Poems B. A. I Sem. I

B. A. I

English (Optional) Introduction to English Literature

Semester I

2023-24

 Poetry Section

1. Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson

2. The Tyger by William Blake

3. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

4. Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson

___________________________________________________________________________________

  1. Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson

 

• Born: December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.
• Died: May 15, 1886, in Amherst, Massachusetts.
• Occupation: American poet known for her reclusive lifestyle.
• Writing Style: Known for her unconventional, concise, and often enigmatic poems.
• Publication: Most of her work was published posthumously.
• Themes: Her poems often explored themes of death, immortality, nature, and the human psyche.
• Influence: Regarded as one of the most important American poets, influencing modern and contemporary poetry.
• Notable Works: "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," "Hope is the thing with feathers," and "I'm Nobody! Who are you?"
• Legacy: Her unique style and themes continue to be studied and admired by literary scholars and poets worldwide.

          Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson

 

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held but just Ourselves –

And Immortality.

 

We slowly drove – He knew no haste

And I had put away

My labor and my leisure too,

For His Civility –

 

We passed the School, where Children strove

At Recess – in the Ring –

We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –

We passed the Setting Sun –

 

Or rather – He passed Us –

The Dews drew quivering and Chill –

For only Gossamer, my Gown –

My Tippet – only Tulle –

 

We paused before a House that seemed

A Swelling of the Ground –

The Roof was scarcely visible –

The Cornice – in the Ground –

 

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet

Feels shorter than the Day

I first surmised the Horses' Heads

Were toward Eternity –

 

Summary

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson is a poem about a journey with Death. In the poem, Death is personified as a kind driver who comes to pick up the speaker in a carriage. They take a slow and leisurely ride, passing by various scenes like a schoolyard and fields of grain. As they continue, the sun sets, and it becomes chilly. The speaker is dressed lightly in a gown and tulle. They eventually stop at a grave, which appears like a raised area in the ground with no visible roof. The poem ends by suggesting that it has been centuries, but the day the speaker first realized they were heading toward eternity feels like it happened just a moment ago.

In simple terms, the poem tells the story of a peaceful and gentle journey with Death, emphasizing that death is a natural part of life and not something to be feared.

 Multiple-choice questions (MCQs):

1. What is the central theme of the poem?

a) Love            b) Nature        c) Life and death        d) Childhood

Answer: c) Life and death

2. Who is personified as a kind driver in the poem?

a) The sun        b) Death         c) A child        d) A teacher

Answer: b) Death

3. During the journey, the speaker and Death pass by all of the following except:

a) A school      b) A setting sun          c) Fields of grain         d) A bustling city

Answer: d) A bustling city

4. How does the speaker feel about Death in the poem?

 a) Afraid        b) Angry          c) Indifferent             d) Appreciative

Answer: d) Appreciative

5. What is the attire of the speaker during the carriage ride with Death?

a) Heavy winter coat   b) Wedding dress        c) Gown and tulle       d) Business suit

Answer: c) Gown and tulle

6. What do the gossamer gown and tulle symbolize in the poem?

a) Warmth       b) Elegance     c) Fragility       d) Wealth

Answer: c) Fragility

7. The poem suggests that the journey with Death feels:

a) Longer than expected         b) Shorter than expected        

c) Boring                     d) Like an adventure

Answer: b) Shorter than expected

8. What is the significance of the setting sun in the poem?

a) It marks the end of the school day b) It represents the end of life c) It symbolizes a new beginning d) It has no specific meaning

Answer: b) It represents the end of life

9. What does the house that the speaker and Death pause before look like?

 a) Grand and luxurious                      b) Barely visible with no roof            

c) Small and cozy                    d) Surrounded by flowers

Answer: b) Barely visible with no roof

10. What message does the poem convey about the relationship between life and death?

a) Life and death are unrelated                       b) Life is more important than death

c) Life and death are intertwined       d) Death is avoidable

Answer: c) Life and death are intertwined

 Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is the central theme of Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death"?

The central theme of the poem is the journey from life to death and the idea that death is an inevitable and natural part of the human experience.

2. Who is the personified figure in the poem, and how does the speaker feel about them?

Death is personified in the poem, and the speaker portrays Death as a courteous and patient companion, suggesting that the speaker has a somewhat positive or accepting attitude toward death.

3. What are some of the scenes the speaker and Death pass by during their journey?

The speaker and Death pass by a schoolyard, fields of grain, and a setting sun during their journey, representing different stages and experiences of life.

