A Nation’s Strength | Poem 1 | English 8th | Tulip Series | (R. W. Emerson)

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A Nation’s Strength | Poem 1 | English 8th | Tulip Series |
(R. W. Emerson)

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THINKING ABOUT THE POEM

Q1. In the first stanza, the poet wonders about certain things. What are they?

Ans. The poet is wondered about the highness and the strong foundation of Nation’s Pillars that resist the enemies boldly.

Q2. What are the foundations of a strong kingdom built on?

Ans. The foundations of the strong kingdom are built on the shoulders of its patriotic and strong inhabitants. These brave people are the strong pillars of the kingdom.

Q3. What happens to a nation that depends on an army to keep it strong?

Ans. The blood turns the stones to rust and the glory ends of the nation which depends on an army to keep it strong.

Q4. When a nation becomes proud, what does God do?

Ans. God struck the glory and brightness down to ashes at his feet of the nation which becomes proud.

Q5. Do you think that wealth can make a nation great and strong? Why?

Ans. No, wealth cannot make a nation great and strong but it is brave and truthful people who suffer from the country’s sake to make its nation great and strong because wealth can end but sprit of honest, brave, and truthful people can never end.

Q6. What can the brave do?

Ans. The brave can work to make others sleep peacefully. They fight for the difficulties of nations to make it famous. In fact, they are the strong pillars of the nation.

Q7. Explain the following lines:

            They build a nation’s pillars deep

            And lift them to the sky.

Ans. These lines have been taken from the poem “A Nation’s Strength” written by Ralph Waldo Emerson. In these lines, the word “they” refers to the brave men. The poet says that these are the brave men who make the nation strong keeps them safe from the enemy so that they can fly and share joys.

 LANGUAGE WORK

1. In this poem certain consonant sounds dominate e.g., m, n, f, s, r, d, p, h, b, g, l.

    List the words beginning with these consonants.

Ans. List of consonants:

m……………………Make

n…………………….Nation

f……………………..Foe

s……………………..Strong

r……………………..Round

d…………………….Defy

p…………………….Pillar

h…………………….High

b…………………….Build

g…………………….Great

l……………………..Lift

2. The poem has a fixed rhyme scheme in each stanza i.e. abab. Pick out the rhyming words e.g. high…defy.

Ans. List of rhyming words:

Strong………Thong

Grand………Sand

Shock……….Rock

Dust…………Rust

Away………..Decay

Crown……….Down

 Sweet………..Feet

Make………..Sake

Strong……….Long

Sleep………..Deep

Fly………….Sky

3. Frame some wh- questions and Yes/No questions of your own.

Wh-questions:

(i) What helps in building a strong and united nation?
(ii) Why is education important for a nation's progress?
(iii) Who are responsible for protecting a country?
(iv) Where can we find examples of national unity?
(v) When do people show their love for the nation the most?

Yes/No questions:

(i) Is unity important for a strong nation?
(ii) Do good leaders make a difference to a country’s growth?
(iii) Is it important to respect the national flag and anthem?
(iv) Can a country grow without peace?
(v) Is honesty important in nation-building?

Let’s Talk:

(Suggested discussion points)
A nation becomes strong when its people are united and hardworking. Good education, honest leadership, advanced technology, and strong defence also play important roles. Respect for law, equality, and freedom make the country peaceful and progressive.

Let’s Write:

Answer:
A nation is made strong by several factors. These include unity among its people, good governance, strong defence forces, and a fair legal system. In present times, education and scientific progress are also very important. A strong economy, respect for human rights, and a sense of responsibility among citizens make a nation truly powerful and respected in the world.

 

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