Department of English

Govt. Degree College Anantnag

Gen. English notes for B.A, B.S.C. and B.COM. 3rd Semester 2016

SECTION 1: POETRY

LUCY GRAY

By William Wordsworth

Briefly answer the following questions:

A. Identify the lines which first tell us that Lucy Gray is no more. Explain why
the poet refrains from giving us this information at the very outset?

Ans. The lines found in the eleventh stanza for the first time suggest that Lucy

Gray is no more:

They wept-and, turning homeward, cried,

“In heaven we all shall meet;”

The poet refrains from giving us this information of Lucy’s death directly

with the purpose of building up his story with greater degree of pathos. Moreover,

it is generally believed that the theme of the poem is not Lucy Gray’s death but

human being’s merger with nature. This greater theme of the union of human

beings and nature is successfully presented through the character of Lucy. He gives

a brief account of the girl living a playful and solitary life.

B. Sketch a picture of the countryside that you infer from your reading of the
poem.

Ans. The poem ‘Lucy Gray’ gives a detailed account of the countryside where

Lucy lived. It is a secluded place far from the hustle and bustle of life. The people

live an isolated life and strong winds and snow storms are a routine there. Snowy

mountains, steep hills, hedges, rivulets etc. are a part of it. It is a place where moon

is visible even in the daytime.

C. “The wretched parents all that night/ Went shouting far and wide…”
explains the ambiguity in the phrase ‘wretched parents’. How does it impact
the interpretation of the poem?

Ans. Lucy Gray had been told by her father to fetch her mother from the town

before the snow storm would hit the region. But the storm which was likely to

come in the evening came very early and devoured Lucy. Now the grief stricken

parents search frantically for her but in vain. The ambiguity in the phrase

‘wretched parents’ is that although Lucy’ parents now looked helpless and

wretched after her disappearance, but in reality it was her father who despite

knowing that the area would be hit by a storm asked her to fetch her mother, thus

proving himself a mean and careless father. Their search and wailing not only

gives a vivid and graphic description of the countryside but also gives a pathetic

and gloomy touch to the story.

Give detailed answers to the following questions:

A. Sketch the character of Lucy Gray from your reading of the poem. What
according to you was her most endearing trait and why?

Ans. Lucy Gray was an extremely sweet and beautiful child who lived a solitary

life in the joyful company of nature. She lived with her parents in a cottage and had

no siblings or friends to play or share with.

Wordsworth in the poem tells the popular story of Lucy gray which he heard

from his sister. One eventful day Lucy’ father asked her to bring her mother back

home from the town before the snowstorm hits the region. As Lucy was a very

obedient girl, she gleefully obliged. Lucy hurriedly left for the town with a lantern

in her hand. The storm which was expected to occur in the night came much earlier

and Lucy was overtaken by it. The unfortunate child tried very hard to find the way

back home but failed miserably. After reading the poem it can be easily found that

Lucy was a very submissive and beautiful child who enjoyed the solitude of nature.

She became friends with the solitary surroundings of nature and used to play with

it happily. She never complained about her being alone, instead of her seclusion.

According to me submissiveness and obedience is the most endearing trait of

Lucy. She would carry out all the orders of her parents. When her father asked her

to bring her mother back from the town, she risked her life and went to fetch her

mother in spite of the inclement weather and in the pursuit perish.

B. In 1815, Wordsworth added the subtitle ‘or Solitude’ to the poem. Does the
subtitle help or limit one’s reading of the poem. Give a reasoned answer.

Ans. ‘Lucy Gray’ is one of the best ballads written by the great English romantic

poet, William Wordsworth, the poet of nature. It was published in the second

edition of the “Lyrical Ballads” and its story was narrated to the poet by his sister

Dorothy. Although, the poem tells the story of Lucy’s disappearance in a snow

storm, the poem at the same time gives a vivid and graphic description of the

natural scenery of the area.

Although written years before being published in the second edition of the

Lyrical Ballads, Wordsworth added the subtitle ‘or Solitude’ to it in 1815. The

subtitle helps a reader to comprehend the poem in a much better way and gives him

a peep into the main theme of the poem. More than the death account of Lucy, the

poem basically deals with the theme of solitariness of a girl living in a secluded

place far away from the town and town people.

The subtitle suggests that Lucy Gray who lived on a moor with her parents

had a solitary life. She had no friends and comrades to play with. She was a very

submissive and beautiful child who enjoyed the solitude of nature. She became

friends with the solitary surroundings of nature and used to play with it happily.

She never complained about her being alone, instead of her seclusion. Lucy is the
child of nature and it is said that even after her death, her spirit still freely roams in

the forest and sings the song of solitude.

THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH US

By William Wordsworth

Briefly answer the following questions:

A. Why does the speaker express his resentment against the life of
materialism?

Ans. ‘The World Is Too Much’ is a beautiful sonnet written by William

Wordsworth. In the poem Wordsworth laments modern man’s obsession of

accumulation of money and material. In the pursuit of material gains he has lost the

spirituality and love for nature. He measures everything in terms of money. He has

sold his heart for the petty means. He does not see the beauties and bounties of

nature but his heart and mind has become polluted due to mad desire for money.

B. What do ‘getting and spending’, ‘a sordid boon’ and ‘sleeping flowers’

signify in the context of the poem?

Ans. These phrases signify modern man’s materialism and greed for money. He

measures everything in terms of money and the objects of nature seem dead to him.

‘Getting and spending’ shows how modern man has entered into the rat race of

accumulating more and more wealth and then spending it lavishly. The phrase
‘sordid boon’ stands for shameful blessing. According to the poet modern man has

shamelessly given away his heart to money and material comforts. Like Dr Faustus

they have sold their hearts for petty material gains. Modern man is spiritually dead

and does not derive joy from nature. To him money is everything. The phrase

‘sleeping flowers’ suggest the tremendous power of nature. The natural objects like

the sea, moon and howling winds have the potential to sooth the human spirit.

C. What are the ‘glimpses’ that could make the speaker ‘less forlorn’?

Ans. Wordsworth’s poem ‘The World Is Too Much’ is a scathing attack on modern

man’s love for material and wealth. To earn more and more and to live a

comfortable and luxurious life is his sole preoccupation. Wordsworth is

disillusioned and feels himself detached from such people. He is a high priest of

nature and wants to enjoy the company of nature. For this purpose he wants to

stand on a meadow and have glimpse of ancient Greek sea gods Proteus and

Triton. These glimpses have the potential to make him less forlorn and can remove

the load off his breast and have a soothing effect on him.

