Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 6 Important Question Answers - No Men Are Foreign

Q1. What should we remember about men?

Ans: No men are strange.

It is essential to remember that:

• No men are strange.
• All people share a common humanity.
• We all experience the same basic needs and emotions.
• Differences often arise from culture or language.

Understanding these points helps foster empathy and unity among individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.

Q2. What should we remember about countries?

Ans: It is important to remember that no countries are foreign.

We often perceive people and nations as different from ourselves. However, it's essential to recognise our shared humanity. Here are some key points to consider:

• No one is strange: All individuals share common traits.
• Shared experiences: We all experience basic needs like food, water, and love.
• Common humanity: Beneath differences, we are all human beings.
• Unity in diversity: Our differences should not lead to division.

When we are encouraged to hate others, we ultimately harm ourselves. Remember, we are all part of the same world.

Q3. Where do we all walk upon? 

Ans: We all walk on the same earth.

Q4. Where shall we all lie in the end? 

Ans: In the end, we will all lie in the earth.

Q5. What are all men fed by? 

Ans: All men require food to survive, but it is not accurate to say they are all fed by peaceful harvests. Food sources vary widely based on:

• Location: Different regions have different agricultural practices.
• Climate: Weather conditions affect what can be grown.
• Economics: Availability and access to food can depend on economic factors.
• Conflict: War and instability can disrupt food supplies.

Thus, while many are nourished by peaceful means, others face challenges that impact their food sources.

Q6. What do you mean by peaceful harvest?

Ans: Peaceful harvests refer to crops that are cultivated during times of peace. This concept highlights the following points:

• Harvests occur when there is stability and absence of conflict.
• They signify the ability to grow food without the disruptions caused by war.
• Peaceful conditions allow communities to focus on agriculture and sustenance.

Q7. What do you mean ‘wars’ long winter? 

Ans: ‘Wars’ long winter refers to the difficult times during war when people are forced to stay indoors.

Q8. What impact do we have on Earth?

Ans: Human activities are causing significant pollution on Earth.

• We contribute to air and water pollution.
• Our waste affects the environment and wildlife.
• Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.
• Climate change is accelerated by our emissions.

These actions harm not only the planet but also our own health and future.

Q9. Why should we not hate others? 

Ans: We should not hate others because:

• All people are our brothers.
• Hate creates division and conflict.
• We share common humanity and experiences.
• Love and understanding foster peace.

Embracing our similarities helps build a more harmonious world.

Q10. What do you mean by ‘hells of fire and dust’?

Ans: ‘Hells of fire and dust’ refers to the devastating effects of war.

• It signifies the destruction and chaos caused by conflicts.
• The phrase highlights the devastation that impacts both the environment and humanity.
• It serves as a reminder of the consequences of violence and warfare.

Q11. ”Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?

Ans: The poet refers to the uniforms worn by soldiers from various countries. Despite their different appearances, the bodies beneath these uniforms are fundamentally the same. The poet emphasises that the differences among people are merely superficial, highlighting that all human beings share a common essence.

• Uniforms represent the diversity of nations.
• Underneath, we are all human.
• Differences are superficial and do not define us.
• At our core, we share the same humanity.

Q12. Whom does the poet refer to as ‘our brothers’ and why?

Ans: The poet refers to the people living in other countries as ‘our brothers’. This is because:

• The superficial differences in complexion, language, dress, culture, and nationality should not divide us as human beings.
• Human wants, needs, hopes, and emotions are the same everywhere in the world.

By recognising these commonalities, the poet emphasises our shared humanity, urging us to see beyond appearances and embrace our connections.

Q13. How does the poet suggest (in the first stanza) that all people on earth are the same?

Ans: In the first stanza, the poet conveys that no human being is strange or different. Beneath our outward appearances, we all share similar hearts, minds, and souls. Key points include:

• We all breathe and live in a similar way.
• The earth is our common asset.
• Ultimately, we will all die and be buried in the same manner.

Q14. What does the poet mean when he says, ‘in which we all shall lie’?

Ans: The poet conveys that we will all eventually lie beneath the same earth, which refers to being buried after death. This idea emphasises that we all share the same fate, making hatred among us pointless.

• We all will be buried in the same ground.
• The term lie signifies our final resting place.
• This highlights our shared human experience.
• Hatred is unnecessary since we all face the same end.

Q15. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we are alike. Pick out the words phrases suggesting these similarities.

Ans: Here are five phrases that indicate our similarities:

• No men are strange
• No countries foreign
• A single body breathes like ours
• The land our brothers walk upon is earth like this
• In which we all shall lie

Q16. Why does the poet call harvests ‘peaceful’ and war as ‘winter’?

