Morning Star Beeta Publication || Workbook Answers of I Remember, I Remember || Treasure Chest Poems

 Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did the flowers seem to be "made of light" ? 

(a) They were beautiful but delicate 

(b) They were white but light

(d) They were shining in reflection

(c) They were of different colours

Answer: (a) They were beautiful but delicate

2. What is a laburnum?

(a) A tree with red flowers

(b) A tree with clusters of white flowers

(c) A tree with clusters of yellow flowers

(d) A shrub with pink flowers

Answer: (c) A tree with clusters of yellow flowers

3. The tree is still living. 

(a) and the poet's life is easy 

(b) and the poet likes trees 

(c) but the beauty of the poet's childhood is gone 

(d) but the poet dislikes trees.

Answer: (c) but the beauty of the poet's childhood is gone

4. The poet's spirit was when he was a child and now it is

(a) heavy, light

(c) heavy, heavy

(b) light, light

(d) light, heavy

Answer: (d) light, heavy

5. What is the mood of the poem?

(a) Cheerful

(c) Nostalgic

(b) Regretful 

(d) Jolly

Answer: (c) Nostalgic

6. What contrast does the poet draw by talking about the swing and the pools? 

(a) The innocence of childhood and the worry ridden life of an adult 

(b) The careless attitude of a child and the cautious attitude of an adult 

(c) The healthy life of a child and the woeful life of an adult 

(d) There is no contrast.

Answer: (a) The innocence of childhood and the worry ridden life of an adult

7. What shows that the poet was ignorant as a child? 

(a) He thought that all trees were same. 

(b) He did not look at the trees. 

(c) He thought that the trees could grow beyond the sky. 

(d) He thought that the tree tops were close to heaven.

Answer: (d) He thought that the tree tops were close to heaven.

8. The poet talks about

(a) his childhood days and innocence 

(b) how he enjoys being an adult 

(c) his childhood friends 

(d) his childhood home

Answer: (a) his childhood days and innocence

9. The poet thought that he was closer to heaven as a child because

(a) he used to pray a lot

(b) he was innocent and did not know the harsh realities of life 

(c) he was able to climb a huge tree 

(d) he was a responsible child

Answer: (b) he was innocent and did not know the harsh realities of life

10. What is the significance of "summer pools could hardly cool the fever on my brow"?

(a) The pool is warm and could not cool him.

(b) The poet does not like to swim

(c) The things that relieved him can barely calm him now 

(d) The poet was unwell

Answer: (c) The things that relieved him can barely calm him now

11. The poet's spirit flew in feathers when he was a child as 

(a) he was innocent 

(b) he was reckless 

(c) he was joyful 

(d) he was silent

Answer: (c) he was joyful

12. The poet wishes to go back to his childhood days because 

(a) his present is painful

(b) he was happy when he was a child

(c) he did not worry when he was a child

(d) All of the above

Answer: (d) All of the above

13. Why did the poet wish that his life had ended when he was a child? 

(a) It was a difficult life as a child. 

(b) Because his blissful childhood days would have continued. 

(c) He did not wish to become an adult. 

(d) He did not want to live now.

Answer: (b) Because his blissful childhood days would have continued.

14. The poet felt the need to make a contrast between the childhood days and adult life because:

(a) childhood was a perfect time.

(c) he disliked his childhood days.

(b) he is happier as an adult.

(d) he was forced to do so.

Answer: (a) childhood was a perfect time.

15. Why is there a repetition of the words I Remember, I Remember'?

(a) To create a musical quality

(b) To emphasise his childhood memories

(c) To show poet's memory was short lived 

(d) for no reason

Answer: (b) To emphasise his childhood memories

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow

Extract I

I remember, I remember,

The house where I was born,

The little window where the sun

Came peeping in at morn;

He never came a wink too soon,

Nor brought too long a day,

But now, I often wish the night

Had borne my breath away!

(i) When did the sun come "peeping"? Why?

Answer: The sun came "peeping" in at morn through the little window of the house where the poet was born. It signifies the poet's fond memory of the predictability and comfort of his childhood days.

(ii) What do the lines "never came a wink too soon" imply? What is the poet trying to indicate?

Answer: The lines imply that the sun was always punctual and never too early or too late. The poet is trying to indicate the regularity and perfection of his childhood days, contrasting it with the unpredictability of adulthood.

(iii) Why does the poet wish "the night had borne his breath away"?

Answer: The poet wishes that he had died during his childhood, implying that his childhood was a time of happiness and innocence, and he doesn't want to face the challenges and uncertainties of adulthood.

(iv) Describe in your own words the imagery portrayed in this extract.