D. Why do you think the speaker wishes to be a pagan?

Ans. The speaker is disillusioned and feels himself detached from the people who

have materialistic pursuits and whose only goal is to accumulate more and more

wealth. He wants to enjoy the company of nature and have glimpses of ancient
Greek gods Proteus and Triton. For this purpose he wants to shun the orthodox

religion and become a pagan. As the speaker is a high priest of nature so he thinks

that by adapting paganism he would always remain in the company of nature, as

pagans believe that god resides in every element of nature. By having the glimpses

of these ancient Greek gods would make him less forlorn.

Give detailed answers to the following questions:

A. Comment on the theme of the poem?

Ans:- The poem has a thematic concern of, “the beauty and significance of Nature”

and ,”a condemnation of the commercial spirit.” The poem opens with a complaint,

that the world is out of whack and the people are destroying themselves with

consumerism. The speaker describes a rift between nature and humanity. We are

fully absorbed in money and materialism that we no longer seem a part of nature.

Wordsworth was never tired of teaching his readers to love the beauty of Nature

and to try to understand the underlining significance of Nature. In this sonnet he

reminds us that Nature has a beauty and a significance which we should not miss.

The poem contains two beautiful Nature pictures. One is the picture of moonlight

falling freely on the surface of the sea.

‘This sea that bares her bosom to the moon.’

The other is the picture of the winds which are mostly blowing with force but

which are sometimes calm and peaceful like “sleeping flowers”

Wordsworth rightly condemns in this poem the excessive interest of people

in money. Today money rules and governs us. “Getting and spending” are really

our chief concern in life:

‘Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.’

We feel too occupied in worldly activities. We are feverishly busy in

worldly affairs .But what is the use of all this if we allow our sense of beauty to

starve and die? The sense of beauty is a part of our higher nature and it should be

developed fully. Thus the poem has a valuable lesson for us. Wordsworth was in

the habit of teaching lessons through his poetry and this sonnet is an example of

that habit.

B. Why and how does Wordsworth look upon Nature as a power that exerts a

humanising influence on man?

Ans:- One impulse from a vernal wood

May teach you more of man,

Of moral evil and of good,

Than all the sages can.

 Wordsworth’s philosophy of human life rests upon his basic conception that

man is not apart from Nature but is the very,” life of her life”. In childhood man is

sensitive to all natural influences; he is an epitome of the gladness and beauty of

the world. Wordsworth explains this gladness and this sensitiveness to Nature by

the doctrine that the child comes straight from the Creator of Nature. This kinship

with nature and with God, which glorifies childhood, ought to extend through a

man’s whole life and ennoble it. According to Wordsworth, society and the

crowded unnatural life of cities tend to weaken and pervert humanity; and a return

to a natural and simple living is the only remedy for human wretchedness.

Wordsworth was primarily concerned with the emotional, imaginative and

spiritual forces within the mind of man. His own revitalisation, the’’ impulses of

deeper birth’’, came to him in the country; Nature was the means, not the end. For

others, ‘’renovations’’ may come from religion or poetry or music; but in many the

vital force is renewed through ‘’ the beautiful and permanent forms of Nature’’.

However, the most important fallacy in Wordsworth’s Nature philosophy lies in

the assumption that all people are open to restorative natural influences which

inspire lofty thoughts and disclose the primal duties:

‘To me the meanest flower that blows can give

Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears.’

 FROST AT MIDNIGHT

By S.T. Coleridge

Answer the following questions briefly:

A. Explain briefly the line “The Frost performs its secret ministry”.

Ans: The above mentioned line has got a lot of significance in the poem. It shows

that the atmosphere is peaceful and calm. We notice that silence prevails all over

the place. It is cold outside, the time is evening and frost has covered the land. So,

the frost is doing its duty subtly and secretly. The wind is not there to help it.

B. Bring out the difference in the repetition of the words, ‘Sea, hill, and wood’
in lines 10-11.

Ans: Sea, hill and wood— the inhabitants of the village and the other activities

appear to be silent like the whole atmosphere. There is only a single moment which

the poet can see and it is the moment of the thin film fluttering on the grate. It is

not affected by the silence of the night. The difference in the repetition of these
words shows that these used to be once full of activity together and are now feeling

lonely like the poet in this chilly and silent atmosphere.

C. What does the poet see in ‘that film’? Explain the superstitious association
between the film and the stranger twice referred to in the second stanza.

Ans: The poet sees the movement in the film and it allows him to take refuge in his

past. He recollects the days when he was at school and the fluttering film was

signaling the arrival of some relative or friend next morning. When he would see

this film, he would get transported in his imagination to his sweet native place with

its old church tower.

D. what does the poet dream off? What is the effect of these dreams on him?

Ans: The poet gets pensive and gives poetic expression to all the common human

emotions. He dreams of his childhood days and the ringing of the church bells

which enthralled him from morning to evening. He remembers how sweetly they

stirred and haunted him with a wild pleasure and then consequently it would allow

him dream so many things. The stranger referred in the poem are the intuitions that

he would get by reflecting on ordinary things.

Give detailed answer to the following questions:

A. Discuss the tension created in the opening of the poem between the
serenity of nature and the restlessness of the poet.
Ans: The poem presents the reminiscences of the poet on a frosty night when he

was alone by the fireside. He feels himself alienated from the rest of the world.

His son, Hartley is peacefully sleeping in a cradle by his side. In the calmness of

the night, the poet becomes more and more meditative. The wind is not blowing

there and there is no one to disturb his meditation. Outside the sea, the wood, the

hill and the village appear to be quiet. So the poet feels restless as is evident from

the poem:

“… so calm, that it disturbs and vexes meditation with its strange and extreme

silentness…”

We can find the tension in the poem that is created by the calm of the nature and

restlessness of the poet. It is this tension which takes him to his childhood days of

city life. This also points towards Coleridge’s desire for his own childhood which

he could have spent in a countryside that he mentions in the poem. However, he

resolves that his son will live in these natural surroundings and will learn the

everlasting lessons from nature. This is in tune with the romantic belief that one

can be in full communion with eternal reality only in countryside environment as

was propagated by Wordsworth and Coleridge. So, the tension created by the by

the solitude and the restlessness of the poet proves fruitful in presenting the main

theme of the poem.

B. Bring out the contrast between Coleridge’s schooldays and the education
that his son will have. What does it tell us about the Romantic concept of
nature.

