Poem - 2
The Solitary Reaper
(New) Word-Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
1. | highland | mountains |
2. | reaping | to harvest |
3. | binds | to wrap with something |
4. | weary bands | tired travellers |
5. | shady haunt | a place with shade from trees |
6. | ne’er | never |
7. | whate’er | whatever |
8. | o’er | over |
9. | mounted up | going up the mountains |
10. | bore | to hold in the mind or emotions |
Question & answers-
A. Answer these questions.
1. What was the reaper doing when the speaker first saw her?
Ans- The solitary reaper who resides in the Highlands was reaping in the field. She was also singing a song in a sad tone.
2. Why does the speaker seem unsure about whether he wants to stay or move on?
Ans- The poet was fascinated by the melodious song of the solitary reaper. The girl was busy in her work and the poet didn’t want to disturb her. That’s why the poet was unsure about whether he wants to stay or move on to his journey.
3. Why does the speaker compare the reaper’s song to that of the nightingale and the cuckoo?
Ans- The solitary reaper's song was sweeter than the song sung by the nightingale or the cuckoo bird. The poet compares the solitary reaper's song to that of a nightingale or a cuckoo bird. He says that the solitary reaper’s song is as much welcoming to the heart as that of a nightingale’s song to a weary traveller. He says that it induces as much thrill in the atmosphere as that of a cuckoo bird announcing the arrival of the spring time.
4. Why is the speaker not sure about the theme of the song? What are the alternatives he suggests?
Ans- The “solitary Highland Lass” is singing a song in a language that the speaker is not familiar with. It might be in a different language or an unfamiliar regional dialect. This is why the speaker is not sure about the theme of the song. The poet guessed that it might be about some “old, unhappy, far-off things,” or “battles long ago.” It could also be about “some more humble lay” or some day-to-day “familiar matter.” The song may or may not be about the subjects he imagines, but it’s certainly about “some natural sorrow, loss or pain.”
5. I listened, motionless and still;
And, as I mounted up the hill,
The music in my heart I bore,
Long after it was heard no more.
a. How did the speaker feel as he walked away from the scene?
Ans- The speaker felt extreme happiness as he walked away from the scene.
b. Did the song affect the speaker greatly?
Ans- Yes, the song affected the speaker greatly. By listening to the song of solitary reaper the poet was left spell bound. He was lost in the melodious notes of song. The effect was that even though the poet mounted up the hill but he felt that the song was still echoing in his heart.
B. Think and answer.
1. What does the word ‘melancholy’ tell you about the solitary singer?
Ans- The poet refers to the girl's song as a "melancholy strain"; melancholy means sad, and strain is another word for tune or melody, so the poem is referring to the girl's song as a sad song. The poet feels that the girl is probably sad because she is working alone or she is remembering some past events of natural sorrow, loss or pain.
