Worksheet Solutions: Poem - Childhood | English Class 11 PDF Download

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Q1: The speaker realized that his childhood days were gone and would never return, leaving only memories in their place.
Ans: The speaker realized that his childhood days were gone and would never return, leaving only memories in their place.
The speaker realized that his childhood days were gone and would only remain in his memories. This realization is significant as it marks the speaker's understanding of the irreversible passage of time and the loss of childhood innocence.

Q2: The poet believes that childhood is hidden in ___________.
Ans: some forgotten place
The poet believes that childhood is hidden in "some forgotten place." This line emphasizes the emotional and nostalgic aspect of childhood. It suggests that while childhood may be in the past, it is cherished and preserved in a special place in the speaker's heart.

Q3: According to Wordsworth, "Child is the father of the man," which implies that ____________.
Ans: a child's nature and innocence influence an adult's perspective on love and natural wonders
According to Wordsworth, "Child is the father of the man," which implies that a child's nature and innocence influence an adult's perspective on love and natural wonders. This quote suggests that the qualities developed in childhood shape an individual's attitudes and beliefs in adulthood.

Q4: The speaker wondered when he lost his childhood and concluded that it went to __________.
Ans: some forgotten place
The speaker wondered when he lost his childhood and concluded that it went to "some forgotten place." This question reflects the speaker's introspection about the transition from childhood to adulthood and the emotional attachment to the past.

Q5: The poem "Childhood" reflects the poet's contemplation on ___________.
Ans: the transition from childhood to adulthood and the loss of innocence
The poem "Childhood" reflects the poet's contemplation on the transition from childhood to adulthood and the loss of innocence. The poem explores the speaker's journey from simplicity and idealism to the complexities of adulthood.

Q6: The speaker realized that Heaven and earth couldn't be found in Geography, which symbolizes __________.
Ans: that spiritual and meaningful aspects of life cannot be located on a map
The speaker's realization that Heaven and earth could not be found in Geography symbolizes that spiritual and meaningful aspects of life cannot be located on a map. This understanding represents the speaker's growing maturity and a shift from literal interpretations to a deeper, symbolic understanding of the world.

Q7: The poem "Childhood" encourages readers to ___________.
Ans: appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood
The poem encourages readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood. This encouragement highlights the value of preserving childlike qualities, such as wonder and purity, in the face of the complexities of adult life.

Q8: The speaker's realization that his mind was his own signifies ____________.
Ans: his growing maturity and independence in forming his thoughts
The speaker's realization that his mind was his own signifies his growing maturity and independence in forming his thoughts. This realization reflects the development of the speaker's individuality and intellectual autonomy.

Q9: The theme of the poem "Childhood" centers around ___________.
Ans: the nostalgia and innocence of childhood
The theme of the poem "Childhood" centers around the nostalgia and innocence of childhood. The poem's central theme is the yearning for the lost innocence and simplicity of childhood, which is a relatable and emotionally resonant theme for many readers.

Q10: The poet believes that a child teaches mature humans to ___________.
Ans: selflessly appreciate simple love and natural wonders
The poet believes that a child teaches mature humans to selflessly appreciate simple love and natural wonders. This belief emphasizes the purity and unspoiled perspective of a child, which can inspire adults to reconnect with the natural world and experience love in its simplest form.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The speaker in the poem realizes that Heaven and earth cannot be found in Geography.
Reason: The speaker believes that geographical locations cannot define spiritual and meaningful aspects of life.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the speaker in the poem does realize that Heaven and earth cannot be found in Geography. The reason is the correct explanation because the assertion is directly related to the speaker's realization in the poem. The speaker learns that spiritual and meaningful aspects of life cannot be located on a map.

Q2: Assertion: The speaker wondered when he lost his childhood.
Reason: The speaker found out that adults did not always act lovingly.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the speaker indeed wondered when he lost his childhood. The reason is the correct explanation because the speaker's reflection on adults' behavior not always being loving is a part of his contemplation about the loss of his childhood.

Q3: Assertion: The poem "Childhood" reflects the poet's contemplation on the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Reason: The speaker's realization that Heaven and earth couldn't be found in Geography symbolizes growing maturity.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as the poem does reflect the poet's contemplation on the transition from childhood to adulthood. The reason is the correct explanation because the speaker's realization about the limitations of Geography is a symbol of his growing maturity and understanding of the world.

Q4: Assertion: The speaker believes that childhood is hidden in some forgotten place.
Reason: The poet emphasizes the pure thoughts and innocence of a child.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as the speaker believes that childhood is hidden in some forgotten place. The reason is the correct explanation because the poet does emphasize the pure thoughts and innocence of a child as a part of the poem's theme.

Q5: Assertion: The theme of the poem "Childhood" centers around the nostalgia and innocence of childhood.
Reason: The poem encourages readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood.
(a) Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation.
(b) Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation.
(c) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true as the theme of the poem indeed centers around nostalgia and childhood innocence. The reason is the correct explanation because the poem encourages readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood as a part of this theme.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Who is the speaker in the poem "Childhood"?
Ans: The speaker in the poem "Childhood" is not explicitly identified.

Q2: What does the speaker realize about his childhood?
Ans: The speaker realizes that his childhood has passed and will only remain in memories.

Q3: What is the significance of the line, "Heaven and earth could not be found in Geography"?
Ans: This line symbolizes that spiritual and meaningful aspects of life cannot be located on a map.

