CBSE Class 8 English Chapter 17: When I Set Out For Lyonnesse (Poem) NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Poem, Chapter 17, 'When I Set Out For Lyonnesse'. It breaks down the poem stanza by stanza, helping students understand the imagery, themes, and the poet's journey. The solutions focus on identifying specific words and phrases that convey the cold weather, the late hour, and the traveler's solitude. Students will also explore the unexpected and unforeseen nature of the events at Lyonnesse, supported by textual evidence. The solutions clarify the subtle hints and observations made by others about the traveler's experience, enhancing comprehension of the poem's deeper meanings. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by offering clear explanations and insights into the poetic text.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 17 When I Set Out For Lyonnesse (Poem)

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 8 English Poem 'When I Set Out For Lyonnesse' (Chapter 17) offers a detailed analysis of the poem. It guides students through identifying descriptive language related to the journey's conditions, such as cold, late evening, and solitude. The solutions also delve into the poem's central theme of unforeseen events and the reactions of those who observed the traveler. Key lines are analyzed to understand the mysterious 'radiance' and the unspoken observations of others, providing a comprehensive understanding of the poem's narrative and emotional landscape.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify words describing cold weather in the poem.
  • Recognize phrases indicating a late evening setting.
  • Understand the theme of solitude experienced by the traveler.
  • Analyze the unforeseeable nature of events at Lyonnesse.
  • Interpret lines that suggest others' observations and guesses.
  • Explain the meaning of 'radiance rare and fathomless'.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Poem Analysis
  • Imagery
  • Themes
  • Vocabulary
  • Poetic Devices
  • Journey Narrative
  • Foreshadowing
  • Observation and Speculation

Important topics

  • Identifying descriptive language for weather and time
  • Understanding the concept of unforeseeable events
  • Interpreting subtle social observations
  • Analyzing the meaning of 'radiance'

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

In the first stanza, find words that show:
  1. that it was very cold.
  2. that it was late evening.
  3. that the traveller was alone.
Solution:
  1. The word that indicates it was very cold is 'Rime', which refers to frost or a coating of ice, suggesting freezing temperatures.
  2. The word 'Starlight' implies that the sun had set, indicating it was late evening or night.
  3. The word 'Lonesomeness' directly expresses the feeling of being alone that the traveller experienced.

Question 2

Something happened at Lyonnesse. Was it:
  1. improbable.
  2. impossible.
  3. unforeseeable.
Pick out two lines from stanza 2 to justify your answer.
Solution:
  1. The event that happened at Lyonnesse was (c) unforeseeable.
  2. The two lines from stanza 2 that justify this are: 'No prophet durst declare;' and 'Nor did the wisest wizard guess'. These lines emphasize that neither a prophet nor a wizard, who are typically associated with foresight, could have predicted or known what would happen.

Question 3

(i) Read the line (stanza 3) that implies the following: 'Everyone noticed something, and they made guesses, but didn't speak a word'. (ii) Now read the line that refers to what they noticed.
Solution:
  1. The line that implies everyone noticed something and made silent guesses is: 'All marked with mute surmise'. 'Mute surmise' means silent speculation or guesswork.
  2. The line that refers to what they noticed about the traveller is: 'My radiance rare and fathomless'. This suggests they observed a unique and profound quality about him.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting words related to weather and time.
  • Failing to connect specific lines to the concept of unforeseeability.
  • Overlooking the subtle social observations within the poem.
  • Struggling to define abstract concepts like 'radiance' in context.

Revision tips

  • Reread the poem focusing on the sensory details mentioned in the solutions.
  • Practice identifying specific lines that support the answers to each question.
  • Discuss the meaning of 'Lyonnesse' and its significance in the poem.
  • Summarize the traveler's experience and the reactions of others in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which word from the first stanza suggests that the weather was very cold?

Q2. What does the word 'starlight' in the first stanza imply about the time of day?

Q3. According to the first stanza, what feeling did the traveler experience?

Q4. What was the nature of the event that happened at Lyonnesse, as suggested in stanza 2?

Q5. Which phrase from stanza 3 suggests that people noticed something about the traveler but didn't speak about it?

Q6. What did others notice about the traveler, according to the poem?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'When I Set Out For Lyonnesse'?

The main theme revolves around a mysterious journey to Lyonnesse, the unforeseen and transformative experiences the traveler had there, and the subtle observations made by others upon his return.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand the poem?

These solutions break down the poem question by question, explaining specific words, phrases, and lines. They help students grasp the imagery, identify the mood, and understand the deeper meanings conveyed by the poet.

What kind of vocabulary is covered in these solutions?

The solutions focus on vocabulary related to the journey's conditions (cold, time of day, solitude) and abstract concepts like 'surmise' and 'radiance'.

Are the questions in the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 17 the same as in the textbook?

Yes, the questions are kept the same as in the textbook, ensuring that students are addressing the exact material provided by NCERT.

What does 'mute surmise' mean in the context of the poem?

'Mute surmise' means silent guessing or speculation. It suggests that people noticed something unusual about the traveler but did not voice their thoughts or questions aloud.

Important links

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