Bihar Board Class 12 English Chapter 9: The Earth - Summary and Solutions - Go my class
- Go My Class
- Dec 11, 2024
- 15 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
Summary of Chapter 9: "The Earth"
"The Earth" is a thought-provoking poem that speaks about the Earth’s selfless and nurturing nature. The Earth, in this poem, is portrayed as a benevolent mother who provides and sustains life without asking for anything in return. The poem beautifully emphasizes the Earth’s resilience, its patience, and its capacity to endure, even though it faces the brunt of human exploitation and harm.
The poet also reflects on how the Earth continues to nourish all living beings – plants, animals, and humans alike – despite being abused. The Earth is depicted as an entity that gives unconditionally, just like a mother, and it suffers silently from the harm humans inflict upon it. The poem concludes by urging humans to realize the importance of protecting the Earth, as it is the source of all life and sustenance.
Key Themes of the Poem:
Selflessness of Earth: The Earth provides life-sustaining resources without expecting anything in return.
Earth as a Mother: The poet compares the Earth to a mother who nurtures and cares for all living beings.
Resilience of Earth: Despite human exploitation, the Earth endures and continues to offer its resources.
Human Responsibility: The poem urges humans to protect and cherish the Earth, which is suffering due to their actions.
Nurturing Nature of Earth: Earth nourishes all forms of life, from plants to animals to humans.
Solutions to Common Questions
1. What is the central idea of the poem "The Earth"?
The central idea of the poem is the Earth’s selflessness and its capacity to give and sustain life. The poet presents the Earth as a nurturing mother who gives everything it has to support all living beings, regardless of their actions. The poem also highlights the Earth’s suffering due to human exploitation and urges humanity to take responsibility for its protection.
2. How does the poet describe the Earth in the poem?
The poet describes the Earth as a mother who provides unconditionally for all living beings. The Earth is shown to be selfless, nurturing, and resilient, giving life and sustenance without asking for anything in return. Even though it suffers from human actions, it continues to give and support life.
3. What is the role of the Earth in the poem?
In the poem, the Earth plays the role of a life-giver. It provides food, water, shelter, and all the necessary resources for the survival of living beings. The Earth is portrayed as a selfless entity that supports all forms of life without expecting anything back. The poet uses the Earth as a metaphor for a mother, who nurtures all beings regardless of their behavior.
4. What message does the poet want to convey through this poem?
The poet conveys the message that humans must respect, protect, and care for the Earth. The Earth gives unconditionally and without expectation, and it is our duty to safeguard it from harm. The poet urges humanity to realize its responsibility in protecting the planet for future generations, as the Earth is the foundation of all life.
5. What poetic devices are used in the poem "The Earth"?
The poet uses several poetic devices in the poem:
Metaphor: The Earth is compared to a mother who provides for all living beings without expecting anything in return.
Personification: The Earth is given human qualities, such as the ability to suffer and heal.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to depict the natural beauty of the Earth and its life-giving qualities.
Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds, such as in "mighty mountains" or "silent sufferings," to create a rhythmic effect.
6. Why does the poet say the Earth “does not ask for anything”?
The poet says the Earth “does not ask for anything” because it gives everything it has without any expectation. Just like a mother who cares for her children without asking for anything in return, the Earth provides resources and sustenance for all living beings unconditionally.
7. How does the Earth react to human exploitation?
Despite being harmed by human activities, the Earth continues to provide life-sustaining resources. It is resilient and patient, and even though humans often exploit and damage the planet, the Earth continues to endure and nurture life. This selflessness of the Earth is highlighted throughout the poem.
8. What are the consequences of human exploitation of the Earth?
While the poem does not explicitly mention the consequences of human exploitation, it implies that the Earth suffers due to human activities like deforestation, pollution, and over-exploitation of resources. However, the Earth does not retaliate but continues to bear the burden silently. The poem suggests that humans need to recognize their role in the Earth’s suffering and take corrective action.
