A day Exercise Class 12 English: Questions and answers

 

Exercise Questions Answer Of A Day by Emily Dickinson Class 12 English

Tittle Meaning

The time when the sun rises till the time when the sun sets.

Central Idea/Main Theme

The main theme of the poem "A Day" by Emily Dickinson is the passage of time and the cycle of life, represented through the imagery of sunrise and sunset. The poem explores the stages of innocence and experience, symbolized by the young children transitioning from one side of the stile to the other. It celebrates the wonders of nature and reminds us to cherish each day as it unfolds, appreciating the beauty of life's journey from beginning to end.

Major Symbols Used in the Poem

Day = Life

Sunrise = Birth

Sunset = Death

Summary of this poem;

The poem "A Day" by Emily Dickinson is a celebration of the wonders of nature and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and symbols, the poem describes the beauty of a day, starting with the sunrise and the hills coming alive with the singing of birds. The poem also portrays the setting sun, signifying the end of the day and the completion of life's journey.

The children climbing the stile symbolize the transition from innocence to experience, reflecting the growth and learning that occur throughout life. The poem encourages us to cherish each day and appreciate the beauty of life's journey from beginning to end.

Overall, "A Day" presents the cyclical nature of life, where each day brings new experiences, and the sun rises and sets, representing the cycle of birth, growth, and ultimately, the passage of time.

Understanding the text

"Here, I have provided 2 or 3 sample answers for each question. You may choose any of them that you find easiest. However, please remember that your answer must be at least 75 words for short-answer questions, which carry 2 marks in the exam. In your answer, include an introduction mentioning the author, main theme, and characters. Then, in the body, justify your response thoroughly. Finally, conclude your answer briefly!!

Answer the following questions.

a. How does the poet describe the morning sun in the first stanza?

In the first stanza, the poet describes the morning sun as rising slowly, like a ribbon being unfurled. The steeples (tall towers of a church) appear to swim in beautiful amethyst colors, creating a magical and enchanting scene. The news spreads quickly, compared to squirrels running, which adds to the sense of liveliness and excitement in the morning.

Unfurled: Opened or unfolded, like how a ribbon or flag is spread out to show its full length.

Amethyst: A shade of purple color, like the gemstone amethyst, which is a beautiful purple crystal.

 Vivid: Bright, clear, and colorful; something that is very distinct and stands out in a clear and lively way.

OR

In the first stanza, the poet describes the morning sun as rising slowly like a ribbon, making the steeples (church towers) look amethyst-colored. It creates a beautiful and colorful scene as the news spreads quickly, like squirrels running around.

OR

In the first stanza, the poet talks about the morning sun in a lovely way. She says the sun rises slowly like a ribbon, and it makes the tall church towers look purple and pretty. The poet uses imaginative words to show how the sun brings brightness and beauty to the world when it appears in the morning. The sun's light is like a ribbon gradually unfolding, and it paints the steeples with a colorful glow, making the world look wonderful.

OR

In the first stanza of the poem, the poet uses beautiful and creative language to describe the morning sun. She compares the way the sun rises to a ribbon being unfolded gradually. This means that the sun's light slowly spreads across the sky, just like when you slowly open and spread out a ribbon.

The poet also talks about the effect of the sun's light on the church towers, which she calls steeples. She says that the sun's rays make these tall structures appear amethyst-colored. Amethyst is a purple gemstone, so the poet is saying that the sun's light gives the steeples a lovely purple hue.

Overall, the poet is painting a picture of a peaceful and enchanting morning scene, where the sun's gentle light brings beauty and color to the world. Her use of descriptive and imaginative language helps us imagine this lovely morning setting.

b. What does the line ‘The news like squirrels ran’ mean?

The line 'The news like squirrels ran' means that information or news travels very quickly, just like squirrels running around energetically. It suggests that the news spreads rapidly and is shared among people in a swift manner.

OR

The line "The news like squirrels ran" means that the news spreads rapidly and energetically, just like squirrels move quickly and actively. It suggests that the information or events are being shared and circulated rapidly.

OR

The line "The news like squirrels ran" means that the news or information spreads quickly and energetically, just like how squirrels move around very fast. It's like saying that when something interesting or important happens, people start sharing and talking about it rapidly, just as squirrels move quickly from one place to another. The poet uses this comparison to show that news can travel swiftly and reach many people in a short time, similar to how squirrels dart around in a lively and active manner.

OR

In the line "The news like squirrels ran," the poet is using a simile to compare the way news spreads to the quick and energetic movements of squirrels. Squirrels are known for their agility and swift movements as they run and jump from one place to another.

By comparing the news to squirrels, the poet emphasizes how rapidly information travels and spreads among people. When something exciting or important happens, people talk about it enthusiastically, and news travels from person to person like squirrels moving swiftly through trees. It suggests that news can quickly reach many people, just as squirrels can cover a lot of ground in a short time.