Ans: Harvests are termed ‘peaceful’ because they signify abundance and prosperity, flourishing only in times of peace. In contrast, war is likened to the harshness of ‘winter’, which devastates crops and leads to starvation.

• Peaceful harvests bring harmony and contentment.
• War destroys lives, causing hunger, poverty, and disease.
• Only during peaceful times can people thrive and prosper.

Q17. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words.

Ans: The common features identified in stanza 2 include:

• Sun
• Air
• Water
• Peaceful harvests

Like us, people in other countries:

• Dislike starvation caused by prolonged wars.
• Work hard for their livelihoods using their hands.

Q18. ‘They have eyes like ours’. What similarity does the poet find in the eyes of people all over the world?

Ans: The poet observes that the eyes of people worldwide share important similarities:

• They witness similar sights and experiences.
• Everyone goes through the daily cycle of waking and sleeping.
• Despite differences in colour and shape, their eyes serve the same purpose.
• These eyes connect us through shared experiences.

In essence, the poet emphasises that no matter how foreign someone may seem, we all share a common humanity.

Q19. “No Men are Foreign” is an anti-war poem. Comment.

Ans: No Men Are Foreign is a powerful anti-war poem that promotes the idea of human brotherhood and the need for peaceful coexistence. It highlights the devastating effects of war on all people, regardless of their side in the conflict.

• War causes death, destruction, and deprivation.
• It leads to starvation and environmental pollution.
• Both the oppressed and the oppressor suffer from its consequences.
• The poem calls for a rejection of war and a commitment to peace.

Ultimately, it reminds us that we share a common humanity, and we should strive to understand and support one another instead of succumbing to hatred.

Q20. In one of the stanzas, the poet finds similarity in human hands. What is it?

Ans: The poet suggests that people across the world share a commonality in their hard work. This is primarily done through their hands, which are essential for earning a living.

• All individuals, regardless of their country, engage in labour to support themselves.
• Hands are the primary tools for creativity and productivity.
• Despite differences in nationality, the act of working is a universal experience.

Q21. Who tells us ‘to hate our brothers’? Should we do as we are told at such times? What does the poet say?

Ans: Politically motivated and power-hungry individuals encourage us to hate our brothers during times of war. The poet warns against giving in to such provocations, as doing so leads to:

• Dispossession of our own values
• Betrayal of our shared humanity
• Condemnation of ourselves

He reminds us that when we take up arms against one another, we defile the human earth. Our acts of violence tarnish the purity of the air we all share. The poet urges us to remember:

• No men are foreign
• No countries are strange

Q22. How does man pollute this earth by going to war?

Ans: Man pollutes the earth through war in several ways:

• Causes death and destruction, leading to loss of life.
• Spreads hatred and enmity among people.
• Damages the environment with dust, debris, and smoke from weapons.

This destruction not only harms the planet but also affects the well-being of all living beings.

Q23. Why does the poet say that people of the world should live in peace and not go to war?

Ans: The poet emphasises the importance of living in peace for several reasons:

• Peace leads to progress, prosperity, and joy in our lives.
• Wars result in death, exploitation, and poverty.
• Conflict harms the earth and pollutes the air we all share.
• We should avoid wars to protect our common humanity and the world we inhabit.

Q24. How does the title sums up the theme of the poem “No Men are Foreign”

Ans: The title of the poem No Men Are Foreign encapsulates its central theme of universal brotherhood and the importance of peaceful coexistence. The poet conveys several key ideas:

• All human beings are fundamentally the same, regardless of their nationality, caste, colour, creed, or religion.
• Divisions among people are baseless and should be disregarded.
• The title serves as a reminder that we are all part of the same human family.
• By rejecting prejudice, we can foster a sense of unity and understanding.

James Kirkup effectively communicates these messages through the poem, reinforcing the idea that no one is truly foreign to us.

Q25. How does the poet propose to win over other countries?

Ans: The poet suggests winning over other countries through the power of love. Key points include:

• Universal response: The world reacts positively to love and kindness.
• Ending conflict: Love can help eliminate hatred and war.
• Creating peace: The goal is to establish a peaceful heaven on earth.

By focusing on these principles, the poet believes that we can foster understanding and harmony among all nations.

Q26. Who, according to you, is the speaker in this poem? 

Ans: The speaker in this poem is the poet himself, representing the inherent goodness of the human heart. He embodies the values of:

• Love
• Peace
• Universal brotherhood

As a champion of these ideals, he promotes joy and unity among all people.

