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

Q.1. How does the poet capture the sights and sounds of the Lake Isle of Innisfree?
Ans. The poet, W.B. Yeats, had spent many summers during his childhood in the Lake Isle of Innisfree. His memories are so vivid that the sights and sounds seem to have left an permanent impression on his mind. He beautifully portrays the vast, open stretch of land with a very tranquil environment prevailing from morning till evening. The midnight is aglow with the glimmering of the moon and the stars. The noons are bright with a purplish light. In the evening, the linnets, fluttering their wings in flight makes a very captivating sight.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree echoes with the alluring, soothing music of the insects, birds, and waves. The bees sing loudly and the linnets make the evenings energetic with their music. Moreover, there is soft music of the waves striking gently against the shore day and night. Thus, the sights and sounds described by the poet make the island an captivating place.

Poet of The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Q.2. How does the poet contrast city life with life in natural surroundings?
Ans.  Although the poet does not describe the city life in detail, his obsession to go to the beautiful island full of pleasing sights and sounds makes it clear that he wants to leave the noisy life in the city and lead a simple life. The contrast between the crowded cities and the calm, natural surroundings of Innisfree justifies his desire.
The description of green glades and pastures, along with birds and insects singing on Innisfree stand in contrast to the dull-looking roadways and pavements that are full of vehicles and people. This contrast hints at the noise pollution and congestion in cities.
Further, the picture of the island surrounded by the calm water of the lake and its gentle waves present a beautiful sight. In contrast, people in cities are lost in a race of accumulating material possessions. The fewer needs of people living close to nature indicate greater contentment as compared to the city dwellers’ never-ending chase of wealth and material possessions. The poet’s urge to return to natural surroundings for a peaceful life hints at the problems and restlessness of people in cities.
Thus, the poet contrasts every aspect of city life with the life in natural surroundings that are full of pleasure, contentment, and peace.

Q.3. What ideas do you form the personality of the poet from the poem?
Ans. The poet W. B. Yeats who himself is the speaker in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” gives us a peep into his mind and soul. His desire to return to a peaceful, quiet, and natural place, away from the bustle of urban life, brings forth the positive values that govern his life. In the poem, he emerges as a peace-loving fellow who is sick of the hectic, restless, noisy and materialistic life of the cities.
He emerges as a profound lover of natural beauty and tranquillity. His strong nostalgia for the beautiful sights and sounds on the Lake Isle and his desire to lead a simple life of unbroken solitude and peace on the island reveal the simplicity of his heart and mind.
The poet is endowed with profound imagination and sensitive observation. With very keen senses, he sees, observes and presents the beauty of the island in the morning, in the noontime, in the evening, and even at midnight. He can hear the sounds of the bees, the cricket, the linnet, and the sea-waves. He can visualize the Peaceful meadow, the glimmering light of the midnight and the purple glow of the afternoon. He can also hear the loud, unpleasant sounds of the traffic in cities and contrast it with the captivating and soothing music of the waves.
Further, the poet lacks a materialistic attitude towards life. He wants to evade the hectic activities of the materialistic life of the cities and live in a small cabin of clay and wattles. He wants to have only enough to fulfill the basic needs of life.
Thus, the poet comes forth as a person with a profound imagination, minute observation, strong memories and a deep love for nature. He is inspired by the values of contentment and harmony.

Q.4. How can we make our lives enjoyable? Discuss with reference to the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”.
Ans. The world is full of beauty and pleasures. It has a rich feast for our eyes, ears, noses and tongue. God has provided us with beautiful sights and sounds. But it is regrettable that we have only added misery into our lives by being blind to the beauties of the world. We have become much too materialistic and are always lost in a race for more and more riches. We do not have time to enjoy calmly the beauties of nature. We have even spoilt natural surroundings in the name of development. As William Wordsworth beautifully wrote: “The world is too much with us”; we have cut off our bond with nature.
However, we may enjoy a peaceful life if we check our desires. We must realize that contentment is a source of real happiness. We must curtail our greed, jealousy, and hatred. A life of simple needs, near the beautiful surroundings of nature away from the madding crowd of cities can give us soothing delights.
Love for nature, faith in God, and affection for fellow human beings can restore the peace of our minds. We should develop a keen sense to perceive beauty all around and spare time to enjoy these beauties. The soft feel of pity, sympathy, consideration, kindness, and affection can overpower all the sorrows of life and make life thrilling and pleasant.

Q.5. The Isle of Innisfree is both a place and the poet’s state of mind. Discuss.
Ans. The Isle of Innisfree is a tiny uninhabited island within the Lake Lough Gill in County Sligo in northwestern Ireland. The poet, William Butler Yeats, had spent his summers over here when he was a young boy. The calm, quiet, soothing environment of this Isle impressed him so much that he developed a spiritual relationship with this place. He can now hear voices calling within himself just as he heard the sounds of nature in Innisfree. The existence of Innisfree as the poet’s state of mind is as true as the real Innisfree. The images of this place haunt the poet in such a manner that he can visualize everything not in his mind but in his heart. The real place has given him such beautiful memories that he cherishes them even when he is amidst the roadways and pavements of a city. His desire to escape to Innisfree is so strong that his thoughts are overpowered by it. Thus, the poet’s state of mind itself Innisfree which stands as a symbol of peaceful existence amidst nature.

