Chapter- 1                                    Life       


1. Who is the poet of the poem “Life”?


Answer: The poet of the poem “Life” is Charlotte Brontë, one of the famous English novelists and poets of the 19th century. She expresses her optimistic views about life through this poem.


2. What is the title of the poem?


Answer: The title of the poem is “Life”, which reflects the central theme of the poem — the beauty, hope, and courage that life offers even in difficult times.


3. What do the sages say about life?


Answer: According to the poet, the sages or wise men say that life is dark, full of sorrow, and suffering. They believe life is full of pain and despair.


4. Does the poet agree with the sages?


Answer: No, the poet does not agree with the sages. She believes that life is not as dark and sad as they describe; instead, it has beauty, joy, and hope.


5. How does the poet describe life?


Answer: The poet describes life as bright, hopeful, and full of moments of happiness. She encourages us to look at the positive side of life rather than focusing on sadness.


6. What does the poet compare morning rain to?


Answer: The poet compares morning rain to small troubles or difficulties that eventually bring happiness, just as rain helps flowers to bloom.


7. What does rain often foretell?


Answer: Rain often foretells a pleasant day, meaning that a little sorrow or hardship in life often leads to joy and peace.


8. What are “clouds of gloom”?


Answer:“Clouds of gloom” symbolize sad or difficult moments in life — times when we feel hopeless or depressed.


9. Are the clouds of gloom permanent?


Answer: No, the poet says that these clouds of gloom are transient, meaning they are temporary and will soon pass away.


10. What does the poet say about showers (rain)?


Answer: The poet says that showers make the roses bloom, so we should not grieve or lament their fall. In the same way, troubles can bring beauty to life.


11. What lesson does the poet give about sorrow?


Answer: The poet teaches that sorrow is short-lived and that from pain often comes joy. We should accept sorrow with patience.


12. What should we do when life’s sunny hours pass by?


Answer: We should enjoy life’s happy moments gratefully and cheerfully, appreciating them fully while they last.


13. What does the poet mean by “Life’s sunny hours”?


Answer: “Life’s sunny hours” means the happy and joyful times of our lives when everything seems bright and peaceful.


14. What does the poet say about death?


Answer: The poet says that death sometimes steps in and takes away our best loved ones, but we must continue living with hope.


15. Who does “our Best” refer to?


Answer: “Our Best” refers to our most loved and dear ones — people we value deeply who are taken from us by death.


16. What happens when sorrow seems to win over hope?


Answer: When sorrow seems to win, hope rises again, stronger and unconquered, proving that true hope never dies.


17. How is hope described in the poem?


Answer: Hope is described as elastic, golden, and buoyant, symbolizing its strength, positivity, and ability to rise again after failure.


18. What does the word “elastic” mean here?


Answer: “Elastic” means flexible and able to spring back again, just as hope bounces back even after being defeated.


19. Why are Hope’s wings called golden?


Answer: Hope’s wings are called golden because they represent light, beauty, and positivity that lift our spirits even in dark times.


20. What message does the poet give about courage?


Answer: The poet says that courage can defeat despair. By being brave and strong, we can overcome sadness and hardship.


21. What should we do on the day of trial?


Answer: We should face the day of trial manfully and fearlessly, with confidence and determination.


22. What can courage do according to the poet?


Answer: According to the poet, courage can conquer or quell despair, bringing victory over sadness and fear.


23. What does the word “quell” mean?


Answer: “Quell” means to end or suppress something, especially despair or hopelessness.


24. What does the poet want us to feel about life?


Answer: The poet wants us to feel grateful, hopeful, brave, and positive about life, no matter how many hardships come our way.


25. What should we not do when it rains or we face problems?


Answer: We should not lament or feel sad, because troubles are temporary and often bring better times afterward.


26. What does “lament” mean?


Answer: “Lament” means to express grief, sorrow, or regret over something unfortunate.


27. What does “buoyant” mean in the poem?


Answer: “Buoyant” means able to rise upwards or stay cheerful, symbolizing how hope remains positive even in adversity.


28. What is the tone of the poem?


Answer: The tone of the poem is optimistic, inspiring, and encouraging, reminding us to stay positive through life’s ups and downs.


29. What is the central theme of the poem?


Answer: The central theme of the poem is positivity, hope, and courage — showing that difficulties are temporary and life should be lived cheerfully.


30. What moral lesson does the poem teach?


Answer: The poem teaches that we should face life’s difficulties with hope, courage, and gratitude, enjoying every moment and believing that good times will always return.

 Answer by Dimpee Bora