Ans: There is difference between Coleridge’s school days and the education that

his son will have in the countryside. This is because when the poet becomes

pensive while feeling the loneliness of the place, his mind leaves the cottage and

flies around the world. it discovers that the sea, hill and wood are all engulfed in

silence and a number of activities of life are at halt. He imagines his childhood

days when he was at school .he was not interested in the hectic class activities but

was enchanted by the ringing of the church bells. This filled him with immense joy

which stirred and haunted him. He was fed up with the city environment which

corrupts human nature and years that his son will study in the countryside under

the guidance of nature itself. This will enable him to perceive the eternal reality.

The Romantics believed that nature is redemptive in its effect and can lead a

person to supreme reality.

B. Write a critical analysis of the poem?

Ans: S. T. Coleridge is known as an acclaimed English poet, literary critic and

philosopher. In collaboration with William Wordsworth, he founded a literary

movement in England known as Romantic Movement. He is known for his best

poems like ‘The Aeolian Harp’, Fears in Solitude’ , ‘Reflections on having a place
of Retirement’ ‘Christabel’, Dejection : An Ode, An Ancient Mariner’. His poetry

shows intricate artistry and also reflects the variety of human thought. ‘Frost at

Midnight’, the poem under critical analysis here, is written in blank verse and it

shows and justifies the system of natural education as was propagated by

Rousseau, a well- known thinker and philosopher. In this poem, Coleridge shows

his concern for his son’s future and expresses a wish that he live a life which is

different from the life lived by the poet. He prays and yearns that his son, Hartley,

live a life in the countryside amidst the lakes and mountains which will bestow on

him the lessons of love, piety and spirituality. It is well-knit and intricately

structured poem and is deeply embedded in the romantic belief which

acknowledges the presence of a benevolent and all- pervading spirit in the

universe. It moves through time and space showing the thought processes of the

poet’s mind and variation in his mood in a sequence three stages. The first stage

shows the poets present situation in which he lives— his loneliness, depressed

sensibility and alienation from the world around him. In the second stage of his

poem, the poet recollects his unhappy, lonely past and his upbringing in a city

environment. However, the third stage is full of pessimism.

C. The crux of the poem is contained in the line: ‘Himself in all, and all
things in himself’. Comment.
Ans: These words in the poem have immense significance. They actually signify

the crux of Romanticism. We can understand the significance of these words at the

end of the play. The poet remembers that he was himself brought up in the

suffocating atmosphere of London. He thinks of an entirely different plan for the

upbringing of his son. He thinks that his son will grow up under the benevolent and

educative influence of Nature. The poet provides a pantheistic view of nature. It

believes that God is the supreme teacher of mankind and His presence can be felt

in everything that has been created. He is the source of everything and nature is the

great universal teacher that would mould the behavior of his son.

KUBLA KHAN

By S.T. Coleridge

Briefly answer the following questions

A. ‘Kubla Khan’ is filled with contrary images. Explain the effect of these
in the first five lines.

Ans: Kubla Khan presents the complexity of life which is filled with mysteries and

contraries. It a poem about nature and the function of art. In the first five lines, a

picture full of complexities and contradiction is created. Kubla Khan orders to

build a majestic palace that symbolizes the sensual pleasure. There is a sacred river
which is symbol of life. It is replica of this life in the universe which begins and

ends in mystery touched with dread. It runs deep through caverns which are

measureless to man and go down to a sunless sea. So, in the very beginning, the

poet creates a picture full of contraries which is analogous to life.

B. Who is the Abyssinian maid? What does she signify for the poet?

Ans: It is an imaginary character created by the poet. He sees an Abyssinian maid

in his vision playing on her dulcimer and singing a sweet song about Mount Abora.

She signifies the perfection of art for the poet. The poet yearns to create the

perfection of Abyssinian maid’s song in his poetry. He wants to revive the melody

and music of her song. It would give him pleasure and inspire him to make a

palace of the same kind in the air. The palace would be so vivid that all who

would hear him would see the pleasure dome in front of their eyes.

C.How does the last stanza of the poem refer to artistic creativity as a sacred
activity? What does it mean to have been fed on ‘honey dew’ and ‘drunk the
milk of paradise’?

Ans: In the last section, the poet wants to achieve the Abyssinian maid’s perfection

in his art. He wants to be revolutionary in order to bring changes in the society.

The artistic creativity is a sacred one because it brings new ideas and new hopes in

the minds of men. His eyes would shine with unearthly light and would possess

magical powers. He thinks about the conservative people who would try to restrict
him by circling around him and close their eyes. The phrases “he had been fed on

honey dew” and “milk of paradise” mean that these people will regard him inspired

by God.

Give the detailed answer to the following questions:

A. Comment on the central idea of ‘Kubla Khan’.

Ans: The central idea of Kubla Khan is nature and function of art. Just like his

contemporaries he wanted to be revolutionary so that he could insert new ideas and

new hopes in the minds of people through art. We can categorize the poem in three

parts. The first part is about the palace about which he had heard and it is also

about a singer about whom he had a dream and lastly it is about the poet he had

imagined. The poem opens with the description of pleasure dome to be built in

Xanadu. The palace is surrounded by ten miles of rich soil and the whole area is

walled. It is followed by the singing of the Abyssinian maid which symbolizes the

perfection of art. In the third part, the poet years that if he would emulate the

oriental magnificence of Kubla Khan’s architectural structure through his art, if he

would revive the melody and music of Abyssinian maid’s song, his music would

then create the embodiment of mystery of God’s universe. It would be mystery of

contraries put together, the dichotomy of light and darkness; and life and death.

Such poetry will bring about a great change in a person’s mood and attitude. It can

be augur change and rebirth.

 B. Comment on Kubla Khan as a dream poem. Explicate the relationship
between dreams and artistic creativity within the context of the poem.

Ans: Coleridge himself describes the poem as “A vision in a dream: A fragment”.

But the critics are of the view that if he had not told us so, no one would have

thought about it. The entire poem came to Coleridge on a morning when he had

fallen asleep while reading Purchase’s pilgrimage. When he woke up , he could

write only 54 lines after being interrupted by a visitor. The poem has vocabulary

and semantics that represents a dream like situation. It seems incoherent unless we

get the symbolic meaning. It is always described as a dream poem because it

acquits meaning only if taken as a dream. Then only different parts can be put

together and presented as an organic whole. There is a similarity between a dream

and artistic creation. The dream cannot be understood without symbolism and art

also depends up on symbolic connotations. The second part refers to his dream in

which he had a vision of Abyssinian maid and in the final part he years to recreate

the perfection of Abyssinian maid’s song. The reader finds it as a convincing

presentation.

