What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
Solution and Explanation
The poet refers to the 'sadness' of failing to understand oneself in the monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget the values of humanity.
Top Questions on Keeping quiet
- Read the following extract and answer the following questions:
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
(Keeping Quiet)
(i) Select the phrase from the extract that suggests the ceaseless activity in our daily life.
(ii) What does the imagery of ‘single-mindedness’ not represent?
(A) flexibility
(B) unwavering determination
(C) dedication
(D) persistent efforts
(iii) Complete the sentence:
In the line, ‘might interrupt this sadness’, the phrase ‘this sadness’ refers to ___.
(iv) The poet has used phrases like ‘never understanding ourselves’ to illustrate the ___ (irony/humour) in continuous movement without reflection.
(v) Assertion: The poet emphasizes the need for productive silence and reflection.
Reason: Purposeless continuous movement leads to sadness and existential threats.
Choose the correct option:
(A) Both are true, but reason is not the correct explanation.
(B) Both are true, and reason is the correct explanation.
(C) Assertion is true, reason is false.
(D) Assertion is false, reason is true.
(vi) State in one sentence what advice you would give to people who are always busy.- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- English Core
- Keeping quiet
- How would humanity benefit if people maintained silence? (Keeping Quiet)
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- English Core
- Keeping quiet
What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving.
(Keeping Quiet)- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- English Core
- Keeping quiet
- Discuss how the poems ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’ draw attention to the importance of beauty and introspection. (Keeping Quiet and A Thing of Beauty)
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- English Core
- Keeping quiet
- What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
- CBSE CLASS XII
- English
- Keeping quiet
Questions Asked in CBSE CLASS XII exam
- A square loop of side 0.50 m is placed in a uniform magnetic field of 0.4 T perpendicular to the plane of the loop. The loop is rotated through an angle of 60° in 0.2 s. The value of emf induced in the loop will be:
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2026
- Electromagnetic induction
A racing track is built around an elliptical ground whose equation is given by \[ 9x^2 + 16y^2 = 144 \] The width of the track is \(3\) m as shown. Based on the given information answer the following:
(i) Express \(y\) as a function of \(x\) from the given equation of ellipse.
(ii) Integrate the function obtained in (i) with respect to \(x\).
(iii)(a) Find the area of the region enclosed within the elliptical ground excluding the track using integration.
OR
(iii)(b) Write the coordinates of the points \(P\) and \(Q\) where the outer edge of the track cuts \(x\)-axis and \(y\)-axis in first quadrant and find the area of triangle formed by points \(P,O,Q\).
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2026
- Integration
- Consider a cylindrical conductor of length \( l \) and area of cross-section \( A \). Current \( I \) is maintained in the conductor and electrons drift with velocity \( \vec{v}_d \, (|\vec{v}_d| = \frac{eE}{m} \tau) \), where symbols have their usual meanings. Show that the conductivity of the material of the conductor is given by \[ \sigma = \frac{n e^2 \tau}{m}. \]
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2026
- Current Density
- The painting Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro belongs to which sub-school of Deccan Miniature?
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2026
- Indian Miniature Paintings and Museums
- (a) HACCP ensures food safety by identifying hazards. Give its full form.
(b) Describe four levels of food standards.- CBSE CLASS XII - 2026
- Fabric and Apparel