A THING OF BEAUTY

YEH PADHO AUR PURA CHAPTER ON TIPS:

Summary
 A Thing of Beauty Summary – The summary of the Poem “A Thing of Beauty” is given

below.

 ‘A Thing of Beauty– is a poem taken from the poem titled – “Endymion – a poetic

romance’ written by the famous poet John Keats.

 The poet says that a beautiful thing is a source of endless joy. It has eternal beauty

which never fades away. A beautiful thing is like a shady shelter that gives us a sleep

Full of sweet dreams, good health, and relaxation.

 According to the poet, the gloom and sadness caused by this negativity fade away with

the positive vibes of the beautiful things that surround us.

 The poet lists out some of the beautiful things that surround us. As the saying goes -

“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

 He says that the numerous creations of God like the Sun which gives us energy, the

moon’s beauty, the trees which give us shade are the natural beauties around us.

 The various animals like the sheep that surround us make our world lively.

 The pretty flowers like daffodils make the world green and lively.

 The flowing streams of water cool and refresh us in the hot summer season.

 The forests which are full of the pretty musk rose flowers are a beautiful sight to the

eye. All these are the things of beauty.

 Also, the stories of the brave soldiers who laid their lives to protect their people are

beautiful and inspiring.

 These beautiful things are like a fountain of immortality bestowed upon us by God.

They inspire us to live on and maintain our faith in goodness.

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Multiple Choice Questions based on an extract.

Extract-1
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. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
i ) Name of the poem.
a) My mother at sixty-six
b) An elementary school classroom school in a slum
c) Keeping quiet
d) A thing of beauty
Ans d)

ii ) Who is the poet of A thing of beauty?

a) kamala das
b) Stephen spender
c) Pablo Neruda
d) John keats
Ans d)

iii.) What does the word ‘Morrow’ mean in A thing of beauty?

a) The previous day
b) The next day
c) The day after tomorrow
d) None of these
Ans b)

iv.) Which poetic device has been used in ‘Its loveliness increases, it will never pass into
nothingness?
a) pun
b) Personification
c) Antithesis
d) Transferred Epithet
Ans b)

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 Extract-02
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. Such the sun, the moon, Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon.
i ) Which poetic device has been used in ‘Noble natures’?
a) Pun
b) personification
c) Alliteration
d) Transferred epithet
Ans c)

ii ) What keeps us connected us to this earth?

a) Nature
b) Human nature
c) Materialistic things
d) All of these
Ans a)

iii ) Who is responsible for gloomy days and despondence in human life?
a) Nature
b) Human himself
c) Optimistic approach of human
d) all of these
Ans b)

iv.) Why does human love life in spite of all the troubles and problems?
a) For he is surrounded by beautiful things
b) For he is surrounded by poor people
c) For he is surrounded by mean people
d) None of these
Ans a)

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 Stand Alone MCQs
1. What kind of a poet was John Keats?
A) a Realistic
B) Religious
C) Medieval
D) A romantic
Ans: D) A romantic

2. Who is the poet of A thing Of Beauty?

A) John Donne
B) William Blakes
C) William Wordsworth
D) John Keats
Ans: D) John Keats

3. From where has this poem A Thing Of Beauty been taken?

A) From Keats work- Endymion- A poetic Romance
B) Ode to a Nightingale
C) Ode on Melancholy
D) Ode on Indolenc
Ans: A) From Keats work- Endymion- A poetic Romance

4. Who is Endymion?
A) a worker
B) an office boy
C) a young child
D) a young shepherd
Ans: D) a young shepherd

5. Where did the poet and Endymion live?

A) in a hut
B) on a hill
C) in a tree house
D) on mount Latmos
Ans: D) on mount Latmos

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6. Whom did the enchanted youth resolve to seek?
A) God
B) nature
C) mentor
D) Cynthia-the moon goddess.
Ans: D) Cynthia-the moon goddess.