4. How does the poem convey the idea that time is relative?

The poem suggests that even though centuries may have passed since the journey with Death, it feels shorter than the moment the speaker first realized they were heading toward eternity, emphasizing the relativity of time.

5. What is the significance of the speaker's light attire during the carriage ride with Death?

The speaker's light clothing, a gown and tulle, symbolizes the ethereal nature of life and its transience when faced with the eternity represented by Death and the afterlife.

 __________________________________________________________________________________

 

2. The Tyger by William Blake

• William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and printmaker of the Romantic era.
• He is known for his unique blend of poetry and visual art, often combining his own illustrations with his poems.
• Some of his famous works include "Songs of Innocence and Experience," "The Tyger," and "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell."
• Blake's poetry often explored themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the contrast between innocence and experience.
• He was a visionary artist who claimed to have mystical experiences and communicate with spirits, which influenced his creative work.
• His influence on literature and art extended beyond his lifetime, and he is considered a significant figure in both Romantic literature and visual arts.
• Blake's works were often misunderstood or ignored during his lifetime, but he is now recognized as a highly influential and innovative artist and poet.

                                      The Tyger by William Blake

 

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, 

In the forests of the night; 

What immortal hand or eye, 

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

 

In what distant deeps or skies. 

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand, dare seize the fire?

 

And what shoulder, & what art,

Could twist the sinews of thy heart?

And when thy heart began to beat.

What dread hand? & what dread feet?

 

What the hammer? what the chain,

In what furnace was thy brain?

What the anvil? what dread grasp.

Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

 

When the stars threw down their spears 

And water'd heaven with their tears:

Did he smile his work to see?

Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

 

Tyger Tyger burning bright,

In the forests of the night:

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Summary

In "The Tyger," the speaker marvels at the fierce and powerful nature of a tiger. The poem opens with the famous lines, "Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night," which describe the vivid and intense image of the tiger in the darkness of the forest.

The speaker wonders about the creation of this magnificent creature. He questions what kind of divine force or creator could have crafted such a fearsome and symmetrical creature. This inquiry continues as the speaker ponders where and how this creator forged the tiger's fiery eyes, strong wings, and the hand that could seize and control the fire within the tiger.

The poem explores the idea of creation, both in terms of the physical aspects of the tiger, like its heart and brain, and the more abstract notion of what kind of mind or force could conceive and give birth to such a creature. The repetition of "What dread hand? & what dread feet?" emphasizes the mystery and awe surrounding the tiger's creation.

As the poem progresses, the speaker questions the tools used in the tiger's creation, mentioning a hammer, chain, anvil, and a grasp of deadly terrors, alluding to the idea that the tiger's making was a formidable and powerful act.

The poem takes a more contemplative turn when the speaker reflects on the divine aspect of creation. He wonders if the same creator who made the gentle lamb, symbolizing innocence and purity, could also have made the fearsome tiger. This contrast between the lamb and the tiger highlights the duality of creation, with both good and evil existing side by side.

In the end, the poem returns to the central question of who or what could have created the tiger with such fearful symmetry. The repeated refrain, "What immortal hand or eye, Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?" underscores the enduring mystery and wonder of the tiger's creation.

"The Tyger" is a poem that delves into the complexities of creation, the dual nature of existence, and the mysteries of the divine. It invites readers to contemplate the awe-inspiring and sometimes terrifying aspects of the natural world and the forces that shape it.

 Multiple-choice questions (MCQs):

1. What is the central theme of the poem "The Tyger"?

a) The innocence of the tiger                          b) The mystery of creation and duality

c) The tiger's fear of its surroundings             d) The beauty of the forest at night

 

2. What is the significance of the phrase "burning bright" in the first line of the poem?

a) The tiger's warm and gentle nature             b) The tiger's fierce and vibrant presence

c) The darkness of the night in the forest       d) The speaker's fear of the tiger

 

3. The poem questions what immortal hand or eye could create the tiger's "fearful symmetry." What does "fearful symmetry" refer to?

a) The tiger's symmetrical stripes                             b) The beauty and perfection of the tiger

c) The tiger's chaotic and irregular appearance      d) The tiger's ability to cause fear in others

 

4. In the poem, the speaker wonders about the origin of the fire in the tiger's eyes. What do they ask about this fire?

a) How did it get put out?                  b) On what wings did it fly?

c) How did it burn the forest?                        d) Why is it cold?

