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+2 English NOTE - MENDING WALL

Unit - 2
Heights of Harmony
 Imagine that your school has decided to form an organization to extend assistance
to the society. In its first meeting you present your opinions about the functioning of the
organisation. Suggest a few dos and don’ts for the benefit of the organization, and for the
betterment of society.

In order to ensure the effective functioning of the organization and contribute to the betterment
of society, it is important to adhere to certain dos and don'ts:

Dos:
1. Foster a culture of compassion: Emphasize the value of empathy, understanding, and
compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

2. Collaborate and engage: Encourage active participation and collaboration among members,
promoting open dialogue, brainstorming, and sharing of ideas and resources.

3. Identify and prioritize community needs: Conduct thorough research to identify the pressing
issues within the community, and focus efforts on addressing those needs with sustainable
solutions.

4. Establish partnerships: Build alliances with local organizations, NGOs, and government
bodies to leverage resources, expertise, and maximize the impact of the organization's initiatives.

5. Encourage volunteerism: Create opportunities for individuals to volunteer their time, skills,
and talents, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.

Don'ts:
1. Avoid a hierarchical structure: Discourage an authoritarian approach within the organization,
ensuring that every member's opinion is respected and valued.

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2. Steer clear of tokenism: Avoid superficial acts of charity and instead strive for long-term,
sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities.

3. Avoid discrimination: Uphold principles of equality and inclusivity, ensuring that the
organization's services are accessible to all without any form of discrimination.

4. Refrain from duplicating efforts: Prioritize collaboration and coordination with existing
initiatives rather than duplicating efforts, to avoid wastage of resources and ensure a more
comprehensive approach.

5. Avoid complacency: Continuously evaluate the organization's impact, adapt strategies, and
remain committed to learning and improvement.

By following these dos and don'ts, the organization can effectively contribute to the betterment
of society by addressing pressing needs, fostering compassion, and creating sustainable change.

MENDING WALL
Robert Frost

Lesson analysis
In Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall," the speaker contemplates the purpose and significance
of a wall that separates him from his neighbor. The poem explores themes of isolation, tradition,
and the human tendency to create barriers.
The speaker begins by suggesting that something in nature opposes the existence of a wall, as it
causes disruptions and gaps. He repairs these gaps, not out of necessity but to maintain the
relationship with his neighbor. The two meet each spring to restore the wall, symbolizing their
shared commitment to preserving the boundary between them.
However, the speaker questions the necessity of the wall, given that there are no livestock to
contain. He challenges the conventional wisdom that "good fences make good neighbors,"
expressing his desire to understand the purpose of the wall and its implications. The speaker
hints at a more mystical reason for his questioning, mentioning "elves," but ultimately leaves it to
his neighbor to ponder.
The neighbor remains steadfast in his belief that walls are necessary, repeating the adage he
inherited from his father. He embodies tradition and conformity, unwilling to deviate from

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established norms. The image of him holding stones like an "old-stone savage armed" suggests a
primitive attachment to the wall and a resistance to change.
In this poem, Frost presents a critique of walls as divisive barriers that hinder human connection
and understanding. He challenges the notion that walls inherently promote harmony and
questions the motivations behind their construction. The poem invites readers to reflect on the
value of boundaries and the potential consequences of isolating ourselves from one another.

1.Why does the poet say that there is something that doesn't love a wall?
The poet suggests that there is something in nature that opposes the presence of a wall. This
opposition is conveyed through the line "Something there is that doesn't love a wall." The poet is
implying that a force or energy exists that resists the division and separation that walls represent.
Nature itself, with its elements like frozen ground and the sun's impact, causes the wall to
crumble and create gaps.

2.How do the poet and the neighbour mend the wall?

The poet and the neighbor mend the wall by meeting each spring. They walk along the wall's
line, each attending to the fallen boulders on their respective sides. They work together to place
the stones back into position, ensuring that the wall remains intact. This act of mending
symbolizes their shared commitment to preserving the boundary between their properties.

3.Why does the poet argue that there is no need of a wall in between his estate and that
of his neighbour?
The poet argues that there is no need for a wall between his estate and his neighbor's because
there are no practical reasons for it. The absence of livestock, such as cows, removes the need
for containment or separation. The poet's apple trees and the neighbor's pine trees are described
as incapable of crossing over and causing any harm or conflict. The poet questions the purpose
and relevance of the wall, suggesting that it may be an unnecessary barrier.