Overall, the line vividly portrays the speed and liveliness with which news spreads in a community, making the comparison easy for readers to understand and visualize.

c. What do you understand by the line ‘The hills untied their bonnets’?

The line 'The hills untied their bonnets' means that the tops of the hills or mountains, which may have been covered by clouds or mist, become visible as the morning progresses. The word 'bonnets' here is used metaphorically to describe how the hills appear to uncover themselves, revealing their beauty.

OR

"The hills untied their bonnets" means that the hills are losing their covering, like removing a bonnet. Here, it refers to the hills becoming bare or uncovered, possibly because the morning sun is rising and revealing their beauty.

OR

The line "The hills untied their bonnets" means that the hills are losing their covering or caps, like when you untie or remove a bonnet from your head. In this context, the "bonnets" refer to the coverings on the top of the hills, like how a hat or bonnet covers someone's head. The poet is using personification to give human-like qualities to the hills, making them seem as if they are taking off their bonnets. This line suggests that as the morning sun rises, it reveals the beauty of the hills, which were previously hidden or covered.

OR

In the line "The hills untied their bonnets," the poet uses personification to give human-like qualities to the hills. Personification means giving non-human objects or things human characteristics. Here, the poet makes the hills appear as if they are wearing bonnets, like people do, and then taking them off.

When we wear a bonnet or hat, it covers our head and hides our hair. Similarly, the "bonnets" on the hills represent a covering or some form of concealment. By saying that the hills "untied their bonnets," the poet is describing the moment when the morning sun rises and casts its light upon the hills. This sunlight acts like someone gently removing the bonnets from the hills, revealing their beauty to the world.

So, the line symbolizes the unveiling or uncovering of the hills' natural beauty as the sun rises in the morning. It creates a picturesque image of the sun's light slowly illuminating the hills and making them visible to the observer. This use of personification adds a touch of charm and liveliness to the description of the natural world in the poem.

d. Is the speaker watching the morning sun? Why? Why not?

The poem doesn't explicitly state whether the speaker is watching the morning sun or not. However, the poet uses vivid imagery and descriptive language to depict the beauty of the morning scene, suggesting that the speaker might be observing and describing the breathtaking view of the sunrise.

OR

No, the speaker is not watching the morning sun in the first stanza. The speaker is describing the events of the morning, like how the sun rises and how the surroundings change as the day starts.

e. How does the sun set?

The poem doesn't provide a direct description of how the sun sets. It only mentions that the sun sets without giving specific details. The focus of the poem is on the morning sun and the beauty of the day's beginning, rather than the process of the sun's setting in the evening.

OR

The poem doesn't provide a direct description of how the sun sets. It only mentions the uncertainty about the sun's setting, saying, "But how he set, I know not." It leaves the ending of the day open to interpretation and focus more on the transition from day to evening.

OR

In the poem, the sun's setting is not explicitly described. The poet only mentions the uncertainty about how the sun sets, saying, "But how he set, I know not." The focus of the poem is more on the sunrise and the events of the day rather than the details of the sun's setting. This leaves the ending of the day open to interpretation and allows readers to imagine how the sun might set in their own way. It adds a sense of mystery and wonder to the poem, leaving us with the feeling of a beautiful day transitioning into the evening without specifically describing the sunset itself.

OR

In the poem, the poet doesn't provide a detailed description of how the sun sets. Instead, she leaves it open-ended, saying, "But how he set, I know not." This suggests that the poet is not focusing on the sunset itself but rather on the events of the day and the transition from morning to evening.

By not describing the sunset, the poet allows readers to use their imagination and create their own mental picture of how the sun might set. This open-ended approach adds a sense of mystery and wonder to the poem, leaving the reader with a feeling of curiosity and the freedom to envision the setting sun in their own unique way.

Overall, the poem's focus is more on the beauty and transformation of the day, from the slow sunrise to the activities of the day, and finally to the evening's arrival. The poet leaves the ending open to interpretation, allowing readers to engage with the poem and participate in creating their own imaginative conclusion.

REFERENCE TO THE TEXT;

"Mostly, long questions answer which carries 5 marks in the exam, mainly comes from "Reference to the text Questions". So ensure that your answer consists of at least three paragraphs, which should include an introduction where you can mention the author, main theme, and characters. Likewise in the body paragraph justify your answer with evidence from the text and finally, conclude your answer briefly. Remember, your response must be at least 150 words."

a. What, according to the speaker, is a day?

According to the speaker, a day is a beautiful journey from sunrise to sunset. The poem describes the wonders of nature, starting with the morning sun rising slowly and gradually painting the world with colors. It goes on to portray the activities of birds and hills, symbolizing the liveliness of the morning. The setting sun at the end of the day marks the completion of life's journey.

