NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 2 The Road Not Taken
By Robert Frost
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Question 7:
On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by selecting the correct choice.
(a) In the poem, a traveller comes to a fork in the road and needs to decide which way to go to continue his journey. Figuratively the choice of the road denotes
(i) the tough choices people make on the road of life.
(ii) the time wasted on deciding what to do.
(iii) life is like a forest.
(iv) one must travel a lot to realize one’s dreams.
Answer
(i) the tough choices people make on the road of life.
(b) The poet writes, ‘Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.’ The word diverged means
(i) appeared
(ii) curved
(iii) branched off
(iv) continued on
Answer
(iii) branched off
(c) The tone of the speaker in the first stanza is that of
(i) excitement
(ii) anger
(iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness
(iv) sorrow
Answer
(iii) hesitation and thoughtfulness
(d) Select the quote that captures the central idea of the poem most appropriately.
(i) We often confuse what we wish for with what is.
(ii) I have always been much better at asking questions than knowing what the answers were.
(iii) You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.
(iv) To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.
Answer
(iii) You are free to make whatever choice you want, but you are not free from the consequences of the choice.
Question 8:
i) Describe the two roads that the poet comes across.
Answer
The poet finds two roads diverging in a yellow forest. Both appear equally covered with fallen leaves and seem untrodden that morning. However, one road looks slightly less travelled and grassy. The poet feels uncertain, knowing that choosing one road means he may never return to explore the other.
ii) Which road does the speaker choose? Why did he choose that?
Answer
The speaker chooses the road that seemed less travelled and grassy. He selects it because it looked more adventurous and different. Although both roads were equally worn, he convinces himself that this choice is unique. He believes this decision will shape his future and make a significant difference in his life.
iii) Which road would you choose? Why? Give reasons for your choice.
Answer
I would choose the road less travelled because it represents individuality and courage. It may bring more challenges but also unique experiences. Choosing a different path helps in discovering new opportunities and developing a strong, independent identity. It reflects the spirit of taking bold decisions and learning through personal journeys.
iv) Does the speaker seem happy about his decision?
Answer
The speaker reflects on his decision with a mix of satisfaction and wonder. Though he says, “I shall be telling this with a sigh,” it is unclear whether it’s a sigh of regret or contentment. He believes his choice made a difference, but the tone suggests some lingering uncertainty or nostalgia.
v) The poet says “I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” What is ‘the difference’ that the poet mentions?
Answer
‘The difference’ refers to the impact of the poet’s decision to choose an unconventional path in life. By taking the road less travelled, he shaped his unique journey with its own challenges and rewards. This choice defined his life experiences, setting him apart from others who took the more common path.
vi) Comment on Frost’s use of nature to establish a connect with a human situation.
Answer
Robert Frost uses the natural setting of a forest with two diverging roads to symbolise a life decision. The roads represent choices people face in life. Through this simple image from nature, Frost reflects on the complexity of human decisions, their consequences, and how these choices shape one’s life journey.
vii) The poem carries a tinge of regret. Do you agree? Explain with a reason.
Answer
Yes, the poem carries a slight tinge of regret. The poet says, “I shall be telling this with a sigh,” suggesting uncertainty or reflection about the path not taken. Though he believes his choice made a difference, there remains curiosity about what he might have experienced had he chosen the other road.
viii) Establish a connection between the given quote and the poem.
If you want to achieve something you’ve never had, you have to move out of your comfort zone to travel towards it.
Answer
The quote aligns with the poem’s message. The poet chooses the road “less travelled,” symbolising stepping out of one’s comfort zone. This choice reflects courage to explore the unknown for a unique outcome. Just like the quote, the poem highlights that meaningful achievements often come from bold, unconventional decisions in life.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 2 The Road Not Taken
