Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 4 Important Question Answers - The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. Describe the person, the place or the thing brought vividly to life by the poet.

Ans: The Lake Isle of Innisfree by W. B. Yeats vividly depicts an island in the lake of Innisfree, a place of remarkable peace and natural beauty. Yeats highlights its charm through descriptions of various birds and insects, as well as the stunning light at different times of the day. This landscape remains untouched by human interference, creating a serene environment that captivates the poet.

Q2. Why does the poet want to go to Innisfree?

Ans: The poet wishes to go to Innisfree in search of peace. He finds the noise of London overwhelming and longs for a quieter place. At Innisfree, he envisions building a small cabin made of clay and wattles, where he can grow beans and live alone. This desire stems from his craving for tranquillity, which he believes he can find in the serene surroundings of Innisfree.

Q3. How is the city life different from life at the Lake of Innisfree?

Ans: The poet dislikes city life, describing the pavements as dull and grey, surrounded by chaos. In contrast, Innisfree is a place of natural beauty and harmony. It represents a dream for the poet, where the relationship between the plants and the weather creates a peaceful atmosphere. This idyllic island stands in stark contrast to the hectic city environment.

Q4. Briefly describe one major theme of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”.

Ans: A major theme in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is the contrast between nature and civilisation. The poem suggests that what we truly value in life often stands in opposition to the constraints imposed by society. While nature offers a space for exploration and connection with life, civilisation enforces rules that limit our freedom.

Q5. What is the tone of the poem?

Ans: The poem conveys a calm and relaxing tone. While the reader might envision a physical journey to Innisfree, the narrator actually visits this place in his imagination. This mental escape allows him to unwind and find solace from the hectic pace of modern life.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. In the poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree’, what does the poet find so attractive about ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’.

Ans: The poet finds Lake Isle of Innisfree attractive primarily for its promise of peace. He longs for this place, which offers a sense of contentment and relaxation, far removed from the hectic pace of modern life. The poem's slow and regular meter enhances this dreamy effect, while the vivid descriptions of the colours and beauty of Innisfree contrast sharply with the harsh noise of the city, as highlighted in the final stanza.

Although the poet is physically trapped in the city, he imagines the beauty of Innisfree, which provides him with spiritual sustenance. This early lyric by Yeats reflects a familiar romantic sensibility, celebrating the deep purity and beauty of nature. It stands in stark contrast to the drabness and shallowness of urban living.

Q2. In your opinion, what words or phrases used by the poet are the most effective in bringing the person, place or thing to life? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans: Throughout the poem, Yeats employs imaginative phrases to vividly portray the essence of Innisfree. He brings the island to life by mentioning various birds and insects, such as the singing cricket and the linnet’s wings. These references create a sense of energy and highlight the island's natural beauty.

The line "and live alone in the bee-loud glade" effectively conveys Yeats' message about the island's isolation, where he can relish his solitude. In the second stanza, he describes how the light transforms on the island throughout the day, noting that "noon’s a purple glow". This imagery breathes life into the entire landscape of Innisfree.

Moreover, Yeats captures the island's sounds, stating he can hear "water lapping in low sounds by the shore". He uses alliteration to recreate these sounds, repeating the letter "I" to evoke the slow, gentle movement of the water. This combination of sights and sounds immerses the reader in the tranquil atmosphere of Innisfree.

Q3. Does the poem celebrate the theme of escapism? Explain.

Ans: The poem focuses on Innisfree as a place of escape for the speaker. It describes Innisfree as a simple, natural environment where he plans to build a cabin and live alone. The Lake Isle of Innisfree conveys the idea that nature offers a restorative refuge from the chaos and corrupting influences of civilization. The speaker, Yeats, expresses a desire to embrace the simplicity of nature, free from the distractions of city life and the overwhelming pace of the modern world. He dreams of getting away from it all. Even if he never physically leaves, he finds solace in the mental escape that allows him to hear the lake water lapping, even while standing on the city's pavement.

Moreover, the poem suggests that one cannot return to the nostalgic past, but through imagination and reflection, one can always find a mental escape and cherish memories of another time and place.