Class 9 Beehive Poem Chapter 1 Question Answers - The Road Not Taken

Q1: What is a wood? What did the narrator see in the wood? Were the paths similar?
Ans: A wood refers to a forest. In the wood, the narrator saw two paths diverging and disappearing into the undergrowth. The paths were not entirely similar; one path had more grass and seemed less used compared to the other.

Q2: What did the narrator hope that he would do one day? Was he sure of doing so?
Ans: The narrator hoped to come back and try the other path someday. However, he was not entirely sure if he would be able to do so, as he understood that once he chose a path, it might be difficult to return and take the other.

Q3: Does one road seem to be more appealing than the other? Use examples from the poem to support your answer.
Ans: In the poem, the narrator initially describes both roads as being equally appealing. He states that both paths "equally lay" and that they were "worn really about the same." However, the narrator later admits that the path he chose had "perhaps the better claim" because it was less traveled and had "made all the difference." This implies that while both paths seemed equally attractive at first, the one less traveled turned out to be more significant.

Q4: What does the poet mean when he says, "worn them really about the same"?
Ans: When the poet says "worn them really about the same," he means that both paths appeared to be equally used or worn by previous travelers. The narrator is emphasizing that, outwardly, there was no clear indication of which path had been chosen more often by others. This adds to the sense of ambiguity and difficulty in making a decision about which path to take.

Q5: Discuss the title of the poem “The Road Not Taken”. Is it appropriate for the poem?
Ans: Yes, it is apt because the title of the poem revolves around the central theme of making choices. The narrator reflects on a moment in his life when he had to choose between two paths diverging in a wood. The title captures the essence of the poem, emphasizing the significance of the path not taken and the impact of choices on one's journey through life.

Q6: Why does the poet say he shall tell people “this with a sigh”? Why do you think the final stanza starts with a sigh?
Ans: The poet uses the phrase "this with a sigh" to convey a sense of reflection, contemplation, and perhaps a tinge of regret. The sigh suggests that the narrator acknowledges the significance of his choice and the uncertainty of its outcome. The final stanza starts with a sigh to evoke a tone of retrospection and to emphasize the weight of the decision made earlier in life. It underscores the narrator's understanding that the choices he makes shape his journey and contribute to his sense of identity and fulfillment.

Q7: Bring out the symbolism in the poem “The Road Not Taken”.
Ans: The poem employs the road as a symbol for the choices and decisions individuals encounter in life. The two diverging paths represent different opportunities, possibilities, or life directions that one must choose between. The symbolism highlights the idea that life is a journey filled with choices, and the path one selects can have a significant impact on their experiences and outcomes. The speaker's contemplation of the road not taken reflects the universal human tendency to wonder about the alternative paths not pursued.

Q8: The road is used as a metaphor for life in this poem. Can you think of another metaphor and explain why that has been used to describe life?
(Encourage students to think creatively and formulate their own answers.)
Ans: Another metaphor for life could be a river. Life, like a river, flows continuously, presenting different challenges and experiences along the way. Just as a river's course is unpredictable and may have calm stretches as well as turbulent waters, life also brings moments of tranquility and challenges. The metaphor of a river emphasizes the dynamic nature of life and the need to navigate its twists and turns, adapt to changing circumstances, and find ways to reach one's destination while embracing the journey itself.