 

5. The poem asks, "And what shoulder, & what art"? What is the speaker inquiring about here?

a) The creator's physical attributes            b) The artist's technique

c) The tools used to make the tiger                 d) The tiger's strength

 

6. The poem mentions "the Lamb." What is the significance of the lamb in relation to the tiger in the poem?

a) The lamb represents gentleness and innocence. b) The lamb is the tiger's prey.

c) The lamb and tiger are the same creature.        d) The lamb symbolizes the fear of the tiger.

 

7.What is the purpose of the poem's repetitive questioning and curiosity about the tiger's creation?

a) To emphasize the speaker's fear of the tiger

b) To provide a clear answer about the tiger's origin

c) To express the wonder and mystery of creation

d) To criticize the tiger's existence

 

8. The poem suggests that the stars "threw down their spears" and "watered heaven with their tears." What does this imagery signify?

a) A celestial battle between good and evil

b) The tiger's ability to control the heavens

c) A natural phenomenon in the night sky

d) The tiger's cruelty toward the stars

 

9. What does the final line of the poem ask about the tiger's "fearful symmetry"?

a) Who created it?                             b) Why is it fearful?

c) What makes it symmetrical?           d) How did it become a tiger?

 

10. What is the overall tone of the poem "The Tyger"?

a) Joyful and lighthearted       b) Fearful and somber

c) Curious and awe-inspired            d) Indifferent and disinterested

 Short Answer Type Questions

1.      What is the central theme of "The Tyger"?

Answer: The central theme of the poem is the mystery of creation and the duality of nature, where the speaker marvels at the fierce and beautiful nature of the tiger while questioning its origin.

2.      What does "burning bright" in the first line of the poem symbolize?

Answer: "Burning bright" symbolizes the vibrant and fierce presence of the tiger, highlighting its vivid and powerful nature in the dark forest.

3.      What is the significance of the repetition of questions in the poem?

Answer: The repetition of questions reflects the speaker's curiosity and wonder about the tiger's creation, emphasizing the mysterious and awe-inspiring aspects of the creature.

4.      How does the poem connect the tiger to "the Lamb"?

Answer: The poem suggests that the same creator who made the gentle and innocent lamb also made the fearsome tiger, emphasizing the contrast between innocence and experience in life.

5.      What does the imagery of the stars "throwing down their spears" and "watering heaven with their tears" signify in the poem?

Answer: This imagery signifies a celestial battle between good and evil, emphasizing the idea of the tiger's existence as a force with both beauty and potentially destructive power.

6.      What is the overall tone of the poem?

Answer: The overall tone of the poem is one of curiosity and awe-inspired wonder as the speaker contemplates the mystery of creation and the powerful, yet enigmatic nature of the tiger.

 

 __________________________________________________________________________________

3. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost

·         Robert Frost (1874-1963): A renowned American poet of the 20th century.

·         Early Life: Born in San Francisco, California, but spent much of his life in New England.

·         Education: Attended Dartmouth College and Harvard University but did not complete a degree.

·         Themes: Known for poems exploring rural life, nature, and the human condition.

·         Notable Works: "The Road Not Taken," "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," "Mending Wall."

·         Awards: Four Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.

·         Style: Employed traditional forms and language in a modern context, making his work accessible to a broad audience.

·         Legacy: One of America's most celebrated and widely read poets, known for his skillful use of colloquial language and vivid imagery.

     

 Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

 

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

 

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

 

 Summary

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost is a thoughtful and calm poem that tells the story of a traveler who pauses in a quiet, snow-covered forest.

The speaker, while traveling on horseback, comes across a peaceful, snow-covered forest. He thinks he knows the owner of the woods, but the owner's house is in the nearby village. Since the owner won't see him stopping, the speaker takes a moment to watch the snow falling gently in the woods.

The speaker's horse, however, finds it strange to stop in such a deserted place, far from any buildings, between the woods and a frozen lake on the darkest evening of the year. The horse shakes its harness bells, as if to question the stop.

In the midst of this calm scene, the only other sounds are the soft whispers of the wind and the falling snowflakes.

The beauty of the woods captivates the speaker, and he describes them as "lovely, dark and deep." However, he is reminded that he has responsibilities and commitments, represented by "promises to keep." He also acknowledges that he has a long journey ahead, signified by "miles to go before I sleep." The repetition of the final line, "And miles to go before I sleep," underscores the weight of the speaker's obligations.

