CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo A Thing of Beauty Worksheet Set C

Question. ‘inhuman dearth’ shows that there is:
(A) lack of beauty.
(B) lack of energy.
(C) lack or shortage of human beings with good values.
(D) lack of resources.

Answer : C

Question. How can beauty be defined according to this poem?
(A) Beauty is pleasure.
(B) Beauty is cause of all happiness.
(C) Beauty is nothing.
(D) Beauty is a quality which always gives happiness.

Answer : D

Question. An image of the ‘endless fountain’ is created to:
(A) denote the everlasting joy given by beautiful objects.
(B) the continuous flow of water.
(C) fountain of blood.
(D) clear waterfall.

Answer : A

Question. Pick the option that matches the words / phrases with the literary device.
Word/ phrase Literary device
1. simple sheep A. imagery
2. gloomy days B. metaphor
3. bower quiet C. symbolism
D. transferred epithet
(A) 1-C, 2-D, 3-B
(B) 1-B, 2-A, 3-D
(C) 1-D, 2-B, 3-C
(D) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B

Answer: A

Question. Pick the statement that contradicts the idea of beauty as expressed by the poet.
(A) People are beautiful not in looks but just in what they are.
(B) Beautiful people have known suffering, struggle and loss.
(C) We must think of all the beauty that is left around us and be happy.
(D) We must dwell on the beauty in life and be inspired by it.

Answer: B

Question. Which of the following cause distress to human beings?
(A) Blooming flowers.
(B) Withering flowers.
(C) Lack of virtues and inhuman acts.
(D) Flowing streams.

Answer : C

Question. The flowery band, according to the poet, helps to:
(A) bind us to the earth.
(B) make us look beautiful.
(C) give a present of flowers to friends.
(D) to make a band covered with flowers.

Answer : A

Question. ‘green world they live in’ implies:
(A) green surroundings of daffodils.
(B) greenhouse effect.
(C) green walls of the house.
(D) green forests.

Answer : A

Question. The ‘mighty dead’ in the poem are:
(A) dead people
(B) dead relatives
(C) dead plants
(D) respect-worthy ancestors especially dead emperors

Answer : D

Extract Based MCQs :

Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow: 

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. 

Question. Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include.
1. Selflessness
2. Insensitivity
3. Enthusiasm
4. Aggression
5. Meticulousness
6. Judiciousness
(A) 1, 4 and 5
(B) 2, 3 and 6
(C) 2, 4 and 5
(D) 1, 3 and 6

Answer : D

Question. Based on the poem, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below.
Statement 1: The earth without the beautiful things is a place full of despair and unpleasantness.
Statement 2: The ornate band created by human beings; ushers hope in their lives.
(A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
(B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
(C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
(D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.

Answer : C

Question. In which of the following options can the underlined words be replaced with ‘despondency’?
(A) The man paced about the room showing restlessness.
(B) A chat with a close friend can take away our blues.
(C) I was in jitters, seeing the boy trapped in the trench.
(D) Being dogged is what led him to negotiate the challenges.

Answer : B

Question. Pick the option that is NOT an example of ‘unhealthy and o’er darkened ways.’
(A) A person who is egoistic and looks down upon others.
(B) A person who seeks God’s help for all his problems.
(C) A person who uses evil ways to deceive others.
(D) A person who is corrupt and manipulative.

Answer : B

Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Question. Pick the quote that matches best with—
‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead.’
(A) In the night of death, hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
(B) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
(C) Endings are not always bad, most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.
(D) Cowards die many times before their death; the valiant never tastes of death but once.

Answer : B

Question. Pick the option that uses the same literary device as the ‘mighty dead’.
(A) Sleepless nights
(B) Deafening silence
(C) Glaring lights
(D) Time is a thief

Answer : B

Question. Pick the option that refers to what ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ suggests.
1. Inspirational deeds of great men
2. A ceaseless series of dreams
3. An infinite source of strength
4. An elixir of life for upliftment of the soul
5. An eternal source of delight
6. A boundless gift of love
(A) 1, 4 and 5
(B) 2, 3 and 5
(C) 1, 2 and 6
(D) 2, 4 and 6

Answer : A

Question. Pick the option that pairs the TRUE statements based on the extract, from the list below.
1. The bushes with fragrant flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
2. Death is inevitable and everyone faces it no matter how powerful.
3. Immortality is achieved by man when he drinks the nectar of joy.
4. Legendary heroes and their heroic deeds instil inspiration in us.
(A) 1 and 2
(B) 2 and 4
(C) 1 and 4
(D) 2 and 3

Answer : C

A thing of beauty is a joy forever,
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness ; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Question. Name the poem.
(A) An Elementary School
(B) My Mother at Sixty-Six
(C) A Thing of Beauty
(D) Keeping Quiet

Answer : C

Question. What does ‘never pass into nothingness’ mean?
(A) It is internal
(B) It is external
(C) It is sentimental
(D) It is eternal

Answer : D

Question. What does bower provide us?
(A) Peaceful grove
(B) Relaxing sleep
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) None of these

Answer : C

Question. How does a thing of beauty remain a joy forever?
(A) It has long-lasting impact.
(B) It has a forgettable impact.
(C) It has a breath-taking impact.
(D) It has no impact.

