2nd puc arts group

MCQ 1 MARK IMP 2025

1. The expression ‘day in night’ in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ refers to:
a) Rosaline

2. What was the initial hitch in executing the criminal in ‘Too Dear’?
b) They didn’t have a guillotine and an executioner

3. The metaphor ‘bows and arrows’ in ‘On Children’ stands for:

b) Parents and Children

4. According to Vandana Shiva, the failure to understand biodiversity and its many functions is
at the root of:
a) Impoverishment of nature and culture

5. In ‘A Sunny Morning’, Dona Laura used to carry a:

c) Parasol

6. Complete the following line that appears in the poem ‘When You Are Old’:
“And hid his face amid ________.”
a) a crowd of stars

7. In the poem ‘To the Foot from it Child’, while descending underground the foot finds
everything:
a) dark

8. Match the writers from column A with their works in column B with reference to ‘I Believe
that Books Will Never Disappear’:
a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii

9. The famous and fast Tokaido Line connects ___________ of Japan:

b) Tokyo and Osaka

10. Identify the right sequence of activities by Sheela Rani Chunkath in promoting the literary
drive of Pudukottai district in ‘Where There Is a Wheel’:
a) got the female activists trained - included mobility as a part of literacy drive - pushed
banks to give loans - monitored personally

1. Romeo says, “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows” in ‘Romeo and Juliet’. To whom
does the word ‘snowy dove’ refer to?
b) Juliet

2. In the poem ‘On Children’, the word ‘Arrows’ refers to:

d) Children

3. Whom does Dona Laura call ‘an ill-natured man’?

d) Don Gonzalo

4. In the poem ‘When You Are Old’, the speaker says, …loved his beloved’s moments of glad
grace.
b) Many

5. Identify the sequence of events that led to a change in the owner’s lifestyle with reference to
‘The Gardener’:
 c) Old man was hired - petty thefts stopped - plantation expanded dramatically - income
improved

6. Who creates heaven on earth, according to the poet in ‘Heaven, If You Are Not Here on
Earth’?
c) Poet

7. The author says that “Bowing is neither less nor more silly than shaking hands or kissing
the cheek, but it is quainter; more formal, more oriental; it is also infectious” in Japan and
Brazil Through a Traveler’s Eye.
Here the word ‘oriental’ means:
c) East

8. Match the column A with column B with reference to the lesson ‘I Believe Books Will Never
Disappear’ and choose the correct option:
b) A-ii, B-iii, C-i

9. Who told Roof, “We want your vote” and placed a five-pound note on the floor in the story
‘The Voter’?
b) Leader of the POP campaign team

10. In what name does water rise a storm and take to the skies, according to the poem ‘Water’?
d) Mineral water

Here are the answers to the questions:

1. In the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’, _________ would make the face of heaven very fine.
d) Juliet

2. The total annual expenditure for keeping the criminal in the prison in ‘Too Dear’ came up to
_______ francs:
a) 16,000

3. According to the poet of ‘On Children’, ___________ dwell in the house of tomorrow.
a) The children’s souls

4. Match the following according to the play ‘A Sunny Morning’ and choose the right option:
c) A-ii, B-i, C-iii

5. In the story ‘The Gardener’, ________ invites scholars, poets, and musicians to his/her
place.
a) Tammanna

6. Borges calls ________, ‘so intimate and so essential’.

b) Books

7. The narrator of ‘Japan and Brazil Through a Traveler’s Eye’ meets a deer that bows to him
properly and courteously at __________.
b) Nara

8. Consider the two statements from the story ‘The Voter’ and answer the question:
a) Both the statements are given by Roof
 9. The famous cycling song is written by ___________ as mentioned in the article ‘Where There
is a Wheel’.
a) N. Kannammal

10. According to the poem ‘Water’, water can sit innocently in a __________.
d) Puddle

Here are the answers in a word for the repeated questions:

1. Expression 'day in night' in Romeo and Juliet

o Answer: Juliet

2. Who is the 'snowy dove' in Romeo and Juliet

o Answer: Juliet

3. Water's meaning and impact in the poem Water

o Water can sit innocently in a __________.

▪ Answer: puddle

o Water rises a storm as __________.