9. What makes the Earth a "resilient" entity?
The Earth is described as resilient because, despite all the damage and harm caused by human activities, it continues to give life and sustain all living beings. The Earth’s ability to heal, adapt, and endure the consequences of human exploitation makes it resilient. The poem urges humans to understand the Earth’s resilience and take steps to protect it.
10. Why is the Earth compared to a mother?
The Earth is compared to a mother because, like a mother, it nurtures, protects, and sustains life. The Earth provides food, shelter, and resources for all living beings without expecting anything in return. The metaphor of the Earth as a mother symbolizes care, selflessness, and unconditional giving.
Important Lines and Their Meanings:
"The Earth is a mother, so gentle and kind."
This line emphasizes the nurturing, protective, and loving nature of the Earth, likening it to a mother who cares for all living beings.
"It bears the pain of all that we do."
This line reflects how the Earth silently endures the damage and harm caused by human exploitation, yet it continues to provide life and sustenance.
"The Earth never asks for anything in return."
This line highlights the selflessness of the Earth. Like a mother, the Earth gives unconditionally, offering resources and shelter to all life without expecting any recompense.
Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Objective Type Questions and Answers
1. Benjy was a…………..
(a) an evil-minded person
(b) a simple-minded person
(c) an insane person
(d) a short-tempered man
Answer: (c) an insane person
2. Benjy left school at the age of…..
(a) Ten years
(b) Sixteen years
(c) Twenty years
(d) Fourteen years
Answer: (a) Ten years
3. Johnson had in his possession.
(a) a house
(b) a big farm
(c) a poultry farm
(d) a plough, a cart, tools, a bony brown mare
Answer: (d) a plough, a cart, tools, a bony brown mare
4. When Benjy was 21, his father handed him
(a) a land
(b) a factory
(c) passbook
(d) a big house
Answer: (c) passbook
5. For many years Benjy’s father had been
(a) a local preacher
(b) a school teacher
(c) a lawyer
(d) a village-doctor
Answer: (a) a local preacher
The Earth: Question and Answer - Class 12 Bihar Board
1. What did Johnson do on the doctor’s advice?
Answer: On the doctor's advice, Johnson bought a poultry farm and started raising hens, hoping to improve his family's financial situation.
2. What was Benjy’s performance in keeping hens?
Answer: Benjy performed well in raising hens. He took great care of them and, as a result, his poultry farm began to flourish, leading to the production of a significant number of eggs.
3. What did Johnson do with the money from the eggs?
Answer: Johnson used the money from the eggs to improve the farm and support his family. He also considered it as a sign of progress and potential for further success.
4. What did Johnson do with the pass-book?
Answer: Johnson handed Benjy the pass-book, expecting him to take responsibility for the family land and manage it better than they had.
5. What was the difference between Benjy’s hen and his parents' land?
Answer: The difference was that Benjy understood the business of hens and cared for them well, which led to profit, while his parents' land had not yielded much due to lack of proper management and care.
A. Work in Small Groups and Discuss the Following
1. How is your family important to you?
Answer: My family is important to me because they provide emotional support, guidance, and unconditional love. They help me navigate life's challenges and shape my values and personality.
2. What are the responsibilities of the parents towards their children?
Answer: Parents are responsible for providing a nurturing environment, ensuring their children’s physical, emotional, and educational development, and teaching them values and life skills.
3. What are the responsibilities of the children towards their parents?
Answer: Children are responsible for respecting their parents, caring for them in old age, and being emotionally supportive. They should also honor their parents' efforts and maintain a positive relationship.
B. 1.1. Complete the Following Sentences
(a) A simple-minded person is innocent and trusting.
(b) Johnson was more interested in raising hens and farming.
(c) Johnson’s possessions included a plough, a cart, tools, and a bony brown mare.
(d) Benjy’s simplicity seemed gradually to have become a form of insanity.
B. 1.2. Read the Following Sentences and Write ‘T’ for True and ‘F’ for False Statements
(i) T - Johnson was a hard-working man.
(ii) F - Johnson was interested in preaching.
(iii) T - Johnson had an insane son.
(iv) F - Benjy hated his hens.
