Important Questions: Poem - The School Boy - Class 8 MCQ

In the context of the question, the speaker is a school boy

His problem is having to go to the school against his will.

According to the poem, he does not show any interest in studies.

As per the poem, he is fed up with his teachers at school.

In this context, the word 'anxious' means unpleasant.

The speaker compares himself to a bird. He wishes to fly but is stuck like a bird is stuck in a cage.

In the poem, the speaker compares the school to a cage.

The speaker does not want to attend the school and wishes to live a free life.

The speaker does not like the teacher because the teacher is unkind to him.

The phrase ‘youthful spring’ implies:

• A sense of high spirits that is typically associated with youth.
• It suggests energy and enthusiasm.

This expression captures the vitality and liveliness that often comes with being young.

In the poem "The School Boy" by William Blake, children are compared to both birds and buds/flowers. These metaphors highlight the natural joy, innocence, and love for freedom inherent in children. The poem emphasizes that, like birds who need freedom to fly and buds/flowers that require nurturing to bloom, children thrive best in environments that allow them to grow freely and joyfully. Being confined within a rigid system stifles their natural development.

If a gardener is cruel and careless, the plants won't grow well and they won't bear fruit in the spring

In the context of the poem, the children need fresh air and free movement to stay healthy and happy

Based on the poem "The School Boy" by William Blake from the Class 8 NCERT English book, the correct answer is:

a) Strict discipline

In the poem, the school boy expresses his unhappiness about being confined to the classroom under strict discipline, which he compares to a bird being caged. The rigidity and lack of freedom in the school environment take away his joy and creativity, thereby spoiling the innocence and happiness of childhood.

The poet wishes that parents not be harsh and cruel to their children.