▪ Answer: Pumped water

4. Significance of the term 'arrows' in On Children

o The metaphor ‘bows and arrows’ stands for:

▪ Answer: Parents and Children

o The word ‘Arrows’ refers to:

▪ Answer: Children

5. Initial hitch in execution in Too Dear

o Answer: They didn’t have a guillotine and an executioner

6. Total annual expenditure for the criminal in Too Dear

o Answer: 600

7. Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo in A Sunny Morning

o Who does Dona Laura call ‘an ill-natured man’?

▪ Answer: Don Gonzalo

o What did Dona Laura carry in her free hand?

▪ Answer: Parasol

8. Cycling and women in Where There Is a Wheel

o Famous cycling song was written by:

 ▪ Answer: Muthu Bhaskaran

o Sequence of activities by Sheela Rani Chunkath:

▪ Answer: a (Got activists trained → Mobility included → Pushed banks →

Monitored)

9. Match the Writers and Their Works

o Answer: a (Homer: The Odyssey, Spengler: The Decline of the West, Grimms’: Fairy
Tales)

10. Metaphors in Borges’ I Believe That Books Will Never Disappear

o Borges calls __________ intimate and essential:

▪ Answer: Metaphors

o Match the column (Extensions):

▪ Answer: b (Telephone: Voice, Microscope: Eyes, Ploughs: Arms)

Let me know if you need more clarification!

 2 MARKS IMP QUESTIONS 2025
1. Mention any two expressions that Juliet uses to glorify Romeo’s charm in ‘Romeo and Juliet’:

• “A rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear”

• “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows”

2. In ‘When You Are Old’, how does the poet want his beloved to read the book of poems?

• The poet wants his beloved to read the book of poems with deep affection and
understanding, remembering his love for her when she is old and gray.

3. Name the two wishes of the child’s foot in the poem ‘To the Foot from Its Child’.

• The child’s foot wishes to be free from the ground and to move swiftly like the wind.

4. Name any two benefits that Roof avails from Marcus Ibe in the short story ‘The Voter’.

• Roof gets money and protection in exchange for his vote.

5. Name the two countries that recognised and declared ‘Rights of Nature’ according to Vandana
Shiva.

• Ecuador and Bolivia are the two countries that declared the ‘Rights of Nature’.

6. When Don Gonzalo prepares to read, he takes out things from his pocket in the play ‘A Sunny
Morning’. Which are they?

• Don Gonzalo takes out a handkerchief and a snuff-box from his pocket.

7. What did the narrator love in his beloved in the poem ‘When You Are Old’?

• The narrator loved her moments of glad grace and the love that was pure and true.

8. Mention any two things in nature which make this earth heaven.

• The flowers and the trees are two things in nature that make this earth heaven.

9. Mention any two images to which Romeo compares Juliet in the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

• “A rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear” and “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows”.

10. Why parents should try to become like children according to the poem ‘On Children’?

• According to the poem, parents should become like children because children are free, pure,
and innocent and can teach parents to be more open and loving.

11. Which are the two most popular courses at Vandana Shiva’s Earth University?

• The two most popular courses are the study of biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

12. ‘If books disappear, surely history would disappear.’ Evaluate this statement of Jorge Luis
Borges.

• This statement implies that books are the bearers of history and culture, and without them,
the continuity of human knowledge and history would be lost. Borges emphasizes the
importance of books as they preserve ideas, traditions, and the lessons of the past.
Questions related to similar themes (for further practice):

1. In the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’, how does Romeo describe Juliet's beauty?

2. What does the poet express about the concept of love in ‘When You Are Old’?

3. How does the foot in ‘To the Foot from Its Child’ view its role in the world?

4. How does Roof’s situation change in ‘The Voter’ when he gets money from Marcus Ibe?

5. What is the significance of the ‘Rights of Nature’ movement in the context of Vandana
Shiva's teachings?

6. What is the relationship between Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo in ‘A Sunny Morning’?

7. What does the poet express about time in ‘When You Are Old’?

8. Why does the poet in ‘On Children’ argue that children should not belong to their parents?

9. How does Romeo describe Juliet in relation to other women in ‘Romeo and Juliet’?

10. What are the key principles of the Earth University in Vandana Shiva’s perspective?

Questions with Repeated Parts:

1. Mention any two expressions that Juliet uses to glorify Romeo’s charm in ‘Romeo and
Juliet’:
Juliet refers to Romeo as the "snowy dove" and the "fairest" among men.

2. In ‘When You Are Old’, how does the poet want his beloved to read the book of poems?
The poet wants his beloved to read the book of poems "slowly" and "with a sigh".