OR

According to the speaker, a day is a beautiful time when the sun rises slowly, making the world bright and colorful. The morning brings a sense of wonder as the hills lose their covering, and the birds start singing happily. The day is filled with innocence and joy as children enjoy the activities of the day, like climbing the purple stile. However, the poem doesn't explicitly define a day; it rather paints a poetic picture of the events and emotions associated with a day

OR

 In the poem "A Day" by Emily Dickinson, the speaker describes a day as a journey from morning to evening, full of beautiful and transformative moments. The poem's focus is on the events that occur during a typical day, as seen through the eyes of the speaker

The day begins with the gentle rising of the sun, portrayed by the image of a ribbon unfolding. The poet's use of "steeples swam in amethyst" adds a touch of magic to the scene, as the morning light paints the church towers with a purple hue.

As the day progresses, the hills are personified as if they were wearing bonnets, and the sun's light causes them to untie these bonnets, revealing their natural beauty. This personification makes the natural world come alive and adds a sense of wonder to the poem.

The line "The news like squirrels ran" indicates the rapid spread of information and communication among people during the day. It shows how quickly news travels, just like energetic squirrels darting about.

The poem ends with a sense of uncertainty about the sun's setting. The speaker says, "But how he set, I know not," leaving the ending open to interpretation. This suggests that while the day has been beautifully described up to this point, the poet chooses not to focus on the sunset. This decision allows readers to use their imagination and create their own mental picture of how the sun might set.

In conclusion, the poem "A Day" portrays a day as a series of beautiful and magical moments, from the sunrise to the activities of the day, and finally to the evening. The speaker's use of vivid imagery, personification, and uncertainty about the sunset adds depth and mystery to the poem, making it a captivating and thought-provoking piece.

b. What purpose does the hyphen in the first line serve in the poem?

The hyphen in the first line ("I'll tell you how the sun rose") serves to indicate a pause or break in the sentence. It emphasizes the speaker's intention to share their experience and description of how the sun rises. The hyphen also adds a sense of anticipation, as if the speaker is about to reveal something fascinating.

c. What makes this poem lyrical and sonorous? Discuss.

This poem is lyrical and sonorous due to its rhythmic flow and the use of descriptive and musical language. The poet's choice of words, such as "ribbon," "steeples," "bonnets," and "bobolinks," creates a melodious and pleasing effect. The poem's rhyme scheme and meter add to its lyrical quality, making it sound like a song. The repetition of sounds, like the "s" and "b" sounds, further enhances the sonorousness of the poem.

d. Who are the target audience of the speaker? Why?

The target audience of the speaker seems to be anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and the wonders of life. The poem's vivid imagery and descriptive language appeal to readers of all ages who can relate to the joy of witnessing a new day unfold. The poem's simple and melodic style also makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

e. The poem seems to describe a day for children. How would the adult people respond to this poem? Discuss this poem with your parents/guardians and write the answer based on their responses.

Adult people would likely respond positively to this poem, just like children. The poem's lyrical and picturesque descriptions of nature's beauty would resonate with adults who appreciate the wonders of life. The themes of the passage of time and the cycle of life are universal and relevant to people of all ages. When discussing the poem with parents or guardians, they may express their admiration for the poet's ability to capture the magic of a day, reminding them of the simple joys that life offers.

REFERENCE BEYOND THE TEXT;

a. Observe your surroundings of one fine morning and write a poem based on your own experience.

In the early morning light, the sun rises with grace,

Painting the sky with colors, a beautiful embrace.

The birds start to sing, their melodies so sweet,

As nature awakens, the world feels complete.

The hills stand tall, with their bonnets untied

Revealing their beauty, a sight to confide.

I see squirrels run, with news they convey,

A day full of promises, like a brand new play.

The children are laughing, their joy knows no end,

As they climb the stile, on adventures they'll ascend.

A day is a journey, from dawn to the dusk,

Filled with moments of wonder, a canvas to trust.

With each passing hour, the sun starts to set,

A symphony of colors, a sight to never forget.

The dominie in gray gently closes the bars,

Guiding us home, under twilight's stars.

This day, like a ribbon, unfolds its delight,

A magical journey, from morning till night.

In nature's embrace, I find my own way,

Grateful for a day, that brings a fresh display.

b. Write a personal essay on A Day in the School.

A day in school starts with the rising sun, a time filled with excitement and fun. As I step into the school gate, I feel a sense of anticipation and await the adventures that await. The school seems like a lively place, where friends gather and dreams take shape.

Inside the classrooms, there's learning and play, teachers guiding us in every way. From math to science, and stories to read, our minds are enriched with knowledge indeed. The day goes by with laughter and cheer, making memories that we hold dear.

At recess, we run to the playground wide, where we play games and let worries subside. The swings go high, and the slides are a thrill, with friends by my side, I feel a strong will.

As the sun starts to set, the school day ends, and I bid farewell to my school friends. The day in school, a journey of growth, with lessons and laughter, I cherish them both.

In school, we learn and we grow, with each day a chance to shine and glow. A day in the school, a treasure to keep, memories of friendships and dreams to reap.

Also, You can listen Summary of it in Nepali;