NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 3 The Solitary Reaper
Summary of The Solitary Reaper Class 9 English
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Question 6.A.
On the basis of your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions by ticking the correct choice.
(a) The central idea of the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is _ .
(i) well sung songs give us happiness
(ii) melodious sounds appeal to all
(iii) beautiful experiences give us life-long pleasure
(iv) reapers can sing like birds
Answer
(iii) beautiful experiences give us life-long pleasure
(b) In the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ to whom does the poet say, ‘ Stop here or gently pass’?
(i) to the people cutting corn
(ii) to himself
(iii) to the people who make noise
(iv) to all the passers by
Answer
(iv) to all the passers by
(c) ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is a narrative poem set to music. This form of verse is called a______ .
(i) ballad
(ii) soliloquy
(iii) monologue
(iv) sonnet
Answer
(i) ballad
(d) The poet’s lament in the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper’ is that ________.
(i) he cannot understand the song
(ii) he did not know the lass
(iii) she stopped singing at once
(iv) he had to move away
Answer
(i) he cannot understand the song
(e) Why does the poet feel that the reaper was most likely singing sorrowful songs?
(i) The poet himself was sad
(ii) The tune was melancholic
(iii) The surrounding was dismal
(iv) The reaper was weeping
Answer
(ii) The tune was melancholic
Question 6.B:
Read the given stanzas and answer the questions given below by selecting the correct option.
Alone she cuts and binds the grain,
And sings a melancholy strain;
O listen! for the Vale profound
Is overflowing with the sound.
1. The exclamation mark used in O listen! suggests
A. a call for attention.
B. a request to listen.
C. a sense of wonder.
D. a warning to alert
Answer
A. a call for attention.
2. Select the option that illustrates the task done by “she”.
A. Option (1)
B. Option (2)
C. Option (3)
D. Option (4)
Answer
B. Option (2)
3. Select the option that displays lines with the same rhyme scheme as that of the given stanza.
A. Clear sky, no clouds high up
The farmer looks and sighs
No monsoons yet, God why?
It will rain, it must.
B. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the monsoon days
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the clouds up so high
C. Are any clouds visible?
No, none that I see.
How unfortunate, poor me.
Faith is my only reprieve.
D. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the clouds up so high.
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the monsoon days.
Answe
D. The farmer looks at the sky
Thankful for the clouds up so high.
I am sure it’s going to rain, he says
Thankful for the monsoon days.
Question 7:
Answer in detail
(a) Do you think that the poet feels overwhelmed by the song of the Solitary Reaper? Why/Why not?
Answer
Yes, the poet is deeply overwhelmed by the song of the Solitary Reaper. Though he does not understand the language, the melody and emotions in her voice touch his heart. He compares her voice to the nightingale and the cuckoo bird, known for their sweetness and charm. He listens silently, afraid to disturb the moment. Even after he moves on, the song stays in his memory, showing its lasting impact. This emotional connection highlights how deeply the song moved and overwhelmed the poet.
(b) The use of imagery in the poem has a major impact on the reading experience. Discuss.
Answer
Wordsworth’s use of rich imagery greatly enhances the reader’s experience. He paints a vivid picture of a lonely girl reaping in a quiet field, creating visual imagery of solitude and peace. The comparison of her song to the nightingale and cuckoo brings in beautiful auditory imagery. Even though the poet doesn’t understand the lyrics, the emotional effect of the song is powerfully conveyed. This use of natural and musical imagery draws the reader into the scene and evokes strong feelings, making the poem more engaging and memorable.
(c) The language of music is universal. Justify with reference to The Solitary Reaper.
Answer
The poem beautifully shows that music is a universal language. Although the poet does not understand the reaper’s song, he is deeply touched by its melody and emotion. He feels its sadness and beauty without needing to know the words. The comparisons to the nightingale and cuckoo bird show how music can move people across cultures and languages. The song stays in his heart even after he walks away. This proves that music speaks to the soul and emotions, making it a truly universal form of expression.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 3 The Solitary Reaper