C. Coleridge describes the poem as a fragment in the subtitle. Would you

agree or disagree with the poet that it is so. Give a reasoned answer.

Ans: Coleridge describes the poem as a fragment in the subtitle but it can never be

called an incoherent one. He himself calls it “A vision in a dream: A fragment”.

Even if the first part is interpreted symbolically, it is a coherent with the second

part which is quite clear. The first part gives the clear picture of dome and the river

with all its setting which symbolizes life full of complexities and contraries. The

second part gives description of poetic process and the urge for imaginative

fulfillment. In the second part, the poet describes the creative power of poetry

which can build such a doom in air. The entire poem is thus about the possibilities

and potentialities of creative power of a poet. The poet believes that it is art that

reflects the life with all its complexities and contradictions and art transcends life

and attains sacred connotations. In the final part, he shows art as revolutionary

which can bring change by infusing new ideas in people.

SECTION 2: DRAMA

How He Lied to Her Husband

By G.B. Shaw

Briefly answer the following questions:

A. what impression do you gather of the young man from the opening stage

directions of the play?

Ans:- From the opening stage directions, we come across a young man who is

beautiful, fanatic, romantic and an excited person. This young man of 18 years is

fully absorbed in the love-affair with Mrs. Aurora, a married young woman. He is
a romantic character, who seems to live in his own dreams and walk in the air. He

is a fanatic lover who expresses his excitements by kissing the belongings of Mrs.

Aurora’s room. He shows his Narcissist behavior by brushing off dust from his

boots instantly by his handkerchief. Sometimes he stands before the mirror and

assures himself that he is perfectly dressed.

B. Henry proposes to Aurora that they should confront her husband. How

does he suggest that they go about it?

Ans:- Henry tells Aurora that he is not ashamed of his love-affair and will himself

declare it to her husband Mr. Bompass. He tells her; let’s go to our own house this

evening without concealment and without shame. He suggests that they should go

to him hand in hand and bid him farewell. He also suggests that they should walk

out of the house without concealment and without any trick or dishonest way. They

would step out of the house freely and honestly in full honor and self respect.

C. ‘What has become of you? You are not my Aurora.’ What prompts this

lament from Henry?

Ans:- Henry entered Aurora’s living room where she feels shocked because of

missing poems. She suspects Georgina of stealing the poems and is afraid that

Georgina will disclose Aurora’s love-affair before Mr. Bompass. Henry suggests

disclosing the love affair but Aurora negates because being a social conscious
person. On this contrary subject there starts a quarrel between them. Henry

suddenly snatches fan from her hands and breaks it. Aurora is shocked and angrily

tells him that he will never be able to match this fan. Henry replies that he was

about to breaking Teddy’s pet wife and presenting him with pieces but Aurora gets

angry and says that he should not use swear words in her presence as if he was her

husband. This unexpected and disgusted remark prompts Henry to say these words.

D. I have got growing pains,’ moans Henry. What is he referring to? What has

precipitated the ‘pains’?

Ans: - There arises a dispute between Henry and Aurora because, if one is inclined

to tell the truth, the other is reluctant to the proposal. Aurora tells Henry to tell her

husband that Aurora, for whom the poems are written, is somebody else. In this

way they can conceal their love-affair and retain their reputation in public. Despite

Aurora’s insist, Henry is not ready to tell a lie. Being a straight-forward man he

would not speak the truth. This gives extreme pain to Henry and the pain

mentioned in the question refers to the same. The ‘pains’ are precipitated by the

change from romantic glow into cynical maturity suddenly. Henry says that usually

it takes 15 years but the unexpected behavior of Aurora has made it suddenly

which has precipitated his pains.

Give detailed answers to the following questions:

A. Give Mr. Bompas’ reaction to Henry’s confession that he does not admire

Mrs. Bompas ‘in that way’. What impression have you formed of Mr.

Bompas?

Ans:- When Henry confesses that he does not admire Mrs. Bompass, Mr. Bompass

becomes furious and begins to argue how she has been admired by so many

reputed persons and poets. He tells that she is the smartest woman in South

Kingston. He further tells that three actor managers were fascinated by her beauty

and offered her a hundred a week if she would go on the stage. Cabinet man who is

the busiest man neglected his business of country and preferred to dance with her.

The first professional poet in Bedford Park wrote a sonnet to her. He further tells

Henry that eldest son of Duke confessed that he had feelings for Mrs. Bompass. He

gets furious and begins to give him threats and teach him manners.

From his reaction we perceive that Mr. Bompass is a rational lover of beauty

and not a jealous or possessive husband. He takes it as a manner of honor when

somebody admires his wife or says that he has good feelings for his wife. He

begins to knock Henry when he confesses that he does not admire his wife. He is

not a possessive husband as he confessed with honor that son of Duke had feeling

with his wife and the first professional poet wrote a sonnet to her. He is a strange

type of beauty lover who praises the beauty of his wife and wants to be praised by

everyone.
B. Attempt an assessment of Aurora’s character.

Ans:- Aurora is the central character of the play How He Lied to Her Husband by

G.B. Shaw. The whole plot of the play revolves round her. Aurora is beautiful,

pretentious, honor conscious, suspicious and a married woman of 31 years old. She

is married to Mr. Bompass but has a love affair with Henry. Aurora is shocked to

know that the poems written by Henry in her praise are misplaced. She is a

suspicious woman as she suspects Georgina of stealing the poems and is afraid that

Georgina would reveal their love-affair before Mr. Bompass. Aurora is honor

conscious as she insists Henry to tell a lie before her husband. She tells Henry that

the revelation of their love-affair will cause her disgrace in the public.

Aurora is beautiful and her beauty is not only admired by Henry but her

husband mentions so many incidents where she has been admired. Aurora’s

husband regards her smartest woman in South Kingston. Actor managers were so

fascinated and offered her a hundred a week if she would go on stage. Cabinet man

neglected his business and preferred to dance with her. The eldest son of Duke has

feeling with her. She is so beautiful that her husband becomes furious when Henry

confesses that he does not admire her.

Aurora is pretentious character as she pretends to be faithful to her husband.

She pretends to be a devoted wife as well, when her husband wants to talk with
Henry alone, she quickly steps out of room and pretends to be a faithful wife. She

takes her Husband’s side when Henry and her husband begin to quarrel. To Sum

up, Aurora‘s character is a typical showman character and very apt to a Comedy.

She represents false pretentions of womenfolk and urban wife of the contemporary

society.