3. Name the two wishes of the child’s foot in the poem ‘To the Foot from its Child’:
The foot wishes to be "free" and "unburdened".

4. Name any two benefits that Roof avails from Marcus Ibe in the short story ‘The Voter’:
Roof gets a five-pound note and the promise that he will not be punished for his vote.

5. Name the two countries that recognised and declared the ‘Rights of Nature’ according to
Vandana Shiva:
Ecuador and Bolivia.

6. When Don Gonzalo prepares to read, he takes out things from his pocket in the play ‘A
Sunny Morning’. Which are they?
Don Gonzalo takes out a snuff box and a pair of spectacles.

7. What did the narrator love in his beloved in the poem ‘When You Are Old’?
The narrator loved the "moments of glad grace" and the "sorrowful eyes" of his beloved.

8. Mention any two things in nature which make this earth heaven.
The poet mentions flowers and the sun as things that make the earth heaven.

Additional Questions:

1. Mention any two images to which Romeo compares Juliet in the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Romeo compares Juliet to a sun and a bright angel.
 2. Why should parents try to become like children according to the poem ‘On Children’?
Parents should try to become like children because children are free from the burdens and
concerns that come with age and provide a fresh perspective on life.

3. Which are the two most popular courses at Vandana Shiva’s Earth University?
The two most popular courses are “Ecology” and “Sustainable Agriculture”.

4. ‘If books disappear, surely history would disappear.’ Evaluate this statement of Jorge Luis
Borges.
Jorge Luis Borges believes that books are a crucial part of preserving history. If books were
to disappear, it would be impossible to record or remember past events, thus leading to the
loss of history itself.

14. Mention any two expressions that Juliet uses to glorify Romeo’s charm in ‘Romeo and Juliet’:

• "A snowy dove trooping with crows"

• "Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear"

15. In ‘When You Are Old’, how does the poet want his beloved to read the book of poems?

• The poet wants his beloved to read the book with a "slow fire" in her eyes, reflecting on her
past and how he loved her.

16. Name the two wishes of the child’s foot in the poem ‘To the Foot from its Child’:

• To be free from the ground.

• To be up in the air.

17. Name any two benefits that Roof avails from Marcus Ibe in the short story ‘The Voter’:

• Roof receives a bribe of a five-pound note.

• Roof gets a chance to vote for Marcus Ibe, ensuring his favor.

18. Name the two countries that recognized and declared the ‘Rights of Nature’ according to
Vandana Shiva:

• Ecuador

• Bolivia

19. When Don Gonzalo prepares to read, he takes out things from his pocket in the play ‘A Sunny
Morning’. Which are they?

• A letter

• A snuff-box

20. What did the narrator love in his beloved in the poem ‘When You Are Old’?

• The narrator loved the moments of "glad grace" and the "sorrows of her changing face."

21. Mention any two things in nature which make this earth heaven:

• Trees
 • Flowers

22. Mention any two images to which Romeo compares Juliet in ‘Romeo and Juliet’:

• "A rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear"

• "A snowy dove trooping with crows"

23. Why parents should try to become like children according to the poem ‘On Children’?

• Parents should be like children to understand the free and pure spirit of their offspring and
to relate to their innocence and joy.

24. Which are the two most popular courses at Vandana Shiva’s Earth University?

• Ecological farming

• Sustainability

25. ‘If books disappear, surely history would disappear.’ Evaluate this statement of Jorge Luis Borges:

• Jorge Luis Borges implies that books are essential to preserving knowledge, history, and
culture. Without books, society would lose the ability to record, learn from, and pass on its
past.
 3 MARKS IMP 2025
1. Why was the criminal reluctant to leave the prison in the story ‘Too Dear’?

2. What is Navdanya Farm, and why is it significant?

3. Why does Dona Laura call Don Gonzalo an ‘ill-natured man’ in the beginning of the play ‘A
Sunny Morning’?

4. What are Jorge Luis Borges’ views on his mother?

5. How does the hierarchy of bowing in Japan demonstrate cultural complexity?

6. How does the poem ‘Water’ effectively bring out the agony of the Panchamas?

7. How does Romeo express his love for Juliet in the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’?

8. Why was the Navdanya Movement started by Vandana Shiva, and what were its
achievements?

9. How does Tagore’s ‘Tapovan’ prove that forests are a source of rejuvenation for Indian
civilization?

10. How does Laura narrate her story of committing suicide in the play ‘A Sunny Morning’?

11. Describe the uniqueness of the poet’s love as expressed in the poem ‘When You Are Old.’

12. What happens to the child’s foot after it is defeated in the battle in the poem ‘To the Foot
from its Child’?

13. Why does Kuvempu feel that heaven exists only on earth in the poem ‘Heaven, If You Are Not
Here on Earth’?

14. What difficulties do pedestrians face while crossing the road in Brazil as described in ‘Japan
and Brazil Through a Traveler’s Eye’?