The poem reflects the conflict between the speaker's desire to remain in the tranquil and inviting forest and the duties that indicate him to continue his journey. It also hints at the tension between the appeal of nature's beauty and the demands of human responsibilities.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

1. What is the central theme of the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"?

    a) The beauty of a snow-covered forest

    b) The traveler's desire to stay in the woods

    c) The conflict between rest and responsibility

    d) The darkness of a winter evening

 

2. Where is the owner's house located, according to the speaker?

    a) In the woods

    b) In a neighboring town or village

    c) By the frozen lake

    d) Nowhere, it's a metaphor

 

3. Why does the speaker stop in the woods?

    a) To rest and enjoy the snowfall

    b) To watch the horse drink from the frozen lake

    c) To admire the owner's property

    d) To ask for directions

 

4. What does the horse do when the speaker stops in the woods?

    a) It continues to walk into the woods.

    b) It shakes its harness bells.

    c) It neighs loudly.

    d) It refuses to move.

 

5. What is the mood or atmosphere of the snowy woods in the poem?

    a) Warm and inviting

    b) Eerie and mysterious

    c) Chaotic and noisy

    d) Serene and tranquil

6. What does the speaker describe the woods as in the poem?

    a) Dark and frightening

    b) Filled with hidden dangers

    c) Lovely, dark, and deep

    d) Mysterious and unknown

 

7. What does the phrase "promises to keep" refer to in the poem?

    a) The traveler's obligations and commitments

    b) The promises made to the horse

    c) The traveler's love for the forest

    d) The obligations of the forest owner

 

8. Why is the evening described as "the darkest evening of the year" in the poem?

    a) Because it is a metaphor for a difficult time in the traveler's life

    b) Because it is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year

    c) Because it is exceptionally cloudy and dark that night

    d) Because the traveler is in a forest with no moonlight

 

9. What is the significance of the repetition of the final line, "And miles to go before I sleep"?

    a) It emphasizes the traveler's desire to rest in the woods.

    b) It symbolizes the traveler's determination to continue his journey.

    c) It signifies the horse's impatience to reach the village.

    d) It represents the traveler's fear of the dark woods.

 

10. What is the primary conflict explored in the poem?

a) Man vs. nature

b) Man vs. society

c) Man vs. machine

d) Man vs. himself

 

 Short Answer Type Questions

1.      What is the central conflict in the poem?

Answer: The central conflict is the internal struggle of the traveler who is torn between the allure of the serene snowy woods and the responsibilities and promises that await him.

2.      What does the phrase "promises to keep" refer to in the poem?

Answer: "Promises to keep" signifies the obligations and commitments that the traveler must fulfill in his life, which take precedence over his desire to linger in the woods.

3.      Why does the speaker's horse find it strange to stop in the woods?

Answer: The horse is accustomed to stopping at places with shelter or a farmhouse nearby, and it finds the remote woods on the darkest evening of the year unfamiliar and unsettling.

4.      What is the significance of the repetition of the final line, "And miles to go before I sleep"?

Answer: This repetition emphasizes the weight of the traveler's responsibilities and the long journey that lies ahead, underscoring the conflict between rest and duty.

5.      What is the mood of the snowy woods as described in the poem?

Answer: The mood of the woods is serene and tranquil, as indicated by the gentle snowfall and the peacefulness of the setting, which contrasts with the traveler's internal conflict.

 __________________________________________________________________________________

 

4. Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson

·         Edwin Arlington Robinson (1869-1935): An American poet known for his insightful and often darkly realistic verse.

·         Early Life: Born in Head Tide, Maine, and raised in a troubled family environment.

·         Education: Attended Harvard College for a short period.

·         Themes: Explored themes of human nature, isolation, and the complexities of individual lives.

·         Notable Works: "Richard Cory," "Miniver Cheevy," "Luke Havergal," and "Eros Turannos."

·         Awards: Three Pulitzer Prizes for Poetry.

·         Style: Employed traditional forms and meters in his poetry, focusing on the lives and struggles of ordinary people.

·         Influence: A significant influence on modern American poetry and often associated with the "Modernist" movement.

·         Legacy: His poems offer a deep insight into the human condition and the complexities of the human psyche.

            Richard Cory

 

Whenever Richard Cory went down town,

We people on the pavement looked at him:

He was a gentleman from sole to crown,

Clean favored, and imperially slim.

