CBSE Class 9 English 'The Road Not Taken' Poem NCERT Solutions
CBSE Class 9 English Poem 1, 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, explores the profound impact of choices. This NCERT Solution delves into the poem's central theme, presenting the poet's contemplation at a diverging path. It highlights his decision to choose the less-traveled road and his later reflection on how this singular choice shaped his life's trajectory. The solutions unpack the symbolism of the diverging roads and the 'yellow wood,' illuminating the poet's emotions and the poem's deeper meanings. Through detailed explanations of extract-based questions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of thematic analysis and poetic interpretation, aiding their exam preparation by appreciating the nuances of Frost's iconic work.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 1. The Road Not Taken Poem |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for 'The Road Not Taken' (Poem 1) for Class 9 English focus on extract-based questions. These solutions help students analyze the poem's core message about making choices, the concept of individuality, and the long-term consequences of decisions. Key aspects covered include the poet's dilemma, the symbolism of the diverging roads, and the reflection on taking the less-traveled path, aiding in a thorough understanding of the poem's themes and literary devices.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the central theme of choice and its consequences in 'The Road Not Taken'.
- Analyze the symbolism of the diverging roads and the 'yellow wood'.
- Interpret the poet's feelings of regret and reflection on his life choices.
- Identify and explain poetic devices used in the extract.
- Answer extract-based questions effectively for exam preparation.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- The Road Not Taken poem analysis
- Robert Frost poetry
- Extract-based questions Class 9 English
- Symbolism in poetry
- Theme of choice
- Individuality and non-conformity
- Life's journey and decisions
- Poetic interpretation
- Autumn season symbolism
- Consequences of decisions
Important topics
- Theme of choice and its consequences
- Symbolism of the roads
- Poet's dilemma and decision
- Meaning of 'less traveled by'
- Interpretation of the 'sigh'
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follows:
Two roads diverged in yellow wood.
And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveller, long I stood And locked down once as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
(i) At which point had the poet reached?
(ii) Why was the traveller feeling sorry?
(iii) Give the opposite to 'met at a point' from the passage? (SA-1,2014-15)
Solution:
(i) The poet had reached a point in a 'yellow wood' where the road split into two distinct paths.
(ii) The traveller was feeling sorry because, as a single person, he was unable to travel on both roads simultaneously and experience both journeys.
(iii) The opposite of 'met at a point' from the passage is 'diverged', which means to split or move apart.
Question 2
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden back Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted it if I should ever come back
(i) Which road does the poet choose?
(ii) Why was the poet doubtful about the first road?
(iii) Find a word from the extract that means 'crushed'. (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-013)
Solution:
(i) The poet chooses the second road, the one that seemed less traveled.
(ii) The poet was doubtful about the first road because, although he decided to save it for another day, he understood that one path often leads to another, making it unlikely he would ever return to the starting point to take the first road.
(iii) The word from the extract that means 'crushed' or 'walked upon' is 'trodden'.
Question 3
Then took the other, just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same.
(i) Why did the poet take the other road?
(ii) What did the poet discover while travelling on the other road?
(iii) What do the given lines suggest about the speaker? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-017)
Solution:
(i) The poet took the other road because it appeared to have been less used ('grassy and wanted wear'), suggesting it was a less conventional choice, which appealed to him.
(ii) While travelling on the other road, the poet discovered that, in reality, both roads had been worn about the same by the travelers who had passed through.
(iii) These lines suggest that the speaker is thoughtful and perhaps inclined towards making unconventional choices, although he also observes the reality that paths can be similar despite initial appearances.
Question 4
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence; Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.
(i) How did the poet make his choice about the roads?
(ii) What had made a lot of difference in the poet's life?
(iii) What does the term "road" stand for ? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-018)
Solution:
(i) The poet made his choice by selecting the road that appeared less traveled, as indicated by it being 'grassy and wanted wear'.
(ii) Taking the road less traveled by had made a significant difference in the poet's life. The nature of this difference is not explicitly stated as positive or negative, but it implies a unique life path resulting from his choice.
(iii) In this poem, the term 'road' symbolically stands for the choices, opportunities, and different paths one encounters in life.
Question 5
Then took the other, just as fair, And having perhaps the better chance, Because it was grassy and wanted wear, Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same.
(i) What made the poet choose such a road?
(ii) What does the poet mean by "just as fair"?
(iii) Find the phrase from the extract that mean "had not been used". (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-019)
Solution:
(i) The poet was drawn to the road because it seemed less worn, appearing 'grassy and wanted wear', suggesting it was less frequented by others.