Q.6. Suppose you are the poet W.B. Yeats and have reached your dreamland – the Isle of Innisfree. Write a diary entry in about 150 words expressing your real experiences and emotions.
In your diary entry, you should say
1. how you felt immediately as you landed on the Isle
2. what sights and sounds you experienced there
3. what effect they had on you
Ans. 
(Day and Date)
(Time)
Dear Diary
I am extremely delighted that my dream of coming back to the Isle of Innisfree has been fulfilled. I have actually reached this pleasant world far away from the disturbing and restless life of London. My first glimpse of the island was extremely fulfilling. As I landed on the green, grassy place, I inhaled the fragrant, refreshing air. I felt as if I were in some fairyland. I ran about enjoying the sight of dense green trees and then sat down to bask in the brilliant sunlight. The rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds and the beautiful hues of flowers left me spellbound. I heard the soft music of the waves which, reflecting the sunlight, looked extremely beautiful as they hit the shore and made ripples. I had a nap on the open ridge. In the evening, the linnets, fluttering their wings in the sky, were a breathtaking sight. From under a rock, some crickets were singing. Tonight, I will sleep under the stars and tomorrow I’ll build a cottage for myself.
Everything on this island seems to be heavenly. Every moment spent here is a blessing. After coming here I have realised that the race for money can never give me any pleasure. The environment here is full of contentment and happiness. I wish I had come here earlier. But better late than never.

Q.7. Why do people prefer to live in cities despite the fast-paced and hectic lifestyle?

Ans: Life in a city is undeniably fast-paced, hectic, and often overwhelming. The hustle and bustle of urban life can be exhausting as people rush through their daily routines, juggling multiple responsibilities and commitments. Despite these challenges, many people choose to live in cities because they offer numerous advantages that are hard to find elsewhere.

One of the most significant reasons is the access to better educational opportunities. Cities are home to reputed schools, colleges, and universities, which attract students from different parts of the country. These institutions provide a strong foundation for career development, offering a wide range of courses and specializations that might not be available in rural areas. Furthermore, after completing their education, graduates have better access to job opportunities in various industries that are concentrated in urban areas. The presence of large corporations, multinational companies, startups, and public sector offices makes cities the ideal places to find employment and build a career.

Another reason why people prefer city life is the convenience it offers in terms of amenities and infrastructure. Cities are equipped with advanced healthcare facilities, shopping centers, entertainment options, and public transportation systems. Residents can easily access hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in case of medical emergencies, while shopping malls, markets, and supermarkets provide a wide variety of goods and services. Additionally, public transportation networks such as buses, trains, and metro systems make commuting easier and more efficient, even if the roads are often congested.

Recreational and entertainment options also play a significant role in attracting people to cities. Cinemas, theaters, art galleries, museums, restaurants, and cafes are abundant, offering diverse forms of entertainment and relaxation. Whether it's catching the latest movie, enjoying a live theater performance, or dining at a fine restaurant, city dwellers have endless choices to unwind and enjoy their leisure time. This variety of activities and experiences contributes to the vibrant social life that many people in cities cherish.

In conclusion, while life in a city can be stressful and demanding, people continue to flock to urban areas because of the numerous advantages they offer. From education and employment to recreation and social opportunities, cities provide a unique combination of convenience, opportunity, and excitement that is hard to resist. The modern amenities, diverse experiences, and the promise of a better future for themselves and their families make city life a preferred choice for many, despite its hectic nature.

Q.8. Why is the poet deeply attached to the Lake Isle of Innisfree? Explain.

Ans: The poet, W.B. Yeats, holds a deep and emotional attachment to the Lake Isle of Innisfree, a small, tranquil island located in Ireland. This island is not just a physical place for the poet but a symbol of peace, serenity, and an escape from the complexities of modern life. His profound connection to Innisfree stems from both his childhood experiences and the spiritual tranquility the island represents.

Innisfree, for the poet, is a place where he spent his youthful days, surrounded by the beauty of nature. These memories are etched deeply in his mind, and the island has become a sanctuary in his imagination, a place where he can find solace and peace. In contrast to the noise and chaos of city life, the Lake Isle of Innisfree offers a simple, natural environment that satisfies his longing for solitude and calmness. The poet yearns for this quietude, away from the constant distractions of urban life, where he can live in harmony with nature.

The poet is drawn to the island’s soothing atmosphere, which he describes as a place where peace "comes dropping slow." This phrase suggests that peace gradually envelops the island, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation. The gentle sound of the cricket’s song, the soft buzz of bees, and the rhythmic lapping of the lake’s waves against the shore contribute to this sense of quietude. These sounds are more than just pleasant background noise; they resonate deeply within the poet, leaving a lasting impression on his soul. The sounds of nature, in contrast to the harsh noises of city life, bring him great comfort and inner peace.

Furthermore, the poet is captivated by the island’s natural beauty. The images he paints of the island — the glimmering light of the moon at midnight, the purple glow at noon, and the gentle movement of the waves — evoke a serene and picturesque landscape. These visuals are not only calming but also offer an aesthetic pleasure that deeply affects the poet. The island, with its simple beauty and unspoiled nature, represents a kind of Eden for the poet, a place untouched by the worries and complications of the modern world.

The poet’s longing to return to the Lake Isle of Innisfree is also fueled by his desire for simplicity. He envisions building a small cabin of clay and wattles, where he can live a life of minimal needs, free from materialism. In contrast to the constant striving for wealth and success in cities, life on Innisfree offers the poet a more meaningful existence, one centered on contentment and self-sufficiency. The island’s peaceful environment provides him with a deeper sense of fulfillment, one that he cannot find in the fast-paced, noisy cities.

In essence, the poet’s deep attachment to the Lake Isle of Innisfree is rooted in his search for peace, simplicity, and a connection to nature. The island, with its tranquil sights and soothing sounds, represents a perfect escape from the stresses of modern life. It embodies the poet’s ideal of a harmonious and contented life, one that is in tune with nature and free from the burdens of urban existence.