Comprehension

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

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

(A Thing of Beauty)

Question: 1

Select the option that does not agree with the ideas as conveyed in the above given extract :

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Three options match the lines on natural beauty; man-made inventions are never mentioned.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
  • Beauty in nature offers comfort during times of despair.
  • Even in a world of sorrow, beautiful things continue to heal us.
  • The poet suggests that man-made inventions promote the Earth’s natural beauty.
  • Natural elements like the sun, moon and trees are our sources of hope.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the ideas of the extract:
The poet says that despite sadness, lack of noble people and gloomy days, some shape of beauty removes the pall from our spirits. Examples are the sun, the moon and trees.

Step 2: Match each option:
(A), (B) and (D) agree with this: nature's beauty comforts, heals and gives hope.

Step 3: Find the odd one:
(C) talks about man-made inventions, which the extract never mentions. So this is the option that does not agree.

Final Answer:
(C) The poet suggests that man-made inventions promote the Earth's natural beauty.
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Question: 2

Complete the following suitable :

In the line, ‘of the inhuman dearth of noble natures’, the phrase ‘dearth of’ refers to _________.

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'Dearth' means scarcity, so 'dearth of noble natures' means a lack of noble people.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the line:
The poet speaks of the 'inhuman dearth of noble natures', that is, a world where good people are hard to find.

Step 2: Give the meaning:
'Dearth' means a scarcity or shortage of something.

Final Answer:
lack of / scarcity of
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Question: 3

Select the phrase that suggests the following :

despite our feelings of sadness and depression ....

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'Spite of' means despite and 'despondence' means sadness, so the phrase is 'Spite of despondence'.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the idea:
We need a phrase meaning 'in spite of sadness and depression'.

Step 2: Find it in the extract:
In line 2, 'Spite of despondence' does this. 'Spite of' means despite, and 'despondence' means low spirits and sadness.

Final Answer:
Spite of despondence
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Question: 4

Choose the correct option and fill in the blank.

The tone of the poet in the above extract is ____________. (ironic and cynical/reflective and reassuring)

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The poet thinks over life's gloom and then comforts us that beauty lifts our spirits, so the tone is reflective and reassuring.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the mood:
The poet admits that life has sadness and dark days, but thinks calmly about them and says beauty removes the gloom.

Step 2: Name the tone:
Thinking calmly is reflective, and offering hope is reassuring. There is no mockery, so 'ironic and cynical' is wrong.

Final Answer:
reflective and reassuring
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Question: 5

In the context of the poem, the word ‘pall’ most closely means :

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A pall is a cloth over a coffin; here it is a metaphor for the shroud of grief on our spirits.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
  • a dense fog that obscures light.
  • a metaphorical shroud symbolizing grief.
  • an ornamental veil signifying delight.
  • a supernatural entity haunting humans.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Meaning of 'pall':
A pall is a cloth spread over a coffin. In the poem, beauty 'moves away the pall from our dark spirits'.

Step 2: Apply to the context:
Here the pall is used as a metaphor for the covering of sorrow and gloom that lies on our spirits.

Step 3: Reject others:
(A) is a fog, not grief. (C) signifies delight, the opposite. (D) a haunting spirit is not meant.

Final Answer:
(B) a metaphorical shroud symbolizing grief.
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Question: 6

Based on the given extract, state in one sentence, your views on the simple joys of beauty.

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Give one sentence: beauty has a healing power and helps us cope with sorrow and negativity.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Gather the poet's idea:
The extract says that beauty, such as the sun, moon and trees, removes the pall of sorrow from our spirits.

Step 2: State a view in one sentence:
Simple joys of beauty have the power to remove darkness and negativity from our minds and heal us.

Final Answer:
The simple joys of beauty heal our minds and remove sadness and negativity.
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