Class 12 English Flamingo Keeping Quiet (Pablo Neruda)

 

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 English

Flamingo

Keeping Quiet (Pablo Neruda)

 

CONTENTS

 

Ø Theme

Ø Stanza

Ø Question Answers

Ø Word Meaning

 

 

THEME

 

"Keeping Quiet" stands as a composition by Pablo Neruda, originally acknowledged as Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. Through this poem, the poet endeavors to illuminate the potency of silence and its capacity to foster peace and unity. Serving as an anti-war piece, it implores humanity to refrain from violence and the harm inflicted upon both humans and animals, emphasizing the transformative influence of self-reflection.

In the opening lines, the poet prompts readers to count up to twelve and maintain stillness, where the act of 'counting till twelve' symbolizes potential unity akin to the convergence of clock hands at twelve. Furthermore, the poet advocates for abstaining from language, which erects barriers between individuals, suggesting the adoption of the universal language of silence. The subsequent lines counsel a suspension of arm movements, representing a pause from bustling activities to rest briefly.

In ensuing stanzas, the poet envisions an unusual and serene moment bereft of rush and machinery noise, where unity prevails through silence. This cessation of violence extends to humane treatment of animals, with even salt gatherers pausing to tend to their injured hands. The poem articulates a plea for peace, discouraging the destructive consequences of war and urging adversaries to unite temporarily in idleness.

The poet underscores the distinction between stillness and total inactivity, disapproving of the latter's association with death. The verses convey a desire for an end to deaths resulting from wars or harmful activities, promoting a state of rest without confusion.

Addressing human nature, the poet critiques self-centeredness, greed, and materialism as catalysts for wars and destruction. By advocating a moment of silence, the poet envisions a remedy for the inherent sadness in human lives, suggesting that introspection can lead to a cure.

In the concluding stanza, the poet draws parallels between the cyclical rebirth observed in nature with changing seasons and the potential rejuvenation of the human soul through keeping quiet. The poem concludes with the poet expressing an intention to count till twelve once again, urging everyone to maintain quietness.

 

STANZA

Read the stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow each:

1.Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.

Questions

(a) Name the poem and the poet who wrote these lines.

(a) Why is the poet asking us to count to twelve?

(c) Why does the poet advise us to remain still?

(d) Determine what the terms in the passage imply.

(ii) Say number (iii) remaining calm

Answers:

(a)The title of the poem is Keeping Quiet. The poet's name is Pablo Neruda.

(b)The clock has only twelve signs for measuring hours. As a result, the poet invites us to count till the clock measures the hours.

(c)Too much activity and bustle has only resulted in tragedy for mankind. As a result, it is best to remain calm and still.

(d) (i) count (ii) still

2. For once on the face of the Earth let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.

Questions

(a) Name the poem and the poet who wrote these lines.

(a) The poet says, "Let us not speak in any language." Why?

(c)What should we avoid doing for a second?

(d) What do you mean by 'the face of the Earth'?

Answers:

(a)The title of the poem is Keeping Quiet. The poet is Pablo Neruda.

(b)People over the world have been indulging in wars and slaughter for petty reasons. If they remain silent, they may avoid debating, arguing, and quarreling. So, let them be quiet and not communicate in any language. This will assure stability and prosperity.

(c)We should stop all activities for a second. Man has used his arms solely to kill and destroy others. As a result, they should not move their arms in such a way that it endangers others.

 

(d) The statement "the face of the Earth" refers to the many countries that exist on the planet's surface.

3.It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.

Questions

(a) Name the poem and the poet who wrote these lines.

(b)What happens if there is no rush or running of engines?

(c) What kind of moment will it be?

(d)How would we all feel at that moment?

Answers:

(a)The title of the poem is Keeping Quiet. The poet is Pablo Neruda.

(b)There will be peace all around if there is no rush or the sound of engines and machines operating.

(c)It will be a captivating and beautiful occasion.

(b) We shall all relish the odd and unexpected strangeness of that time.

4. Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.

Questions

(a) What do fisherman do in the cold sea?

