Test: The Listeners - Class 7 MCQ

The poem primarily revolves around a lonely Traveller seeking company on a moonlit night. The eerie setting and the Traveller's repeated calls for someone create a sense of isolation and loneliness, setting the tone for the mysterious atmosphere of the poem.

After his horse champed the grasses, the Traveller knocked on the moonlit door. This action signifies his attempt to seek companionship or contact with whoever might be inside the house, adding to the suspense and mystery of the poem.

In Stanza 2, the traveler stands perplexed and still at the lone house because he is waiting for someone to open the door. This lack of response from anyone adds to the suspense and mystery of the scene, as the traveler is left unattended, heightening the eerie ambiance of the poem.

The "phantom listeners" depicted in Stanza 3 are imaginary beings in the house. These unseen listeners add to the eerie and mysterious feel of the poem, as they gather on the staircase to listen to the traveler's voice in the moonlit silence, emphasizing the haunting and enigmatic nature of the setting.

The theme of loneliness and isolation is poignantly portrayed in the concluding stanza of the poem. The eerie silence and lack of response from the phantom listeners emphasize the sense of disconnection and alienation experienced by the Traveler. This theme underscores the challenges of communication and the haunting nature of solitude in a world where meaningful connection seems elusive.

The Traveler's words echo through the quiet house in the final stanza, yet they fail to stir or prompt any reaction from the phantom listeners. This lack of response underscores the prevailing theme of loneliness and isolation in the poem. The eerie silence that follows the Traveler's departure further accentuates the disconnect between the Traveler and the unseen listeners.

The word "eerie" is defined as something strange and frightening. For example, a dark, abandoned house at night might be described as eerie due to its unsettling and spooky atmosphere.

A "stirrup" is a loop or ring that hangs from a saddle, allowing a rider to place their foot in it for support and stability while riding a horse. This device has been essential in horseback riding for centuries, providing riders with balance and control.

The presence of a bird flying out of the turret near the Traveller contributes to the mysterious atmosphere in the poem. This unexpected event adds to the eerie setting, enhancing the sense of anticipation and creating a haunting ambiance as the Traveller seeks interaction with unseen listeners.

In Stanza 4, when no one responds to his knocks on the door, the traveler reacts by knocking even louder. Frustrated by the lack of acknowledgment despite keeping his word and arriving as promised, he emphasizes his presence by increasing the intensity of his actions, highlighting his growing confusion and dismay at the situation.