What does Keats refer to in the expression ‘dark spirits’? (A Thing of Beauty)
What does Keats refer to in the expression ‘dark spirits’? (A Thing of Beauty)
Show Hint
Solution and Explanation
Keats says that a shape of beauty moves away the pall from our ‘dark spirits’.
Step 2: Decide what is being darkened:
A pall is a heavy covering of gloom, so ‘dark spirits’ are minds and hearts weighed down by negative feelings.
Step 3: Write the answer in 40-50 words:
In the expression ‘dark spirits’, Keats refers to the gloomy, negative feelings that weigh down human hearts, such as greed, selfishness, hatred and malice. According to him, a shape of beauty removes this pall of sadness and gives us fresh joy.
Final Answer:
‘Dark spirits’ means the negative emotions like greed, selfishness, hatred and malice present in the world.
Top CBSE CLASS XII English Core Questions
Read the following passage carefully:
1. As a young adult, life can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Juggling school, work, social life, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to feel alone and disconnected from the world around us. Dogs are the ultimate companions for anyone looking to alleviate stress and loneliness. We’ll explore many reasons why dogs make the best companions for young adults.
2. Unconditional love: Dogs are known for their loyalty and love for their owners, no matter what. They don’t judge us, criticize us, or hold grudges against us. No matter how flawed or imperfect we may be, our dogs will always love us unconditionally. This kind of unwavering support and affection can be incredibly comforting for young adults struggling to find their place in the world.
3. Social connection: Dogs are great ice-breakers and conversation starters. Whether you’re walking them in the park, taking them to the dog beach, or simply hanging out at home, dogs have a way of bringing people together. For young adults who may feel isolated or disconnected from their peers, having a dog by their side can be a great way to connect with others and form new friendships.
4. Increase physical activity: Dogs require regular exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. This means that young adults who own dogs are more likely to engage in physical activity themselves. Whether it’s going for a run, playing frisbee, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, getting out with your dog can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels.
5. Emotional support: Dogs are also great emotional support animals for those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Their presence alone can provide a sense of calm and comfort, and their ability to sense their owner’s emotions can be incredibly soothing. For young adults dealing with mental health challenges, having a dog as a companion can be a life-changing experience.
6. Improve responsibility and self-care: Owning a dog also comes with a great deal of responsibility and self-care. Dogs require regular feeding, grooming, exercise, and attention, which can be a great way for young adults to develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. Additionally, having a dog as a companion can encourage young adults to take better care of themselves, such as making sure they get enough sleep, eat healthily, and engage in regular exercise.
7. For all these reasons and more, dogs make fantastic companions for young adults. Whether you’re looking for emotional support, social connection, increased physical activity, or simply someone to love and be loved by, a dog can provide all these things and more. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider finding a furry friend to take on the world with you.
- Read the text given below:
1. People below the age of 20 and above the age of 50 are more likely to believe fake news. Those relatively new to the use of the internet still do not grasp the concept of fake information over these platforms, reveals a new survey "Countering Misinformation in India." This survey has been conducted jointly by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
2. At least 40% of the respondents believed in "misinformation" received over social media if it came with leading backgrounds and evidence, while 34% of them believe the information when it is shared by a trustworthy organization.
3. The dominant factor that drives people to forward such information is their belief that it might benefit others and help in their safety. In fact, that was the response of almost 50% of the respondents. This was compounded by the fact that at least 20% of the respondents expressed their lack of trust in conventional media, thus placing their faith in content shared by common people over social media.
4. But even then, newspapers still remain the top source of information for most. At least 53% of the respondents trust what is generally perceived as neutral media, and only 29% trust technology and social media platforms.
5. However, what was surprising was that almost 45% of the respondents did not even know about the existence of fact-checking organizations, and most did not even know that journalists had to verify data before they let it out. Only 26% of the respondents believe that it is the responsibility of the media to curb or identify fake news. Many respondents also put the responsibility of identifying such fake news on individuals.
6. The survey has found that first-time or early users of internet platforms are more susceptible to fake news than others. There is a need for building capacities and creating a National Civic Digital Literacy Strategic Plan. - (a) Bharat Public School, I.P. Nagar, has recently constructed a Science Park, a dedicated area where specific equipment based on principles of science is set up. As Rashi Kapoor, President of Science Club, draft a notice for the school notice board, informing students of the same. Mention relevant details.
(b) You are the President, RWA Silver Oak Society. Draft a notice for the society notice board informing residents about the appointment of security guards at Gate Nos. 2, 3, and 4 and an increase of {tt{rupee}} 1,000 in the annual maintenance charges to meet the expenditure. Mention relevant details.
(a.) You are a student counsellor of N.J. Public School. You are invited by S.M. International School, Kala Puram, to address Class XII students on Goal Setting & Time Management. Write a formal letter of reply accepting the invitation and confirming your presence at the stated time, including relevant details.
Top CBSE CLASS XII A thing of beauty Questions
- Read the following extracts and answer the questions
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.
(A Thing of Beauty) - Imagine you are John Keats, the poet of ‘A Thing of Beauty.’ What advice might you offer to Robert Frost, the poet of ‘A Roadside Stand’ in the context of his ‘The sadness that lurks near the open window’? Pen down your advice in a letter to Frost on how to deal with sadness.
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside stand’ and …… You may end this way :
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Warmly
John Keats
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
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:
- Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(A Thing of Beauty)
(i) Select the phrase that suggests the following :
The small streams make a shelter for themselves.
(ii) What does the phrase ‘An endless fountain of immortal drink, Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink’ not imply in the extract?
(A) unlimited beauty
(B) eternal inspiration
(C) finite resources
(D) everlasting joy
(iii) Complete the following suitably:
In the line, ‘the grandeur of the dooms’, the word ‘dooms’ refers to ___.
(iv) The poet has used phrases like ‘mighty dead’ to illustrate the ___ (irony/satire) in the lasting impact of beauty and heroism.
(v) Read the assertion and the reason below, with reference to the given extract.
Assertion: The poet views beauty as a finite source of inspiration.
Reason: Natural elements and tales of heroism provide a continuous flow of joy and inspiration.
Choose the correct option regarding their relationship:
(A) Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(B) Both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(C) The assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(D) The assertion is false, but the reason is true.
(vi) State in one sentence, what message you would give to those seeking inspiration from nature. Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
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.
Top CBSE CLASS XII Questions
- 2, b, c are in A.P. and the range of determinant $\begin{vmatrix}1&1&1\\ 2&b&c\\ 4&b^{2}&c^{2}\end{vmatrix}$ is [2, 16]. Then find range of c is
- A boy of mass 50 kg is standing at one end of a, boat of length 9 m and mass 400 kg. He runs to the other, end. The distance through which the centre of mass of the boat boy system moves is
- A capillary tube of radius r is dipped inside a large vessel of water. The mass of water raised above water level is M. If the radius of capillary is doubled, the mass of water inside capillary will be
- A circular disc is rotating about its own axis. An external opposing torque 0.02 Nm is applied on the disc by which it comes rest in 5 seconds. The initial angular momentum of disc is
- A circular disc is rotating about its own axis at uniform angular velocity \(\omega.\) The disc is subjected to uniform angular retardation by which its angular velocity is decreased to \(\frac {\omega}{2}\) during 120 rotations. The number of rotations further made by it before coming to rest is