NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Flamingo - Poem 3 - Keeping Quiet

Before you Read

Q1: What does the title of the poem suggests to you? What do you think the poem is about?
Ans: The title of the poem suggests the importance of silence.
The poem is about the importance of self-examination and introspection. It is also an appeal for universal harmony.

Think it Out

Q1: What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Ans: Counting up to twelve takes very short time. Keeping still for this brief interval of time gives us a momentary pause to introspect and review the course of action. It is generally observed that most of the ills and troubles of the world are caused by our rush or hurry. Violence is caused by anger. Keeping quiet and still will give us necessary respite and ensure peace.

Q2: Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
Ans: No, he doesn't advocate either total inactivity or death. He makes it quite clear that 'stillness' should not be confused with 'total inactivity' or equated to it. Total inactivity brings death. But Neruda has 'no truck with death'. His stillness means halting of harmful and hostile human activities.

Q3: What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
Ans: The poet refers to the 'sadness' of failing to understand oneself in the monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget the values of humanity.

Q4: What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
Ans: The poet uses the symbol of the earth to illustrate the point that there can be life under apparent stillness.