NIOS Class 12 English Chapter 21 Question Answer
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.1
1. Who is the speaker addressing in these lines? Who is he addressing?
Ans: The speaker in this line is Yalsha. He is addressing the cloud, as he is regarded as a deity or supernatural being.
2. How does the speaker emphasise the cloud’s importance and noble lineage?
Ans: The speaker emphasises the cloud’s importance and noble lineage by describing it as part of a distinguished, prestigious, and noble lineage of clouds.
3. What is the significance of the epithet “friend of Indra” in the given passage?
a) It highlights the speaker’s admiration for the recipient.
b) It suggests the cloud-messenger’s close relationship with a powerful deity.
c) It signifies the recipient’s lineage and heritage.
d) It emphasises the cloud-messenger’s role as a divine counsellor.
Ans: b) It suggests the cloud-messenger’s close relationship with a powerful deity.
4. How is the cloud-messenger associated with Lord Indra?
Ans: Indra is a prominent god in Hindu mythology who is associated with rain and thunderstorms. The cloud is associated with Indra because it plays a significant role in bringing rain.
5. How does the speaker convey his trust in the cloud?
Ans: By addressing the cloud as a divine entity and describing it as a friend or ally of Indra, the speaker expresses his belief that the cloud is a reliable and trustworthy figure.
6. What is the overall tone of these lines?
a) Disrespectful and critical
b) Reverent and respectful
c) Ironic and mocking
d) Indifferent and casual
Ans: b) Reverent and respectful
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2
1. What is the central theme of the verse?
a) The journey of a cloud-messenger
b) The description of a lush landscape
c) The significance of Amrakuta mountains
d) The hardworking farmers of the countryside
Ans: b) The description of a lush landscape
2. Who is described as being on a voyage in this verse?
Ans: The cloud-messenger is described as being on a voyage in this paragraph.
3. How is the landscape described in terms of natural resources and agricultural productivity?
Ans: The landscape is described as blessed with rainfall and possessing abundant natural resources or agricultural productivity.
4. What is the cloud-messenger’s role in the landscape?
a) It brings rain and nourishment to the fields
b) It moves from North to South
c) It explores various locations
d) It brings prosperity to the cities
Ans: a) It brings rain and nourishment to the fields
5. What does the verse suggest about the inhabitants of the countryside?
a) They are unhappy due to lack of rainfall
b) They are careless about the land
c) They enjoy bountiful harvests and prosperity
d) They move from North to West
Ans: c) They enjoy bountiful harvests and prosperity
6. According to the verse, what direction does the cloud-messenger take on its journey?
a) South to North
b) North to West
c) West to East
d) East to West
Ans: b) North to West
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.3
1. What is the significance of the soft dewdrops on the path?
a) They represent danger and obstacles.
b) They symbolise a sense of renewal or rejuvenation.
c) They indicate a dry and arid environment.
d) They depict a polluted stream.
Ans: b) They symbolise a sense of renewal or rejuvenation
2. What does the fragrant stream convey in the verse?
a) It represents a toxic environment.
b) It symbolises a refreshing and pleasant stream.
c) It signifies a turbulent and muddy river.
d) It represents a barren and lifeless landscape.
Ans: b) It symbolises a refreshing and pleasant stream
3. What message does the poet convey to the cloud-traveller?
a) To beware of the strong wind and storms.
b) To turn back and avoid the natural setting.
c) To continue their journey without fear of the elements.
d) To wait for the wild elephant to pass before moving forward.
Ans: c) To continue their journey without fear of the elements
4. What imagery is used to depict the flowing stream?
Ans: The imagery used to depict the flowing stream is that it is cold and fragrant.
5. What assurance does the poet provide about the strong wind?
Ans: The poet assures that even the strong wind will not be an obstacle.
6. What emotions or feelings does this verse convey?
Ans: This verse conveys feelings of serenity, beauty, renewal, and encouragement.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.4
1. What do the Sun’s beams reveal about the deeds of love?
Ans: The Sun’s beams reveal the deeds of love.
2. What is found on the pathway according to the stanza?
Ans: Withered garlands are found on the pathway.
3. What is described as prostrate on the ground?
Ans: The faded lotus is described as prostrate on the ground.
4. What do the bursting zones teach the pearls to do?
Ans: The bursting zones teach the pearls to roam.
5. According to the stanza, what do the pearls speak of?
Ans: The pearls speak of fond maids and wanderers from home.