SWAN SONG

By Anton Chekhov

Briefly answer the following questions:

A. Comment on the implications of the title.

Ans.: The title of the play is quite apt and suggestive. It is said that a swan sings a

song before dying. According to Oxford Learners Dictionary the phrase ‘swan

song’ means ‘the last piece of work produced by an artist, a musician etc, or the

last performance by an actor, athlete etc.’ ‘Swan Song’ is a play in which a 68 year

old stage actor Svietlovidoff looks back at his life and career as an actor. The title

implicates that the play is about the last performance of an artist who is well past

his prime and youth. He is all alone without a wife and children. Death is

advancing towards him and guessing by his wretched state the performance of the

night can well be his last one.

B. ‘I have drained the bottle, only a few little drops are left at the bottom,
nothing but the dregs.’ Who says these lines in the play and what he is
referring to?

Ans. These words are uttered in the opening monologue by Svietlovidoff, the aging

68 year old protagonist of the play ‘Swan Song’. These lines have deeper

connotations. On the surface level Svietlovidoff refers to the almost empty bottle

of wine which he has drank. On the deeper level he is referring to his old age. He is

old and on the verge of death. A few drops suggest a few years of his life. ‘I have

drained the bottle’ implies how he has spent the main years of his life and that too

purposelessly.

C. What makes Svietlovidoff asset, ‘I am like the wind blowing across the
lonely fields’?

Ans. Visili Svietlovidoff, the main protagonist of the play ‘Swan Song’ is a lonely

soul. He is now at the far end of his life and has dedicated his entire life to his

acting profession. He never married and now in his old age is feeling himself alone

in the galaxy of beings. In his youth though people applauded and admired his

acting skills, no one regarded him able for marriage and other intimate

relationships. He is awful and alone and has no home to live and no relative to

care. Considering this woeful loneliness he asserts that he is like the wind blowing

across the lonely fields.

D. Comment on the opening monologue of the play.

Ans. The opening monologue is a very significant part of the play. In it the main

character, Visili Svietlovidoff expresses his anguish and anxiety after dedicating

forty years of his age to his acting career performing the role of a fool. The

monologue gives us a peep into his private life and its hardships. He never married

and now in his old age is feeling himself alone in the galaxy of beings. In his youth

though people applauded Svietlovidoff and admired his acting skills, no one

regarded him able for marriage and other intimate relationships. He is awful and

alone and has no home to live and no relative to care. In this lonely state he thinks

of life, art and death which seem not far away.

C. Discuss Ivanitch’s feelings for the old actor.

Ans. Nikita Ivanitch is a prompter at the theatre. One eventful evening he finds the

main character Svietlovidoff in a completely broken state. Svietlovidoff tells him

how he dedicated his entire youth to acting, how people admired him, took his

autographs and photographs, but never regarded him able for marriage and other

intimate relationships. Now in his old age he is alone and there is no one to take

care of him. Ivantich is all praise and respect for the old actor. He very patiently

listens to him and his feelings for the old actor are very sympathetic and

considerate.
Give detailed answers to the following questions:

A. ‘I saw through it all that day, and the knowledge was dearly brought.’
What is Svietlovidoff alluding to? What was the price that he had to pay for
his knowledge?

Ans. Visili Svietlovidoff, the main protagonist of the play ‘Swan Song’ is a lonely

soul. He is now at the fag end of his life and has dedicated his entire life to his

acting profession. He never married and now in his old age is feeling himself alone

and aloof. In this statement Svietlovidoff alludes to an incident of his youth when

he was at the prime of his profession. People used to throng around him and took

his autographs and photographs. He was madly in love with a fair girl and she too

loved him dearly. When Svietlovidoff proposed her for marriage, she refused,

setting a condition that he has to shun his acting career, because she cannot be the

wife of an actor. She loved and admired his art but was not ready to be his

companion. According to Svietlovidoff that day he realized the true nature of his

profession as well as of his audience. He realized that people admire and

appreciate an actor but no one is ready to marry him or make intimate relationships

with him.

As soon as the reality dawned at him he was a completely broken man. He

no longer believed in the claps and adoration of his audience. He says, “I

understood my audience at last, and since that day I have not believed in their
applause, or in their wreathes or in their enthusiasm”. He knew he was a stranger to

them. At that time he was at his peak as an actor, performing different kind of

roles, and displaying his great acting prowess and talent. He got the knowledge of

his audience’s mind but has to pay a great price for his knowledge. He began to

wander aimlessly, threw away his great talent, lost his looks and ever after that

played the role of a fool only. He never married, became a drunkard and now in his

old age was living an isolated and remorseful life.

C. Write an extended note on Svietlovidoff’s state of mind as portrayed in the

play.

Ans. ‘Swan Song’ is a one act play written by Anton Chekhov. In this play a sixty

year old actor Visili Svietlovidoff having fallen into a drunken stupor wakes up to

find himself alone in the theatre with the audience having gone home. In the play

through the monologues and dialogues between Svietlovidoff and Ivanitch,

Svietlovidoff’s state of mind is laid bare before the readers.

Svietlovidoff dedicated forty years of his life to theatre. Now in his old age he is

experiencing a lot of agony and anxiety caused by his long acting career and the

cold attitude of his audience towards him. He feels dejected, remorseful and utterly

frustrated. During his youth when he was at his prime as an actor he proposed a

beautiful rich girl for marriage. The girl who was in love with him asked him to

leave his acting profession. Svietlovidoff is of the opinion that at this stage he
realized that people can admire their acting but no one makes a relationship with

them. This realization made him a broken man.

At the age of sixty eight Svietlovidoff feels himself utterly frustrated and alienated.

He is suffering from physical and mental isolation. He finds that he has wasted his

youth and talent and now when he should prepare for death he is still performing a

fool’s role.

C. ‘Where there is art and genius there can never be such things as old age
and loneliness or sickness…and death’ Explain Svietlovidoff’s views in detail
and give your opinion on his assertion.

Ans. ‘Swan Song’ is a one act play written by Anton Chekhov. In this play a sixty

year old actor Visili Svietlovidoff having fallen into a drunken stupor wakes up to

find himself alone in the theatre with the audience having gone home.He is now at

the fag end of his life and has dedicated his entire life to his acting profession. He

never married and now in his old age is feeling himself alone and aloof.