 

And he was always quietly arrayed,

And he was always human when he talked;

But still he fluttered pulses when he said,

"Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked.

 

And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—

And admirably schooled in every grace:

In fine, we thought that he was everything

To make us wish that we were in his place.

 

So on we worked, and waited for the light,

And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;

And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,

Went home and put a bullet through his head.

Summary

"Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson is a thought-provoking poem that tells the story of a man named Richard Cory. In a small town, the people on the streets admire and envy Cory. He is described as a gentleman who exudes charm, is well-dressed, and rich. His mere presence brightens the day of those who encounter him. The townspeople believe he has everything, and they wish to be in his position.

However, the poem takes a sudden and tragic turn in the last stanza. It reveals that, despite his wealth and outward perfection, Richard Cory, one calm summer night, takes his own life by putting a bullet through his head. This unexpected and grim ending serves as a powerful reminder that outward appearances can be deceiving, and one should not judge a person's inner struggles based on their external success. The poem highlights the theme of the human condition and the loneliness and despair that can hide behind a façade of privilege and affluence.

 

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs):

1. What is the central theme of "Richard Cory"?

    a) The glamour of wealth and success

    b) The importance of physical appearance

    c) The consequences of envy and admiration

    d) The unpredictability of human nature

 

2. How do the people in the town feel about Richard Cory at the beginning of the poem?

    a) They resent him.

    b) They admire and envy him.

    c) They avoid him.

    d) They are indifferent to him.

3. Which phrase describes Richard Cory's appearance in the poem?

    a) "Ill-dressed and unkempt"

    b) "Richer than a king"

    c) "Unimpressive and shabby"

    d) "Clean favored and imperially slim"

4. What emotion does Richard Cory's presence evoke in the townspeople?

    a) Fear

    b) A desire for revenge

    c) Admiration and excitement

    d) Joy and laughter

5. What did the townspeople think about Richard Cory's life and status?

    a) They believed he was unhappy and troubled.

    b) They wished they could be in his place.

    c) They thought he was poor and struggling.

    d) They pitied him.

6. What is the significant twist in the poem's ending?

    a) Richard Cory becomes a hero.

    b) Richard Cory marries one of the townspeople.

    c) Richard Cory takes his own life.

    d) Richard Cory becomes a recluse.

7. What does the poem ultimately reveal about Richard Cory's life and inner turmoil?

    a) He is completely content and happy.

    b) He is overwhelmed by the admiration of others.

    c) He is lonely and troubled despite his apparent success.

    d) He is seeking revenge against the townspeople.

8. How do the townspeople react to the news of Richard Cory's fate?

    a) They celebrate his downfall.

    b) They are shocked and saddened.

    c) They feel indifferent.

    d) They feel relieved.

9. What is the primary lesson or moral of "Richard Cory"?

    a) Wealth and success are the keys to happiness.

    b) Outward appearances can be deceiving, and true contentment goes beyond             

        material success.

    c) Envy and admiration can lead to a better life.

    d) It is best to avoid wealthy and successful people.

10. What is the overall tone of the poem "Richard Cory"?

a) Joyful and celebratory

b) Envious and resentful

c) Tragic and ironic

d) Indifferent and casual

 

Short Answer Type Questions

1.      What is the initial impression of Richard Cory in the poem?

Answer: The initial impression is that Richard Cory is a gentleman who is well-dressed, rich, and exudes an air of grace and charm, which greatly impresses the townspeople.

2.      How do the people in the town feel about Richard Cory in the beginning?

Answer: The people in the town admire and envy Richard Cory because they believe he has everything and wish they could be in his position.

3.      What significant event takes place in the poem's conclusion?

Answer: In a surprising twist, Richard Cory takes his own life by putting a bullet through his head, revealing that his external success and charm concealed inner struggles and despair.

4.      What is the central theme or message of "Richard Cory"?

Answer: The central theme is that outward appearances can be deceiving, and true contentment and happiness are not solely defined by wealth or status.

5.      What emotion does Richard Cory's presence evoke in the townspeople at the beginning of the poem?

Answer: Richard Cory's presence excites admiration and joy among the townspeople, who are eager to see and greet him.

6.      Why the poem is titled "Richard Cory"?

Answer: The title of the poem reflects the central character's name, and the poem delves into the perceptions and misconceptions surrounding this character's life and fate.