Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 9 English Tulip Book Poem 9 Palanquin Bearers Question Answers
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Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 9 English Tulip Book Poem Palanquin Bearers Textbook Questions
Understanding the Poem
1. What are the feelings of the palanquin bearers as they carry the princess inside the palanquin?
Ans. The palanquin bearers feel happy, joyful, gentle, and proud while carrying the bride. They move lightly and softly, showing respect and care. Their singing and smooth movement reflect their admiration for the bride’s beauty and their happiness in being part of this important moment.
2. ‘Lightly, O lightly we bear her along; she sways like a flower in the wind of our song’. What are these opening lines of the poem suggestive of? Do you think that the palanquin bearers are sensitive to the presence of the bride?
Ans. The opening lines suggest lightness, grace, and delicacy. The bride is compared to a flower swaying in the wind, showing her beauty and fragility. Yes, the palanquin bearers are very sensitive to the presence of the bride. They carry her carefully, softly, and lovingly, ensuring she feels comfortable and honored.
3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? Pick out the pairs of rhyming words in the poem.
Ans. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCC in each stanza.
Rhyming pairs:
along / song
wind / sing
stream / dream
glide / bride
tide / bride
Learning about literary devices
1. In line 4 the poet says, ‘She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream’ and in line 10 she writes, ‘She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride.’ Do you think that the poet has deliberately used the device of contrast? Why has she done so?
Ans. Yes, the poet has deliberately used contrast.
“Laugh from the lips of a dream” suggests joy and happiness.
“Tear from the eyes of a bride” suggests sadness and emotional pain.
This contrast highlights the mixed emotions of a bride, happiness of marriage and sadness of leaving her parents’ home.
2. Simile: It is a figure of speech used to compare the qualities of two objects or things using words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’. For example;
a. The poet compares the bride to a flower.
b. She hangs like a star in the dew of a song.
The poem is full of similes. (Pick out all the similes used by the poet in the poem).
Ans.
The poem “Palanquin Bearers” is rich in similes. Here are all the similes used by the poet:
Stanza 1:
1. “She sways like a flower in the wind of our song”
2. “She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream”
3. “She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream”
4. “We bear her along like a pearl on a string”
Stanza 2:
5. “She hangs like a star in the dew of our song”
6. “She springs like a beam on the brow of the tide”
7. “She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride”
8. “We bear her along like a pearl on a string” (repeated as refrain)
Total: 8 similes (with “like a pearl on a string” appearing twice as a refrain)
Each simile compares the bride to different images from nature and emotions, creating a beautiful picture of her delicacy, grace, preciousness, and the mixed emotions surrounding her journey.
3. Refrain: poets often use the device of refrain (‘refrain’ is a line or a part of line or a group of lines repeated in the course of a poem). Did you notice that some words, lines/parts of lines are repeated in the poem?
Pick out these words or lines that are repeated. What effect does such repetition create in the poem?
Ans.
