Textbook Solutions: The Lake Isle of Innisfree | Gul Mohar Class 8: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

Understanding the Poem

Q1: What does the poet hope to find in Innisfree?
Ans: The poet hopes to find peace, beauty, and solitude in Innisfree. He wants to escape the noise, stress, and dullness of city life and live close to nature, where he can enjoy calmness and quiet reflection.

Q2: Why does the poet want to make a cabin out of 'clay and wattles'? Why doesn't he consider making the cabin with modern materials?
Ans: The poet wants to live a simple and natural life, so he chooses clay and wattles, which are natural materials. He avoids modern materials like bricks or concrete because they represent urban life, artificiality, and complexity, which he wishes to leave behind.

Q3: What does 'veils of the morning' mean?
Ans: 'Veils of the morning' refers to the soft, delicate mist or dew that covers the land in the early morning. It creates a peaceful, gentle, and almost magical atmosphere in nature.

Q4: What does the poet mean by 'deep heart's core'? What does it tell us about the nature of his desire?
Ans: 'Deep heart's core' shows that the poet’s longing for Innisfree is very profound and deeply personal. It is not a casual wish but a spiritual and emotional desire for inner peace and connection with nature.

Q5: “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree”

a. Why does the poet say that he will 'arise'?
Ans: By saying 'arise,' the poet expresses his determination to take action and leave the city behind to fulfill his dream of living in Innisfree.

b. From where will he 'arise'?
Ans: He will arise from the noisy, crowded, and lifeless city, leaving behind the dullness of urban life.

c. What kind of meaning does the word 'now' convey?
Ans: The word 'now' shows urgency and strong determination. It conveys that the poet wants to act immediately and not delay his dream.

Q6: “Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee”

a. What kind of life does the poet want and describe here?
Ans: The poet desires a simple, self-sufficient life, living close to nature. He imagines growing his own food and keeping bees, enjoying harmony with the natural world.

b. Why do you think he turns to this kind of life?
Ans: He turns to this simple life because it offers peace, contentment, and freedom from the artificiality and busyness of modern urban living.

Q7: “There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow, / And evening full of the linnet's wings.”

a. Why has the poet described different times of the day using sights and sounds?
Ans: The poet uses vivid imagery of sights and sounds to create a mental picture of Innisfree’s beauty. It helps the reader experience the magical atmosphere of nature at all times of the day.

b. What emotions does this kind of imagery evoke in you?
Ans: The imagery evokes calmness, wonder, and a feeling of closeness to nature. It makes the reader appreciate the serene beauty of the natural world.

Q8: “I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore; / While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey”

a. Is the poet near the lake when he hears this? If not, then why does he hear the sound of the lake water? What does it tell us about him?
Ans: No, the poet is not near the lake. He hears it in his imagination, which shows his deep longing and mental connection with Innisfree. It reflects his desire to escape city life and live in harmony with nature.

b. What do 'roadway' and 'pavements' symbolise? How has the poet brought a contrast between 'roadway' and Innisfree?
Ans: 'Roadway' and 'pavements' symbolise urban life—its dullness, artificiality, and lifelessness. The poet contrasts this with Innisfree, which represents natural beauty, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. The city is grey and noisy, while Innisfree is calm, colorful, and alive.

Appreciating the Poem

Q1: Find out which words and phrases bring out the poet's attitude towards Innisfree.
Ans: The poet’s love and admiration for Innisfree are highlighted through words and phrases that evoke peace, beauty, and serenity. Examples include:

• “bee-loud glade” – shows the liveliness of nature and the poet’s delight in simple natural sounds.
• “peace comes dropping slow” – reflects the gentle, calming effect of Innisfree on the poet’s mind.
• “midnight’s all a glimmer” – conveys the magical, serene beauty of the island at night.
• “purple glow” – evokes the enchanting, colorful charm of noon.
• “deep heart’s core” – shows the poet’s profound, heartfelt longing for the island.

These words and phrases together reveal his deep emotional connection and reverence for Innisfree.

Q2: Do you think Innisfree is just a place or a state of mind? Can the mind transform any place into Innisfree? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Ans: Innisfree is both a real place and a state of mind. Physically, it is an island where the poet imagines living in harmony with nature. Mentally, it represents peace, solitude, and inner contentment. Evidence from the poem shows that the poet hears the lake water lapping “while I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,” even though he is in the city. This illustrates that through memory and imagination, the mind can transform any place into a personal haven like Innisfree, bringing peace and comfort even amid the chaos of urban life.

Going Further

Q1: Pair up with your partner and make four new compound words. Try to be creative.
Ans: Examples of creative compound words could be:
a. river-song – combining the flowing river with melodious sound, evoking a sense of nature’s music.
b. sky-light – the light that comes from the sky, like sunrise or moonlight, giving a feeling of calm and wonder.
c. lawn-green – the fresh green color of a lawn, symbolizing life and freshness.
d. village-path – a small pathway in a village, reflecting simplicity and rustic charm.

These compound words use imagination to combine natural elements and experiences, much like the poet uses descriptive imagery in his poem.

Q2: The poet has offered us three beautiful descriptions… Can you think of a place that inspires you as much as Innisfree inspired the poet or a place whose natural beauty has made an impression on you?
Ans: (Open-ended, example answer)
Yes, the mountains inspire me deeply. Their silence, the sound of flowing streams, and the cool breeze give me peace similar to the poet’s experience of Innisfree. Being there makes me feel calm, happy, and connected with nature, just as Yeats felt while imagining Innisfree.