B. 1.3. Answer the Following Questions Briefly
1. Who is a tenant farmer?
Answer: A tenant farmer is someone who rents land from a landowner and cultivates it to produce crops or raise livestock, usually sharing the produce with the owner.
2. What did the doctor advise Benjy’s parents to ensure his mental growth?
Answer: The doctor advised Benjy’s parents to keep him engaged in practical activities, like raising hens, to stimulate his mental growth and provide him with a sense of responsibility.
3. What did Benjy understand about a hen?
Answer: Benjy understood that hens could be a source of income if properly cared for, and he recognized the different breeds of hens and their value.
4. What did Benjy understand about the business of hens?
Answer: Benjy understood that the success of raising hens depended on proper care, attention to detail, and understanding the market for eggs. His simple-mindedness led him to excel in this business.
B. 2.1. Complete the Following Sentences
(a) Benjy left school at the age of ten.
(b) By then Benjy had Fifty hens.
(c) Benjy knew about segregating breeds of hens through experience and observation.
(d) Johnson believed that the earth designed and created by God would always provide for those who worked hard.
(e) When Benjy was 21, his father handed him the passbook.
B. 2.2. Answer the Following Questions Briefly
1. What silent belief did Benjy’s parents cherish about their lands?
Answer: Benjy’s parents believed that the land would eventually yield a good harvest, as they had always regarded it as something valuable and essential for their livelihood.
2. Why had their land not yielded much?
Answer: The land had not yielded much because it was not properly tended to, and Benjy’s parents lacked the knowledge or resources to cultivate it effectively.
3. How did Benjy’s parents feel when he silently put the passbook in his pocket?
Answer: Benjy’s parents felt hopeful and possibly relieved, as they expected Benjy to take responsibility for the family’s financial matters, especially the land.
4. What had Benjy’s parents expected when they handed him the passbook?
Answer: They expected Benjy to use the passbook to manage the family's land effectively, possibly with the intention of improving their situation.
5. What did Benjy want to do with the money?
Answer: Benjy wanted to use the money to improve his life and his parents' life. He considered using the funds to buy the family land from his parents.
B. 3.1. Complete the Following Sentences
(a) The only difference between Benjy’s hens and his parents' land was that Benjy understood the hens’ care, while his parents didn’t manage the land well.
(b) Benjy wanted to buy his parents’ land to prove his capability and take responsibility.
(c) It was possible to gauge Benjy’s progress by the growth of his poultry farm and how well he took care of the hens.
(d) Benjy’s parents did not like Florence because they felt that she would bring a change in Benjy's priorities and interfere with their lives.
B. 3.2. Answer the Following Questions Briefly
1. Who had Johnson rented their land from?
Answer: Johnson had rented the land from a local landlord.
2. What information did Sanders give them that made them happy?
Answer: Sanders informed them that they could expect a good profit from raising hens, which made them hopeful for a better future.
3. Who was Florence?
Answer: Florence was Benjy’s wife, who played a significant role in his life, and her arrival marked a change in his relationship with his parents.
4. Why did Benjy want to marry Florence?
Answer: Benjy wanted to marry Florence because he was attracted to her and felt that she could bring stability and happiness to his life.
B. 4.1. Complete the Following Sentences
(a) When Benjy asked his parents to vacate the front bedroom, they were saddened but complied silently.
(b) Benjy asked parents to go somewhere else because of his growing desire for independence and his wife's arrival.
(c) Benjy’s parents did not speak when their son drove them down into the town because they were hurt by his actions, but felt powerless to protest.
B. 4.2. Read the Following Sentences and Write ‘T’ for True and ‘F’ for False Statements
(i) F - With the arrival of Florence as Benjy’s wife, the house was filled with happiness.
(ii) T - Benjy and his wife lived in one part of the house and his parents in the other.
(iii) F - Benjy paid utmost attention to his aging parents.