The same old Svietlovidoff who in the most part of the play looked despaired and

dejected suddenly comes to life and in a sudden rush of blood asserts that great

artists are immortal beings, who neither become old nor die. He quotes

Shakespeare’s Othello, King Lear and Hamlet to justify his assertion. He says that

art immortalizes the artists. Artists transcend death and time. The old age and death

can do no harm to them. They are always remembered when people read or see
their creation. They never experience alienation because they live in the hearts of

their admirers.

To some extent Svietlovidoff is correct in his assertion. Though sickness, old age,

loneliness and death troubles great artists in their life time, their art preserves them

from time- the destroyer. On the basis of their sheer genius they remain alive for

ever. Even after centuries we still feel a thrill while reading Shakespeare, Swift or

Dickens. Our imagination takes us to new places and in another world when we

read the great Romantics. We still fell in awe of Micheal Angeleo by seeing his

masterpieces or watching Elvis Priestly dance. The artistic creations of great artists

remain a source of wisdom and great joy forever and we always love and admire

them for their genius.

SECTION 3: BIOGRAPHIES

Abraham Lincoln

Briefly answer the following questions.

A. Describe the hardships faced by the young Lincoln during his childhood.

Ans. Born in a log cabin in Hardin Country, Kentucky, America, Abraham Lincoln

was the son of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. Due to land dispute, the

Lincolns faced numerous adversities. The family had to move to Perry Country,

Indiana. Lincoln experienced the most devastating tragedy of his life when his
mother died at the age of 34. Merely nine, he grew resentful toward the excessive

amount of work that he was entrusted with at such an early age. His father married

a Kentucky widow and a mother of three children, Sarah Bush Johnston. Abraham

grew very close to this strong woman who not only showered her affection on him

but also encouraged him to read. The dearth of reading material in Indiana

impelled Abraham to walk miles each day simply to borrow a book. The books he

read were the family Bible, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, Bunyan’s Pilgrims

Progress and Aesop’s Fables.

B. It is said that Lincoln made a living by splitting wood for fire and rail

fencings. What does that tell you about his character?

Ans. This fact throws a good deal of life on his exemplary character. He was a man

with strong initiative. He believed in the dignity of labour. He wanted to be a self-

made man. He had the potential in him to rise in life. He believed in self-reliance,

the hallmark of American identity.

C. Describe Lincoln’s early career as a lawyer.

Ans. Lincoln’s entry into national politics as the only Whig from Illinois was very

brief. He made some controversial statements which offended the people. So he

left his political career by deciding not to contest for another term. Instead, he was

seen returning to Springfield as a practicing lawyer in 1857.He began to study law

through his own efforts. He did not take coaching from anyone. William
Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England had an enormous impact on

his skills as a lawyer.

D. ‘Hold your friend close and your enemies closer.’ How did Abraham

Lincoln practice this maxim?

Ans. Lincoln gave evidence of his great political acumen by selecting man y of his

political rivals as an integral part of his cabinet. This cabinet was founded on the

basis of the saying ‘Hold your friend close and your enemies closer.’ It became a

powerful force in his first term in office.

Give detailed answer to the following questions:

A. Trace the rise of Lincoln from poverty to Presidentship. Bring out the

determination and dedication of his spirit.

Ans. The life of Abraham Lincoln exemplifies the incredible journey of a man

from humble beginnings to the highest office of a country. Known for his

compassion and ideals of democracy, this messiah of the slaves left behind a well-

entrenched legacy.

Born in a log cabin in Kentucky, America, Abraham Lincoln was the son of

Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks Lincoln. He got his formal education in his

manhood. The dearth of reading material in Indiana impelled Abraham to walk

miles each day simply to borrow a book. The books he read were the family Bible,
Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress and Aesop’s

Fables.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Illinois state legislature in 1834 as a

member of the Whig Party. This marked his entry into politics. He felt that slavery

was harmful to economic development, while at the same time championing the

cause of Whig politics vis-à-vis infrastructure and protective tariffs. He began to

formulate his views on slavery. Then he studied law. He began to practice law in a

law firm named John T. Stuart in Illinois.

His entry into national politics as the only Whig from Illinois was very brief.

His single term in the House of Representatives lasted from 1847-1849. He made

some controversial statements which offended the people. So he left his political

career by deciding not to contest for another term. Instead he was seen returning to

Springfield as a practicing lawyer in 1857. William Blackstone’s Commentaries on

the Laws of England had an enormous impact on his skills as a lawyer.

Lincoln saw the immoral basis of slavery. So he joined the Republican

Party. In 1857, the Supreme Court of the U.S. denied citizenship and the rights

therefore, to African-Americans. Abraham admitted that they could not be equated

with the whites. Despite this he was of the view that the founding fathers of the

American Constitution believed in the equality of all men. Lincoln sought this

opportunity and contested against the sitting U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas. He
rebuked President Buchanan for promoting slavery and left an indelible impact. He

warned that continuance of slavery could lead to the disintegration of the nation.

He declared:

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government

cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the
Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect
it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or the other.
This utterance was followed by many emotive and inspiring debates between

Douglas and Lincoln on variegated issues; slavery being pivotal among them.

1860 proved to be a turning point in the political career of Lincoln when the

political campaigns in Illinois lobbied for his presidency. The people of Southern

states of America knew that Lincoln was a proponent of anti-slavery. So they

expressed a desire to secede from America. Lincoln’s opposition to the secession

of Southern states from America ignited the American Civil-War.

The two historical events that come before his inauguration in March 1861

witnessed the beginning of America’s costliest and most deadly conflict. However,

he was able to fight the Civil War successfully. The involvement in Civil War

dented his popularity. He faced opposition from his generals, his cabinet, the

Republican Party and the people.

January 1, 1863 was a historic moment in the life of Lincoln and Americans

when he proclaimed the freedom of slaves. His Proclamation reads:

 …all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State,
the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States,
shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive
Government of the United States, including the military and naval
authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons.
Lincoln was successful in defeating his rival McClellan. The Civil War was, for

all purposes, over on April 9, 1865. Finally, Lincoln was completely successful in

curbing slavery and subduing the South after years of the ravages of war. Thus a

new era in American history began. Unfortunately, Lincoln was assassinated on

April 15, 1865 by John Wilkes Both.

B. Lincoln is considered to be the most influential American President.

Discuss this statement in view of his biography.

Ans. America has produced great leaders. Abraham Lincoln is one such

phenomenal leader who has inspired many. He was elected to Illinois state

legislature in 1834 as a member of the Whig Party. This marked his entry into

politics. He felt that slavery was harmful to economic development, while at the

same time championing the cause of Whig politics vis-à-vis infrastructure and

protective tariffs. He began to formulate his views on slavery. Then he studied law.