Answer: The imagery in this extract paints a picture of a cherished childhood home with a window that welcomed the morning sun. The sun's timely appearance is contrasted with the poet's current wish for eternal rest, symbolizing the juxtaposition of carefree childhood and burdened adulthood.

(v) Give the significance of the first line of this extract in the poem.

Answer: The first line "I remember, I remember" serves as a refrain and sets the tone of nostalgia throughout the poem. It emphasizes the poet's longing for the past and his yearning to relive those moments.

Extract II

I remember, I remember,

The roses, red and white,

The vi'lets, and the lily-cups,

Those flowers made of light!

The lilacs where the robin built,

And where my brother set

The laburnum on his birthday,

The tree is living yet!

(i) What does "flowers made of light" mean?

Answer: "Flowers made of light" means that the flowers in the poet's memory were so vibrant and delicate that they seemed ethereal, as if they were crafted from rays of light. It symbolizes the purity and vividness of childhood memories.

(ii) What does the building of its nest by a robin in the lilacs suggest? How is the poet affected by its absence now?

Answer: The robin building its nest in the lilacs suggests the safety, comfort, and serenity of the poet's childhood home. The poet's mention of it implies a longing for those days, and its absence now possibly signifies the loss of that comfort and security in adulthood.

(iii) What memories does he have of his brother? Which 'tree' is living? What does this signify?

Answer: He remembers the laburnum tree that his brother planted on his birthday. The tree that is still living is the laburnum. Its survival signifies the lasting impact of childhood memories and the permanence of certain past events in one's life.

(iv) Briefly describe the garden of the poet's childhood.

Answer: The garden of the poet's childhood was vibrant with roses of red and white hues, violets, lily-cups, and lilacs. The garden was alive with the chirping of birds, especially the robin that built its nest in the lilacs. It also had a laburnum tree, which held special memories for the poet.

(v) Give the meaning of

(a) The roses, red and white

Answer: This refers to the different colored roses in the poet's childhood garden, symbolizing the diversity and beauty of his memories.

(b) where my brother set/The laburnum

Answer: This refers to the memory of the poet's brother planting a laburnum tree in their garden on his birthday, signifying cherished family memories.

Extract III

I remember, I remember,

Where I was used to swing,

And thought the air must rush as fresh

To swallows on the wing;

My spirit flew in feathers then,

That is so heavy now,

And summer pools could hardly cool

The fever on my brow!

(i) What does the poet think when he was swinging? Which figure of speech is used in line 3 of this extract?

Answer: When he was swinging, the poet felt as though the air rushing past him must feel similarly refreshing to swallows flying in the sky. The figure of speech used in line 3 is a simile, comparing the freshness of the air for the poet to that felt by swallows.

(ii) What do you understand by swallows on the wing? Who are swallows? Why are they mentioned here?

Answer: "Swallows on the wing" refers to swallows in flight. Swallows are small, agile birds known for their swift flying. They are mentioned here to draw a parallel between the poet's feeling of freedom and lightness during his childhood swing rides and the freedom and grace of swallows in flight.

(iii) How did the poet's spirit fly? What is the state of his spirits now?

Answer: The poet's spirit "flew in feathers" indicating that in his childhood, his spirit was light, joyous, and free, akin to a bird in flight. Now, his spirit is "so heavy", indicating feelings of burden, sadness, or despondence in his adulthood.

(iv) How does this extract show the theme of saudade?

Answer: This extract embodies the theme of saudade by showcasing the poet's intense longing for the joys and lightness of his childhood, contrasting it with the weight and burdens of his present state. The memories of swinging and the refreshing feeling of the summer pools highlight his yearning for the past.

(v) "And summer pools could hardly cool the fever on my brow!" Explain what the poet meant by these lines.

Answer: The poet means that even the cooling effect of summer pools, which once provided relief during his childhood, can no longer alleviate the burning troubles or worries he experiences as an adult. The "fever on my brow" symbolizes the stress and concerns of adulthood.

Extract IV

I remember, I remember,

The fir trees dark and high;

I used to think their slender tops

Were close against the sky:

It was a childish ignorance,

But now 'tis little joy

To know I'm farther off from heav'n

Than when I was a boy.

(i) What did the poet think about the fir trees as a child?

Answer: As a child, the poet believed that the slender tops of the tall fir trees were so high that they touched or were close to the sky.

(ii) Identify any two literary devices used in this extract.

Answer: Two literary devices used in this extract are:

1. Imagery: The "fir trees dark and high" paints a visual image of towering, dark fir trees.

2. Irony: The poet's realization in adulthood that he is farther from heaven than he felt in his childhood is ironic, as usually, growing older is associated with gaining wisdom and getting closer to life's truths.