4.How does the neighbour justify the need for walls or fences?
The neighbor justifies the need for walls or fences by repeating the phrase, "Good fences make
good neighbors." This line represents the neighbor's adherence to tradition and the belief that
physical boundaries are essential for maintaining harmonious relationships. He holds fast to this
inherited wisdom without questioning its validity or considering alternative perspectives. The
neighbor's viewpoint emphasizes the importance of clear boundaries and a sense of order in
maintaining a positive neighborly relationship.

5.Why does the poet consider the April season mischievious?

The poet considers the April season mischievous because it represents a time of change and
renewal. In the poem, the speaker refers to the "spring mending-time" when the gaps in the wall

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are discovered. Spring is associated with growth, unpredictability, and the breaking of barriers. It
is during this time that the disruptions and gaps in the wall become evident, challenging the
stability and permanence that the wall represents. The mischievous nature of April suggests a
disruptive force that questions the need for the wall.

6 What are the contrasting views presented in the poem?

The poem presents contrasting views on the purpose and significance of walls. The poet
questions the necessity of the wall, while the neighbor staunchly defends its value. The poet
represents a more open-minded perspective, suggesting that the wall may be unnecessary and
even counterproductive. In contrast, the neighbor represents tradition and conformity, adhering
to the idea that boundaries and fences are vital for maintaining order and harmony. The
contrasting views invite readers to consider different perspectives on the concept of boundaries
and the impact they have on human relationships.

7.Elaborate the idea in the following line in a paragraph

" Good fences make good Neighbours"
The line "Good fences make good neighbours" conveys the neighbour's perspective on the
necessity of boundaries. It suggests that clear physical separations between properties lead to
better neighbourly relations. The neighbor believes that boundaries establish order, prevent
conflicts, and maintain a sense of privacy and individuality. By maintaining a distinct boundary,
neighbors can coexist peacefully without intruding on each other's lives. The line encapsulates
the neighbour's adherence to tradition and his conviction that clear divisions are essential for
maintaining positive relationships.

8.What are the poetic devices used in the poem?

The poem "Mending Wall" employs several poetic devices to enhance its meaning and impact.
Some of the poetic devices used in the poem include:
Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to convey meaning indirectly. For example, the phrase
"Something there is that doesn't love a wall" metaphorically represents a force or energy
opposing the presence of a wall. There are other instances of metaphor in the poem like“And
some are loaves ...” “... and some are so nearly balls” “He is all pine ... “... and I am apple
orchard.” “Spring is the mischief in me.”
Personification: The poet personifies nature and elements like the frozen ground and the sun,
attributing them with intentions and actions. This personification helps to create vivid imagery
and emphasizes the conflict between nature and the wall. My apple trees will never get across/
And eat the cones under his pines . . .” is another example for personification in the poem.
Repetition: The repetition of the line "Good fences make good neighbors" emphasizes the
neighbor's unwavering belief in the value of boundaries. This repetition also adds a musical
quality to the poem.

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Irony: The poem utilizes irony to highlight the paradoxical nature of the wall. Despite the poet's
questioning and the speaker's doubts about its necessity, the wall continues to be repaired year
after year. The title is an irony when compared to the message of the poem because it ends up
contrasting mending wall with the idea that wall makes good neighbours.
Simile : There is a striking instance of simile in line 40 of the poem: “In each hand, like an old-
stone savage armed.” The simile emphasizes the conservative attitude of the poet’s neighbour.
Assonance : That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it“, And spills the upper boulders in the
sun”, “... like an old-stone savage armed.”
Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds. The opening line of the poem,
“Something there is that doesn’t love a wall”, is an example, and the line“We keep the wall
between us as we go” is also an example of alliteration.
Enjambment : It is the continuation of sentences without breaking across the lines. The poem
has many enjambments.
Symbolism : “Wall” and “fence” are symbols of barriers human beings construct consciously
or unconsciously to prevent mutual understanding between them. “hill” symbolises human
prejudices and the communication gap.Darkness stands for ignorance.
Paradox : Juxtaposing the opposites is paradox. The two lines, ‘Something there is that doesn’t
love a wall’ and ‘Good fences make good neighbours’ are paradoxes.
Allusion : There is an instance of allusion where there is a reference to ‘elves’, the tiny
supernatural creatures drawn from folklore and myth.

