CBSE

WorkSheet 01
When I set out for Lyonnesse

1. Write a note on the central theme of the poem When I set out for Lyonnesse.

2. What inspired Hardy to write the poem When I set out for Lyonnesse? Answer in the
context of When I set out for Lyonnesse.

3. What is Lyonnesse?

4. What time of the day did the poet set out on his journey?

5. Read the extract given below and answer the following questions:
When I returned from Lyonnesse
With magic in my eyes,
All marked with mute surmise
My radiance rare and fathomless,
When I returned from Lyonnesse
With magic in my eyes.

i. What is Lyonnesse?
ii. Why was there 'magic’ in his eyes?
iii. What was the reaction of the people when they saw him on his return?

6. Read the stanza carefully and answer the questions that follow:
When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away,
The rime was on the spray;
And starlight lit my lonesomeness
When I set out for Lyonnesse
A hundred miles away.

i. Where is Lyonnesse?
ii. Which word indicates that the poet is solitary?
iii. What season of the year is it?

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 CBSE WorkSheet 01
When I set out for Lyonnesse

Solution

1. The poem is about the poet’s journey to Lyonnesse. Lyonnesse is actually a mythical
place in Arthurian legend. The poet uses this place to create an ambience of charm
and happiness. Here the poet refers to the actual occurrence that changes his life
forever. Actually, the poet goes there to supervise the restoration of a church. In the
first part, the poet gives an account of his loneliness and cold atmosphere. In the
second stanza, the poet speaks of the unexpected happiness that he comes by at the
place. The third stanza is about the twinkling of his eyes and unmeasurable glow in
his heart.

2. The poet set out for Lyonnesse to supervise the renovation work of a church. He
writes the poem to celebrate his successful attempt.

3. In Arthurian legend, Lyonnesse was a country near Cornwall in South West England.
It is supposed to have been submerged in the sea. It is also the mythical birthplace of
Sir Tristram.

4. The poet set out for his journey towards evening. The word ‘starlight’ proves so.

5. i. Lyonnesse is a country mentioned in Arthurian legends. This was located in South

West England and is supposed to have been submerged in the sea.
ii. There was deep radiance in his eyes which made his eyes enchanting. People
thought that there was magic.
iii. The people were dumbfounded when they looked into his eyes. They saw in them
a rare glow. This glow seemed fathomless.
6. i. Lyonnesse is a hundred miles away from the place where poet sets to travel.
ii. Lonesomeness.
iii. It is winter season.

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