Find NCERT solutions for ‘Keeping Quiet‘ from the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Book, Poem 2. Access important question answers, extract-based MCQs, literary devices used in the poem, and a line-by-line explanation.
Summary of Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
The poem Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda emphasizes the importance of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and understand ourselves and our world. The poet suggests that if people stopped all activities for a brief time, they could better appreciate silence, unity, and peace. He calls for a moment of calm where no one speaks or moves, creating an unusual yet beautiful stillness that can foster empathy and self-awareness.
Neruda uses examples like fishermen pausing to save whales and workers reflecting on their own well-being to show how silence can promote compassion. He also addresses the destructiveness of war and environmental harm, proposing that in this quiet moment, people might see the value of life and abandon harmful actions. He makes it clear that he isn’t advocating for death or total inactivity but rather for a temporary pause from the constant rush and conflicts in human life.
Using nature as a symbol, Neruda notes that, like the Earth, which seems lifeless in winter but blooms in spring, life can exist and renew itself in stillness. Ultimately, the poem encourages readers to embrace the power of silence and reflection, which could lead to a more harmonious world.
Line-by-Line Explanation of Pablo Neruda’s Poem Keeping Quiet
1. “Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.”
The poet asks everyone to count up to twelve, symbolizing a short moment, and suggests that we all stay silent and still. This pause is a way to reflect on our actions.
2. “For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second, and not move our arms so much.”
He encourages people to avoid any kind of language or movement, as both represent activity. This moment of silence and stillness could bring a feeling of unity and peace among everyone on Earth.
3. “It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.”
The poet describes this quiet moment as “exotic” or unusual because it’s rare for people to stop rushing. Without the sounds of machines or engines, everyone would experience a strange but calming silence.
4. “Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.”
Here, the poet gives examples of how stillness could bring awareness to our actions. The fishermen, by pausing, would stop harming sea creatures, and the man gathering salt could notice his own physical pain, showing how reflection can lead to empathy and self-care.
5. “Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing.”
He talks about people who engage in wars, especially environmental damage (“green wars”) and other destructive activities. In this moment of stillness, they would stop fighting and come together peacefully, symbolizing a break from violence and conflict.
6. “What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.”
The poet clarifies that he is not promoting total inactivity or death. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of life and reflection, distancing himself from the idea of complete inactivity.
7. “If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do nothing,”
He criticizes the human tendency to stay busy constantly and suggests that taking a break from this mindset could bring positive changes.
8. “perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.”
The poet believes that silence could help people understand themselves better, reducing the sadness caused by misunderstandings and conflicts that can lead to destruction.
9. “Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.”
The poet uses the Earth as an example, explaining that nature often appears still or dead, like in winter, but later comes alive again. This shows how life can continue and renew even after periods of silence and apparent inactivity.
10. “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.”
The poet ends by counting to twelve again and asking for silence, encouraging readers to reflect independently, as he steps away to let them ponder the message on their own.
Literary Devices in the poem
The poem Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda contains several literary devices that enhance its meaning and depth. Here are some of the main ones:
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words.
- Example: “we will” and “sudden strangeness.” The repetition of sounds adds a rhythmic flow and draws attention to certain phrases.
- Metaphor: An implied comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
- Example: “Let’s stop for one second” suggests a metaphor for taking a moment to pause and reflect on our lives.
- Symbolism: Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.
- Example: The number “twelve” symbolizes the hours on a clock, months of the year, or a full cycle, suggesting a complete pause or rest.
- Nature itself is a symbol of renewal and life, as seen in the line “Perhaps the Earth can teach us,” representing how life can exist even in stillness.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
- Example: “the Earth can teach us” personifies Earth as a teacher, suggesting that nature can provide valuable lessons about life and renewal.
- Imagery: Vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses.
- Example: “Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales,” and “the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.” These images help readers visualize the peaceful impact of stopping harmful actions.
- Repetition: Repeating words or phrases to emphasize a point.
- Example: “we will count to twelve,” “keeping still,” and “huge silence” reinforce the poet’s call for silence and reflection.
- Antithesis: A contrast between two opposite ideas.
- Example: The line “Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death” contrasts life with death, showing that the poet values life and reflection, not inactivity leading to death.
- Paradox: A statement that seems contradictory but may reveal a truth.
- Example: “Victory with no survivors” suggests that war results in destruction and loss, not real victory, highlighting the senselessness of violence.
Think it out (Q&A of Keeping Quiet)
1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us pause and reflect. It will allow people to calm down, avoid distractions, and think peacefully. This stillness can lead to a moment of unity and understanding among people.
2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
No, the poet does not advocate total inactivity and death. He clarifies that he is talking about life and wants people to pause, reflect, and stop harmful actions. He emphasizes that this quietness is not about death but about taking a break from our daily rush.
3. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
The ‘sadness’ the poet refers to is the sadness of people not understanding themselves and constantly living in a state of rush and conflict. It is the sadness of people not reflecting on their actions and the harm they cause to themselves and others.
4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
The poet uses the example of Earth, which seems still and lifeless at times, like in winter, but later shows signs of life, such as in spring. This symbol shows that even in stillness, life can continue and eventually flourish.
Extract-based MCQs from Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda:
Extract 1:
“Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.”
Questions:
- Why does the poet ask us to “count to twelve”?
- A) To remember an important date
- B) To emphasize a short moment of pause
- C) To prepare for a countdown
- D) To signify the hours in a day
- What does “keep still” signify in the context of the poem?
- A) To rest physically
- B) To reflect silently
- C) To forget about everything
- D) To prepare for a race
- What is the purpose of this silence according to the poet?
