Chapter 2.2 The Sower
1. Make a list of words related to agriculture.
Answer:
The words related to agriculture are:
(a) Irrigation
(b) Cultivation
(c) Crop
(d) Sow
(e) Farming
(f) Farmer
(g) Pesticide
(h) Fertilizer
(i) Seeds
(j) Hybrids
(k) Farm
(l) Manure
(m) Dairy
(n) Livestock
(o) Ploughing
(p) Harvest
(q) Plant
(r) Crop rotation
(s) Animal Husbandry
2. The poet has observed the sower closely. Express in your own words the reverence the poet has for the sower.
Answer: The poet at first only noticed the old sower in torn clothes, working alone in the twilight. But soon he observed the man’s patience, dedication, and calmness. Though aged and aware of many poor harvests, the sower never gave up. He continued sowing seeds with faith, even though he might not live to see the crops grow. His confident steps, stronger than the darkness of the fields, inspired the poet. Finally, the poet felt a deep respect and reverence for the sower, considering him a symbol of hope, perseverance, and devotion.
3. The poet is prompted to call the sower an ‘august personality’ which means one who has reached the highest position in his work place. Explain this using the following points:
Hard work
Perseverance
Dedication
Answer: The poet finds the old sower majestic and awe-inspiring because:
Hard Work:
Even after sunset, when working hours were over, the sower kept scattering grains tirelessly across the field.
Perseverance:
Despite facing many poor harvests in life, he never gave up hope and continued sowing with confidence.
Dedication:
At his old age, he worked with the same devotion and faith, caring neither for darkness nor fatigue.
Thus, the poet considered him an “august personality”—a symbol of dignity, commitment, and greatness in his humble work.
4. Pick out the examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer: (a) The following are the examples of alliteration from the poem:
(b) “a sower lingers still” – repetition of the “s” sound.
(c) “Dominates the furrows deep” – repetition of the “d” sound.
(d) “Darkness deepens” – repetition of the “d” sound.
(e) “Seems to touch the starry skies” – repetition of the “s” sound.
(f) “From his hands” – repetition of the “h” sound.
5. ‘Seems to touch the starry skies’. The poet has used word imagery. Describe the idea and pick out other similar examples from the poem.
Answer: Word imagery means the use of descriptive words to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. It helps us imagine the scene as if it is happening before our eyes.
Examples of word imagery in the poem:
“Twilight hastens on the rule”
– Creates an image of fading sunlight and the coming of semi-darkness after sunset.
“His Silhouette / Dominates the furrows deep”
– Presents the tall, dark figure of the sower overshadowing the furrows, making him appear larger than life.
“Seems to touch the starry skies”
– Shows the sower’s figure growing so majestic that he appears to touch the twinkling stars, symbolizing his greatness and reverence.
6. Explain in your own words: “Twilight hastens on to rule”
Answer: The poet is referring to a time when the day is going to be over and night will fall. So, it appears to the poet as if the twilight is quickly overlapping the sunlight. Twilight is the time just before it becomes completely dark in the evening and the poet imagines it to be in a hurry to wipe out the brightness of the sunlight.
7. The word ‘Marches’ suggests –
Answer : The poet expresses the appreciation for the sower by using the word ‘marches’ instead of simply referring his movement as ‘walks’. The sower is confident and dedicated to his job. So he marches with determination of a good harvest as a soldier marches with the positive attitude of winning the battle.
8. Explain the Poet’s feeling as he watches the sower.
Answer:
The poet is thrilled to see the solitary sower continuing with his work sincerely even after the working hours are over. His hard work of spreading the grains all over the ground, in confident steps, impresses the poet. He feels the sower’s presence is majestic and awe-inspiring.
9. The grains are referred to as ‘precious” – Give reasons.
Answer:
For a farmer, grains are always ‘precious’ as they are symbols of prosperity and bright future. His survival depends on the quality of harvest and good quality of grains is needed for that. He is protective about each and every grain and gives its due respect.
10. What do you learn from the sower? Justify your answer.
Answer:
From the sower, I learn:
Dedication and Devotion:
– Work sincerely without worrying about the outcome, like the sower who scattered seeds even after working hours.
Patience and Hard Work:
– Effort and perseverance are more important than complaints about extra work or difficulties.
Inner Strength Matters:
– Outward appearance is not important; a person’s attitude, determination, and commitment can elevate their stature.
11. Find out the rhyme scheme and pick up the rhyming words from the lines quoted to you.
Answer:
Rhyme Scheme:
abab
Rhyming Words:
lands – stands
still – thrill
silhouette – set
deep – reap
plain – grain
wide – stride
light – height
eyes – skies
12. Compare a poem of four lines to express your appreciation for your mother. Use a proper rhyme scheme.
Answer:
a) My mother is my first teacher.
b) Never does she try to be a preacher.
c) Her words are catalysts, quickly I respond,
d) strong and thick is our love bond.
Answer by Dimpee Bora
