Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 12: Time and Time again NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This set of NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope, Chapter 12, titled "Time and Time again," delves into the nuances of the poem, exploring its themes of time, change, and societal harmony. The solutions provide detailed answers to the questions posed, helping students understand the poet's perspective on how time influences cities and their inhabitants. It examines the symbolic meaning of clock towers, the impact of events like riots and natural occurrences on the passage of time, and the cyclical nature of peace and disharmony. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the poem's deeper layers and preparing effectively for their examinations by offering clear explanations and interpretations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Kaleidoscope
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 12

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope, Chapter 12, "Time and Time again," focuses on analyzing the poem's central themes. It covers the poet's observations on how time affects urban landscapes and communities, the symbolic representation of clocks, and the cyclical nature of societal events. The solutions address questions related to the poem's title, the impact of specific events on timekeeping, and the poet's attitude towards communal disharmony and nature's power, offering a thorough understanding for revision.

Learning outcomes

Understand the central themes of the poem "Time and Time again."
Analyze the symbolism of clock towers and their relation to time.
Interpret the poet's perspective on societal changes and their cyclical nature.
Evaluate the poet's attitude towards communal disharmony and natural events.
Connect the poem's themes to the average Indian's feelings about violence and nature.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Poem Analysis
Themes of Time and Change
Symbolism in Poetry
Urban Landscapes
Societal Harmony
Communal Disharmony
Nature's Influence
Cyclical Nature of Events
Poet's Attitude
Interpretation of Metaphors

Important topics

The role of time in shaping cities and societies
Symbolism of clock towers
Poet's perspective on communal disharmony
The cyclical nature of peace and conflict
Interpretation of poetic devices and metaphors

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

What did you think the poem was about when you read the first few lines?

Solution: Initially, upon reading the first few lines of the poem, one might perceive it as a literal description of urban life and the functioning of clocks in well-managed cities. The mention of different city times suggests a focus on the passage of time and its subtle variations. The poet seems to be observing how time influences the environment and the people within it, leading to small but significant changes over their course. The clock towers are presented as silent witnesses to these ongoing transformations and movements within the city. The initial impression is that despite these changes, time is a continuous cycle that will eventually reset, bringing things back to a familiar rhythm.

Question 2

From which line does the import of the title strike the reader?

Solution: The significance of the title "Time and Time again" truly resonates with the reader in the last stanza, particularly from the lines: "through the knocked-out clockwork, after a riot, a peace-march time bomb, or a precise act of nature in a night of lightning." These lines powerfully convey the multifaceted nature of time and its relationship with significant events. The poet highlights how time is intertwined with societal upheavals like riots, periods of tension symbolized by a "time bomb," and even dramatic natural occurrences. The phrase "time and time again" emphasizes the recurring nature of these events and the continuous cycle of change, conflict, and eventual restoration of peace that characterizes urban life and human history.

Question 3

What makes for the differences between the timekeeping of the various clocks? What is the implicit comparison?

Solution: The poem suggests that differences in the timekeeping of various clocks can arise from a multitude of factors, poetically described as the "gongs of the clock swinging at a different frequency" or the "shaking hand of the maker of the clock in Switzerland." These are not necessarily literal mechanical faults but rather symbolic representations. The implicit comparison is drawn between these varied clock mechanisms and the distinct situations and paces of change in different cities. Just as each clock might tick slightly differently, each city experiences its own unique set of communal, political, or social conditions that influence its 'pace of change' over time. The poet uses this idea to illustrate how subtle differences in circumstances can lead to vastly different experiences and outcomes in various urban environments.

Question 4

Why is the act of nature described as 'precise'?

Solution: The act of nature is described as 'precise' in the context of its role in resolving or concluding periods of intense human activity, such as communal riots. While riots cause disharmony and imbalance, the poem suggests that nature, or the passage of time itself, brings about a definitive end to such disturbances. This 'precision' implies an inevitable and exact conclusion to the period of unrest, leading to a new beginning. It signifies that just as natural events occur with a certain accuracy and finality, so too do periods of conflict eventually cease, allowing for a fresh start and a return to normalcy, often strengthening unity among people in the aftermath.

Question 5

Which of the following reflects the poet's attitude towards communal disharmony?

Critical condemnation
Helpless acceptance
Wistful lament

Solution: The poet's attitude towards communal disharmony is best reflected by (i) Critical condemnation. The poet does not passively accept or merely lament the disharmony; instead, there is a critical undertone in his observation. He acknowledges the disruptive nature of riots and the resulting imbalance but emphasizes that these events are temporary. The poet believes in the inherent ability of time and perhaps nature to resolve such issues, leading to a peaceful resolution and a renewed sense of unity. This perspective involves a condemnation of the disharmony itself while maintaining faith in a natural, precise, and cyclical process of healing and restoration.

Question 6

Is the poet's attitude a representation of how the average Indian feels both towards human violence and nature's fury?

Solution: Yes, the poet's attitude can be seen as a representation of how the average Indian often feels towards human violence and nature's fury. While there might be outward reactions to religious or political conflicts, there is an underlying desire for peace and stability. The average Indian is deeply affected by violence and the harm caused to lives and the environment. However, there's also a sense of resilience and a belief, perhaps influenced by the cyclical nature of life and time, that such disturbances are temporary. The poem captures this sentiment by highlighting that despite the intensity of human violence or nature's power, life eventually moves forward, emphasizing the value of lives and the eventual return to harmony.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting the symbolic meaning of clocks and time.
Failing to grasp the cyclical nature of peace and conflict described in the poem.
Overlooking the poet's nuanced attitude towards societal issues.
Confusing literal descriptions with poetic symbolism.

Revision tips

Reread the poem carefully, paying attention to imagery related to time and clocks.
Discuss the meaning of 'time' as presented by the poet in different contexts.
Analyze the poet's commentary on societal issues like riots and their resolution.
Consider how the poem reflects broader human experiences with change and harmony.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What do the clock towers in the poem primarily represent?

Q2. According to the poem, what can cause differences in the timekeeping of various clocks?

Q3. The phrase 'time bomb' in the context of a riot suggests:

Q4. What does the poem imply about the resolution of communal disharmony?

Q5. The poet describes an act of nature as 'precise' in the context of:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem "Time and Time again"?

The main theme revolves around the passage of time, its effect on cities and people, and the cyclical nature of societal events, including periods of disharmony and eventual peace.

How does the poem explain the differences in timekeeping between various clocks?

The poem uses differences in clock timekeeping as a poetic device to symbolize the unique conditions, pace of change, and underlying issues that vary from one city to another.

What is the poet's attitude towards communal disharmony?

The poet critically condemns communal disharmony, viewing it as a temporary disruption that will eventually pass, leading to a restoration of peace and unity, much like a natural cycle.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 12 students?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to the poem's analytical questions, helping students understand its themes, symbolism, and the poet's perspective, aiding in exam preparation.

What does the poem suggest about the resolution of conflict?

The poem suggests that conflict, whether human-induced or natural, is part of a larger cycle, and time plays a crucial role in healing, restoring balance, and bringing about renewed peace.

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