7. What are the things of beauty mentioned in the poem?

A) Sun and Moon
B) Young trees and streams
C) flowers
D) All these
Ans: D) All these

8. Which things cause suffering to human beings?

A) lack of virtues and inhuman acts
B) withering flowers
C) blooming flowers
D) flowing streams
Ans: A) lack of virtues and inhuman acts

9. What does Endymion do to seek goddess?

A) dances
B) sings songs
C) reads scriptures
D) wanders through forests
Ans: D) wanders through forests

10. How is a thing of beauty joy forever?

A) because it is beautiful
B) because it is nature
C) because it is joyful
D) because its beauty never ends and leaves a lasting impact
Ans: D) because its beauty never ends and leaves a lasting impact

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THINK AS YOU READ
Q1. List the things of beauty mentioned in the poem.
Ans: Everything of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. Some of them are: the
sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, mass
of ferns and the blooming musk-roses. All of them are things of beauty. They are a
constant source of joy and pleasure.
Q2. List the things that cause suffering and pain.
Ans: There are many things that cause us suffering and pain. Malice and disappointment are
“the biggest source of our suffering. Another one is the lack of noble qualities. Our
unhealthy and evil ways also give birth to so many troubles and sufferings. They dampen
our spirits. They act as a pall of sadness on our lives.
Q3. What does the line, ‘Therefore are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to earth’
suggest to you?
Ans: Keats is a lover of beauty. He employs his senses to discover beauty. The link of man with
nature is eternal. The things of beauty are like wreaths of beautiful flowers. We seem to
weave a flowery band everyday. It keeps us attached to the beauties of this earth.
Q4. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings?
Ans: There are many things that bring us troubles and sufferings. They dampen our spirits.
However, ‘some shape of beauty1 brings love and happiness in our lives in spite of such
unpleasant things. A thing of beauty removes the pall of sadness and sufferings. It makes
us love life.
Q5. Why is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’?
Ans: The mighty dead were very powerful and dominating persons during their own times.
Their achievements made them ‘mighty’ and great. Their noble works dazzle our eyes. We
imagine that such mighty dead forefathers will attain more grandeur on the doomsday.
Hence ‘grandeur’ is associated with the ‘mighty dead’.
Q6. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a
lasting impression on us?
Ans: We feel happy by coming into contact with things of beauty. They make a lasting
impression on us. Keats makes it clear at the outset. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. It is
a constant source of joy and pleasure. Its beauty never declines or diminishes. Its
loveliness goes on increasing every moment. Its value remains undiminished. It never
passes into nothingness. It removes the pall of sadness that covers our dark spirits.
Q7, What image does the poet use to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth?
Ans: John Keats uses a very beautiful image to describe the beautiful bounty of the earth. It is
the endless fountain of immortal drink. It pours constantly into our hearts from heaven.
Thus, the beautiful bounty of the earth is called “an endless fountain of immortal drink.”

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Short answer type questions
Q1. What is the source of the endless fountain and what is its effect?

Ans: “Endless fountain” refers to the unending beauty of nature. This is a gift from the creator.
Our life is full of trials and tribulations, but the beautiful things of nature soothen our
sorrows and give us the motivation to move on.

Q.2. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed?

Ans: Trials and tribulations of life spread the pall of despondence over our dark spirits. Loss of
faith and disappointment are the results of our own making. We can remove it by making
life worthwhile with the beautiful things of life that lift the veil of gloom, paving way for
optimism and hope.

Q3. What is the message of the poem,‘A Thing of Beauty’?

Ans: The message of the poem is that a beautiful object is treasured in our mind because it
provides us eternal and everlasting joy. Therefore, let us keep the natural beauty intact.
Let us not destroy it.

Q4. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever?

Ans: A thing of beauty is a joy forever because its loveliness increases. A beautiful thing is
perennial and constant. It sustains human spirit in all ages and stages. It never passes into
nothingness. In fact, it moves away the pall from our dark spirits and makes life worth
living.

Q5. Describe any three things of beauty mentioned in the poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’.

OR

According to Keats, what moves the pain and suffering away from human life?

Ans: Everything in nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. Some of them are the
sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, the
green pastures and the blooming musk-roses. All of them are things of beauty. They are
the constant sources of joy and pleasure, and remove the gloom of life.

Q6. What does Keats consider as an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does
he call its drink immortal?

Ans: God has created so much beauty around us; everywhere it is endless. In nature, there is
divine beauty, a fountain of eternal joy. Keats considers the beauty of nature as an endless
fountain of immortal drink. That immortal drink has to be poured into the heart and soul
of man.