15. How does the foot spend its days in the shoes in the poem ‘To the Foot from its Child’?

16. What are Borges’ thoughts on metaphors?

17. How does George Mikes describe the behavior of car drivers in Brazil?

18. Why does the poet of ‘Water’ believe that water is more than just H2O?

Let me know if you need additional edits or further assistance!

Here are detailed, simplified answers to each question (with repetition avoided and content
expanded to 100 words where requested):

18. Why was the criminal reluctant to go away from the prison in ‘Too Dear’?
The criminal in ‘Too Dear’ was reluctant to leave the prison because he had grown accustomed to the
comfortable life provided by the authorities. He enjoyed free food, lodging, and security without any
effort on his part. His life as a prisoner was more stable and better than the uncertain and hard life
outside. This reflects the irony of the story, as the authorities intended to avoid execution costs but
unintentionally created a situation where the criminal preferred staying imprisoned. His reluctance
symbolizes human dependency on convenience and stability over freedom.

19. Write a note on Navdanya Farm.

Navdanya Farm, founded by Vandana Shiva, is a biodiversity conservation and organic farming
initiative in India. The farm emphasizes traditional agricultural practices, promoting seed saving,
ecological farming, and sustainable living. It is also a research and training center where farmers
learn eco-friendly farming techniques. Navdanya has conserved over 2,000 rice varieties and
numerous other crops. Its mission is to combat the corporate control of seeds and farming, while
protecting farmers' rights and nature. The farm exemplifies the coexistence of people and nature,
striving to ensure food security and environmental sustainability.

20. Dona Laura accuses Don Gonzalo as an ‘ill-natured man’ in ‘A Sunny Morning’. Give reasons.
In ‘A Sunny Morning’, Dona Laura initially accuses Don Gonzalo of being ill-natured because of his
behavior in the park. Don Gonzalo is grumpy, impatient, and rude. He drives away the pigeons that
Dona Laura feeds and takes her bench rudely. His sarcastic remarks and refusal to be polite further
irritate her. Dona Laura's accusation reflects her sharp wit and strong personality as she refuses to
tolerate his unpleasantness. This amusing tension between the two sets the stage for their eventual
recognition of each other, revealing their shared past.

21. What are Borges’ views on his mother?

Jorge Luis Borges expresses deep admiration and affection for his mother. He describes her as a kind
and intelligent woman who was pivotal in shaping his love for literature. Despite his blindness,
Borges found immense support and strength from his mother, who read books aloud to him and
encouraged his intellectual pursuits. He credits her with fostering his creative and philosophical
outlook. Borges also speaks of her with tenderness, emphasizing her unwavering care and love
throughout his life. She served as a vital emotional and intellectual anchor in his life.

22. Describe the complicated hierarchy of ‘bowing’ in Japan.

The act of bowing in Japan is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition with a complex hierarchy. The
depth and duration of the bow depend on the relationship between individuals. For instance, a
deeper and longer bow is given to show respect to a superior or elder, while a shorter bow suffices
for equals or casual greetings. Bowing is also influenced by situations, such as greetings, apologies, or
gratitude. This intricate system showcases Japan's cultural emphasis on respect, humility, and social
harmony. The practice can be formal yet infectious, reflecting the importance of etiquette in
Japanese society.

23. The agony of the Panchamas is effectively brought out in the poem ‘Water’. Explain.
In ‘Water’, the poet highlights the social discrimination faced by the Panchamas (the oppressed
caste). The poem uses water as a metaphor to show how something as essential and universal as
water is denied to them. The Panchamas’ struggle for access to drinking water symbolizes their larger
fight against social injustice and inequality. The poet brings out their agony by illustrating how basic
human needs become a tool for oppression. The poem poignantly critiques caste-based
discrimination, emphasizing the Panchamas' dignity and their demand for equality.