9.Pepare a note of apprreciation of the poem Mending Wall

"Mending Wall" by Robert Frost is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of
human relationships and the significance of boundaries. Through vivid imagery and contrasting
perspectives, Frost invites readers to reflect on the purpose and impact of walls and fences. The
poem raises essential questions about the necessity of division and the potential consequences of
isolating ourselves from one another. The use of poetic devices like metaphor and
personification adds depth to the poem and enhances its overall impact. Frost's skillful portrayal
of the contrasting views between the poet and the neighbor encourages readers to consider
multiple perspectives on the nature of boundaries and the value of human connection. "Mending
Wall" serves as a compelling and insightful piece of literature that challenges us to reconsider the
boundaries we create and the impact they have on our relationships and communities.

10 . In the poem Mending Wall, the poet's view contradicts the neighbours' on building
walls? Do you think that walls are necessary to create a good relationship among human
beings. Wite a paragraph on the significance of man-made made walls
In the poem "Mending Wall," the poet's view indeed contradicts the neighbor's perspective on
building walls. While the neighbor firmly believes that "good fences make good neighbors," the
poet questions the necessity of walls and challenges the idea that they are essential for fostering
positive relationships. From a broader perspective, man-made walls serve various purposes and

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can have both positive and negative implications. On one hand, walls can provide a sense of
security, privacy, and personal boundaries, which can contribute to a harmonious coexistence.
They can establish order, delineate property lines, and protect individuals from potential threats.
On the other hand, walls can also reinforce divisions, promote isolation, and hinder
communication and understanding among people. They can create a sense of "us versus them"
mentality, leading to conflicts and mistrust. Ultimately, the significance of man-made walls lies in
the context in which they are built and the intentions behind their construction. While they may
serve practical purposes in some situations, it is crucial to consider their impact on human
relationships and strive for balance between boundaries and connectivity.

11 . Read the following poem and prepare a critical appreciation comparing it with
Mending Wall

Dear Neighbour ( Jovonni Edwards )

How are you today?

The grass is green,
The sun is shining,
We are alive to see a new day.
We live by one another,
On this huge planet that is our home,
If we cannot lean to greet another
And treat one another with love,
Then what good will be able to come?
I understand dear neighbour,
We may not know one another's name
Nor see one another often,
It is easy to feel as if we are strangers ,
But that is not ture, I promise
So please do not fear me, dear neighbour, I am
Just a simple man,
Living on this earth as happily, peacefully
And joyfully, as I can

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"Dear Neighbour" by Jovonni Edwards is a heartfelt poem that emphasizes the importance of
human connection and understanding. In comparison to Robert Frost's "Mending Wall," both
poems explore the theme of neighborliness, but in different ways. While Frost's poem focuses
on the physical barriers of a wall and the questioning of its necessity, Edwards' poem highlights
the emotional and interpersonal aspects of being neighbors.
"Dear Neighbour" conveys a sense of optimism and unity. The poet acknowledges the shared
existence on this vast planet and emphasizes the need to treat one another with love and respect.
The poem emphasizes the power of simple gestures like greetings and kindness, suggesting that
genuine human connection can transcend the limitations of not knowing each other's names or
rarely seeing one another. It portrays the neighbor as a symbol of potential friendship and
encourages a sense of belonging and community.
In contrast, "Mending Wall" presents a more complex exploration of boundaries and their
impact on relationships. Frost questions the necessity of the wall and challenges the traditional
belief that "good fences make good neighbors." The poem delves into themes of isolation,
conformity, and the conflict between nature and human structures. It raises profound questions
about the purpose and consequences of dividing ourselves from one another.
Both poems address the idea of neighbors and the significance of relationships, albeit from
different angles. While "Mending Wall" examines the physical barriers that separate individuals,
"Dear Neighbour" emphasizes the emotional and relational aspects of being neighbors.
Together, these poems provide a nuanced exploration of the complexities and possibilities
inherent in human connections and the ways in which we define our relationships with those
around us.

12 . Bring out the idea in the following lines from the po Mending Wall
" Before a built a Wall, I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out"

The lines "Before I built a Wall, I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out" convey the
speaker's contemplation and skepticism towards constructing a wall. The idea expressed is the
importance of understanding the purpose and consequences of erecting barriers, questioning
whether they truly serve a meaningful purpose or if they simply isolate and divide.