Answer : A

Such the Sun, the Moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon.
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
with the green world they live in; and clear rills.
That for themselves a cooling covert make
‘Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake.
Rich with the sprinkling of fair musk–rose blooms’

Question. How has the mid-forest brake become rich?
(A) Due to presence of white lilies.
(B) Due to presence of musk roses.
(C) Due to absence of orchids.
(D) Due to absence of cobras.

Answer : B

Question. Who is the poet of these lines?
(A) John Keats
(B) Kamala Das
(C) Stephen Spender
(D) Pablo Neruda

Answer : A

Question. What is the role of the clear rills?
(A) Heat the surrounding area.
(B) Cool the surrounding area.
(C) Cause rainfall in the surrounding area.
(D) Provide oxygen.

Answer : B

Question. Which phrase in the lines uses imagery as figure of speech?
(A) Clear rills
(B) Cooling covert
(C) Mid forest brake
(D) Rich with the sprinkling

Answer : B

Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness; but will keep
a bower quiet for us, and a sleep
full of sweet dreams, and health,
and quiet breathing.

Question. What is a ‘bower‘?
(A) Temporary shed
(B) Permanent house
(C) Shady place under a tree
(D) Dark area of a forest

Answer : C

Question. Whose loveliness will keep on increasing?
(A) A realistic thing
(B) A fictional thing
(C) A beautiful thing
(D) A pleasurable thing

Answer : C

Question. Identify the phrase which says ‘it‘ is immortal.
(A) Loveliness increases
(B) Pass into nothingness
(C) Bower quiet for us
(D) Quiet breathing

Answer : B

Question. Why do we need sweet dreams, health and quiet breathing in our lives?
(A) To enjoy the beauty of life
(B) To remain happy till death
(C) To rejoice at success
(D) To bear problems of life

Answer : D

Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
of all the unhealthy and o’er–darkened ways
made for our searching : ‘yes, in spite of all,
some shape of beauty moves away the pall
from our dark spirits.’

Question. What removes ‘the pall from our dark spirits‘?
(A) A beautiful object
(B) An expensive object
(C) A pretty face
(D) A colourful object

Answer : A

Question. What does ‘inhuman dearth of noble natures‘ mean?
(A) Surrounded by beautiful people
(B) Lack of noble people
(C) Lack of beautiful objects
(D) Surrounded by beautiful objects

Answer : B

Question. From which poem have these lines been taken?
(A) My Mother at Sixty-Six
(B) A Thing of Beauty
(C) Keeping Quiet
(D) Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers

Answer : B

Question. Why are we ‘despondent‘?
(A) Unhealthy desires
(B) Lack of nobility
(C) Both (A) and (B)
(D) None of these

Answer : C

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms,
we have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Question. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
(A) They will always be remembered for their sacrifice.
(B) They will be buried with great pom and show.
(C) They will be buried in castle grounds.
(D) There are chances of their returning back to life.

Answer : A

Question. Which poetic device has been used in the lines ‘An endless ____________ heaven’s brink‘?
(A) Simile
(B) Imagery
(C) Alliteration
(D) Hyperbole

Answer : D

Question. Who are the ‘mighty dead’?
(A) Persons who fought for the independence of the country.
(B) Persons who have died fighting for the country.
(C) Martyrs who have died bravely for a cause.
(D) None of these

Answer : C

Question. Which word in the lines means ‘stories‘?
(A) Dooms
(B) Tales
(C) Immortal
(D) Brink

Answer : B

We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink. 

Question. The phrase immortal drink refers to :
(A) blessings of our ancestors.
(B) the teachings of nature.
(C) a life-giving force.
(D) the beauty of heaven.

Answer : C

Question. The rhyme scheme of the above extract is :
(A) aabb
(B) abab
(C) aaab
(D) abbb

Answer : A

Question. The literary device used by the poet in the following lines is ––––––––.
An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(A) personification
(B) allegory
(C) imagery
(D) synecdoche

Answer : C

Question. ‘All lovely tales’ evoke the feeling of :
(A) sadness and nostalgia
(B) only nostalgia
(C) inspiration and pride
(D) only pride

Answer : A

Short Answer Type Questions :

Question. According to Keats, what moves away the pall and suffering from human life?
OR
According to Keats, what spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits ? How is it removed?
Answer : No doubt, that there are things in life that cause suffering and pain like despondence, dearth of noble people, gloomy days and over darkened ways. It is at such times, that objects of beauty, some noble deeds, some powerful narratives remove our tension and sadness and we learn to love life. 