He began to practice law in a law firm named John T. Stuart in Illinois.

His entry into national politics as the only Whig from Illinois was very brief.

His single term in the House of Representatives lasted from 1847-1849. He made
some controversial statements which offended the people. So he left his political

career by deciding not to contest for another term. Instead he was seen returning to

Springfield as a practising lawyer in 1857. William Blackstone’s Commentaries on

the Laws of England had an enormous impact on his skills as a lawyer.

He joined the Republican Party. In 1857, the Supreme Court of the U.S.

denied citizenship and the rights therefore, to African-Americans. Abraham

admitted that they could not be equated with the whites. Despite this he was of the

view that the founding fathers of the American Constitution believed in the

equality of all men. Lincoln sought this opportunity and contested against the

sitting U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas. He rebuked President Buchanan for

promoting slavery and left an indelible impact. He warned that continuance of

slavery could lead to the disintegration of the nation.

He gave evidence of his great political acumen by selecting man y of his

political rivals as an integral part of his cabinet. This cabinet was founded on the

basis of the saying ‘Hold your friend close and your enemies closer.’ It became a

powerful force in his first term in office.

The two historical events that come before his inauguration in March 1861

witnessed the beginning of America’s costliest and most deadly conflict. However,

through his strong political acumen, he was able to fight the Civil War

successfully. January 1, 1863 was a historic moment in the life of Lincoln and
Americans when he proclaimed the freedom of slaves. Lincoln was completely

successful in curbing slavery and subduing the South after years of the ravages of

war. Thus a new era in American history began. Unfortunately, Lincoln was

assassinated on April 15, 1865 by John Wilkes Both. Lincoln is known world over

for his humanity, strong determination and political wisdom.

SIR MUHAMMAD IQBAL

Briefly answer the following questions

A. Sialkot provided formative influences on Iqbal. Discuss who or what these

influences were?

Ans. Iqbal was born on Friday, November, 9, 1877 at Sialkot, Pakistan. Iqbal’s

father, Sheikh Nur-Muhammed, was a tailor by profession. He led a life of

religious piety and often sought the company of scholars and mystics. Iqbal says

again and again that his own views were influenced by his father’s simple but

deeply religious character. Iqbal’s mother was also religious and generous. She

often helped the poor and needy.

At the tender age of 5, Iqbal joined the local madrasa. His mentor, Mir

Hasan introduced him to the Islamic religious heritage and encouraged Iqbal to a

refined literary taste. Mir Hasan stressed the need for Muslims to have secular

European education in addition to their religious one to meet the challenges of

modern times. So Iqbal, was admitted to Sialkot’s Murray College where Mr.

Hasan taught Arabic. The seeds of his love of Quran were also sown in Murray

College. Iqbal claimed that his poetry was a mere elucidation of the ‘Qur’anic’

message.

B. Describe Iqbal’s academic pursuits in Europe. How did Europe impact his

views?

Ans. Iqbal’s mental horizons expanded under the patronage of Sir Thomas Arnold,

Scholar of Islam and modern philosophy at Murray College Lahore. Arnold then

persuaded him to pursue higher education in Europe. In 1905, Iqbal got admission

to Cambridge’s Trinity College. It was renowned centre of Arabic and Persian

studies. Iqbal enrolled as a student of law at Lincoln’s in London and then became

doctoral student at Munich University. In June, 1907 he was awarded B. A. from

Cambridge and a Ph. D from Munich University for his thesis titled ‘The

Development of Metaphysics in Persia’.

Iqbal admired some aspects of the European civilisation. But he was critical

of its secular character and its rampant materialism. He warned the Muslims of the

dangers of blindly imitating the West.

C. What was Iqbal’s main criticism of Western society?

Ans. In 1905, Iqbal got admission to Cambridge’s Trinity College. It was

renowned centre of Arabic and Persian studies. Iqbal enrolled as a student of law at
Lincoln’s in London and then became doctoral student at Munich University. In

June 1907, he was awarded B. A. from Cambridge and a Ph. D from Munich

University for his thesis titled ‘The Development of Metaphysics in Persia’.

Iqbal’s stay in Europe changed him radically. He admired some aspects of

the European civilisation. But he was critical of its secular character and its

rampant materialism. He rejected territorial and ethnic nationalism in Europe in

favour of the ideological universalism in Islam.

Give detailed answer to the following questions:

A. Discuss Allama Iqbal’s status as an eminent poet-thinker of the twentieth

century.

Ans. An original thinker, an outstanding poet and a distinguished philosopher, Sir

Muhammed Iqbal figures among the most influential personalities of the twentieth

century. Hailed as ‘the most daring intellectual modernist the Muslim world has

produced’, he is variously referred to as Allama Iqbal, Allama meaning ‘Scholar’,

Muffakir-e-Pakistan (The Thinker of Pakistan), Shaire-e-Mashriq (The Poet of the

East) and Hakeem-ul-Ummat (The Sage of Ummah). His ancestors came from

Kashmir. In his poetry Iqbal often refers to his Kashmir. He was deeply moved by

the sufferings of the people of Kashmir.

 Iqbal, was admitted to Sialkot’s Murray College where Mr. Hasan taught

Arabic. The seeds of his love of Quran were also sown in Murray College. Iqbal

claimed that his poetry was a mere elucidation of the ‘Qur’anic’ message.

Iqbal’s mental horizons expanded under the patronage of Sir Thomas

Arnold, Scholar of Islam and modern philosophy. He wrote a research paper on

Abd-al Karim al-Jili’s concept of the ‘Perfect man’. At Lahore, Iqbal established

his reputation as a talented poet in several literary circles like the Anjuman….i-

Himayat-Islam (Society for the support of Islam). Soon his poetry began to deal

with the theme of patriotism.

His political and philosophical views began to take on a definite shape while

his poetry was now geared to a special purpose. He wanted the past Islamic glory

to be revived. He often criticised the divisions among Muslims and spoke in terms

of a global Muslim community or the Ummah.He began to address the Ummah

through Persian poetry, as this was the lingua franca of the Muslim world. His first

book in Persian was Asrar- i- Khudi (Secrets of Self). The essence of the message

in this collection is cultivation of dynamic human personality through action and a

head on confrontation with the hardships and difficulties of life. This collection

was translated into English by R. M. Nicholson and this introduced Iqbal’s poetry

to the western world. The Rumuz-i-Bekhudi puts forth the function of the

individual in the society. A person must secure his individuality. But after
achieving his individuality, he should sacrifice his personal ambitions for the needs

of the larger community. Payam-i-Mashriq (The Message of the East) was written

as a response to Goethe’s message. Goethe had lamented that the West had become

very materialistic. Goethe looked to the East for spiritual elevation. Iqbal saw

similarity between the conditions of Germany and that of India. He laid down the

moral and religious tenets for character building of individuals and nations.