C. 1. Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Long Answer Questions
Q. 1. Did Benjy treat his parents justly? What would you do if you were Benjy?
Answer: Benjy did not treat his parents justly. While he was not malicious, his behavior showed a lack of understanding and responsibility toward his aging parents. He was so focused on his own life and ambitions, particularly after marrying Florence, that he became neglectful of his parents' needs. The turning point came when he asked his parents to vacate the front bedroom for his wife, which deeply hurt them. His decision to put the passbook in his pocket and the way he ignored his responsibilities toward the family land showed a lack of empathy for his parents' hard work and sacrifices.
If I were Benjy, I would have prioritized my parents' well-being and tried to strike a balance between my own life and the care I owed to them. I would ensure that they felt loved, respected, and cared for, especially in their old age. Understanding their needs, listening to them, and involving them in decisions would be crucial.
Q. 2. On how many occasions were Benjy’s parents disappointed with Benjy’s behavior? Describe each occasion briefly in your own words.
Answer: Benjy’s parents were disappointed by his behavior on several occasions:
Benjy’s lack of involvement in managing the land: Benjy’s parents had always believed in the land’s potential, but Benjy did not show any interest in farming or caring for it, which caused them disappointment. They felt that he would take responsibility for the land once he became an adult.
When Benjy received the passbook: When Benjy's father handed him the passbook, they expected him to use it wisely to manage the land and their finances. However, Benjy simply put the passbook in his pocket without a clear plan, which left his parents disillusioned.
Benjy asking them to vacate the front bedroom: When Benjy asked his parents to vacate the front bedroom for Florence, his wife, it was a huge emotional blow to them. This was especially hurtful because they had lived in that house for years, and Benjy’s actions demonstrated his lack of consideration for their feelings.
Each of these moments showed that Benjy’s priorities were increasingly focused on his own life, leaving his parents disappointed in his disregard for their well-being.
Q. 3. ‘Looks are deceptive.’ How does this apply to Benjy?
Answer: The phrase "looks are deceptive" applies to Benjy because, although he appears to be a simple-minded, innocent person, his actions reveal a deeper complexity. Benjy's simplicity is seen as a virtue by those around him, and it is easy to assume that his intentions are always pure and harmless. However, his behavior towards his parents shows that his simplicity often masks a lack of understanding of the emotional and practical consequences of his actions.
For example, while Benjy's innocent love for Florence and his focus on farming seem harmless, they lead to him neglecting his parents, causing them emotional pain. His failure to grasp the importance of familial duty and respect highlights the fact that outward appearances can be misleading — Benjy’s simplicity does not necessarily equate to good judgment or fairness.
Q. 4. What is the role of Florence in this story? How did she affect Benjy’s life?
Answer: Florence plays a significant role in Benjy’s life as a catalyst for the changes in his behavior and priorities. She represents Benjy’s desire for independence and a new phase in his life, away from the influence of his parents. Florence’s arrival in Benjy’s life marks a shift in his focus. He begins to prioritize her over his parents, which leads to neglecting his duties toward his family.
Florence’s role is also crucial because she becomes a part of Benjy’s decision-making, and her presence in the house creates a divide between Benjy and his parents. When Benjy asks his parents to vacate the front bedroom to make space for Florence, it reflects how much his life has changed since his marriage. Florence's influence on Benjy ultimately makes him more self-centered and less attentive to his parents' needs, resulting in their disappointment.
Q. 5. Johnson himself was responsible for his tragedy or troubles. Do you agree with this? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, I agree that Johnson was largely responsible for his troubles. Johnson's life, marked by hard work and simplicity, was plagued by his failure to make wise decisions regarding his land and family. His lack of effective communication and foresight contributed to his difficulties.
For instance, although Johnson had a strong belief in the land’s potential, he didn’t take the time to properly manage it or plan for its future. He also did not properly guide Benjy in taking responsibility for the family’s well-being, which led to Benjy’s neglect of his parents later on. His failure to adapt to changing circumstances and lack of proactive planning ultimately led to the family's financial and emotional struggles. While circumstances played a part, Johnson's choices and failure to act on them were the primary factors that led to his troubles.