(ii) The poet means by 'just as fair' that the second road was equally attractive or appealing as the first one he had considered.
(iii) The phrase from the extract that means 'had not been used' or 'was less used' is 'wanted wear'.
Question 6
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence; Two roads diverged in a wood, and 11 took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.
(i) Write the name of the poem and the poet.
(ii) Why did the poet take the road which was less travelled by?
(iii) Why was the poet in dilemma? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-021)
Solution:
(i) The name of the poem is 'The Road Not Taken', and the poet is Robert Frost.
(ii) The poet chose the road less traveled by because he perceived it as a unique or unconventional path, and perhaps he desired to forge his own distinct way in life.
(iii) The poet was in a dilemma because he had to make a choice between two diverging roads, and as a single traveler, he could not take both paths.
Question 7
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood And sorry I could not travel both An be one traveller, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth.
(i) Where did the roads diverge?
(ii) Where did the one road lead to?
(iii) What does "yellow wood" stand for? Ans.(i)The roads diverged in the yellow wood.
Solution:
(i) The roads diverged in a 'yellow wood', indicating a forest setting during the autumn season.
(ii) The one road led to a point where it bent and disappeared into the 'undergrowth', suggesting a dense, possibly overgrown, and unseen part of the forest.
(iii) The term 'yellow wood' stands for the autumn season, characterized by the changing colors of the leaves, and it also symbolizes a stage of maturity or a significant point in life where choices must be made.
Question 8
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
Solution:
This extract describes the state of the two roads on that particular morning. Both paths were covered in leaves, indicating they had not been recently walked upon ('no step had trodden black'). The poet expresses a desire to save the first road for another time, but immediately acknowledges the reality that one path typically leads to subsequent paths, making it highly improbable that he would ever return to this exact spot to take the first road.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting the poet's choice as purely positive or negative.
- Confusing the literal meaning of roads with their symbolic meaning.
- Overlooking the 'sigh' and its implication of potential regret or wistfulness.
- Failing to connect the 'difference' to the choice of the less-traveled road.
Revision tips
- Reread the poem carefully, paying attention to the poet's tone and word choices.
- Focus on understanding the symbolism of the roads and the 'yellow wood'.
- Practice answering extract-based questions by identifying key lines and their meaning.
- Discuss the poem's theme of choice with classmates to gain different perspectives.
- Summarize the poet's dilemma and his final reflection in your own words.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What does the 'yellow wood' symbolize in the poem?
Explanation: The 'yellow wood' symbolizes the autumn season, representing a mature stage in the poet's life where significant decisions need to be made.
Q2. Why does the poet feel sorry when faced with two diverging roads?
Explanation: The poet feels sorry because, as a single traveler, he is unable to take both paths and experience what lies on each.
Q3. What does the phrase 'wanted wear' suggest about the chosen road?
Explanation: 'Wanted wear' implies that the road had not been used much, suggesting it was less conventional and perhaps less traveled.
Q4. The poet's future telling of his choice will be with a 'sigh'. What does this sigh likely indicate?
Explanation: The sigh suggests a complex emotion, possibly a mix of satisfaction with the outcome and a wistful contemplation of the path not taken.
Q5. What does the word 'trodden' mean in the context of the poem?
Explanation: 'Trodden' means walked upon or crushed underfoot, referring to the steps taken on the path.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'The Road Not Taken'?
The main theme of 'The Road Not Taken' is about making choices in life, the significance of those choices, and how they shape our future, often with a sense of reflection or even wistfulness about the paths not chosen.
What does the poet mean by 'the road less traveled by'?
The poet uses 'the road less traveled by' to represent a less conventional or non-conformist path in life, a choice that deviates from the common or popular way.
Why is the poet standing at a divergence of roads?
The poet is standing at a divergence of roads because he has reached a point in his life where he must make a significant decision between two different paths or opportunities.
What does 'yellow wood' signify in the poem?
'Yellow wood' signifies the autumn season, which often represents maturity, a time of reflection, and a period when important life decisions are contemplated.
How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 9 students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to extract-based questions, helping students understand the poem's deeper meanings, symbolism, and themes, thereby aiding in exam preparation.
What is the significance of the poet telling his story 'with a sigh'?
The sigh suggests a complex emotional response, possibly indicating a mix of satisfaction with the outcome of his choice and a wistful contemplation of the alternative path he did not take.
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