Class 7 Buzzword Question Answers - The Bridge Builder

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What was the stream like that the old man crossed?
Ans: The stream was vast, deep, and wide, with a sullen tide flowing through it.

Q2: Why did the fellow pilgrim try to stop the old man?
Ans: The fellow pilgrim tried to stop the old man because he thought the old man was wasting his time and strength by building a bridge.

Q3: Why did the old man say that the chasm might be a pitfall for the fair-haired youth? What did he do about it?
Ans: The old man said the chasm might be a pitfall for the youth who would follow him. He decided to build a bridge to make the journey safer for the young traveler.

Q4: Give one example from the poem that shows the old man's unselfish nature.
Ans: One example is when the old man turned to build a bridge for the young traveler, even though he had already crossed the chasm himself.

Q5: What does the line "Your journey will end with the ending day" imply?
Ans: This line implies that life is finite, and our life's journey will come to an end, similar to how each day ends.

Q6: What is the symbolic meaning of the title "The Bridge Builder" in the poem?
Ans: The title symbolizes the central theme of the poem, which is about helping others and leaving a positive impact by building bridges, both literally and metaphorically.

Q7: How does the old man's decision to build a bridge reflect selflessness?
Ans: The old man's decision to build a bridge reflects selflessness because he is doing it for the benefit of the young traveler who will follow him, even though he had already crossed the chasm himself.

Q8: Why did the fellow pilgrim think the old man was wasting his strength?
Ans: The fellow pilgrim believed the old man was wasting his strength because he assumed the old man's journey was ending, and there would be no need to cross the chasm again.

Q9: How does the poem emphasize the impermanence of life?
Ans: The line "Your journey will end with the ending day" emphasizes the impermanence of life by comparing life's journey to the end of each day.

Q10: What message does the poem convey about helping others and considering future generations?
Ans: The poem conveys the message that we should help others and consider the welfare of future generations, just like the old man who built a bridge for the young traveler.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: How does the old man's decision to build a bridge for the young traveler reflect a sense of responsibility and empathy?
Ans: The old man's decision to build a bridge shows responsibility and empathy because he recognizes that the young traveler might face difficulties he did not. He takes it upon himself to ensure the safety of others, showing a strong sense of responsibility and empathy for their well-being.

Q2: Explain the deeper meaning of the line "Your journey will end with the ending day" in the context of the poem.
Ans: The line means that life is temporary, just like each day. It reminds us to make the most of our time, help others, and leave a positive impact, as the old man did by building the bridge.

Q3: How does the poem encourage us to be "bridge builders" in our own lives?
Ans: The poem encourages us to be bridge builders by illustrating the importance of helping others and considering future generations. It suggests that we should use our experiences to make the journey easier for those who come after us.

Q4: Discuss the character of the old man and his decision to build the bridge. How does it make him a role model?
Ans: The old man is characterized by his selflessness and concern for others. His decision to build the bridge, even when he could have continued his journey without doing so, makes him a role model as it exemplifies the values of helping, caring, and considering the needs of future generations.

Q5: Why do you think the poem is titled "The Bridge Builder," and how does this title encapsulate the poem's essence?
Ans: The title reflects the central theme of the poem, which is about helping others and leaving a positive impact by building bridges, both literally and metaphorically. It encapsulates the essence of the poem by emphasizing the importance of selflessness and considering the welfare of future generations.