Test: The Patriot - Class 10 MCQ

The crowd's behavior shifts dramatically from adoring the patriot to condemning him as a traitor. This change reflects the fickle nature of public opinion, emphasizing how quickly admiration can turn to disdain.

The speaker recalls being celebrated with "roses" and "myrtle," which symbolize love, honor, and victory. These images evoke a sense of joy and triumph, contrasting sharply with his eventual downfall.

When the speaker says, "I am safer so," he expresses his belief that divine judgment is fairer than human judgment. He finds comfort in the idea that God will ultimately repay him, contrasting the betrayal he feels from society.

While "The Patriot" explores the transient nature of fame and the rapid shift in public opinion, it does not suggest that fame is permanent. In fact, the poem critiques the fleeting nature of public adoration and the consequences of societal judgment.

The imagery of "the air broke into a mist with bells" signifies a moment of public celebration, depicting the joyous atmosphere during the speaker's initial rise to fame. It emphasizes the fervor and excitement of the crowd at that time.

In the context of the poem, 'harvest' symbolizes the consequences of the speaker's actions. It reflects the bitter outcome of his efforts to serve the public, which ultimately leads to his condemnation rather than celebration.

The speaker compares his ambitions to Icarus, who "leaped at the sun" and fell. This comparison highlights the dangers of overambition and serves as a metaphor for his tragic fall from grace after striving for the public's approval.

The final stanza offers a resolution through faith, as the speaker finds solace in the belief that divine judgment is fairer than human judgment. This emotional shift provides a sense of hope and acceptance, contrasting the earlier despair.

The phrase suggests that the speaker views fame as a burden that does not come with genuine rewards. It reflects a cynical perspective on public acclaim, highlighting the idea that societal recognition is often fleeting and can lead to downfall.

Browning critiques societal hypocrisy by illustrating the crowd's blind enthusiasm, which quickly turns to condemnation. This shift highlights how public opinion can be fickle and how easily people can turn against those they once celebrated.

The term 'palsied' implies that the remaining onlookers are elderly or physically weakened, suggesting that they are not the vibrant crowd that once celebrated the patriot. This emphasizes the stark contrast between past glory and present isolation.

The tone of the poem is primarily bitter, as the speaker reflects on his past glory and current condemnation. His lamentation about the fickleness of public opinion and his sense of betrayal contribute to this bitterness.

The phrase 'my loving friends' is significant because it highlights the speaker's sense of betrayal. Despite his dedication to the people, they quickly turn against him, illustrating the fickleness of public support.

The "scaffold's floor" symbolizes the finality of death, as it is the place where executions occur. It serves as a powerful reminder of the speaker's impending doom and the consequences of his actions.

The central conflict in "The Patriot" revolves around the clash between personal ambition and public opinion. The speaker's desire to serve and be acclaimed is met with the harsh reality of public fickleness and eventual condemnation.

"The Patriot" is a dramatic monologue, a form that allows a single speaker to express his thoughts and feelings directly to the audience, often revealing his character and circumstances through his speech. This form is characteristic of Browning's work and emphasizes the psychological depth of the speaker.

The poem loosely alludes to historical figures like Napoleon III, reflecting on themes of heroism and the fickle nature of public favor within the context of political leadership and patriotism.

The poem's structure, consisting of six stanzas, mirrors the speaker's emotional journey from celebration to condemnation. This progression emphasizes the themes of fleeting fame and the consequences of public opinion.

The line employs irony, as the speaker reflects on the crowd's overwhelming adoration that could lead them to fulfill even impossible demands. This irony underscores the contrast between his past popularity and present fate.

Browning's use of vivid imagery enhances the poem by allowing readers to visualize the emotional highs and lows experienced by the speaker. This imagery helps convey the intensity of both his initial celebration and subsequent condemnation.