The Light of Other Days Class 11 Questions and Answer AHSEC Assam Board Alternative English book Seasons and summary or explanation of the poem along with textual notes. Important for H.S. 1st Years exam. The author of the poem is Thomas Moore.
Summary
The poem "The Light of Other Days" describes the feeling of nostalgia and the memories that come to mind during quiet moments before falling asleep. The speaker reflects on their past, particularly their childhood, recalling the joys and sorrows of those early years. They remember the loving words that were spoken, the people whose eyes used to shine with happiness but are now gone, and the hearts that have been broken.
The second part of the poem focuses on the speaker's memories of their friends who have passed away, comparing their loss to the falling leaves in winter. The speaker feels a sense of loneliness as if they are walking alone in a deserted banquet hall where the lights have gone out and the decorations have withered. Everyone else has left, and only the speaker remains.
Overall, the poem expresses the bittersweet emotions that arise when remembering the past. It highlights the transient nature of life, the passing of time, and the sense of longing for the people and moments that have become memories.
Textual Question Answer
Comprehension
I. Answer these questions in one or two words.
1. In which stage of life is the poet at present?
Ans: Last Stage.
2. To what does the poet compare his friends?
Ans: The poet compares their friends to leaves falling in wintry weather.
3. Pick out one 'fond' memory of the poet.
Ans: One fond memory of the poet is the words of love spoken during their boyhood years.
4. Pick out one 'sad' memory of the poet.
Ans: Death of friends.
5. What does the word 'slumber' mean in the poem?
Ans: In the context of the poem, the word 'slumber' refers to the state of falling asleep.
II. Answer these questions in a few words.
1. What does the poet remember before falling asleep?
Ans: Before falling asleep, the poet remembers the experiences and events of their past, particularly the joys and sorrows of their childhood and the words of love that were spoken.
2. Why does the poet feel like 'one who treads alone'?
Ans: The poet feels like "one who treads alone" because they have witnessed their friends and loved ones pass away. They feel a sense of loneliness because they are left behind while others have departed.
3. Why is the poet sad?
Ans: The poet is sad because he feels lonely recalling fond memories and people from his past who are no longer there.
4. What is meant by the expression 'ere slumber's chain has bound me' in the poem?
Ans: The expression "ere slumber's chain has bound me" means before the poet is fully asleep or before they are completely overcome by sleep. It signifies the brief moments before falling into a deep slumber, during which memories and reflections come to the forefront of their mind.
5. Why are 'the cheerful hearts' now broken?
Ans: "The Cheerful hearts" were cheerful once upon a time but now those people and memories with whom the cheerful hearts were associated are a thing of the past and hence no longer there and thus are now "broken".
III. Answer these questions briefly.
1. What does the poet mourn over in the second stanza of the poem?
Ans: In the second part of the poem, the poet expresses his sadness and grief about being alone and losing his friends who have passed away. He describes the strong connection he once had with them, which no longer exists because they are no longer alive. The poet compares their deaths to falling leaves in winter, emphasizing the natural and inevitable nature of their passing.
He talks about his feelings of loneliness and likens his life to a dark and empty banquet hall. This image symbolizes a place where joy and light used to be, but now everything has vanished, leaving him to wander all alone.
2. Explain 'I have seen around me fall like leaves in wintry weather'.
Ans: Through this particular line, the poet wishes to compare the lives of humans at the last stage of their lives when they are approaching death. The way leaves fall and
dies in winter is also how men finally succumb to death in their old age. The leaves are compared to humans whereas winter is compared to old-age.
3. Describe the banquet hall.
Ans: The banquet hall represents a place where people usually gather to celebrate and have fun. However, in this poem, the banquet hall is described as being empty, dark, and abandoned. There are no lights or flowers, which creates a sad and lonely atmosphere. This is used to show how life can become lonely and bleak when we reach the end and lose our friends. It suggests that as we grow older and approach the final stages of life, we may find ourselves without the companionship and support we once had. The poem conveys the idea that our last days can be filled with loneliness and solitude, similar to the deserted banquet hall with no signs of life or happiness.
IV. Answer these questions in detail.
1. How has the poet portrayed the theme of friendship in the poem?
Ans: The poet portrays the theme of friendship in the poem by expressing a deep sense of loss and longing for their friends. The poet remembers the moments they shared, the loving words spoken, and the happiness they brought. However, the poet also acknowledges that these friendships don't last forever, comparing them to leaves falling in winter. This comparison shows that friendships can fade away or end just like the changing seasons. The poet feels grief and loneliness because their friends have either passed away or drifted apart. Through these reflections, the poem reminds us to value and treasure our friendships while we have them. It teaches us to appreciate the joy and connection they bring because they can be fleeting.
2. In your own words describe the emotions of the poet as reflected in the poem.
Ans: The emotions of the poet, as reflected in the poem, are a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and loneliness. The poet experiences a strong sense of longing as they recall the memories of their past, particularly their childhood. There is a wistful tone as they remember the words of love and the cheerful hearts of their loved ones that have now faded or been broken. The poet's emotions are also tinged with sorrow and grief, especially when they reflect on the loss of their friends who have passed away. They feel a sense of isolation, symbolized by the image of walking alone in a deserted banquet hall. The poem conveys a deep yearning for the past and the people who have played significant roles in the poet's life.