(a) What does the poet advise fishermen not to do?

(c)What happened to the man collecting salt?

(d) What should the man collecting salt do?

Answers:

(a)Fishermen typically catch fish, particularly whales, in chilly waters.

(b)The poet urges fishermen not to harm or injure whales in the oceans.

(c)The man collecting salt has damaged his hands.

(d)He needs to take care of his wounded hands.

5. Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.

Questions

(a) Name the poem and the poet who wrote these lines.

(a) What kind of wars is mentioned in the preceding lines?

(c) What type of victory would it be?

(c) How should war-lovers behave?

Answers:

(a)The title of the poem is Keeping Quiet. The poet is Pablo Neruda.

(b)Green wars, warfare with noxious gases, and wars with fire are the many types of hostilities.

(c) It will be a victory for which no survivors will remain to celebrate. Such a win would be useless.

(d) They should dress cleanly and go for a leisurely walk among the trees with their brothers.

6.What I want should not be confused
with total inactivity. i Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with
death.

Questions

(a) What does the poet want? What should it not be mistaken for?

(b)Explain: I don't want to deal with death.

(c)What do people pursue with a singular focus? Which course does the poet recommend?

(d)When might prolonged silence be beneficial?

Answers:

(a) The poet advocates for silence or stillness. Stillness should not be mistaken with absolute inactivity.

(b)Total inactivity causes death. The poet refuses to associate or deal with death. Thus, he does not advocate for death.

(c)People work tirelessly to keep their lives going forward.The poet proposes that they give themselves some rest. For once, they may do nothing.

(d)When we are disappointed with ourselves or threaten ourselves with death, a long period of stillness can be extremely beneficial.

7. Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.

Questions

(a) What can the Earth teach us?

(b)What survives when everything else appears to have died?

(c) Who is the poet? What would he like to do?

(c) What is the poet asking us to do?

Answers:

(a) The earth can teach us how to survive on it.

(b)When all else appears to be dead, only the earth lives on.

(c) The poet is Pablo Neruda. He wants to count up to twelve.

(d) He begs us to be quiet while he counts to twelve.

QUESTION ANSWERS

 

Q1. How can achieving the act of counting up to twelve while maintaining stillness benefit us?

 Ans: Counting up to twelve is a brief activity that consumes little time. During this short interval of stillness, it provides us with a moment to reflect and assess our actions. Often, the world's problems stem from our haste and impatience, and violence may result from anger. Embracing tranquility and stillness in this momentary pause offers us a necessary break, fostering introspection and promoting peace.

Q2. Does the poet advocate for complete inactivity and death?

Ans: No, the poet does not endorse complete inactivity or death. He explicitly states that 'stillness' should not be conflated with total inactivity. Total inactivity leads to death, but the poet, Pablo Neruda, distances himself from such notions. His concept of stillness entails a cessation of harmful and hostile human activities rather than advocating for absolute passivity.

Q3. What does the poet mean by the 'sadness' referenced in the poem? [All India 2014]

Ans: The poet suggests that human sadness originates from our own actions and thoughts. Ironically, despite our capacity for understanding, we often fail to comprehend ourselves and our behaviors. Hasty actions can have harmful and disastrous consequences, and the poet contends that humans are the creators of their own misfortunes. The constant threat of death looms over us due to our thoughts and actions, portraying the tragic nature of human existence.

Q4. Which natural symbol does the poet invoke to illustrate that life persists beneath apparent stillness?

Ans: To emphasize the idea that life exists beneath apparent stillness, the poet invokes the earth as a living symbol. The earth, he argues, never experiences complete inactivity, as nature continues its work even during moments of apparent stillness. This concept is vividly depicted in the lines: "as when everything seems dead and later proves to he alive."

Q5. Select a quiet space, and for about five minutes, maintain physical and mental stillness. Observe if there are any changes in your state of mind.

Ans: Extension Activity: Self-study.

Q6. Why does Pablo Neruda encourage us to maintain stillness?

