NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 7: Poems by Milton

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 7 NCERT Solutions offers a deep dive into John Milton's poems, 'On Time' and 'On Shakespeare.' These solutions unravel the profound meanings and masterful literary techniques employed by Milton. In 'On Time,' students will explore the personification of time as an unstoppable force and the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome mortality. The analysis of 'On Shakespeare' focuses on Milton's eloquent tribute to the Bard, highlighting how Shakespeare's unparalleled literary brilliance serves as a monument far more lasting than any physical structure. The aim is to equip students with a thorough understanding of the poems' themes and nuances, thereby enhancing their analytical skills and exam preparation through clear, insightful explanations of Milton's poetic artistry.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Kaleidoscope
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 7

Chapter summary

Chapter 7 of the Class 12 English Kaleidoscope textbook features two significant poems by John Milton: 'On Time' and 'On Shakespeare'. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter offer in-depth analysis of these poems, explaining their themes of time's passage, mortality, and the enduring legacy of literary genius. Students will find clear explanations for complex verses, helping them understand Milton's perspective on time's victory over human endeavors and his profound admiration for Shakespeare's immortal works.

Learning outcomes

Understand the personification of Time and its relentless nature in Milton's 'On Time'.
Analyze the contrast between temporal and eternal elements as presented in 'On Time'.
Identify the ultimate winner in the race against Time as described by Milton.
Explain why Milton believes a physical monument is unnecessary for Shakespeare.
Interpret Milton's description of Shakespeare as a source of inspiration for future poets.
Evaluate the significance of literary works as enduring tributes.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Analysis of 'On Time'
Personification of Time
Mortality and Eternity
Analysis of 'On Shakespeare'
Literary Legacy
Tribute to Shakespeare
Milton's Poetic Style
Themes in Poetry
Class 12 English Literature
Kaleidoscope Textbook Solutions

Important topics

The concept of Time's victory and human transcendence in 'On Time'
Shakespeare's immortal fame versus physical monuments
Milton's admiration for Shakespeare's literary genius
Understanding poetic devices like personification and metaphor

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Why has the poet pitted the flight of Time against the 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' and 'the heavy Plummets pace'?

Solution: The poet, John Milton, contrasts the swift, unstoppable 'flight of Time' with the 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' and 'the heavy Plummets pace' to emphasize time's dual nature. While time itself moves rapidly towards its ultimate goal ('run out thy race'), the moments within time often feel slow and burdensome to humans. This juxtaposition highlights how, despite the perceived slowness of our daily experience, time is constantly advancing, inevitably leading everyone towards their destiny. Milton uses these phrases to illustrate that even though time seems slow, it ultimately wins its race against human endeavors and life spans.

Question 2

What are the things associated with the temporal and what is associated with the eternal?

Solution: In the poem 'On Time', Milton distinguishes between the temporal and the eternal. The temporal aspects are those that are transient and belong to the earthly realm, such as human life, worries, and the passage of time itself. These are subject to decay and eventual end. In contrast, the eternal elements are those that are permanent and associated with the divine or heavenly state. These include joy, bliss, divinity, truth, and peace, which are experienced in heaven after the end of one's earthly life, remaining untouched by the limitations of time.

Question 3

What guides human souls towards divinity? Who is the final winner in the race against Time?

Solution: According to the poet, human souls are guided towards divinity by 'everything that is sincerely good' that they perform during their lives. These virtuous actions embrace the soul and lead it towards a higher state. The final winner in the race against Time is ultimately humankind, not in their earthly existence, but in their spiritual journey. Upon liberation from their physical bodies, humans achieve a state of eternal bliss in heaven, where they are freed from the fears of death and the constraints of time, remaining untouched by its passage.

Question 4

Why does Milton feel it is not necessary to put up a monument in stone for Shakespeare?