Repeated Words, Lines, and Parts of Lines:
1. Complete Line Refrain:
“We bear her along like a pearl on a string”
This line appears at the end of both stanzas (line 6 and line 12)
2. Repeated Adverbial Phrases:
“Lightly, O lightly” (line 1 and line 11)
“Gaily, O gaily” (line 5)
“Softly, O softly” (line 7)
3. Repeated Phrases:
“we bear her along” – appears in lines 1, 6, 7, and 12
“we glide and we sing” – appears in lines 5 and 11
4. Repeated Words:
“O” – used repeatedly as an exclamation throughout the poem
“like” – used in every simile throughout the poem
“along” – repeated multiple times
Effect of Such Repetition in the Poem:
1. Creates Musical Quality: The repetition gives the poem a song-like, lyrical quality that mirrors the actual songs sung by the palanquin bearers as they carry the bride
2. Establishes Rhythm and Pace: The repeated phrases create a rhythmic pattern that mimics the steady, swaying movement of the palanquin bearers as they walk
It reflects the synchronized steps and breathing of the bearers
3. Emphasizes Central Theme: The refrain “We bear her along like a pearl on a string” reinforces the main idea that the bride is precious, delicate, and carried with utmost care and tenderness
4. Creates Unity and Coherence: The repetition ties the two stanzas together, giving the poem structural harmony and wholeness
5. Enhances Memorability: Repeated lines and phrases make the poem easier to remember and recite, which is important for a poem about an oral tradition (singing while carrying)
6. Reflects the Nature of Folk Tradition: Refrain is a common feature in folk songs and traditional poetry, making this poem sound authentic to the cultural practice it describes
7. Builds Emotional Impact: The repetition with slight variations (lightly/softly/gaily) shows the changing emotions and pace of the journey, while maintaining continuity
8. Creates Incantatory Effect: The repeated “O” and adverbs create a chant-like, almost ceremonial quality appropriate for the sacred occasion of carrying a bride
4. You have studied in the last poem about images. Read the poem and complete the following table by matching lines from the poem with the related images conveyed by them:
| Line from the poem | Image conveyed |
| Skims like a bird | gliding movement of a bird flying over a stream |
| Sways like a flower | ____________ |
| Floats like a laugh | ____________ |
| Hangs like a star | ____________ |
| Springs like a beam | ____________ |
| Falls like a tear | ____________ |
Ans.
| Line from the poem | Image conveyed |
| Skims like a bird | gliding movement of a bird flying over a stream |
| Sways like a flower | gentle, delicate side-to-side movement of a flower in the breeze |
| Floats like a laugh | lightness, joy, and ethereal quality of laughter; something weightless and carefree |
| Hangs like a star | radiance, beauty, and delicate suspension; something precious shining in the sky |
| Springs like a beam | sudden brightness and upward movement of light; joy, energy, and hope |
| Falls like a tear | gentle downward movement; sadness, emotion, and the bittersweet feeling of leaving home |
Discussion
Palanquin was the part of our culture recently. It still finds its way in folk songs and film songs. Do you think that such parts of culture should be preserved. Give reasons in support of your answer.
Ans. Yes, such cultural traditions should be preserved. They reflect our history, values, and way of life. Traditions like the palanquin show respect, grace, and community bonding. Preserving them helps future generations understand their roots and keeps our cultural identity alive through songs, poems, and festivals.
Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 9 English Tulip Book Poem Palanquin Bearers Extra Question and Answers
Extract-Based Questions
A
Lightly, O lightly we bear her along,
She sways like a flower in the wind of our song;
She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream,
She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream.
1. Who are ‘we’ in these lines?
Ans. ‘We’ refers to the palanquin bearers who are carrying the bride in the palanquin.
2. How is the bride being carried?
Ans. The bride is being carried lightly and gently, with care and tenderness, as if she were something precious and delicate.
3. Name any two similes used in this extract.
Ans. “She sways like a flower in the wind of our song”
“She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream”
“She floats like a laugh from the lips of a dream” (Any two of these)
4. What do these comparisons tell us about the bride?
Ans.These comparisons tell us that the bride is delicate, light, beautiful, and precious. The similes suggest grace, gentleness, and ethereal beauty.
5. What is the mood of this stanza?
Ans.The mood of this stanza is light, joyful, cheerful, and celebratory, reflecting the happiness and festivity of a wedding.
B
Gaily, O gaily we glide and we sing,
We bear her along like a pearl on a string.
1. What is the emotional state of the palanquin bearers?
Ans. The palanquin bearers are in a happy, cheerful, and joyful emotional state as indicated by the word “gaily.”
2. What does “we glide and we sing” suggest about their movement?
Ans. It suggests that their movement is smooth, effortless, rhythmic, and accompanied by singing, showing that they don’t feel burdened by their task.
3. Why is the bride compared to “a pearl on a string”?
Ans. The bride is compared to a pearl on a string to emphasize her preciousness, delicate beauty, and the care with which she is being carried. A pearl is valuable and must be handled gently.
4. Which poetic device is used in this extract?
Ans. Simile is used in this extract (“like a pearl on a string”). Also, refrain, as this line is repeated in the poem.