(iii) What does he refer to as "childish ignorance"? What is the joy' referred to in this extract?

Answer: The "childish ignorance" refers to the poet's naive belief during his childhood that the tops of the fir trees touched the sky. The 'joy' in this extract refers to the pleasure derived from innocent beliefs and perceptions of childhood, which are untainted by the harsh realities of adulthood.

(iv) Why did the poet feel closer to heaven earlier? Why does he feel farther off from heaven now?

Answer: The poet felt closer to heaven during his childhood due to his innocence, sense of wonder, and unburdened spirit. Now, in his adulthood, with the weight of knowledge, experience, and perhaps regrets, he feels more distant from the purity and bliss symbolized by heaven.

(v) The last three lines suggest that the poet has lost his youthful joy and optimism. Do you agree? Elaborate with reference to the poem.

Answer: Yes, the last three lines indeed suggest that the poet has lost his youthful joy and optimism. The lines convey a sense of longing for the simplicity and innocence of childhood. Throughout the poem, the poet contrasts the blissful memories of his childhood with the challenges and realizations of adulthood, indicating a yearning for the past and a sense of loss of innocence.

Project Work 

1. Do you think the poet misses his childhood and wants to go back to that time? Elaborate.

Answer: 

Absolutely. Throughout the poem "I Remember, I Remember", the poet, Thomas Hood, is awash with nostalgia. His fond memories of childhood are presented in stark contrast to his present state. The recurring refrain "I remember, I remember" underscores this deep yearning for the past. The vivid descriptions of the house he grew up in, the flowers, the swing, and the tall fir trees all paint a picture of a time filled with wonder, innocence, and happiness. In contrast, his adult life seems filled with regrets and sorrows. The lines, "But now, I often wish the night had borne my breath away!" reveal his wish to have stayed in those childhood moments forever. This powerful sentiment showcases the depth of his longing for the blissful days of his youth.

2. What is the mood of the poem 'I Remember I Remember"?

Answer:

The mood of the poem is deeply nostalgic and melancholic. Hood's reminiscences about his childhood are filled with warmth and fondness, evoking an era of innocence and wonder. However, this is contrasted sharply with his present feelings of sorrow and longing. The constant juxtaposition of the blissful past and the regretful present creates a mood of yearning. His descriptions are both vivid and emotional, making readers feel his deep sense of loss and his longing to go back to those simpler times.

3. Is the poet wiser now? Give references to support your answer.

Answer:

Yes, the poet is wiser now, but this wisdom comes with a sense of loss. This is evident in the lines, "It was a childish ignorance, But now 'tis little joy To know I'm farther off from heav'n than when I was a boy." As a child, he believed that the tops of the tall fir trees touched the sky, symbolizing his innocence and the simplistic worldview of childhood. But as an adult, he has come to know the realities of the world. This newfound wisdom or realization has robbed him of the innocent joys and the sense of closeness to heaven he felt as a child.

4. When we are young, we are in a hurry to grow up; and when we grow up, we remember the childhood days and memories. Comment.

Answer:

This statement rings true for many. Childhood is often a time of innocence, wonder, and a lack of responsibilities. However, as children, many long for the freedoms and autonomy associated with adulthood. Yet, once grown, the weight of responsibilities, the complexities of life, and the loss of innocence often make adults yearn for the simplicity and joy of their childhood days. Thomas Hood's "I Remember, I Remember" encapsulates this sentiment perfectly. The poet's vivid recollections of his youth, juxtaposed against his current feelings of longing, highlight the universal human tendency to idealize the past and yearn for times gone by.

5. What does the poem show about the poet's present? Compare the poet's childhood days with his present.

Answer:

The poem paints a picture of the poet's present as one filled with regrets, sorrows, and a deep yearning for the past. The references to his current state, such as "But now, I often wish the night had borne my breath away!" and "That is so heavy now," highlight his feelings of desolation and the burdens of adulthood. In contrast, his childhood is portrayed as a time of innocence, wonder, and pure joy. The house, the garden, the swing, and the tall fir trees all symbolize different aspects of a blissful childhood. The stark differences between the then and now emphasize the transient nature of time and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with growing up.

6. Comment on the main theme of the poem.

Answer:

The main theme of "I Remember, I Remember" is the nostalgia for childhood and the inevitable passage of time. The poem delves deep into the human psyche's tendency to look back on the past, especially childhood, with a mix of fondness, regret, and yearning. Thomas Hood contrasts the innocence, simplicity, and joy of childhood with the complexities, burdens, and regrets of adulthood. The recurring refrain "I remember, I remember" underscores the deep-seated human desire to hold onto cherished memories and the longing to relive moments from the past. The poem is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the universal sentiment of longing for days gone by.