6. How does the stanza characterise fond maids and wanderers from home?
Ans: Fond maids and wanderers from home are characterised as being represented by the pearls.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.5
1. What is the primary role of clouds in the stanza?
a) Providing shade
b) Giving relief to a parched land
c) Creating forest fires
d) None of the above
Ans: b) Giving relief to a parched land
2. What is the main message conveyed in the final line of the verse?
a) Clouds should avoid helping in emergencies
b) A meaningful use of one’s capabilities is to assist those in need
c) Forest fires are a natural occurrence
d) None of the above
Ans: b) A meaningful use of one’s capabilities is to assist those in need
3. What have the clouds noticed in the forest?
Ans: The clouds have noticed spreading wildfires (forest flames) and trees’ branches twisting and writhing due to the fire.
4. How intense are the flames of the wildfire?
Ans: The flames of the wildfire are so intense that they heat up the air and provide a source of heat like that of a yak’s body.
5. Why are the branches of the trees described as twisting and writhing?
Ans: The branches of the trees are described as twisting and writhing due to the fire because the intense heat from the wildfire is causing them to contort and writhe in agony.
6. Why is it emphasised that helping those in distress is a duty?
Ans: It is emphasised that helping those in distress is a duty because the clouds are reminded that it is their responsibility to provide immediate assistance to extinguish the wildfires.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2.1
1. How does the perception of something cleft down the middle change according to the verse?
Ans: According to the verse, something that appears to be split down the middle can actually seem to come together or unite.
2. How does the eye perceive naturally curved objects in the verse?
Ans: The verse describes how the eye perceives naturally curved objects as if they are straight, indicating a distortion in visual interpretation.
3. What is described as “rushing along” in the verse?
Ans: ‘Rushing along’ symbolises the rapid passage of time or swift progression of events.
4. Identify the overarching theme of the verse.
Ans: The overarching theme explores the deceptive nature of perception and how our senses can alter our understanding of reality.
5. What optical phenomenon is described in the first line of the stanza?
Ans: The optical phenomenon described is the sudden enlargement of something minute, highlighting a shift in perceived scale.
6. How does the stanza challenge conventional notions of perception?
Ans: It challenges conventional views by demonstrating how perception can be unreliable and inconsistent, leading to a distorted understanding of familiar phenomena.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2.2
1. What activity are bison depicted engaging in?
Ans: The bison are depicted plunging into forest pools and revelling by splashing and striking the water with their horns.
2. How do the antelopes spend their time?
Ans: The antelopes spend their time chewing the cud in groups and in the shade, undisturbed.
3. Where do the wild boars root peacefully?
Ans: The wild boars root peacefully in the mud around puddles where marsh-sedge grows.
4. What is the state of the bow in the passage?
a) Taut and ready for use
b) Broken
c) Resting with a loose-knotted string
d) Hidden in the bushes
Ans: c) Resting with a loose-knotted string
5. Describe the scene with the wild boars.
Ans: The wild boars are described as lining up around puddles where marsh-sedge grows fragrant and rooting peacefully in the mud.
6. What are the marsh-sedges associated with in the text?
Ans: The marsh-sedges are associated with the fragrant, muddy areas where the wild boars are rooting.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2.3
1. Who is referred to as the lord of healing herbs?
Ans: The moon is referred to as the lord of healing herbs.
2. What does the rising Sun advance?
Ans: The rising Sun heralds the advance of the day.
3. What regulates the vicissitudes of life on earth?
Ans: The rise and setting of the two lights (the moon and the Sun) regulate the changes and fluctuations of life on earth.
4. How do the moon and Sun interact according to the stanza?
a) They move independently of each other
b) They both set at the same time
c) Their rise and setting are simultaneous
d) One rises while the other sets
Ans: b) Their rise and setting are simultaneous
5. What is the significance of the moon sinking?
Ans: The moon sinking behind the western mountain signifies the end of its influence for the night, making way for the dawn and the rising Sun.
6. What is implied about the relationship between the moon and Sun in the stanza?
a) They are antagonistic
b) They are mutually exclusive
c) They have a harmonious and regulating influence
d) They operate independently
Ans: c) They have a harmonious and regulating influence
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2.4
1. What does the moon step on according to the lines?
Ans: The moon steps on the crown of Sumeru, the Parent of Mountains.
2. Whose abode does the moon traverse in the middle regions?
Ans: The moon traverses the middle regions of Vishnu’s abode.
3. How is the moon described at the end of the lines?
Ans: The moon is described as falling down the sky in a pitiful glimmer of light.
4. What does the line “the ascent too high of even the great ends in a fall” suggest?
Ans: It suggests that even the greatest achievements or heights eventually lead to a decline or fall.
5. What contrast is drawn between the moon’s ascent and descent?
Ans: The contrast is between the moon’s grand and illustrious ascent and its eventual, diminished descent.