Solution: Milton argues in his poem 'On Shakespeare' that erecting a physical monument of stone for Shakespeare is unnecessary and inadequate. He believes that Shakespeare has already built an everlasting monument through his profound literary works, which have secured his fame for posterity. Milton considers such stone structures to be a 'weak witness' to Shakespeare's greatness, a mere representation of his physical form that fails to capture the essence of his genius. Shakespeare, being the 'son of memory' and 'great heir of fame', deserves a tribute that transcends the limitations of material constructions.

Question 5

What does the 'weak witness of thy name' refer to?

Solution: The phrase 'weak witness of thy name' refers to a physical monument, such as a statue or a pyramid, that might be erected to commemorate Shakespeare. Milton considers such structures to be insufficient and feeble in truly representing or honoring Shakespeare's immense legacy and fame. He implies that these material tributes would only serve as a pale imitation, failing to do justice to the enduring impact of Shakespeare's literary genius, which lives on through his works and the memory of generations.

Question 6

How does Milton describe Shakespeare as the source of inspiration for all succeeding generations of poets?

Solution: Milton describes Shakespeare as a profound source of inspiration by highlighting the vast scope and depth of his literary creations. He suggests that Shakespeare's works encompass the full spectrum of human experience, from the beauty of nature to the complexities of magic, love, death, and revenge. Through his engaging plays, powerful poems, and captivating sonnets, Shakespeare set an unparalleled standard in comedies, histories, and tragedies. His conventional yet grand style serves as a benchmark that modern writers aspire to reach, making him an enduring muse for all future poets.

Question 7

What is the best tribute that posterity has bestowed on Shakespeare?

Solution: The best tribute that posterity has bestowed on Shakespeare, according to Milton's perspective, is not a physical monument but the enduring fame and admiration his literary works have garnered through the ages. Shakespeare's genius, captured in his plays and poems, continues to inspire, entertain, and resonate with readers and audiences across generations. This lasting impact and the continuous celebration of his literary achievements are considered the most profound and fitting tribute to his immortal legacy.

Common mistakes

Confusing the 'winner' in 'On Time' as Time itself, rather than the human soul achieving eternal peace.
Underestimating the power of literary legacy compared to physical monuments.
Misinterpreting the 'weak witness' as a literal monument rather than a symbolic representation.
Failing to connect Milton's praise for Shakespeare to the concept of immortality through art.

Revision tips

Read both poems aloud to appreciate Milton's rhythm and meter.
Focus on the key metaphors and personifications used in 'On Time'.
Compare Milton's view of Shakespeare's legacy with the idea of physical monuments.
Summarize the main argument of each poem in your own words.
Pay attention to the specific phrases Milton uses to praise Shakespeare's genius.

Practice MCQs

Q1. In 'On Time', what does the 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' represent?

Q2. According to Milton in 'On Time', what guides human souls towards divinity?

Q3. Why does Milton consider a monument of stone unnecessary for Shakespeare?

Q4. What does Milton call Shakespeare in 'On Shakespeare'?

Q5. In 'On Shakespeare', what does Milton suggest will be a 'weak witness' to Shakespeare's name?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main poems covered in Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 7?

Chapter 7 of Class 12 English Kaleidoscope covers two poems by John Milton: 'On Time' and 'On Shakespeare'.

What is the central theme of Milton's poem 'On Time'?

The central theme of 'On Time' is the relentless passage of time and the ultimate triumph of the human soul over mortality, achieving eternal peace and bliss.

According to Milton, why is a monument not needed for Shakespeare?

Milton believes that Shakespeare's literary works themselves serve as a far more enduring and powerful monument than any physical structure made of stone.

How do these NCERT Solutions help students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations of the poems' meanings, themes, and literary devices, aiding students in understanding and answering exam questions effectively.

What does Milton mean by Shakespeare being the 'son of memory'?

This phrase suggests that Shakespeare's legacy is preserved and celebrated through the collective memory and admiration of future generations, making him an heir to fame.

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