5. What does this comparison reveal about the bearers’ attitude toward the bride?
Ans. This comparison reveals that the bearers have a respectful, caring, and tender attitude toward the bride. They see her as precious and valuable, worthy of gentle and careful handling.
C
Softly, O softly we bear her along,
She hangs like a star in the dew of our song;
She springs like a beam on the brow of the tide,
She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride.
1. What change in mood is indicated by the word “softly” compared to the earlier “lightly” and “gaily”?
Ans.The word “softly” indicates a more tender, gentle, and perhaps more emotional mood. There is a shift from celebration to a more reflective, poignant tone.
2. Explain the simile “She hangs like a star in the dew of our song.”
Ans.This simile compares the bride to a star suspended in dew, suggesting her radiant beauty and purity. Just as a star appears to hang delicately in the sky, the bride is held gently in the palanquin.
3. Why does the poet compare the bride to “a tear from the eyes of a bride”?
Ans.The poet uses this comparison to capture the mixed emotions of a bride—the sadness of leaving her parental home and family, along with the joy of beginning a new life. It reflects the bittersweet nature of a wedding.
4. What contrast is created in this stanza?
Ans. The contrast is between joy and sorrow—”springs like a beam” (happiness, brightness) versus “falls like a tear” (sadness, leaving home). This reflects the dual emotions experienced during a wedding.
5. Identify the images of light used in this extract.
Ans. The images of light used are:
“Star”
“beam on the brow of the tide” These images suggest brightness, radiance, and beauty.
D
“Lightly, O lightly we glide and we sing,
We bear her along like a pearl on a string.”
1. Why is this couplet repeated in the poem?
Ans. This couplet is repeated as a refrain to create rhythm, emphasize the central image of the bride as precious and delicate, and unify the poem’s structure.
2. What effect does the repetition create?
Ans. The repetition creates a musical, rhythmic effect that mimics the movement of the palanquin bearers. It also reinforces the central theme and makes the poem memorable.
3. What does the word “lightly” emphasize?
Ans. The word “lightly” emphasizes the ease, gentleness, and care with which the bearers carry the bride. It suggests that she is not a burden but is carried with love and respect.
4. How does the refrain contribute to the poem’s musicality?
Ans. The refrain contributes to the poem’s musicality by creating a repetitive, song-like quality that echoes the singing of the palanquin bearers and the rhythmic swaying of their movement.
5. What is the significance of comparing the bride to “a pearl”?
Ans. Comparing the bride to a pearl signifies her immense value, purity, beauty, and preciousness. Pearls are rare, delicate, and treasured, just as a bride is cherished and treated with special care.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Who is being carried in the palanquin in the poem?
