Bihar Board class 10 English poetry chapter 5 solutions are available here. It is our expert written guide that provides you with the complete question answer of chapter 5 – “The Empty Heart”.
In this chapter, students will explore the poem “The Empty Heart” by Periasamy Thooran. This thought-provoking piece tells the story of a wealthy man consumed by greed and the consequences of his insatiable desire for more. Through vivid storytelling and symbolism, the poem delves into themes of contentment, greed, and the true nature of happiness.
Bihar Board Class 10 English Poetry Chapter 5 Solutions
| Chapter | 5. The Empty Heart |
| Author | Periasamy Thooran |
| Subject | English (Panorama) Poetry |
| Class | 10th |
| Board | Bihar Board |
A. Answer the following questions briefly:-
Q1. What is your opinion about a greedy man?
Ans. A greedy person is never satisfied with what they have and constantly craves more, especially in terms of wealth and possessions. This insatiable desire often leads to unhappiness and poor decision-making.
Q2. What does he do to satisfy his ambition?
Ans. To satisfy their ambition, a greedy person may resort to unethical or illegal means to acquire more wealth. They often prioritize money over relationships, personal well-being, and moral values.
Q3. What ultimate result has to come across?
Ans. Ultimately, greed often leads to negative consequences such as broken relationships, legal troubles, or personal dissatisfaction. The pursuit of wealth at any cost rarely brings lasting happiness or fulfillment.
B.1. Write ‘T’for true and ‘F’ for false statement:-
- Periasamy Thoran has written the poem “The Empty Heart”. – T
- Perisamy Thoran was a Bengali writer. – F
- “The Empty Heart’ The poem was translated by S. Swaminathan. – T
- The man was given six pots. – F
B.1.2. Answer the following questions very briefly:-
Q1. Why was the man not content, although he was rich?
Ans. Despite his wealth, the man was not content due to his insatiable greed. His constant desire for more money and gold prevented him from appreciating what he already had.
Q2. When was the gift given by the tree?
Ans. The tree gave the gift when the man prayed to it, requesting a pitcher of gold coins. This demonstrates the magical nature of the tree and its ability to grant wishes.
Q3. Why was the tree called unkind?
Ans. The tree was called unkind because it granted the man’s wish without approval of his greed. It fulfilled the request not out of kindness, but as a lesson about the consequences of excessive desire.
Q4. When did the man want one pot of gold?
Ans. The man wanted one pot of gold when his existing wealth no longer satisfied him. His greed drove him to seek more riches despite already being wealthy.
Q5. Why was he given seven pots?
Ans. The ‘Kalpaka’ tree gave him seven pots to highlight the extent of his greed. By granting more than requested, the tree aimed to teach the man a lesson about the futility of excessive desire.
C.1. Long Answer Questions:-
Q1. Explain the title “The Empty Heart” in context with the poem.
Ans. The title “The Empty Heart” aptly describes the central theme of the poem. It portrays a wealthy man whose insatiable greed leaves his heart devoid of contentment and human sentiments. Despite his riches, he constantly craves more, leading him to pray to the “Kalpaka” tree for gold. The tree grants him seven full pots of gold coins and an eighth half-filled pot. His obsession with filling the last pot consumes him, ultimately leading to his demise. This emptiness in his heart symbolizes the absence of gratitude, compassion, and life’s true joys. The title serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of contentment and the futility of endless material pursuits. It reminds us that a life focused solely on wealth accumulation leaves one’s heart empty of meaningful experiences and relationships.
Q2. Is the name “Kalpaka” justified? Explain.
Ans. The name “Kalpaka” is indeed justified in the context of the poem. In Hindu mythology, “Kalpaka” or “Kalpataru” is known as a wish-fulfilling divine tree. In the poem, this tree lives up to its legendary status by granting the greedy man’s wish for gold. However, it goes beyond mere wish fulfillment by providing seven full pots of gold coins instead of the single pot requested, plus an additional half-filled pot. This generous response demonstrates the tree’s divine nature and its ability to exceed human expectations. The tree’s actions also serve a deeper purpose, offering the man an opportunity to learn about the consequences of unchecked greed. Thus, “Kalpaka” not only grants wishes but also imparts valuable life lessons, justifying its mythical name and role in the poem.
Q3. Contentment is the style of life. Discuss.
