Page 100 - 9th-language-english-2

Glossary

shrivel : wrinkle, dry up, waste away
groom : brush, clean up
swing : move to and fro
Not to be republished
marvellous : wonderful, splendid
longing : desire, thirst, yearning
holding : carry, grasp
©KTBS
Understand the poem
I. Answer the following questions and discuss the respons-
es with your partner.
1. What does the poet ask us not to let die?
2. “English is a game to play.” How does the poet justify
it?
3. The poet speaks about matching words. What should
we match the words with?
4. What has never been said yet, according to the poet?
5. Read lines 11 and 12 in the poem:

‘Words are the food and dress of thought
They give it its body and swing.’
What do you understand by these lines?
6. What does everyone try to hear and see afresh?
7. The poet mentions ‘prison’ in line 16. What according
to her, is imprisoned?
II. Read and appreciate
1. Which lines in the poem strike you the most? For
example, in line one the poet says ‘Never let a thought
shrivel and die’. This is a thought - provoking line. Can
you think of some other lines which are highly thought-
provoking? Discuss in a small group and share your
responses.
2. ‘Words alone are good’ says a great Indian poet. Can
you relate the meaning of the statement with the theme
of the poem you have studied? Share your ideas with
your classmates.
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