheer.
(ii) Her happiness was no more than sorrow in disguise.
(iii) The king’s might was not worth much.
Explanation:
(i)The line in the poem that matches this is "I hire you with nothing."
5. How did the speaker feel after talking to the child on the beach?
5. How did the speaker feel after talking to the child on the beach?
Explanation:
After talking to the child on the beach, the speaker felt that he would gain satisfaction, joy, and freedom.
6. What is a bargain? What efforts does the man make to strike a deal?
6. What is a bargain? What efforts does the man make to strike a deal?
Explanation:
A bargain is an agreement where both parties agree to do something for each other. The man tries to get hired by different people in the poem. He is first approached by a powerful king, then a wealthy old man, and a beautiful woman, but he refuses their offers. Finally, he strikes a deal with a child for no cost, which he considers his best bargain because it ensures his freedom.
7. What is the speaker’s final bargain, and why does he consider it the best?
7. What is the speaker’s final bargain, and why does he consider it the best?
Explanation:
The speaker's final bargain is with a child playing on the beach with shells. The child has nothing to offer in return, yet the man strikes a deal. The man considers this his best bargain because playing with the child will ensure his freedom, and he will not be bound as a servant or slave to anyone.
8. What is the message conveyed by Tagore’s poem, and what does he emphasize?
8. What is the message conveyed by Tagore’s poem, and what does he emphasize?
Explanation:
The poem emphasizes the idea that freedom is more important than power, wealth, or beauty. The man in the poem refuses offers from the king, old man, and beautiful woman because he values his freedom more than serving them. His final bargain with the child ensures his freedom, and the poem highlights the importance of valuing one's independence over material possessions.