Question. How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty? 
Answer : The ‘mighty dead’ refers to our forefathers. The glorious tales of our forefathers fill us with a sense of pride and are also things of beauty as they fill us with pleasure and motivation. 

Question. Artists, singers and musicians have a different perception of beauty as compared to people who are in other professions. Comment. 
Answer : Beauty is something that artists, singers and musicians perceive and respond to. It may be a response of awe and amazement, wonder and joy, or something else. It might resemble a “peak experience” or an epiphany. It might happen while watching a sunset or taking in the view from a mountaintop—the list goes on. It is a kind of experience, an aesthetic response that is a response to the thing’s representational qualities, whether it is manmade or natural. Artists, singers and musicians appreciate the core beauty as they understand the effort and time one exhausts in becoming one of these skilled performers.
However, other professions have visual appeal for beauty, they appreciate outwardly beauty.

Question. Mention any four things of beauty that add joy to your life ? 
Answer : The four things that add joy to our lives are the sun, the trees, the daffodils and the clear rills.

Question. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings? 
Answer : Keats shows his unhappiness and disappointment with his fellow human beings, as they follow unhealthy path of negativity. He is also disappointed by the scarcity of noble human beings.

Question. If you were given an opportunity to share your perception of beauty, what would you say? Explain.
Answer : Beauty of nature is boundless and knows no limits. Heaven, which is known to be the most beautiful paradise, is the bounty of the earth. It is like an endless fountain that pours the beauty of nature over mankind. This beauty is called the heaven’s immortal drink and is also eternal and wishes away the malice from the soul and refreshes it with love and kindness.

Question. How does Keats define a thing of beauty? 
Answer : A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it would give us joy which would last with us forever and would never end.

Question. Mention two things of beauty that Keats refers to in his poem. How do they influence us?
Answer : The poet refers to the objects of nature as things of beauty. The bushes of dancing daffodils and the thickets in green forests sprinkled with musk roses make us joyful just by looking at them or by dreaming about them. All the beautiful objects in nature help us to overcome sadness and uplift our soul.

Question. What troubles and sufferings do human beings face in life? 
Answer : The things that cause suffering and pain are despondence, death of noble natures, gloomy days and over darkened ways.

Question. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort? 
Answer : In the hot season, man and beast get comfort by taking shelter under the shade of the tree or by being one with absorbing nature and the coolness it provides. The things of beauty, which nature offers are simple. However, they have a calming effect on every living being.

Question. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your position on this statement with your rationale, coupled with ideas in the poem. 
Answer : The poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’, by John Keats conveys the message that beauty is everywhere, and upon examination may be found. The theme of this work is largely centred on nature. In this particular poem Keats describes the effects that beauty can have on a person. According to Keats this beauty never diminishes and its effect is felt long after it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is, “Made for our searching,” meaning that some people may find beauty in places that others may not. The theme of this poem is that beauty can be found anywhere, and when appreciated can be used to raise your spirits in times of gloom.

Question. What rich bounty has the heaven given us? 
Answer : Through the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’ Keats reveals the immortality of nature. Beauty of nature is boundless and knows no limits. Heaven, which is known to be the most beautiful paradise, is the bounty of the earth. It is like an endless fountain that pours the beauty of nature over mankind. This beauty is called the heaven’s immortal drink and is also eternal and wishes away the malice from the soul and refreshes it with love and kindness.

Question. What does a thing of beauty do for us? 
Answer : A thing of beauty is like a bower. It brings us endless pleasure, provides respite from our sorrows, and gives us peaceful sleep and a calm mind. It removes the pall from our dark spirits and brings us happiness and peace.

Question. What does Keats consider as an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call it, immortal drink? 
Answer : Keats considers Nature as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls it immortal because a man can get rest, relief and power in the company of nature and an endless beauty is hidden in her varied species. Along with it, there are innumerable stories of heroic deeds of our noble ancestors that motivate us.

