Class 8 Exam  >  Class 8 Notes  >  English Class 8  >  NCERT Solutions: Poem - The School Boy

Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions | English Class 8 PDF Download

Working with the Poem (Page 81) 

Q1. Find three or four words/phrases in stanza 1 that reflect the child’s happiness and joy.
 Ans. 
The words/phrases that reflect the child’s happiness are the song of birds and the skylark, and the sound of a hunter’s horn.

Q2. In stanza 2, the mood changes. Which words/phrases reflect the changed mood?
 Ans. 
The words/phrases reflecting the child's mood are:
 (a) drives all joy away (b) cruel eye outworn (of the Teacher) (c) sighing and dismay

Q3. ‘A cruel eye outworn (stanza 2)’ refers to
 (i) the classroom which is shabby/noisy
 (ii) the lessons which are difficult/uninteresting
 (iii) the dull/uninspiring life at school with lots of work and no play.
 Mark the answer that you consider right.

 Ans. (iii)

Q4. ‘Nor sit in learning’s bower worn thro’ with the dreary shower’ Which of the following is a close paraphrase of the lines above?
 (i) Nor can I sit in a roofless classroom when it is raining.
 (ii) Nor can I learn anything at school though teachers go on lecturing and explaining.
 (iii) Nor can I sit in the school garden for fear of getting wet in the rain.

 Ans. (ii)

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS SOLVED

Q1. What is the mood of the school boy?
 Ans.
The school boy is unhappy.

Q2. What makes the school boy unhappy?
 Ans.
He has to go to school even in a summer morning when there is so much to enjoy in open fields and forests. Secondly, his teacher is cruel and the lessons are uninteresting.

Q3. Why does the boy compare himself to a caged bird?
 Ans. 
Like a caged bird, the boy is also not free to do anything of his own will. He wants to lead a life of freedom but he can’t because there are many restrictions on him.

Q4. What is the poet’s advice to parents of school‑going kids?
 Ans.
The poet calls upon the parents to let their kids grow and play joyfully in their early years. They should not restrict their natural activities.

Q5. Why does the schoolboy compare himself to a plant?
 Ans. 
A small child is like a tender plant. If he is suppressed too much, he fails to grow to full size. A tender plant if crushed at the bud stage, won’t bear any flower or fruit in the spring season.

The document Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions | English Class 8 is a part of the Class 8 Course English Class 8.
All you need of Class 8 at this link: Class 8
36 videos|330 docs|56 tests

FAQs on Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions - English Class 8

1. What is the main theme of the poem "The School Boy"?
Ans. The main theme of the poem "The School Boy" revolves around the loss of childhood joy and the negative impact of formal education on a child's natural spirit. The poet emphasizes how the rigid structure of schooling can stifle a child's creativity and happiness, contrasting the carefree nature of childhood with the constraints of school.
2. How does the poet describe the feelings of the schoolboy in the poem?
Ans. The poet describes the feelings of the schoolboy as unhappy and constrained. He feels trapped in the school environment, which he associates with dullness and a lack of freedom. The schoolboy longs for the joy of playing outside and enjoying nature, highlighting the emotional burden that schooling brings him.
3. What imagery is used in the poem to convey the boy's longing for freedom?
Ans. The poet uses vivid imagery related to nature, such as the "merry, merry morning," and the sound of birds singing. These images evoke a sense of joy and freedom that the schoolboy yearns for, contrasting sharply with the dreariness of his school life. This imagery serves to highlight the beauty of childhood and the desire to connect with the natural world.
4. How does the poet contrast nature with the school environment in "The School Boy"?
Ans. The poet contrasts nature with the school environment by depicting nature as vibrant, lively, and full of joy, while the school is portrayed as a place of oppression and sadness. The boy's longing for the freedom of nature emphasizes how the constraints of school diminish his happiness and creativity, showcasing the struggle between the natural instincts of a child and the demands of formal education.
5. What message does the poet convey about education in "The School Boy"?
Ans. The poet conveys a critical message about education, suggesting that it should not stifle a child's spirit or creativity. He advocates for an educational system that nurtures rather than confines, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow in an environment that supports their natural curiosity and joy. The poem ultimately calls for a balance between education and the freedom to experience the wonders of childhood.
Related Searches

Semester Notes

,

ppt

,

pdf

,

Objective type Questions

,

Exam

,

MCQs

,

Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions | English Class 8

,

practice quizzes

,

study material

,

Viva Questions

,

mock tests for examination

,

video lectures

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

,

Important questions

,

Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions | English Class 8

,

Poem - The School Boy NCERT Solutions | English Class 8

,

past year papers

,

Summary

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

Free

,

Sample Paper

,

Extra Questions

;