Q27. In four stanzas out of five, the poet uses the word “Remember”. Why do you think he has repeated this word so many times?

Ans: By repeating the word “remember”, the poet aims to ensure we never forget that our thoughts, feelings, and experiences are similar to those of people we often view as “strange” or “foreign”. He emphasises that:

• All human beings share a common nature.
• The stages of life are the same across the globe.
• We are united in our humanity, regardless of differences.

This repetition serves as a reminder to recognise our shared existence and to foster understanding among all people.

Q28. Mention any two ways in which people living in other countries are similar to us. 

Ans: People living in other countries share many similarities with us, including:

• All humans have eyes like ours, capable of waking and sleeping.
• Everyone experiences the emotion of love in a similar way.
• Physical strength can be matched by the power of love.
• We all engage in labour that is not different from one another.

These commonalities highlight our shared humanity, reminding us that we are more alike than we are different.

Q29. What is the central idea of the poem?

Ans: The central idea of the poem is that all human beings are similar and equal. We should:

• Love one another
• Live in peace and harmony

This sense of universal brotherhood and harmonious coexistence will:

• Unite us
• Help protect our mother earth from pollution and damage

Q30. Why do countries engage in wars and to what effect?

Ans: Countries engage in wars due to various reasons, often driven by the interests of powerful individuals.

• Vested interests: Leaders and those in power may manipulate public sentiment, fostering hatred towards others.
• Narrow perspectives: This limited viewpoint can escalate tensions, leading to conflict.
• Consequences: Wars result in significant bloodshed and the loss of innocent lives.

Ultimately, the actions of a few can have devastating effects on many, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion among all people.

Q31. ‘Wars have always brought total ruin in this world, yet they are fought repeatedly.’ Discuss.

Ans: Wars are often caused by the greed and ambition of irresponsible leaders. They lead to destruction for both the victors and the defeated, severely damaging the economies of the nations involved.

Historically, wars were mostly local, but now they have become global, making them more dangerous. The memories of the First and Second World Wars remind us of the devastating consequences, such as the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Despite these lessons, humanity seems to repeat its mistakes. The threat of another war is ever-present, with divisive forces growing stronger and an alarming arms race underway.

However, there is hope in the strength of ordinary people. They must not be misled by selfish leaders. Instead, we should view the world as a global village, full of opportunities for peaceful coexistence.

Q32. How does the poet James Kirkup prove that no men are foreign? How far is he able to convince his reader about it?

Ans: The poet James Kirkup provides several examples to demonstrate that no men are foreign. The title of the poem itself prompts readers to reconsider their perceptions of people from different countries as strangers. Throughout the poem, Kirkup emphasises that all humans share a common nature and experience.

• We all inhabit the same earth and enjoy essential elements like air, sun, and water.
• Humans universally desire peace and are generally opposed to war.
• Everyone has similar experiences and works hard to earn a living.

The poet’s logical reasoning and frequent reminders effectively convince readers that no men are foreign. He illustrates that alienating others harms us all. By viewing others as foreign, we risk creating a world prone to war, leading to irreversible destruction and pollution of our planet.

Q33. In what way do we dispossess, betray and condemn ourselves by hating our brothers and taking up arms against them?

Ans: By hating our brothers and taking up arms against them, we dispossess ourselves by losing their love. Hatred breeds retaliation, causing both sides to miss out on the noble emotion of love.

We betray ourselves as hatred leads to wars, resulting in widespread death and destruction. This creates pollution that harms our planet. The dust and smoke from conflict choke the air we breathe.

Thus, hatred towards others ultimately leads to our own condemnation. We violate the purity of nature and threaten our existence by damaging the systems that sustain us. In essence, hating our brothers and taking up arms against them causes more harm to ourselves.

Q34. How, according, to the poet, the human earth is ‘defiled’ and the innocence of air ‘outraged’?

Ans: The weapons of war make the earth dirty and harm its atmosphere. They destroy the earth's fertility, rendering it barren. Explosives ignite destructive fires, scattering ashes everywhere, which pollutes the land, air, and water. This leads to widespread hunger and numerous diseases. As a result:

• Both the earth and air lose their purity.
• Both victors and the vanquished find the environment hostile.
• Mother Nature becomes helpless, unable to provide her gifts.

The innocence of air represents its purity, but wars strip it away, filling it with smoke and dirt. Consequently, the air becomes unsuitable for human survival. Thus, the human earth is defiled, and the innocence of air is outraged by wars.