Q4: According to the poem, where did the speaker's childhood go?
Ans: The poem suggests that the speaker's childhood went to "some forgotten place."

Q5: What theme does the poem "Childhood" revolve around?
Ans: The poem "Childhood" revolves around the theme of nostalgia and the innocence of childhood.

Q6: How does the poem encourage readers?
Ans: The poem encourages readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood.

Q7: What does the speaker's realization about his mind signify?
Ans: The speaker's realization about his mind signifies his growing maturity and independence in forming his thoughts.

Q8: Explain the significance of Wordsworth's quote, "Child is the father of the man."
Ans: Wordsworth's quote suggests that a child's nature and innocence influence an adult's perspective on love and natural wonders.

Q9: What literary devices are used in the poem "Childhood"?
Ans: The poem uses literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and rhetorical questions.

Q10: What message does the poem convey?
Ans: The poem conveys a message about the loss of childhood innocence and the importance of appreciating the simplicity and purity of childhood.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the speaker's realization about the end of his childhood.
Ans: The speaker realizes that his childhood has come to an end, and it will only exist in memories. He wonders when this transition occurred.

Q2: How does the speaker feel about the concepts of Heaven and earth?
Ans: The speaker feels that Heaven and earth cannot be found in Geography, indicating that these concepts are not tangible or location-based but have a deeper, spiritual meaning.

Q3: Explain the significance of the line, "The poet believes that childhood is hidden in some forgotten place."
Ans: This line signifies that childhood memories are preserved in a special, cherished place in the speaker's heart, emphasizing the nostalgia and emotional attachment to childhood.

Q4: Discuss the theme of nostalgia in the poem "Childhood."
Ans: The theme of nostalgia in the poem is about the speaker's longing for the simplicity and innocence of childhood and the bittersweet feeling of its loss.

Q5: How does the poem reflect the transition from childhood to adulthood?
Ans: The poem reflects this transition through the speaker's contemplation of when he lost his childhood and his growing realization of the complexities of the adult world.

Q6: Analyze the role of the child in teaching mature humans, as mentioned in the poem.
Ans: The child in the poem serves as a symbol of purity and innocence, teaching mature humans to appreciate simple love and the wonders of nature selflessly.

Q7: What is the impact of the line, "The speaker's realization that his mind was his own," on the poem's message?
Ans: This line emphasizes the speaker's growing independence and maturity in forming his own thoughts, contributing to the theme of the poem regarding the loss of childhood innocence.

Q8: Why does the poem encourage readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood?
Ans: The poem encourages this because it highlights the value of the pure and simple emotions of childhood in contrast to the complexities of adulthood, urging readers to cherish and appreciate these qualities.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Write a detailed explanation of how the poem "Childhood" portrays the speaker's contemplation on the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Ans: The poem "Childhood" portrays the speaker's contemplation on the transition from childhood to adulthood through his reflections on when he lost his childhood. The speaker wonders when he ceased to be a child and when he realized that the world was not as simple and idealistic as he once thought. The line "Heaven and earth could not be found in Geography" symbolizes the speaker's realization that the deeper, spiritual aspects of life cannot be located in a physical place. This signifies the growing maturity and understanding of the complexities of the adult world. The poem captures the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia for the innocence of childhood and the recognition that it can never be reclaimed.

Q2: Analyze the significance of the poem's theme of nostalgia and how it impacts the reader's emotions.
Ans: The theme of nostalgia in the poem "Childhood" evokes a deep emotional response from readers. The speaker's longing for the simplicity and innocence of childhood is relatable to many, as most people have experienced the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poem's portrayal of this transition and the loss of childhood innocence stirs feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness for a time when life was more straightforward and carefree. Readers may empathize with the universal experience of growing up and realizing that the world is not as idyllic as it once seemed. The theme of nostalgia taps into readers' own memories and emotions, making the poem relatable and emotionally resonant.

Q3: Discuss the impact of the lines, "The speaker's realization that Heaven and earth could not be found in Geography," on the overall message of the poem.
Ans: The lines, "The speaker's realization that Heaven and earth could not be found in Geography," have a profound impact on the poem's overall message. This realization serves as a central metaphor in the poem. It symbolizes the speaker's growing understanding of the world and the transition from childhood to adulthood. The message conveyed is that the deeper, spiritual, and meaningful aspects of life cannot be located on a map or defined by geographical boundaries. This insight marks the speaker's maturation and the loss of childhood innocence. It also encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and the universal journey from childhood to adulthood, where idealism gives way to a more complex understanding of life's intricacies.

Q4: Explain the message conveyed by the poem "Childhood" and its relevance to the readers.
Ans: The poem "Childhood" conveys a message about the inevitability of growing up and the loss of childhood innocence. It reminds readers that childhood, with its simplicity and purity, is a fleeting phase in life. The poem's relevance to readers lies in its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection on their own experiences. It encourages readers to appreciate the simplicity and innocence of childhood, as well as the unspoiled wonder of the world. The poem's message resonates with anyone who has undergone the transition from childhood to adulthood, as it captures the bittersweet feeling of that journey and emphasizes the value of preserving the childlike qualities of love and appreciation for the natural world. Readers can relate to the universal theme of growing up and the longing for the lost innocence of childhood.