Q. 6. How is a simple-minded man defined in the story? Do you agree with this definition?
Answer: In the story, a simple-minded man is defined as someone who is innocent, trusting, and often unaware of the complexities of the world around him. Benjy is considered simple-minded because he has an unassuming nature, is easily influenced by others, and is not prone to complicated or manipulative thoughts. His simplicity allows him to excel in tasks that require direct attention, such as farming, but it also prevents him from understanding the emotional and social consequences of his actions.
I agree with this definition because Benjy’s character clearly reflects these traits. His straightforward approach to life makes him appear harmless, but it also leads to misunderstandings and neglect of his responsibilities. His simplicity prevents him from fully comprehending the emotional needs of his parents and the importance of the family’s well-being.
Q. 7. Sketch the character of Johnson.
Answer: Johnson is a hardworking and religious man who believes in the simple joys of life and the potential of the land he cultivates. He is deeply connected to his work and has a strong belief in the divine order of the world. Johnson is also portrayed as a man of faith, who trusts that the Earth, created by God, will provide for him if he works hard.
However, despite his strong work ethic, Johnson is somewhat naïve and passive when it comes to managing his family's needs and expectations. He does not have the foresight to understand the financial difficulties of his family or how to deal with his son Benjy’s mental limitations. He tends to avoid confrontation and does not actively communicate his hopes and expectations to his son. As a result, his inaction and lack of leadership contribute to the family’s struggles.
Q. 8. Sketch the character of Benjy.
Answer: Benjy is portrayed as a simple, innocent man who is mentally challenged. His simplicity, while endearing in some ways, also makes him naïve and unaware of the emotional and practical needs of others. Benjy's life revolves around his love for farming and his passion for caring for the hens. Despite his innocence, he is not completely free from flaws, as his neglect of his parents and focus on his own desires reveal a lack of empathy.
Benjy is also somewhat selfish, particularly when it comes to his marriage to Florence. His actions — asking his parents to vacate their bedroom and ignoring the importance of family land — show his increasing disregard for his parents' feelings. Benjy's character is a tragic one because his good intentions are often overshadowed by his inability to understand the deeper responsibilities he has toward his family.
C. 2. Group Discussion
1. Your expectations of your parents/guardians.
Answer: I expect my parents to provide love, support, and guidance. I also expect them to respect my choices while offering advice when needed.
2. Causes and effects of communication gap.
Answer: A communication gap can arise from misunderstandings, lack of trust, or emotional distance. It can lead to conflicts, feelings of alienation, and breakdowns in relationships.
C. 3. Composition
1. Write a short essay in about 150 words on ‘an ideal family’.
Answer: An ideal family is one where love, trust, and respect form the foundation of relationships. Every member plays an important role in supporting each other emotionally, mentally, and physically. Parents provide guidance, while children respect and care for their parents. Communication is key, and members work together to create a harmonious environment. An ideal family shares moments of joy, supports each other through challenges, and creates a nurturing space for everyone to grow and thrive.
2. Write a paragraph in about 100 words on the ‘duties of children towards their parents’.
Answer: Children have a moral obligation to respect and care for their parents, especially in their old age. They should be grateful for the sacrifices their parents made and offer emotional and physical support when needed. Children must listen to their parents' advice, maintain open communication, and be patient and understanding. It's important to honor their wisdom and ensure that they are treated with dignity and love throughout their lives. Taking care of parents is not just a duty, but also a way to show appreciation for their lifelong care and sacrifices.
Let me know if you need further clarification on any part of this!
Conclusion:
"The Earth" is a poem that reminds us of the Earth's selflessness, resilience, and nurturing role in sustaining life. It urges humans to recognize the importance of the Earth, respect its resources, and take responsibility for its protection. The poet’s portrayal of the Earth as a mother figure highlights the deep connection between nature and humanity and calls for a collective effort to preserve our planet for future generations.
Keywords:
Bihar Board, Class 12, English, "The Earth", Poem Summary, Selflessness, Resilience, Mother Earth, Poetic Devices, Human Responsibility, Nature, Environmental Protection
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