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Q7. What does a thing of beauty do for us?

Ans: A thing of beauty brings joy and removes the gloom. It makes life worth living in spite of
being despondent. Its loveliness keeps on increasing, providing a pleasant and quiet place
for us.

Q8. Mention any four things of beauty that add joy to our life.

Ans: ‘The things of beauty that Keats refers to in his poem are the sun, the moon, the trees, the
innocence of the sheep, the blossoming of the daffodils in the meadows, the musk-roses
blooming, the mass of ferns and the clear streams among mountains.

Q9. Mention any two things which cause pain and suffering.

Ans: The things that cause pain and suffering are despondency, dearth of noble natures,
gloomy days and overdarkened ways.

Q10. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing
of Beauty’?

Ans: Everything of nature is a thing of beauty and a source of pleasure. Some of them are the
sun, the moon, old and young trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, mass
of fern and the blooming of musk-roses. All of them are things of beauty. They are the
constant sources of joy and pleasure.

Q11. How can ‘mighty dead’ be things of beauty?

Ans: The ‘mighty dead’ can be things of beauty as the inspirational deeds of martyrs are not
only splendid but continue to live as guides, enhancing the quality of life.

Q12. In the hot season, how do man and beast get comfort?

Ans: In the hot season, man and beast take shelter in the green world where clear rills a quiet
bower, and the mid forest brake rich with springling of fair musk-roses blossom.’

Q13. What rich bounty has the heaven given us?

Ans: Heaven has blessed us with unending beauty in nature that encircles and makes our life
beautiful eternally whenever we think of it. Like an eternal fountain from the brink of
heaven, beauty blesses us with joy forever.

Q14. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings?

Ans: Keats shows his unhappiness by saying that there are only few people, who are noble in
character and who rise above pretty differences by being magnanimous and generous.
There is a dearth of such noble souls on our earth; as man is selfish and self-centred.
Trials and tribulations of life spread the pall of despondence over our dark spirits. We can

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 remove it by making life worthwhile by enjoying the beautiful things of life bestowed
upon us by nature, but we are keen on destroying them.

Q15. How does Keats define a thing of beauty?

Ans: Keats says that a thing of beauty is eternal and is forever. It does not fade with time, and
our love for it enhances with time. He says that thing of beauty acts like a soothing,
relaxing shade of trees that helps us sleep peacefully and enjoy good health.

Important Questions Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. ‘A Thing of beauty is a joy forever.’ This is what John Keats says in the poem. Do you
think in the present times of acute stress and violence, proximity to beautiful
things can lead man to everlasting happiness? Discuss.

Ans: The message is that a thing of beauty is a joy forever. It exists outside of time. It will never
be forgotten. Beauty has the ability to dispel darkness and negativity, and it can help us
survive when there is a “lack of noble nature” or when we are surrounded by evil. It is
beneficial to one’s health. It promotes restful sleep. Furthermore, it emphasizes the fact
that beauty is not only physical but also spiritual, and it appears to flow down from
heaven as an ‘immortal drink’ made for man.

In these times of extreme stress and violence, the objects of beauty take on even more
significance. When our minds are anxious and troubled, the sight of beautiful things can
provide us with temporary comfort and happiness. Appreciating beautiful things is
synonymous with appreciating God.

The presence of beautiful things draws us closer to the creator, who possesses the
ultimate power to provide us with relief from all anxieties and troubles. As a result, it is
certain to bring everlasting happiness at all times.

Q2. Write in brief the central theme of the poem.

Ans: ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is a passage from John Keats’ poem ‘Endymion: A Poetic Romance,’
which is based on a Greek legend. In this poem, John Keats, a romantic poet, discusses
love, beauty, and youth. The poem, in fact, reflects his attitude towards beauty. The poet
believes that beauty is permanent and provides us with the same pleasure over and over.
It brings us eternal happiness and never fades away. Beauty is very important in our lives
because it helps us to stay happy and joyful in this sad, mundane world.

A thing of beauty is a constant source of joy. There is beauty everywhere. It has the
potential to change people’s lives. It also emphasizes the therapeutic quality of beauty, i.e.

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 its ability to remove negativity. It can be any object, nature, stories, or even our
forefathers’ noble deeds.

