NCERT Solutions for ‘A Thing of Beauty‘ (CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Book Poem 3) include important question and answer sets. These are designed to help students with Class 12 English comprehension and analysis.
Summary of ‘A Thing of Beauty’
The poem A Thing of Beauty by John Keats celebrates the everlasting joy and comfort that beautiful things bring to our lives. Keats begins by stating that beauty is a source of joy forever; it never fades away and continues to increase in loveliness. Such beauty provides a peaceful shelter, filling our minds with sweet dreams and calmness.
Even in times of despair, when we face hardships, beauty in various forms lifts our spirits. Natural elements like the sun, moon, trees, flowers like daffodils, small streams, and shaded forests offer us comfort and hope. Beautiful stories and memories of heroic individuals also inspire us, giving us strength. Keats believes that these moments of beauty connect us to life, like a “flowery band” that keeps us grounded. The poem describes beauty as an endless, heavenly fountain that flows into our lives, enriching and comforting us continuously.
Line-by-Line Explanation of A Thing of Beauty in Very Simple Language
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”
A beautiful thing brings happiness that lasts forever.
“Its loveliness increases, it will never Pass into nothingness;”
The beauty of this thing keeps growing, and it will never disappear or become meaningless.
“but will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”
Beauty gives us a peaceful, safe place (like a bower or a shady spot) where we can rest, dream happily, feel healthy, and be calm.
“Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing A flowery band to bind us to the earth,”
Every day, we enjoy beauty, which acts like a chain of flowers that keeps us connected to life on earth.
“Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,”
Even though we face sadness, the lack of kindness in people, and dark or difficult days…
“Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways Made for our searching:”
…and even though we see unhealthy, dark paths in life that make us feel lost…
“yes, in spite of all, Some shape of beauty moves away the pall From our dark spirits.”
…still, some form of beauty always lifts the sadness from our hearts.
“Such the sun, the moon, Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon For simple sheep;”
Beauty can be found in things like the sun, the moon, and trees, both old and new, that grow and give cool shade, even to simple animals like sheep.
“and such are daffodils With the green world they live in;”
Beautiful things include flowers like daffodils, which brighten up the green places where they grow.
“and clear rills That for themselves a cooling covert make ‘Gainst the hot season;”
Small streams, or “rills,” create cool, shaded areas that protect us from the heat.
“the mid forest brake, Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;”
Deep in the forest, thick bushes or “brakes” are decorated with lovely musk-rose flowers.
“And such too is the grandeur of the dooms We have imagined for the mighty dead;”
There’s also beauty in the respect and honor we feel for great people who have passed away.
“All lovely tales that we have heard or read;”
Beautiful stories that we’ve heard or read also fill us with joy.
“An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.”
All this beauty is like an endless, magical fountain flowing down from heaven, refreshing and inspiring us forever.
Questions and Answers of ‘A Thing of Beauty’
- List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
Answer: The poem mentions beautiful things such as the sun, the moon, old and young trees that offer shade, daffodils in the green world, small streams (rills) that cool us in the hot season, the forest brake filled with musk-rose blooms, and the grandeur of the deeds of the mighty dead. - List the things that cause suffering and pain.
Answer: Suffering and pain are caused by things like despondence, the lack of noble qualities in people, gloomy days, unhealthy ways, and the darkness that sometimes surrounds our spirits. - What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’ suggest to you?
Answer: This line suggests that beautiful things in nature give us a connection to life on earth, despite our struggles. It means that these beauties act as a comforting link, helping us stay hopeful and connected to the world. - What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
Answer: The presence of beautiful things, such as nature and uplifting tales, lifts our spirits. These beauties help us overcome dark feelings and inspire a love for life, even in challenging times. - Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
Answer: ‘Grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’ because their heroic deeds and memorable stories continue to inspire us. This respect and admiration make their lives and actions grand and eternal in our memories. - Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression on us?
Answer: Things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us. They provide joy that grows and continues to impact us, creating a positive effect on our lives that doesn’t fade. - What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Answer: The poet uses the image of “an endless fountain of immortal drink” to describe the beauty of the earth. This suggests that nature’s beauty is like a refreshing, eternal source that flows from heaven, nourishing and uplifting us forever.
Extract Based MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) from A Thing of Beauty
Below are five sets of extract-based MCQs from the poem A Thing of Beauty by John Keats, suitable for Class XII students. Each extract is followed by three questions to test comprehension, literary devices, and interpretation skills.
Extract 1
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.”