Zubur-i-Ajam (Persian Psalms) was published in 1927. Iqbal poses questions

about man and his world and answers them with the help of ancient and modern

insights. In ‘Bandagi Nama’ he condemns slavery and discusses its impact on a

nation’s culture and religion. All along, Iqbal insists on action, dynamism and

spirituality. It dramatizes Iqbal’s spiritual journey through heavenly spheres till he

finally reaches God’s presence. Iqbal depicted as Zinda Rud is guided by Rumi, the

master, in his journey. Addressing his son Javid towards the end, Iqbal claims his

aim in the poem is to provide guidance to the new generation.

Iqbal’s first work was published in Urdu, Bang- Dara (The Sound of the

Caravan Bell) in 1924, was a collection of patriotic poems. Bal-e-Jabril (Wings of

Gabriel) is considered to be the finest of Iqbal’s poetry. Iqbal continued with his

mission in prose work as well. He delivered a series of lectures in various cities of

India. These lectures were published in 1930 under the title ‘The Reconstruction of
Religious Thought in Islam’. It is considered as the most important work of

modern Islam.

B. Discuss in detail the efforts made by Iqbal for the spiritual and political

resurgence of the Muslims in India.

Ans. Iqbal’s stay in Europe changed him radically. He admired some aspects of the

European civilisation. But he was critical of its secular character and its rampant

materialism. He warned the Muslims of the dangers of blindly imitating the West.

He then revised the role of a poet in society. He felt that the role of a poet was that

of nation building. He rejected territorial and ethnic nationalism in Europe in

favour of the ideological universalism in Islam.

Iqbal returned to India in 1908. Meanwhile the political events in India and

the situation of Muslims elsewhere added to the troubles of Iqbal. The British had

cancelled the 1905 partition of Bengal province in 1911. This caused a lot of

disappointment to the Muslims of India. The condition of Muslims elsewhere was

also quite depressing. He woke to a sense of mission which was to infuse new

vigour and vitality in the Muslim mind. His political and philosophical views

began to take on a definite shape while his poetry was now geared to a special

purpose. He wanted the past Islamic glory to be revived.

Iqbal’s first work was published in Urdu, Bang- Dara (The Sound of the

Caravan Bell) in 1924, was a collection of patriotic poems. Bal-e-Jabril (Wings of

Gabriel) is considered to be the finest of Iqbal’s poetry. Iqbal continued with his

mission in prose work as well. He delivered a series of lectures in various cities of

India. These lectures were published in 1930under the title ‘The Reconstruction of

Religious Thought in Islam’. It is considered as the most important work of

modern Islam.

Iqbal’s concern for the Muslims of the world and those of India was

expressed through his literary works and through his active involvement in several

global Islamic causes. He played an active and crucial role in India’s political

arena. He was an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity. Eventually he came to doubt

the viability of his unity. He is said to have worked for a separate country for the

Muslims of India. Iqbal didn’t live to see the formation of Pakistan in 1947. He is

venerated as its spiritual father. Iqbal was especially instrumental in convincing

Muhammad Ali Jinnah to end his self-imposed exile in London, return to India and

take charge of the Muslim League.

Iqbal urged the Muslims to exhibit self-reliance and seek solutions to their

political and communal problems on their own. He stressed the necessity of the

Muslims to maintain their distinct religious and cultural identity. He opposed all

proposals of the British and Congress of India which aimed at minimising the

autonomy of Muslims.

C. Attempt a detailed discussion of the poetical works of Iqbal.

Ans. An original thinker, an outstanding poet and a distinguished philosopher, Sir

Muhammed Iqbal figures among the most influential poets of the twentieth

century. His ancestors came from Kashmir. In his poetry Iqbal often refers to his

Kashmiri origins and Brahmin ancestry.

Iqbal’s mental horizons expanded under the patronage of Sir Thomas

Arnold, Scholar of Islam and modern philosophy. At Lahore, Iqbal established his

reputation as a talented poet in several literary circles like the Anjuman….i-

Himayat-Islam (Society for the support of Islam). Soon his poetry began to deal

with the theme of patriotism.

He often criticised the divisions among Muslims and spoke in terms of a

global Muslim community or the Ummah. He began to address the Ummah

through Persian poetry, as this was the lingua franca of the Muslim world. His first

book in Persian was Asrar- i- Khudi (Secrets of Self). The essence of the message

in this collection is cultivation of dynamic human personality through action and a

head on confrontation with the hardships and difficulties of life. This collection

was translated into English by R. M. Nicholson and this introduced Iqbal’s poetry

to the western world. The Rumuz-i-Bekhudi puts forth the function of the

individual in the society. A person must secure his individuality. But after

achieving his individuality, he should sacrifice his personal ambitions for the needs

of the larger community. Payam-i-Mashriq (The Message of the East) was written
as a response to Goethe’s message. Goethe had lamented that the West had become

very materialistic. Goethe looked to the East for spiritual elevation. Iqbal saw

similarity between the conditions of Germany and that of India. He laid down the

moral and religious tenets for character building of individuals and nations.

Zubur-i-Ajam (Persian Psalms) was published in 1927. Iqbal poses questions

about man and his world and answers them with the help of ancient and modern

insights. In ‘Bandagi Nama’ he condemns slavery and discusses its impact on a

nation’s culture and religion. All along, Iqbal insists on action, dynamism and

spirituality. It dramatizes Iqbal’s spiritual journey through heavenly spheres till he

finally reaches God’s presence. Iqbal depicted as ZindaRud is guided by Rumi, the

master, in his journey. Addressing his son Javid towards the end, Iqbal claims his

aim in the poem is to provide guidance to the new generation.

Iqbal’s first work was published in Urdu, Bang- Dara (The Sound of the

Caravan Bell) in 1924, was a collection of patriotic poems. Bal-e-Jabril (Wings of

Gabriel) is considered to be the finest of Iqbal’s poetry.

Iqbal suffered from several ailments. He died in Lahore in 1938. His tomb

is located in the space between the entrance of the Badshahi Mosque and the

Lahore Fort. Iqbal has become a legend who commands attention and admiration

all over the world. His poetry appeals the general reader and his philosophical

ideas are stimulating for the scholars.