Q3. ‘Beauty is best left undefined’. Support your position on this statement with your
rationale, coupled with ideas in the poem. (CBSE QB, 2021)

Ans: The poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ by John Keats, conveys the message that beauty is best left
undefined, that beauty is everywhere, and that beauty is also found upon examination.
The theme of this work is primarily concerned with nature. Keats describes the effects
that beauty can have on a person. This beauty, according to Keats, never fades and its
impact is felt long after it is gone. Keats emphasizes that beauty is “Made for our seeking,”
implying that some people will find beauty in places where others will not.

I do believe that beauty should be best left undefined. Since, the definition and the form of
beauty differs from person to person, i.e. It is subjective in nature, making standards or
norms for beauty would tarnish its real value and thus, undermine its effects.

The theme of this poem is that beauty can be found anywhere and, when appreciated, can
be used to lift one’s spirits during difficult times.

Q4. How do things of beauty enrich us? (Delhi 2015)

Ans. Our desire to live on this planet is greatly influenced by the presence of beautiful things
that provide us with a constant source of joy. The earth is depressing and sad without
beauty. There is cruelty, selfishness, and mean behavior everywhere, as well as a lack of
good-natured people. This beauty, a creation of God, cleanses our minds and souls of
sadness and darkness. We have a reason to live longer when we are wrapped up in the
beautiful flowery band or this strong connection with nature. The sun, the moon, and old
and young trees are all sources of joy for us. The trees sprout and spread their branches
to provide shade for the sheeps.

Daffodils bloom in the green environment in which they grow. The clear and small
streams of water provide a cooling refuge from the hot season. With their lovely musk
roses, the dense mass of ferns looks magnificent. All of these things enrich our lives to
such an extent that we cannot live without them.

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Previous year questions

Q1. Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing
of Beauty’? (All India 2015)

Ans: Nature is a thing of beauty and pleasure in and of itself. The sun, the moon, old and young
trees, daffodil flowers, small streams with clear water, fern masses, and the blooming of
musk-roses are among them. All of them are works of art. They are constant sources of
happiness and pleasure.

Q2. What are the things that cause miseries, sorrows and sufferings to man? (All India
2015)

Ans: All of man’s ills are the result of his own actions. We are plagued by malice and distress
because we lack human qualities, which renders us inhuman. Our lives become bleak. We
foster unhealthy and evil behaviors. All of these things bring man misery, sorrow, and
suffering.

Q3. How do we bind ourselves to the earth every morning?

Ans: The relationship between man and nature is emphasized by all romantic poets. Keats
believes that man has an unbreakable bond with nature and the earth. Man is captivated
by the earth’s splendors. Every natural object is a source of beauty and happiness. Every
day, we weave a flowery wreath. This flowery band ties us to the earth’s beauty.

Q4. How does a thing of beauty provide us shelter and comfort? (CBSE 2013)

Ans: John Keats was a master of sensuous imagery, which he describes in the poem by
explaining how a thing of beauty provides us with shelter and comfort. Nature provides
us with rare and beautiful things. It keeps the bower peaceful for us. A bower is a relaxing
spot in the shade under a tree. A beautiful thing also gives us peace and security. We
enjoy a good night’s sleep that is full of sweet dreams, good health, and peaceful
breathing.

Q5. What rich bounty has heaven given us?

Ans: Heaven has blessed us with unending beauty in nature, which encircles and beautifies our
lives forever whenever we think of it. Beauty, like an eternal fountain from the edge of
heaven, showers us with joy in perpetuity.

Q6. What spreads the pall of despondence over our dark spirits? How is it removed?
(All India 2013)

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Ans: According to the poet, man is the source of his problems. His own personality and actions
make his life a living hell. He experiences misery and pain. His dark spirits are shrouded
in gloom. A thing of beauty gives man a ray of hope. Among these sorrows and sufferings,
some shape of beauty works wonders. It is a thing of beauty that lifts the gloom from our
dark spirits.

Q7. Why and how is ‘grandeur’ associated with the ‘mighty dead’? (Delhi 2011)

Ans: “The mighty dead” are people who have done brave and noble things. They live on in the
stories and legends, which have now become a source of beauty for us. They will be
rewarded with “grandeur” on doomsday or judgment day because of the noble life they
have led.

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