Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 1 Question Answers - The Road Not Taken

Q1. What is a wood? What did the narrator see in the wood? Were the paths similar?

Ans: A wood is essentially a small forest. In the wood, the narrator observed two paths that diverged and faded into the dense undergrowth. The paths were not entirely alike; one was more grassy and appeared less travelled than the other.

Q2. What did the narrator hope that he would do one day? Was he sure of doing so?

Ans: The narrator hoped to return and explore the other path one day. However, he was not completely certain he would be able to do so, as he realised that once he made a choice, it could be challenging to go back and take the alternative.

Q3. Does one road seem to be more appealing than the other? Use examples from the poem to support your answer.

Ans: In the poem, the narrator initially views both roads as equally appealing. He notes that both paths "equally lay" and were "worn really about the same." However, he later reflects that the road he chose had "perhaps the better claim" because it was less travelled and had "made all the difference." This suggests that while both paths appeared similar at first, the less travelled one ultimately proved to be more significant.

Q4. What does the poet mean when he says, "worn them really about the same"?

Ans: When the poet states “worn them really about the same,” he suggests that both paths seemed equally travelled by those who came before. The narrator highlights that, on the surface, there was no clear sign indicating which path had been taken more frequently. This creates a sense of ambiguity and makes the decision about which path to choose more challenging.

Q5. Discuss the title of the poem “The Road Not Taken”. Is it appropriate for the poem?

Ans: Yes, the title of the poem The Road Not Taken is appropriate as it reflects the central theme of making choices. The narrator contemplates a moment in his life when he faced a decision between two diverging paths in a wood. This title encapsulates the essence of the poem, highlighting the importance of the path not taken and how our choices significantly influence our journey through life.

Q6. Why does the poet say he shall tell people “this with a sigh”? Why do you think the final stanza starts with a sigh?

Ans: The poet uses the phrase “this with a sigh” to express a feeling of reflection and possibly regret. The sigh indicates that the narrator recognises the importance of his choice and the uncertainty surrounding its outcome. By starting the final stanza with a sigh, the poet creates a tone of retrospection, highlighting the weight of the decision made earlier in life. This emphasises the narrator's awareness that the choices he makes significantly shape his journey and contribute to his sense of identity and fulfilment.

Q7. Bring out the symbolism in the poem “The Road Not Taken”.

Ans: The poem uses the road as a symbol for the choices and decisions we face in life. The two diverging paths represent different opportunities or directions that one must choose between. This symbolism emphasises that life is a journey filled with choices, and the path selected can significantly influence experiences and outcomes. The speaker's reflection on the road not taken illustrates the common human tendency to ponder the alternative paths not followed.

Q8. The road is used as a metaphor for life in this poem. Can you think of another metaphor and explain why that has been used to describe life?

Ans: Another metaphor for life could be a river. Life, like a river, flows continuously, presenting various challenges and experiences along the way. Just as a river's course is unpredictable, it may have calm stretches as well as turbulent waters. Similarly, life brings moments of tranquility and obstacles. This metaphor emphasises the dynamic nature of life and the necessity to navigate its twists and turns, adapt to changing circumstances, and find ways to reach one's destination while embracing the journey itself.