Textbook Solutions: The Solitary Reaper | Buzzword Class 7: Book Solutions, Summaries & Worksheets PDF Download

(A) Answer these questions

1.
Ans: The reaper, a solitary Highland lass, was reaping and singing in the field when the speaker first saw her.

2. 
Ans:  The speaker seems unsure about whether to stay or move on because he is captivated by the reaper's song. He is so entranced by her singing that he is torn between stopping to listen or continuing on his way.

3. 
Ans: The speaker compares the reaper's song to that of the nightingale and the cuckoo to emphasize the beauty and enchantment of her singing. He wants to convey that her voice is as melodious and captivating as the songs of these renowned birds known for their beautiful melodies.

4. 
Ans: The speaker is not sure about the theme of the song because he cannot understand the lyrics of the reaper's song. He suggests two possible themes: one related to "old, unhappy, far-off things, and battles long ago," and the other related to "more humble" and current everyday matters like natural sorrow, loss, or pain. He considers that the song could be about past historical events or contemporary, everyday experiences.

5. 
(a) 
Ans: As the speaker walked away from the scene, he felt deeply moved and affected by the reaper's song.

(b)
Ans: Yes, the song affected the speaker greatly. He carried the music of her song in his heart long after he could no longer hear it, indicating that the song had a lasting impact on him and left a lasting impression.

(B) Think and answer

1.
Ans: The word 'melancholy' tells us that the solitary singer's song has a sad and pensive quality. It suggests that the song she is singing reflects a sense of sorrow or deep emotion.

2.
Ans: The speaker did not approach the girl and ask her about the theme of the song because he likely wanted to preserve the sense of mystery and enchantment surrounding the moment. He might have felt that directly asking her would break the spell, and he preferred to leave the song's meaning to his own imagination. Additionally, the reaper was in the midst of her work, and it might not have been considered appropriate to interrupt her.