6. What is the tone of the description of the moon’s descent?
Ans: The tone is one of melancholy and regret, highlighting the moon’s diminished state and the inevitable decline.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.2.5
1. What is described as the true nature of those who do good to others?
Ans: The true nature of those who do good to others is humility and lack of haughtiness.
2. What is the physical manifestation of trees laden with fruit?
Ans: Trees laden with fruit bend down under the weight of the fruit.
3. How do rain clouds behave when filled with water?
Ans: Rain clouds filled with water hang low, almost to the ground.
4. What do the lines suggest about the relationship between wealth and behaviour?
Ans: The lines suggest that wealth does not make the good haughty or arrogant.
5. What analogy is used to describe the behaviour of trees laden with fruit?
Ans: The analogy used is that trees laden with fruit bend down, symbolising humility and modesty.
6. What behaviour does wealth fail to induce in good people?
Ans: Wealth fails to induce arrogance or haughtiness in good people.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.3
Change the voices of the following imperative sentences:
1. Please wash the dishes.
Ans: You are requested to wash the dishes.
2. Open the window.
Ans: Let the widow be opened.
3. Let the letter be mailed by noon.
Ans: Mail the letter by noon.
4. Bring me a cup of coffee.
Ans: You are ordered to bring me a cup of coffee.
5. The book is good.
Ans: The book is good when it is read.
INTEXT QUESTIONS 21.4
Identify the poetic devices used in the following lines.
1. “Like a fleeting moment, day turns into night”
Ans: Simile; it compares the transition from day to night to the fleeting nature of a moment, emphasising the quick passage of time.
2. “counsellor divine”
Ans: Metaphor; it is comparing the character’s wisdom and counsel to something divine.
3. “Upright, noble souls”
Ans: Apostrophe is addressing a non-human entity (soul) and giving it human qualities (being upright and noble).
4. “Hail, friend of Indra, counsellor divine,
Illustrious offspring of a glorious line!
Wearer of shapes at will;”
Ans: Personification; the cloud is qualified with human qualities.
5. “May this serene scene unfold”
Ans: Alliteration; the repetition of the “s” sound in “serene” and “scene”.
6. “One side, the Lord of herbs, ascends the mountain’s crest,
While on the other, the Sun, a radiant orb, takes its quest.”
Ans: Imagery; the descriptions of Lord of herbs is ascending the mountain and the Sun is embarking on its quest. It allows readers to visualise these celestial events.
7. “Deep as the touchstone’s gloom”
Ans: Simile: It suggests that the darkness is as deep as the gloom associated with a touchstone, emphasising its profound obscurity.
8. “sip the gelid current’s rich perfume”
Ans: Metaphor; It describes the water as having a “rich perfume,” comparing its quality to a pleasant scent.
9. “looks of love reward”
Ans: Personification; It personifies the land, suggesting that it rewards those who cultivate it with love.
10. “Let the majestic elephants, their tusks glistening bright,
Find rest in this cool and tranquil pool, a soothing delight.”
Ans: Imagery; It vividly describes a scene of majestic elephants finding rest. This description creates vivid mental images for the reader.
11. “bright-eyed peasants tread the verdant sward”
Ans: Imagery creates a clear mental picture of a lush, green countryside where happy peasants are walking.
12. “When in this world, swiftly one goes out of sight,
Like a fleeting moment, day turns into night.”
Ans: Symbolism; it symbolises the fleeting nature of life and time, with the chariot’s shade representing a brief respite or moment of reflection within this transitory journey.
13. “brand the yak supplies”
Ans: Symbolism; representing a source of fuel or danger
TERMINAL QUESTIONS
1. How does the poet emphasise the transient nature of human interactions and time’s passage?
Ans: When something is moving quickly, like a speeding chariot, everything around it seems to change rapidly. Once close things suddenly become far away, and vice versa, in the blink of an eye. They highlight the complexities of human perception and the illusions it can create.
2. What do the moments of connection or presence symbolise in “your chariot’s shade”?
Ans: In “your chariot’s shade,” the moments of connection or presence symbolise brief but precious moments of love, companionship, and emotional closeness. The speaker suggests that even though life may be full of movement, separation, or duty—like a chariot constantly travelling—there are still rare moments when two people can be together.
These moments represent shelter, comfort, and emotional security, just as the shade protects one from the burning sun. They also symbolise the timelessness of love, showing that even short periods of togetherness can create lasting memories and deep emotional bonds.
Additional Study Materials
- NIOS Class 12 English Sample Paper
- Chapter 16: Reading with understanding (Stress before Examination)
- Chapter 17: Kabir and Thiruvalluvar
- Chapter 18: Reading with understanding (Nation Builders of India)
- Chapter 19: Reading with Understanding (International Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking)
- Chapter 20: Reading with understanding: (Losar and Bihu)
