The Serman at Benaras

💬 Q&A: Thinking About the Poem

1. What is the poem about? Who are the speakers? What are they arguing about?

Answer:The poem is a dialogue between a young man and Anne Gregory. They are talking about the nature of love. The young man believes that men love Anne for her beauty, especially her golden hair, not for who she truly is. Anne argues that she can change her appearance to test if someone would love her for her inner self.

2. What do the “honey-coloured ramparts” refer to? What does the speaker mean by saying “Never shall a young man… love you for yourself alone”?

Answer:The "honey-coloured ramparts" refer to Anne Gregory’s golden/yellow hair, which is so attractive it’s like a wall of beauty that hides her true self. The speaker means that men fall in love with her beauty, not with her inner qualities or soul.

3. What does Anne Gregory say she can do to avoid being loved for her yellow hair?

Answer:Anne Gregory says she can dye her hair brown, black, or orange (carrot) so that men do not fall in love with her outer appearance. She hopes that by doing so, someone may love her for her true self.

4. What does the old religious man declare? What does this mean?

Answer:The old religious man says that only God can love a person for their inner self alone, without being influenced by looks. This means that true, selfless love is rare in humans—it’s a divine quality.

5. What is the central idea or message of the poem?

Answer:The poem explores the difference between outer beauty and inner self. It suggests that most people are attracted by physical appearance, but true love—based on the soul and character—is rare and can only come from God.


📘 Additional Questions and Answers – Chapter 8: The Sermon at Benares

1. What was Siddhartha Gautama's life like before he became the Buddha?

Answer: Before becoming the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama lived a luxurious life as a prince. He was married, had a son, and was shielded from the sufferings of the world. He lived in comfort and royalty until he was 25.

2. What experiences led Gautama to seek enlightenment?

Answer: While out on a journey, Gautama saw a sick man, an old man, a funeral, and a monk begging. These sights deeply disturbed him and made him reflect on the sufferings of life. He then left his home in search of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.

3. Why did Kisa Gotami go to the Buddha? What did she ask for?

Answer: Kisa Gotami was devastated by the death of her only son. In her grief, she went to the Buddha and asked for medicine to bring her son back to life.

4. What condition did the Buddha give to Kisa Gotami to get the medicine?

Answer: The Buddha told her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where no one had ever died.

5. Why could Kisa Gotami not find such a house?

Answer: She went from house to house, and everyone offered mustard seeds. But in every house, someone had died—a son, daughter, mother, father, or friend. She realised that death is common to all.

6. What truth did Kisa Gotami finally realise?

Answer: She realised that death is a natural and universal truth, and that no one can escape it. Her personal sorrow was not unique—everyone loses loved ones.

7. How did the Buddha explain the reality of death and suffering?

Answer: The Buddha said that life is brief, full of suffering, and uncertain. Just as ripe fruits are sure to fall and earthen pots are sure to break, all humans are certain to die. He explained that weeping and grieving cannot bring peace, but understanding the truth and letting go of grief can.

8. What is the main message of The Sermon at Benares?

Answer: The main message is that death is inevitable, and one should accept it as a part of life. The Buddha encourages people to let go of selfish grief and attain peace by understanding the truth of life and death.

9. What does the story teach us about grief and acceptance?

Answer: The story teaches that while grief is natural, acceptance is wise. Grief should not overpower us. We should understand that everyone faces loss, and the path to peace lies in wisdom, not mourning.

10. What is meant by the ‘arrow of lamentation’?

Answer: The ‘arrow of lamentation’ refers to the pain and sorrow caused by grief. The Buddha says that one should pull out this arrow, meaning to remove sorrow and complaints from the heart, in order to attain peace.




“For Anne Gregory”

📘 Additional Questions and Answers


1. Why does the poet use the metaphor "ramparts" for Anne Gregory's hair?

Answer: The word "ramparts" refers to protective walls around a castle. The poet uses this metaphor to say that Anne’s yellow hair is like a wall that hides her true self. People can’t see beyond her beauty, and it prevents them from loving her for who she really is.

2. What does the poem suggest about the nature of human love?

Answer: The poem suggests that human love is often based on outer appearance rather than inner qualities. People are attracted to beauty, not necessarily the true character or soul of a person. It hints that true, unconditional love is rare among humans.

3. What does Anne Gregory’s response show about her character?

Answer: Anne Gregory’s response shows that she is wise and self-aware. She understands that people are drawn to her looks, but she wants to be loved for who she is inside. It also shows that she is willing to change her appearance to find genuine love.

4. Why does the poet mention "an old religious man"?

Answer: The poet mentions the old religious man to add spiritual weight to the idea that only God can love a person for who they truly are, beyond physical appearance. It gives a philosophical and reflective tone to the ending of the poem.

5. Do you think the message of this poem is still relevant today? Why or why not?

Answer: Yes, the message is still very relevant. In today’s world, people are often judged by their looks, social status, or online image. The poem reminds us that true love should be based on personality, values, and inner beauty, not just outward appearance.

6. What poetic devices are used in the poem “For Anne Gregory”?

Answer: Some poetic devices used in the poem include:

  • Metaphor: “ramparts at your ear” (comparing hair to castle walls)

  • Alliteration: “Brown, or black, or carrot”

  • Imagery: The description of hair colours creates visual images

  • Repetition: “Not your yellow hair” is repeated for emphasis

  • Contrast: Between outer beauty and inner self