Questions:
- According to the poet, why is a thing of beauty a “joy forever”?
a) It is valuable.
b) Its beauty fades over time.
c) Its beauty continues to grow and remains everlasting.
d) It brings luxury. - The phrase “a bower quiet for us” refers to:
a) A peaceful resting place.
b) A place of chaos.
c) An energetic garden.
d) A spot full of noise. - Which of the following is a quality provided by beauty, as per the lines?
a) Wealth
b) Health
c) Silence
d) Popularity
Answers: 1) c, 2) a, 3) b
Extract 2
“Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,”
Questions:
- What does the “flowery band” symbolize in these lines?
a) Chains of sorrow.
b) The joys of life that connect us to the earth.
c) A reminder of painful experiences.
d) A garland of achievements. - The word “despondence” in the extract refers to:
a) Sadness and loss of hope.
b) Joy and celebration.
c) Motivation and courage.
d) Creativity and intelligence. - According to the poet, what makes life meaningful despite the “gloomy days”?
a) Material wealth
b) Beautiful experiences
c) Famous people
d) Power and success
Answers: 1) b, 2) a, 3) b
Extract 3
“yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep;”
Questions:
- In these lines, the poet suggests that beauty has the power to:
a) Depress the spirit.
b) Lighten or uplift the spirit.
c) Create more gloom.
d) Be temporary. - The phrase “shady boon” most likely refers to:
a) Dark and eerie forests.
b) Bright lights.
c) Refreshing shade provided by nature.
d) Mystery of the forest. - What does the poet mean by “some shape of beauty”?
a) The exact form of beauty.
b) All forms of beauty, like nature and art, that uplift us.
c) Expensive paintings.
d) Unpleasant sights.
Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) b
Extract 4
“and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;”
Questions:
- In these lines, what are “daffodils” an example of?
a) A man-made object of beauty.
b) A beautiful element of nature.
c) A complex plant.
d) A type of fruit. - The phrase “cooling covert” suggests:
a) Heat and warmth.
b) A refreshing shade or shelter.
c) Noise and confusion.
d) Bright sunlight. - What does the “sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms” suggest?
a) Abundance of water.
b) A desert-like area.
c) Beauty scattered naturally in the forest.
d) A field with no plants.
Answers: 1) b, 2) b, 3) c
Extract 5
“And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.”
Questions:
- The “grandeur of the dooms” refers to:
a) The sadness of death.
b) The noble legacy left by great people who have died.
c) The fear of the unknown.
d) An end to stories. - What does the “endless fountain of immortal drink” symbolize?
a) A river of knowledge.
b) The never-ending beauty and joy given to us by nature and stories.
c) A magical potion.
d) Luxury and wealth. - “Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink” suggests that beauty:
a) Comes from the earth.
b) Originates from a divine or heavenly source.
c) Is something we can buy.
d) Is limited and rare.
Answers: 1) b, 2) b, 3) b
Literary Devices used in A Thing of Beauty by John Keats
In A Thing of Beauty, John Keats uses several literary devices to enhance the beauty and depth of the poem. Here are some key literary devices he employs:
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds to create a pleasing rhythm and emphasize certain ideas.
- Example: “Some shape of beauty” (repetition of “s” sound) and “Cooling covert” (repetition of “c” sound).
- Metaphor: Comparing one thing to another without using “like” or “as” to create vivid imagery.
- Example: “A bower quiet for us” (comparing beauty to a peaceful, shaded shelter) and “an endless fountain of immortal drink” (beauty as a never-ending source of joy and inspiration).
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions appealing to the senses, helping readers visualize scenes.
- Example: The descriptions of “daffodils,” “clear rills,” and “musk-rose blooms” create rich images of a beautiful, peaceful natural landscape.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things to make them more relatable.
- Example: “Its loveliness increases” (beauty is given the human quality of growth) and “a sleep full of sweet dreams” (suggesting sleep itself can bring sweetness).
- Symbolism: Using objects or elements to represent broader themes.
- Example: The “flowery band” symbolizes the bond between humans and nature, showing how beauty keeps us connected to life.
- Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or rhythm.
- Example: The repeated use of “of” in “Of noble natures, of the gloomy days” emphasizes the challenging aspects of life that beauty helps counteract.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or clause over a line-break to maintain flow and build anticipation.
- Example: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever / Its loveliness increases,” where the thought flows seamlessly from one line to the next.
- Antithesis: Contrasting ideas presented side by side to emphasize differences or enhance meaning.
- Example: “Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth / Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,” contrasting the dark aspects of life with the positive, uplifting nature of beauty.
These literary devices contribute to the rich, rhythmic, and emotional tone of the poem, emphasizing the comforting and uplifting power of beauty.