Get the best guide for Bihar Board class 9 English Poetry chapter 7 here. This guide provides you with the written answers and explanations for chapter 7 – “I Am Like Grass”.
Chapter 7 of the Bihar Board Class 9 English book features the poem “I Am Like Grass” by Pash, translated from Punjabi by Suresh Sethi. This powerful poem uses the metaphor of resilient grass to explore themes of perseverance, renewal, and the indomitable human spirit. Through simple yet striking imagery, Pash compares human resilience to the ability of grass to regrow after being cut or trampled.
Bihar Board Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 7 Solutions
Contents
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9th |
| Chapter | 7. I Am Like Grass |
| Author | Pash |
| Board | Bihar Board |
A. Work in small groups and discuss the questions given below
Question 1. Have you seen grass?
Answer: Yes, I have seen grass.
Question 2. How does it look?
Answer: It looks green.
Question 3. How do you feel when you walk on it?
Answer: While walking I feel soft sensation and I feel pleasant enough.
Question 4. Can a man be compared to grass? Read, the poem and see why the poet thinks himself similar to grass.
Answer: Yes, a man can be compared to grass. Because he is humble and low like grass. It cannot be obliterated forever. Similar is the case with human life.
B.1. Answer the following questions very briefly
Question 1. Why does the poet say that he is like grass?
Answer: The poet compares himself to grass because of his resilience and ability to recover from adversity, much like how grass regrows after being cut.
Question 2. Why does the poet say that he will sprout again even after being mowed down?
Answer: The poet asserts he will sprout again after being mowed down, symbolizing his unbreakable spirit and determination to overcome challenges.
Question 3. What makes the poet say that people can’t erase his identity?
Answer: The poet’s confidence in the indestructibility of his identity stems from his belief in his inner strength and ability to persist despite obstacles.
Question 4. What will his mantle cover?
Answer: The poet’s mantle, representing his influence and presence, will spread extensively, covering and impacting everything around him.
B.2. Answer the following questions very briefly
Question 1. What do Banga and Sangrur refer to?
Answer: Banga and Sangrur symbolize the poet’s resilience and ability to recover from adversity, representing the enduring nature of human spirit.
Question 2. “And reduce the whole district of Ludhiana to ashes.” What does this line suggest?
Answer: This line metaphorically suggests that even after extreme destruction, life and humanity have the power to rebuild and flourish again.
Question 3. What time will it take for the poet to come back to his normal state?
Answer: The poet believes he can recover and return to his normal state within a decade, demonstrating his optimism and determination.
Question 4. Why will the tourists visit the green jungle or Barnala?
Answer: Tourists will be drawn to the green jungle of Barnala as it represents renewed life and natural beauty, symbolizing hope and regeneration after destruction.
C.1. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Why has the poet compared himself to grass? What are the features of grass?
Answer: The poet compares himself to grass to illustrate human resilience. Grass, though soft and easily cut, has the remarkable ability to regrow after being chopped. Similarly, the poet suggests that human spirit can recover from adversity. This comparison emphasizes the enduring nature of life and the human capacity to overcome challenges.
Question 2. The grass is soft, smooth and not rough. It is easily cut. But the poet here has used it as a symbol. What does grass symbolise here?
Answer: In this poem, grass symbolizes resilience, renewal, and the indomitable spirit of life. Despite being easily cut down, grass always regrows, representing the ability to recover from setbacks. The poet uses this symbol to convey the idea that human spirit, like grass, can bounce back from hardships. It represents hope, perseverance, and the cyclical nature of life and regeneration.
Question 3. The poem suggests the resolute nature of the poet. Do you agree with it? Give your own opinion.
Answer: The poem indeed suggests the poet’s resolute nature. By comparing himself to grass that regrows after being mowed, the poet expresses his determination to overcome obstacles. His confidence in sprouting again and covering everything with his “mantle” shows an unbreakable spirit. This optimistic outlook reflects the poet’s belief in the power of human resilience and the ability to persist through difficulties.
Question 4. What is the background of his poem? In what circumstances do you think this poem has been written?
Answer: The poem’s background likely relates to a period of social or political turmoil, possibly referring to the unrest in Punjab during the 1980s. The references to specific places in Punjab (Banga, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Barnala) support this context. The poet may be responding to violence or oppression, using the metaphor of resilient grass to express hope for recovery and renewal in the face of destruction.
Question 5. Summarise the poem in about 100 words.
Answer: This poem uses the metaphor of grass to symbolize human resilience. The poet compares himself to grass, emphasizing the ability to regrow after being cut down. He speaks of bouncing back from destruction, whether in Banga, Sangrur, or Ludhiana. The poet confidently asserts that his identity cannot be erased and that he will recover within a decade. The poem ends with an image of a green jungle in Barnala, symbolizing renewal and hope. Overall, it’s a powerful statement about the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and flourish again.
C.2. Group Discussion
Discuss the following in groups or pairs:
Question 1: Nature is our best teacher.
Answer: Nature indeed serves as an excellent teacher, offering valuable lessons in various aspects of life. It demonstrates resilience through the changing seasons and the ability of ecosystems to recover from disturbances. Nature teaches us about balance and interdependence, as seen in food chains and symbiotic relationships. It also provides lessons in adaptability, as organisms evolve to survive in different environments. Moreover, nature inspires creativity and problem-solving, as evidenced by biomimicry in science and engineering. By observing nature, we can learn patience, perseverance, and the importance of harmony with our surroundings. These lessons from nature can help us develop not only practical skills but also ethical values and a sense of wonder about the world around us.
Question 2: We can always get inspiration from Nature.
Answer: Nature is indeed a constant source of inspiration for humans in many ways. Its beauty and complexity can inspire artists, writers, and musicians to create works that capture the essence of the natural world. Scientists and inventors often find inspiration in nature’s designs, leading to innovative solutions in technology and engineering. Nature’s resilience in the face of adversity can inspire us to persevere through our own challenges. The cycles of growth, decay, and renewal in nature can provide perspective on life’s ups and downs. Additionally, spending time in nature can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being, offering a source of inspiration for personal growth and self-reflection. By maintaining a connection with nature, we can continually draw inspiration to enrich our lives and contribute positively to our communities and the world at large.