- A) To stop working temporarily
- B) To create a peaceful moment
- C) To increase productivity
- D) To end all wars
Extract 2:
“It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.”
Questions:
- What does the word “exotic” imply in this context?
- A) Foreign and unfamiliar
- B) Natural and simple
- C) Joyful and exciting
- D) Dangerous and risky
- What does “without rush, without engines” suggest about modern life?
- A) It’s filled with excitement
- B) It’s noisy and fast-paced
- C) It’s simple and peaceful
- D) It’s disconnected from nature
- What does the poet mean by “sudden strangeness”?
- A) A moment of silence is unusual
- B) People don’t know each other
- C) Everyone feels uncomfortable
- D) Silence creates danger
Extract 3:
“Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers in the shade, doing nothing.”
Questions:
- What does the term “green wars” refer to?
- A) Environmental conflicts
- B) Peaceful protests
- C) Nuclear wars
- D) Ancient battles
- What is the irony in “victory with no survivors”?
- A) War leads to lasting peace
- B) Victory brings total destruction
- C) Winning is always positive
- D) There are no winners in war
- What would “clean clothes” symbolize in the context?
- A) A fresh start or peace
- B) New political power
- C) A celebration
- D) Traditional attire
Extract 4:
“Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.”
Questions:
- What lesson does the poet suggest we learn from the Earth?
- A) Change is constant
- B) Life exists in stillness
- C) Destruction is inevitable
- D) Silence means death
- Which season is symbolized by “everything seems dead”?
- A) Winter
- B) Summer
- C) Spring
- D) Autumn
- What does “later proves to be alive” imply about nature?
- A) Nature is unpredictable
- B) Nature hides its beauty
- C) Life continues after stillness
- D) Life is a mystery
Important Questions on Keeping Quiet
For students preparing for board exams, focusing on the poem “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda is crucial. Here are some significant questions that could be asked. These questions delve into the core themes of the poem and are essential for a thorough understanding in preparation for the examination.
1. What does the poet mean by “keeping quiet”?
The poet uses “keeping quiet” to encourage a moment of silence and stillness, where people pause from their usual routines. This stillness allows for introspection and creates a sense of unity among individuals.
2. Explain the significance of the number twelve in the poem.
The number twelve represents completion, such as twelve months in a year or twelve hours on a clock. By counting to twelve, the poet symbolizes taking a complete pause, allowing time for reflection and understanding.
3. Why does the poet advocate stillness and silence?
The poet advocates stillness and silence to help people step away from their busy lives, gain self-awareness, and foster peace. This quiet moment encourages unity and discourages the constant conflicts and misunderstandings in society.
4. What does the poet mean by “exotic moment”? Why does he call it that?
The poet calls the silent moment “exotic” because it’s unusual for people to pause and reflect collectively. Such silence is rare in modern life, filled with noise and movement, making the moment seem strange yet refreshing.
5. How does the poet connect Nature with his message of stillness?
The poet uses Earth as an example of how life can seem still or even dead, like in winter, but eventually renews, like in spring. This shows that stillness can be productive, nurturing life and growth, just like in nature.
6. What is the “sadness” the poet refers to?
The “sadness” refers to humanity’s inability to understand itself, leading to a life filled with constant activity but lacking in self-reflection. This sadness is also linked to our destructive tendencies, especially towards ourselves and nature.
7. How does the poet convey the impact of war through his poem?
The poet criticizes war by mentioning “victory with no survivors,” highlighting the futility and destruction of conflict. He imagines a world where even those who wage war would pause, reflect, and choose peace over violence.
8. Why does the poet emphasize “no speaking” in any language during the moment of stillness?
By suggesting “no speaking,” the poet aims to eliminate all forms of language and, consequently, any misunderstandings or conflicts caused by words. This silence helps create unity beyond barriers of language or culture.
9. How does the poet distinguish between silence and total inactivity?
The poet clarifies that his call for silence isn’t an end to all activity or life, as he values life itself. He encourages a mindful pause, not death or idleness, but a break from destructive routines for reflection.
10. What message does the poet leave the reader with in the final lines of the poem?
In the final lines, the poet encourages readers to embrace quiet reflection by counting to twelve. He then “goes,” leaving the decision to reflect up to them, promoting independence in understanding and applying the poem’s message.
11. What is the poet’s message in advocating for a moment of stillness?
The poet’s message is that a moment of stillness can allow people to reflect on their actions, find inner peace, and foster a sense of unity. This pause helps us become more aware of ourselves and others, reducing conflicts and promoting harmony. Rather than promoting inactivity or idleness, the poet suggests that this quiet reflection can lead to positive changes in our lives and in society.
12. How does the poem reflect on the impact of human activity on nature and society?
The poem highlights how human activities—such as fishing, salt gathering, and waging wars—often harm nature and create division in society. Neruda points out that this constant drive for success, productivity, and dominance results in environmental degradation and social discord. By calling for a pause, he implies that people need to reconsider the consequences of their actions on nature and society and choose a path that is more peaceful and sustainable.
13. Discuss the symbolism used by Neruda to convey his thoughts on silence and introspection.
Neruda uses several symbols to illustrate his ideas. The “Earth” symbolizes resilience and renewal, as it appears lifeless during winter but becomes vibrant in spring, suggesting that stillness can nurture life. The act of counting to “twelve” represents a complete cycle, inviting readers to experience a full pause and reflection. Additionally, silence itself symbolizes peace and understanding, as it breaks down barriers and fosters connection among people. These symbols underscore the importance of quiet reflection in bringing positive change to oneself and the world.