CBSE Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 9: The Poem NCERT Solutions
This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 9 of the CBSE Class 11 English Hornbill textbook, focusing on the poem 'A Photograph'. It breaks down complex vocabulary, explains the imagery and themes presented in the poem, and offers in-depth answers to all questions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of concepts like the transience of life, the permanence of nature, and the emotional impact of memories captured in photographs. These solutions are designed to help students clarify doubts, strengthen their comprehension, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by offering clear, step-by-step explanations.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English Hornbill |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 |
Chapter summary
This chapter's NCERT Solutions focus on the poem 'A Photograph'. It covers vocabulary inference, the symbolism of 'cardboard', the captured moments in the photograph, the unchanging nature of the sea versus human transience, and the mother's laughter as an indicator of past joy and present reflection. The solutions aim to enhance students' understanding of the poem's themes and literary devices.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the meaning of words like 'paddling' and 'transient' from context.
- Analyze the symbolism of 'cardboard' in relation to memory and photographs.
- Identify and explain the elements captured in the photograph.
- Compare the permanence of nature (the sea) with the transience of human life.
- Interpret the significance of the mother's laughter in the poem.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Vocabulary inference
- Symbolism in poetry
- The theme of transience
- The theme of permanence
- Memory and nostalgia
- Analysis of 'A Photograph' poem
- Figurative language
- Mother-daughter relationship
- Nature's eternity
- Human life's brevity
Important topics
- Theme of transience vs. permanence
- Symbolism of the sea and cardboard
- Interpretation of the mother's laughter
- Vocabulary and contextual meaning
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
From the context of the poem, 'paddling' likely refers to the action of walking or playing in shallow water, as the young girls are depicted doing at the beach. 'Transient' suggests something that is temporary or short-lived, referring to the fleeting nature of moments and life itself.
Dictionary check: 'Paddling' can mean to move through water using oars or by kicking one's feet, or to dabble in shallow water. 'Transient' means lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
Question 2
The word 'cardboard' in the poem denotes the photograph itself. It has been used because photographs are often printed on or mounted on cardboard, making it a tangible representation of a past memory. The use of 'cardboard' emphasizes that the photograph is now a static, preserved artifact, a reminder of a time that has passed, especially poignant as the poet's mother is no longer alive.
Question 3
The camera has captured a specific moment from the past: a sea holiday enjoyed by the poet's mother when she was a young girl, approximately twelve years old. In the photograph, she is seen standing between her two cousins, Betty and Dolly, holding their hands. They were all 'paddling' in the sea water during this outing, with the poet's uncle also present, who clicked the picture.
Question 4
The sea has not changed over the years; it remains the same, symbolizing eternity and permanence. This unchanging nature of the sea suggests the vast difference between the enduring natural world and the ephemeral nature of human life. While the sea continues its timeless existence, human beings, their experiences, and their lives are transient and subject to the passage of time and eventual end.
Question 5
The poet's mother's laughter at the snapshot indicated a nostalgic amusement. She was recalling the joy and carefree spirit of that particular day from her childhood, looking at her younger self and her cousins enjoying the sea holiday. It was a laughter of fond remembrance, perhaps tinged with the bittersweet realization of how much time had passed and how those moments could never be relived.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting the symbolic meaning of 'cardboard'.
- Failing to connect the mother's laughter to the themes of memory and loss.
- Not fully grasping the contrast between the sea's permanence and human life's brevity.
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the symbolic meanings of objects and nature in the poem.
- Pay close attention to the contrast drawn between permanence and transience.
- Reread the poem after studying the solutions to reinforce comprehension.
- Practice inferring word meanings from context before checking a dictionary.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What does the word 'cardboard' primarily denote in the poem?
Explanation: The word 'cardboard' is used metaphorically to refer to the photograph, which is a physical, often stiff, piece of paper preserving a past moment and memory.
Q2. What natural element in the poem remains unchanged over the years?
Explanation: The poem explicitly states that the sea has not changed over the years, symbolizing eternity and permanence in contrast to human life.
Q3. The poet's mother is described as laughing at the snapshot. What does this laughter suggest?
Explanation: The laughter indicates a fond remembrance of the past, recalling the joy and carefree nature of that holiday with her cousins and uncle.
Q4. Which word is used to describe something that stays for a short time?
Explanation: 'Transient' means lasting only for a short time, which is used to describe the fleeting nature of human life in contrast to the eternal sea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'A Photograph' in Chapter 9 of Hornbill?
The main theme of 'A Photograph' is the contrast between the transience of human life and the permanence of nature, explored through the lens of memory and the passage of time.
How does the poem explain the word 'transient'?
The poem uses 'transient' to describe the short-lived nature of human existence, contrasting it with the eternal, unchanging sea.
What does the 'cardboard' symbolize in the poem?
The 'cardboard' symbolizes the photograph itself, representing a preserved memory that is now a tangible, yet static, reminder of a past moment.
Why is the sea mentioned as unchanging?
The sea is depicted as unchanging to highlight the eternal aspect of nature, serving as a backdrop against which the fleeting nature of human life and memories is emphasized.
What is the significance of the mother's laughter in the poem?
The mother's laughter signifies her fond remembrance of a happy past holiday, tinged with the bittersweet realization of time's passage and the loss of those moments.
How can these NCERT Solutions help Class 11 students?
These solutions provide clear explanations of the poem's vocabulary, themes, and symbolism, helping students understand the text deeply and prepare effectively for their English exams.
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