13 . After reading Mending Wall and in the wake of newspaper reports about millions of
refugees who are denied entry into the developed nations you feel that there should be
one world for all without any walls or boundaries. Prepare a script for presentation as the
first speaker in a panel discussion on "One World Without Walls"

Title: One World Without Walls - Embracing Unity and Equality

Introduction:

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Good morning/afternoon/evening, esteemed panelists, distinguished guests, and fellow

participants. Today, we are gathered here to discuss a topic that resonates deeply in our world's
current context: "One World Without Walls." As the first speaker, I would like to emphasize the
significance of unity, empathy, and the eradication of boundaries in creating a more inclusive and
compassionate society.

Opening:
Imagine a world where walls and borders no longer exist, where humanity stands united as one.
Today, we are faced with the reality of millions of refugees seeking shelter and denied entry into
developed nations. This raises a fundamental question: Shouldn't we aspire to a world where
every human being is given equal opportunities and the right to live in peace?

Body:

1. Shifting Perspectives:
In our discussion, let us first acknowledge the importance of shifting our perspectives. Instead of
perceiving people from different countries or cultures as threats, we should view them as
individuals with unique stories, talents, and contributions to offer. By embracing diversity, we
enrich our own lives and strengthen the fabric of our shared humanity.

2. Addressing Fear and Misconceptions:

The existence of walls often stems from fear—fear of the unknown, fear of change, and fear of
losing one's identity. However, it is vital to confront and dispel these fears by fostering
understanding and empathy. Education, dialogue, and cultural exchange programs can play a
crucial role in breaking down these barriers and building bridges of acceptance.

3. Economic and Social Benefits:

Removing walls and embracing a world without boundaries can also yield significant economic
and social benefits. Increased collaboration, trade, and exchange of ideas can lead to innovation,
economic growth, and shared prosperity. Furthermore, it allows us to learn from one another,
appreciate diverse cultures, and build a global community grounded in respect and cooperation.

4. The Power of Compassion:

At the heart of the matter lies compassion. By promoting empathy and understanding, we can
create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Through acts of kindness and
support, we can dismantle the walls of prejudice and discrimination that divide us.

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Conclusion:
In conclusion, envisioning a world without walls is not a mere utopian dream but a necessary
step towards a more equitable and inclusive society. By embracing unity, understanding, and
compassion, we can transcend the limitations of borders and create a world where every human
being is afforded dignity, respect, and equal opportunities. Let us work together to break down
the barriers that separate us and build bridges that connect us, for a world without walls is a
world where humanity thrives.
Thank you.

14 . The Wall referred to by Robert Frost in the poem Mending Wall doesn't literally
imply the stone wall that divides properties. It can be the walls dividing human minds.
Substantiate this view on the basis of your analysis of the poem

In Robert Frost's poem "Mending Wall," the wall mentioned is not merely a physical structure
but also represents the barriers that divide human minds and relationships. While the poem
superficially focuses on the repairing of a stone wall, a deeper analysis reveals metaphorical
implications that extend beyond the literal meaning.
The poet's questioning and skepticism regarding the need for the wall suggest a broader
examination of the purpose and consequences of boundaries. The gaps in the wall, symbolizing
the gaps in understanding and connection between individuals, are highlighted as something that
"doesn't love a wall." Frost implies that the wall perpetuates isolation, separation, and a sense of
"us versus them" mentality.
Moreover, the contrasting views between the poet and the neighbor reflect differing perspectives
on the importance of opening oneself to others. The neighbour staunchly asserts that "good
fences make good neighbors," implying a belief in the necessity of walls and divisions. However,
the poet challenges this notion, suggesting that true neighborliness and understanding can only
be achieved by breaking down these mental walls.
Through the poem's imagery and questioning, Frost encourages readers to reflect on the broader
implications of walls and boundaries. It prompts us to examine how these divisions hinder our
ability to truly connect, understand, and appreciate one another. The metaphorical interpretation
of the wall in "Mending Wall" as a representation of mental barriers deepens our understanding
of the poem's themes, ultimately emphasizing the importance of breaking down these walls to
foster genuine human connections and unity.

Her life and works serve as an inspiration to many, reflecting her commitment to making a
positive difference in society.

Prepared By hssMozhi Team

Supervised By Reshma Prabhakaran , HSST English , Govt HSS , Bharathannoor , Tvm

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