Ans: Embracing stillness is crucial for serene reflection and introspection. In moments of silence, the voice of conscience becomes audible. The poet firmly believes that many of humanity's afflictions and miseries arise from the hurried and rash actions of individuals. He wishes for people to disengage from undesirable activities and find a moment of stillness.

Q7. Why is it advised not to "speak in any language" and to "not move our arms so much"?

 Ans: People across the world communicate in diverse languages, often engaging in unnecessary debates and disputes that can escalate into destructive wars. The poet encourages individuals to cease speaking in any language and instead communicate through the heart. Historically, arm movements have been associated with causing harm. Hence, the poet urges people to refrain from excessive arm movements, promoting mutual understanding among humanity.

Q8. When can we experience the moment described by Pablo Neruda as "sudden strangeness," and why is it considered exotic?

 Ans: The moment of "sudden strangeness" can be experienced when ceaseless activity, relentless rush, and noise come to a halt. Life burdened with misery, pain, and troubles caused by constant motion becomes momentarily suspended. In this exotic moment, marked by an unusual stillness, individuals can feel completely relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Q9. What does the poet ask the fisherman and the man collecting salt to do? What message is conveyed through this request?

 Ans: Pablo Neruda discourages violence and directs the fishermen not to harm whales in the polar regions. Similarly, he advises the salt-collector with injured hands to prioritize self-care. The poet promotes a message of non-violence and compassion, discouraging harm to both marine life and oneself.

Q10. What types of war does the poet mention?

 Ans: The poet opposes all forms of war, including environmental wars, wars involving poisonous gases, and wars with fire. He advocates for a complete cessation of all types of war to foster peace and harmony.

Q11. What alternative does Pablo Neruda propose instead of engaging in wars? Ans: Instead of participating in wars, the poet suggests that people should come together with their best attire and accompany their brothers. They should take a leisurely walk under the shade of trees, engaging in a peaceful and joyous activity that fosters a sense of togetherness.

Q12. How does the poet differentiate 'stillness' from 'total inactivity,' and why does Neruda reject any association with death?

 Ans: Pablo Neruda favors stillness or silence as a momentary pause for reflection, distinct from permanent inactivity resembling death. He emphasizes that life continues during moments of stillness, and he distances himself from death, refusing any association with it.

Q13. Why does the poet believe that people should not be excessively single-minded?

Ans: The poet observes that people tend to be excessively single-minded, constantly engrossed in their pursuits and activities. He advocates for moments of respite and rest, encouraging individuals to embrace peace and silence rather than being perpetually absorbed in motion and activity.

Q14. What causes men to become sad, and how can this sadness be alleviated? Ans: Men become sad due to their failure to understand themselves and the constant threat of death resulting from their actions. To alleviate this sadness, the poet suggests that a prolonged silence, a moment of introspection, can interrupt these feelings of helplessness and fear.

Q15. How might a prolonged silence interrupt the sadness of men?

Ans: Men's sadness stems from their lack of self-understanding and the fear of death caused by their actions. A prolonged silence could interrupt this sadness by providing a pause for reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to reassess their lives and actions.

Q16. Justify the title 'Keeping Quiet.'

Ans: The title 'Keeping Quiet' is apt as it underscores the importance of stillness and contemplation. In a world marked by incessant activity leading to troubles, maintaining quiet introspection can save individuals from harmful and violent actions. The title reflects the poet's call for a pause and reflection on the fate of humanity, fostering mutual understanding.

Q17. Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in 'Keeping Quiet'?

 Ans: The exotic moment referenced by the poet in 'Keeping Quiet' is when everyone maintains stillness, and there is a temporary cessation of rush and noise. During this unique moment, machines stop, creating a sudden strangeness that is fascinating for all, allowing them to collectively enjoy the beauty of stillness.

WORD MEANING

 

S.No.

Word

Meanings

1

Still

Without movement, Calm

2

Exotic

Unusal, Strange

3

Rush

Hurry

4

Engines

Factory, Vehicles

5

Whale

Type of a big Fish

6

Huge

Very Big

7

Interrupt

 Break