18. How does Romeo express his love for Juliet in the poem ‘Romeo and Juliet’?
Romeo expresses his love for Juliet through vivid and poetic comparisons. He describes her as "a
snowy dove trooping with crows," emphasizing her purity and beauty that stands out among others.
He also compares her to "a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear," symbolizing her radiance and uniqueness.
His words convey deep admiration and passion, elevating Juliet as someone divine and ethereal.
Romeo's expressions reflect the intensity of his love, portraying Juliet as the epitome of beauty and
grace. His poetic language reveals his youthful and romantic nature.

19. Why was the Navdanya Movement started by Vandana Shiva? What are its achievements?
The Navdanya Movement was started by Vandana Shiva to promote biodiversity conservation,
organic farming, and farmers' rights. It aimed to counter the corporate control of seeds and advocate
for ecological agriculture. The movement has conserved thousands of traditional crop varieties,
trained farmers in sustainable farming, and created awareness about the dangers of genetically
modified organisms (GMOs). Navdanya has empowered rural communities, protected indigenous
knowledge, and contributed to food security. It serves as a model for sustainable living and highlights
the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

20. How does Tagore’s ‘Tapovan’ prove that the forests have been a source of rejuvenation for
Indian civilization?
Tagore’s ‘Tapovan’ highlights how forests have played a vital role in shaping Indian culture and
spirituality. The forests were places of learning, meditation, and creativity, nurturing sages, poets,
and philosophers. They symbolized harmony between humans and nature, inspiring art, literature,
and thought. Tagore emphasizes that forests provided physical and spiritual sustenance, fostering a
balanced way of life. Indian civilization, with its rich traditions of respect for nature, owes much to
the forests for its cultural and intellectual growth.
 4 MARKS IMP 2025

1. About Parents’ Responsibilities in On Children

• Q24 (First occurrence): Kahlil Gibran’s ‘On Children’ does not focus merely on the lives of
children but also talks about the responsibilities of parents. Discuss.

• Q25 (Repeated as Q25 in another wording): “Parents can give their love but not their
thoughts” says the Prophet in the poem ‘On Children’. Why do you think the Prophet says so?
Discuss.

2. Dona Laura and Don Gonzalo in A Sunny Morning

• Q25 (First occurrence): Describe the story of Gonzalo as narrated by himself in ‘A Sunny
Morning’.

• Q25 (Repeated): Describe the ill-natured prelude to the meeting between Dona Laura and
Don Gonzalo in the play ‘A Sunny Morning’.

• Q27 (Repeated differently): Do you agree that the play ‘A Sunny Morning’ deals with the
human folly for lying? Elucidate with suitable examples.

3. Tammanna and Basavaiah in The Gardener

• Q26 (First occurrence): How did Tammanna avenge himself in the story ‘The Gardener’?

• Q26 (Repeated differently): Evaluate the methods adopted by Tammanna and Basavaiah to
defeat each other.

• Q24 (Repeated indirectly): “Man lives for some kind of vengefulness. Without it, there would
be no reason for his existence.” Evaluate this statement in the light of the story ‘The
Gardener’.

4. Cycling and Women in Pudukkottai

• Q29 (First occurrence): How did cycling help to improve the economic status of women in
‘Where There is a Wheel’?

• Q28 (Repeated differently): What are the advantages of riding a bicycle for the women of
Pudukkottai as mentioned in the article ‘Where There is A Wheel’?

• Q29 (Repeated slightly differently): How does cycling bring changes in the lives of women of
Pudukkottai district? Explain briefly with examples.

5. Roof’s Actions in The Voter

• Q28 (First occurrence): ‘Roof’s breach of trust has no excuse’. Justify this statement with
reference to the story ‘The Voter’.

• Q28 (Repeated differently): Write a note on Roof’s character in the story ‘The Voter’.

• Q27 (Repeated indirectly): Why the people of Umuofia did not want to vote Marcus Ibe for
free, for the second time, in the story ‘The Voter’?

6. Discrimination in Water

• Q29 (First occurrence): Criticize the various implied discriminations expressed in the poem
‘Water’.

• Q23 (Related but not verbatim repeat): The agony of the Panchamas is effectively brought
out in the poem ‘Water’. Explain.

7. Governance in Too Dear

• Q24 (First occurrence): Write a note on the gaming house in Monaco as described in ‘Too
Dear’.

• Q26 (Repeated differently): The story ‘Too Dear’ reflects on the issue of governance and
human greed for power. Substantiate.