SSLC KARNATAKA
Subject – English (3rd Language)
Textbook Solution
UNIT 4 – Poem
THE NOBLE NATURE
Introduction of the Poet:
Benjamin Jonson (1572/73-1637) was born in Westminster, England. Initially, he worked as a bricklayer following his stepfather’s trade, but he later joined the military. Jonson eventually pursued acting and writing, becoming a renowned poet and playwright. His notable works include the plays Volpone (1605), The Alchemist* (1610), and Bartholomew Fair (1614). Jonson is remembered for his significant contributions to English literature.
Summary of the Poem:
The poem “The Noble Nature” by Ben Jonson explores the idea that greatness and nobility do not come from mere size or longevity, but from beauty and meaningful existence. Jonson contrasts the oak tree, which stands for many years only to become dry and withered, with the lily, which blooms for a single day but shines brightly and beautifully. He suggests that a short, beautiful life can be more perfect and noble than a long, unremarkable one. Through this, the poet emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in life.
Glossary:
– Founder: One who starts an institution.
– Achievement: A great deed or work.
– Emphasize: Lay stress on.
– Bulk: Great size, the greater part.
– Doth: Does.
– Bald: Without leaves.
– Sere: Dried up.
– Proportion: Ratio, a part or share of a whole.
Opposite Words
1. Growing – Falling
2. Bulk – Small
3. Long – Short
4. Better – Worse
5. Fairer – Uglier
6. Day – Night
7. Live – Die
Rhyming Words
1. Tree – Be
2. Years – Sere
3. Day – May
4. Night – Light
5. See – Be
Pre-Reading Activity:
Questions and Answers:
1. Who is the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission?
Ans. – Swami Vivekananda is the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission.
2. Why do we respect him today?
Ans. – We respect him today because he promoted Vedanta philosophy and Yoga to the Western world and ignited the feeling of universal brotherhood and love for humanity.
3. How long did he live?
Ans. – Swami Vivekananda lived for 39 years.
Comprehension Questions:
A. Answer the following questions:
1. What does ‘It’ refer to in the poem?
Ans. – ‘It’ refers to a man’s life or nature.
2. What is the life span of an oak tree?
Ans. – The life span of an oak tree is about three hundred years.
3. What does the poet say about the tree?
Ans. – The poet says that despite its long life, the oak tree eventually becomes a dry, bald, and withered log.
4. When does the lily look more beautiful?
Ans. – The lily looks more beautiful in May.
5. Why is the lily called “the plant and flower of light”?
Ans. – The lily is called “the plant and flower of light” because it shines brightly and beautifully, even if only for a short time.
6. According to the poet, when is life seen in perfection?
Ans. – According to the poet, life is seen in perfection in small proportions and short measures.
B. Discuss in the class and answer the following questions:
1. Do you like this poem? Give reasons.
Ans. – Yes, I like this poem because it emphasizes the value of a meaningful life over mere longevity.
2. What do you learn from this poem?
Ans. – From this poem, I learn that the quality of life is more important than its duration. A short but beautiful life can be more fulfilling than a long, uneventful one.
3. Have you come across anybody who has achieved a lot in a short span of time? If so, mention their names and achievements.
Ans. – Yes, I have. For instance, Anne Frank, who wrote her famous diary while hiding from the Nazis during World War II, achieved global recognition posthumously at a very young age.
C. Write the summary of the poem:
Ans. – The poem “The Noble Nature” by Ben Jonson compares the oak tree and the lily. Jonson argues that growing into a bulky tree or living a long life does not make one noble. The huge oak soon becomes dry and withered, which will be the fate of those blessed with only material well-being. In contrast, the lily blooms in May and, though it falls and dies the same night, it spreads beauty and delight. The poet believes that a meaningful life, like that of the lily, is what makes a person noble and perfect.
D. Fill in the blanks with correct rhyming words from the poem:
1. night — bright — light
2. year — sere — clear
3. be — tree — free
4. day — May — say
Questions and Answers for practice
1. Who wrote the poem “The Noble Nature”?
Ans. – Ben Jonson.
2. According to the poem, what does not make a man better?
Ans. – Growing like a tree in bulk.
3. How long can an oak tree stand, as mentioned in the poem?
Ans. – Three hundred years.
4. What happens to the oak tree at the end of its life?
Ans. – It falls a log, dry, bald, and sere.
5. Which flower does the poet compare to a day’s life?
Ans. – A lily.
6. When does the lily appear fairer, according to the poem?
Ans. – In May.
7. What happens to the lily by the end of the day?
Ans. – It falls and dies that night.
8. What is described as “the plant and flower of light”?
Ans. – The lily.
9. Where do we see just beauties, according to the poet?
Ans. – In small proportions.
10. How does the poet describe a perfect life?
Ans. – In short measures.
11. What is the main theme of the poem “The Noble Nature”?
Ans. – The idea that the quality of life is more important than its length or size.
12. What is the significance of the oak tree in the poem?
Ans. – It represents longevity without true beauty or perfection.
13. What does the poet imply by comparing a lily’s life to human life?
Ans. – That a short, beautiful life can be more meaningful than a long, uneventful one.
14. What literary device is used in “A lily of a day / Is fairer far in May”?
Ans. – Simile.
15. What does “sere” mean in the context of the poem?
Ans. – Dry and withered.
16. What message does the poet convey about physical appearance and time?
Ans. – Physical appearance and longevity do not define a man’s worth.
17. What can be inferred about the poet’s view on life and death?
Ans. – The poet values the quality and beauty of life over its duration.
