Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 2 Question Answers - Wind

Q1. Give in brief the central idea of the poem ‘Wind’.

Ans: The central idea of the poem is that weakness is often overlooked, even by the gods. It suggests that we should not seek mercy but instead strive to become strong. By being strong, we can attract friendship and respect from others.

Q2. What lesson can we learn from the action of the wind on the tyre?

Ans: If the fire is weak, the wind will extinguish it. However, if the fire is strong, the wind will make it roar and thrive. This teaches us that we should strive to be strong. When we are weak, we are vulnerable to harm from others. In contrast, strength attracts friendship and support. Even the gods favour the strong and often ignore the pleas of the weak.

Q3. How does the wind poke fun at weaklings?

Ans: The wind pokes fun at weaklings who pray for it to come gently. They ask the wind god not to break their window shutters, but he ignores their pleas. Instead, he mocks them by blowing down their houses, shattering their doors, and causing great destruction. The wind god not only damages their homes but also affects their lives and hearts, leaving them crushed.

Q4. What does the poet say the wind god winnows?

Ans: The poet describes the wind god as a powerful force that winnows the weak from the strong. This process is akin to how chaff is separated from grain. The wind god acts as the winnower, using the wind as a fan to sift through what is frail and unhealthy. In this metaphor, the weak are compared to grain, while the wind god ensures that only the strong remain.

Q5. What does the poet think of the wind god’s attitude to the requests of people?

Ans: The poet perceives the wind god as indifferent to human requests. Despite pleas for a gentle breeze, the wind god remains unmoved and does not heed their wishes. This suggests that the strength of the wind is beyond human control.

Q6. Why does the poet want people to have firm bodies and strong hearts?

Ans: The poet emphasises the importance of having strong bodies and resilient hearts to face life's challenges. When confronted with hardships and obstacles, those who are weak or unhealthy may succumb to difficulties. However, individuals who are physically fit and mentally robust can confront these challenges with confidence and courage, enabling them to overcome adversity.

Q7. Why does the poet plead with the wind to blow softly?

Ans: The poet pleads for the wind to blow softly because a gentle breeze is harmless and pleasant. In contrast, a strong wind can cause destruction and chaos. Thus, the poet desires a calm and soothing wind.

Q8. Explain the line: You brought rain again”?

Ans: The line suggests that the wind is responsible for bringing rain. It moves the vapour-laden clouds and causes them to release rain. However, this rain can sometimes lead to destruction and damage.

Q9. What does the wind symbolize in this poem?

Ans: The poet transforms the natural force of wind into a symbol of human life. The destructive wind represents the hardships, challenges, and obstacles that people face. Just as buildings withstand strong winds, individuals must confront difficulties in their lives.

Q10. Why does the poet want people to have firm bodies and strong hearts?

Ans: The poet believes that people need strong bodies and firm hearts to face life's challenges. Life is full of difficulties, such as hardships and obstacles. Those who are weak or unhealthy may struggle to overcome these challenges. However, if individuals are physically strong and mentally resilient, they can confront and endure hardships with confidence and success.

Q11. Why does the poet remark that the friendship of wind is good?

Ans: The poet believes that the friendship of the wind is valuable because it has both gentle and fierce qualities. When we are weak, its power can be destructive, but if we are strong, we can use its energy for positive purposes. As a friend, the wind ultimately benefits humanity.

Q12. What does the wind do with the books?

Ans: The wind tears the pages from books and throws them off the shelf. Its powerful gusts scatter books and sheets of paper across the floor, creating chaos.