Ans. Contentment is indeed a crucial element of a fulfilling life, as illustrated in “The Empty Heart.” The poem contrasts the restless pursuit of wealth with the peace that comes from being satisfied with what one has. The rich man’s constant desire for more wealth leads to his unhappiness and eventual downfall, demonstrating that material possessions alone cannot provide true happiness. Contentment, on the other hand, allows one to appreciate present blessings and find joy in non-material aspects of life, such as relationships and personal growth. It promotes mental peace and enables a more balanced approach to life’s challenges. The poem serves as a reminder that endless accumulation of wealth often comes at the cost of life’s simple pleasures and meaningful connections. Therefore, cultivating contentment can lead to a more satisfying and purposeful existence, making it an essential style of life.
Q4. “Nothing is wrong with a half-filled purse; ‘T is the void in the heart that is the curse.” Why?
Ans. This statement emphasizes the importance of contentment and the dangers of greed. It suggests that having moderate wealth (“a half-filled purse”) is not a problem; rather, the real issue lies in the emptiness of one’s heart. This emptiness, characterized by an insatiable desire for more, leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The poem illustrates this through the rich man who, despite having seven full pots of gold, obsesses over filling the eighth. His greed creates a void in his heart, preventing him from enjoying what he already has. The statement teaches that true fulfillment comes from cultivating inner contentment rather than endlessly pursuing material wealth. It encourages readers to focus on enriching their hearts with gratitude and meaningful experiences, rather than solely chasing financial gains.
Q5. What does the term silver pitcher symbolize?
Ans. The silver pitcher in the poem symbolizes the allure and temptation of excess wealth. It represents the Kalpaka tree’s test of the rich man’s character and his ability to resist greed. By providing seven full silver pitchers and an eighth half-filled one, the tree offers more than requested, challenging the man’s contentment. The pitchers, especially the half-filled one, become a metaphor for the endless pursuit of wealth that can consume a person. They highlight how greed can transform abundance into perceived scarcity, as the man fixates on the incomplete pitcher rather than appreciating his fortune. Ultimately, the silver pitchers symbolize the futility of excessive materialism and the importance of recognizing when one has enough. They serve as a cautionary element, warning against the dangers of allowing greed to overshadow gratitude and satisfaction in life.
C.3. Composition:-
Q1. Write a paragraph in about 100 words on each of following:-
A rich man empty heart.
Ans. Wealth, while providing material comfort, cannot fill an empty heart. The rich man in “The Empty Heart” exemplifies how excessive focus on money can lead to spiritual poverty. Despite his abundance, he remains unsatisfied, constantly craving more. This insatiable greed consumes him, leaving no room for compassion, gratitude, or human connection. His obsession with filling the last pot of gold symbolizes the futility of endless material pursuit. The man’s empty heart reflects a life devoid of true purpose and joy. This cautionary tale reminds us that real fulfillment comes not from accumulating wealth, but from cultivating inner richness through kindness, empathy, and contentment. True wealth lies in a heart full of love and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
D.1. Word Study.
Correct the spelling of the following words:-
| Atteck | apeal | |
| Bigin | Change | Compare |
| Grateful | Surfer | Report |
Ans.
| Attack | Appeal | Stalemate |
| Begin | Change | Compare |
| Grateful | Suffer | Report |
D. 2. Use the following words in sentences:-
| Care | Bridge | Demand | Hope | Guard |
| Fight | Promise | Profit | Return | Smell |
Ans.
Care : You should take more care over your work.
Bridge : There is a bridge over and across the railway.
Demand : It is impossible to satisfy all demands.
Hope : I hope to secure good marks at the examination.
Guard : The guard was not present at the door.
Fight : The dogs were fighting over alone.
Promise : She promised me to be here at 6 O’clock.
Profit : He makes a profit of two hundred rupees every day.
Return : I shall return within an hour.
Smell : Taste and smell are closely connected.
Translation:-
Translate into English:-
- मेरी माँ दयालु है |
- वे सुबह में टहलते है |
- तुम्हे आराम करना चाहिये |
- वह कलम से लिख सकती है |
- पटना बिहार की राजधानी है |
- पटना गंगा के किनारे बसा हुआ है |
- गंगा एक पवित्र नदी है |
- गंगा को प्रादुपित नहीं करना चाहिये |
- पटना एक पुराना शहर है |
- उसने पटना के बारे में पत्र लिखा है |
Ans.
- My mother is kind.
- They walk in the morning.
- You should take rest.
- She can write with pen.
- Patna is the capital of Bihar.
- Patna is situated on the bank of the Ganges.
- The Ganga (Ganges) is a holy river.
- The Ganga should not be polluted.
- Patna is an ancient city.
- He has written a letter about Patna.