Long Answer Type Questions :

Question. We have often heard the phrase: ‘Beauty is skin deep’. In spite of that, we often see people idolising actors and celebrities who are good looking and attractive.
You have a conversation regarding this with your friend who believes that physical beauty defines a person.
Write down that conversation. 
Answer : • “Beauty is only skin deep” and “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” can be very controversial quotes to some people. Those quotes are all based on how they are viewed by other people. I think that ‘Beauty is only skin deep’ is expressed in many ways by people. If you are not one of those beautiful people in this world then to some people you mean nothing.
• There are people who express themselves by wearing darker clothes, and then there are other people who always wear the trendy and in style clothes. Sometimes you get jealous and say mean things because either you wished you looked like them or you want the things they have. But we were all created differently.
• You have to like yourself first for anyone else to like you. Relating to ‘Beauty is only skin deep’ means that people only look at what’s inside that counts.
• People judge people. You look around and think by the clothes or hairstyle this girl wears that she can either not afford them or chooses to be that way. So you think she is poor. Doesn’t she deserve your attention too? I think that beauty is overrated.
• People need to look at your mind, your intelligence. Being pretty is not all it’s cracked up to be. Since being pretty has got me a lot of compliments, it also brings in the bad sides of beauty.
• Beauty is all about what is on a person’s insides. Inside beauty consists of the person’s love for themselves, their love for others, and finally their personality. These characteristics help shape a beautiful person. Being beautiful means knowing that you are beautiful. Not allowing others to put you down by making you think or feel that you are not beautiful. A beautiful person, in my eyes, loves the person that they are and will be. They accept who they are no matter what others say or do. They value their life and cherish each breath taken. A beautiful person does not try to change because of what others think or say. Beauty requires having self-respect. Displaying self-respect shows that you love yourself and carry yourselves in a respectable manner. Beautiful people think, say, and do positive things and try to stay away from negativity.
• Being able to love others is also another way of displaying beauty. Showing generosity to others, even to those that mistreat you is a beautiful thing. Showing love to others takes courage and sometimes strength when the person is not treating you how you should be treated. Being kind hearted and helping others who are less fortunate than you, shows your beauty as well. It means beauty is beyond skin, it’s in the soul. Social psychology tells us that beauty in fact is not only skin deep. That is, that beautiful people actually are nicer and friendlier. But people who experience little adversity often develop into amazingly uncharitable and self-centred individuals.

Question. You are a blogger who loves to record travel stories. You recently visited a picturesque location and you were enamoured by its beauty.
Pen down the post for your blog giving vivid descriptions of the natural beauty of this place.
Supplement your writing with Keats’ ideas about beauty. 
Answer : There are so many nice places on the earth. They are scattered across the country. Every place has its own distinct features. Some places have scenic beauty in abundance while many are famous for their architectural wonders. In addition, every person has different tastes, choices and likings. Several people enjoy the sight of scenic beauty; some are attracted towards places of historical and archaeological interests. A few may be interested in visiting places of reli gious importance.
I have visited so many places of historical and tourist interest. But the visit which has a lasting impression on my mind is the visit to Kashmir. It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It is said to be the heaven on earth. It has the accolade of being “The Switzerland of India”. I was wonder-struck to see the ravishing beauty of Kashmir. With snow-clad mountains, tall-trees of Chinar, lush green plains and valleys, Kashmir is one of the most bewitching places on earth. It has been a great attraction for the tourists all across the country and abroad as well.
Kashmir is located in the Himalayan region. It is widely famous for its rich flora and fauna. The place holds great importance for the tourists who want to visit religious places. Kashmir is the home of deities and bounties. Kashmir has historical monuments, picturesque spots, enchanting landscapes and green forests in abundance. Some rare species of wild animals are found in the high altitude of Kashmir. Kashmir has been the abode of saints and sages. It is the land of gods and goddesses. Its serpentine rivers, huge calm lakes, mighty waterfalls, long lines of cypress trees are some of the delightful attractions for the tourists.
Wild strawberries are grown all over the Kashmir. Varieties of flowers add to the beauty of Kashmir. It is one of the best natural spots of India. Its exquisite scenery, superb sights, green fields combine to add to the grandeur of this God-gifted paradise on earth. Apart from the scenic beauty, the Shalimar and Nishaat Bagh, have great historical importance. They were built by Mughal King Jehangir.
The Chashme Shahi is known for its medicinal values. The Tattapani or the Sulphur lake water is believed to cure different types of skin diseases. Gulmarg and Sonmarg are the trekker’s trails. Chandanwari, Verinag, Anantnag and Nagin Lake are worth seeing places. The scene of Dal Lake with houseboats and their reflections in still waters of the lake present an impressive sight. The cave of Amarnath where the temple of Lord Shiva is located is a marvellous place for the religious tourists. Situated at a height of 15,000 ft., it is crowded during the month of September-October. Besides, there are shrines of historical and religious interest. Every year thousands of pilgrims visit these places from all across the country.
Kashmir is abundantly endowed with some of the best hill stations in India. They are Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam and Khilanmarg. Apart from having great scenic attraction, these places are good health resorts. Khilanmarg is the best place where tree-line ends in Kashmir.
All these and many more like its cultural hues, narrow ravines and gorges as well as hills and dales make it a heavenly abode on earth. Indeed, the beauty of Kashmir is enchanting.
The feeling still lingers onto me as if it was only yesterday. May be John Keats was right when he said “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”.