a) A queen
b) A princess
c) A bride
d) A dancer
Ans: c) A bride
2. The palanquin bearers carry the bride _______
a) Roughly
b) Slowly and heavily
c) Lightly and gently
d) Carelessly
Ans: c) Lightly and gently
3. The bride is compared to a flower because she
a) Smells sweet
b) Is colourful
c) Sways gently
d) Blooms at night
Ans: c) Sways gently
4. “She skims like a bird on the foam of a stream” suggests
a) Heavy movement
b) Fast running
c) Smooth and graceful movement
d) Sudden movement
Ans: c) Smooth and graceful movement
5. The phrase “like a pearl on a string” shows that the bride is
a) Expensive
b) Delicate and precious
c) Bright
d) Strong
Ans: b) Delicate and precious
6. The tone of the poem is
a) Sad and fearful
b) Angry
c) Joyful and musical
d) Serious
Ans: c) Joyful and musical
7. Which literary device is mainly used in the poem?
a) Metaphor
b) Personification
c) Simile
d) Alliteration
Ans: c) Simile
8. The palanquin bearers glide and sing because they feel
a) Tired
b) Proud and happy
c) Afraid
d) Lonely
Ans: b) Proud and happy
9. “She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride” suggests
a) Fear
b) Pain
c) Emotional farewell
d) Anger
Ans: c) Emotional farewell
10. “She falls like a tear from the eyes of a bride” – This line suggests:
a) The bride is crying
b) The gentle descent and mixed emotions of leaving home
c) The bearers are sad
d) It is raining
Ans. b) The gentle descent and mixed emotions of leaving home
11. The words “Lightly, O lightly” show the bearers’
a) Speed
b) Care and gentleness
c) Fear
d) Anger
Ans: b) Care and gentleness
12. The bride “hangs like a star” suggests she is
a) Very high
b) Bright and beautiful
c) Lonely
d) Far away
Ans: b) Bright and beautiful
13. “The brow of the tide” refers to the
a) Bottom of the sea
b) Middle of the river
c) Surface of the waves
d) Shore of the sea
Ans: c) Surface of the waves
14. The palanquin bearers describe the bride mostly using images from
a) War
b) Nature
c) City life
d) Darkness
Ans: b) Nature
15. The word “gaily” in the poem means
a) Sadly
b) Slowly
c) Merrily
d) Quietly
Ans: c) Merrily
16. The rhyme scheme of the poem is
a) aabb
b) abab
c) aabbcc
d) aaabbb
Ans: c) aabbcc
17. Which image shows the bride’s light movement?
a) Like a stone
b) Like a bird
c) Like fire
d) Like a rock
Ans: b) Like a bird
18. The poem mainly celebrates –
a) Hard work
b) War
c) Beauty and tradition
d) Pain and sorrow
Ans: c) Beauty and tradition
19. The refrain “We bear her along like a pearl on a string” emphasizes the bride’s
a) Strength
b) Speed
c) Value and delicacy
d) Fear
Ans: c) Value and delicacy
20. The overall mood created by the repeated singing is
a) Tense
b) Joyful
c) Fearful
d) Lonely
Ans: b) Joyful
True or False
State whether the following are true or false-
1. The poem is narrated by the palanquin bearers.
2. The bride is compared to natural objects like a flower, bird, and star.
3. The movement of the palanquin is shown as rough and fast.
4. The poem reflects joy mixed with softness and care.
5. The bride is described as heavy and restless.
6. Repetition is used to create musical rhythm in the poem.
7. The poet uses similes throughout the poem.
8. The mood of the poem is harsh and sorrowful.
9. The poem highlights traditional Indian wedding culture.
10. The refrain adds grace and smooth flow to the poem.
Answer
1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True
10.True
Fill in the Blanks
1. The poem “Palanquin Bearers” is written by ____________.
2. The speakers of the poem are the ____________.
3. The bride is carried in a ____________.
4. The bride sways like a ____________ in the wind.
5. She skims like a ____________ on the foam of a stream.
6. The bride is compared to a ____________ on a string.
7. The word “gaily” means ____________.
8. The poem mainly describes a ____________ scene.
9. Repetition in the poem creates a ____________ effect.
10. The bride hangs like a ____________ in the dew of the song.
Answer
1. Sarojini Naidu
2. palanquin bearers
3. palanquin
4. flower
5. bird
6. pearl
7. happily
8. wedding
9. musical
10. star
Extra Questions
Answer the following-
Q1. What is the poem “Palanquin Bearers” about?
Ans. The poem describes a bride being carried in a palanquin and shows her beauty, grace, and the joyful care of the bearers.
Q2. Who are the speakers in the poem?
Ans. The speakers are the palanquin bearers who carry the bride gently and express their feelings through song and movement.
Q3. How do the palanquin bearers carry the bride?
Ans. They carry the bride lightly, softly, and carefully, showing respect, affection, and sensitivity to her delicate presence.
Q4. Why is the bride compared to a flower?
Ans. The bride is compared to a flower to show her grace, softness, beauty, and gentle movement.
Q5. What does “like a pearl on a string” suggest?
Ans. It suggests that the bride is precious, valuable, and carried with great care and unity by the palanquin bearers.
Q6. Which poetic device is mainly used in the poem?
Ans. Simile is mainly used, as the bride is compared to natural objects using words like “like” and “as”.
Q7. What mood is created in the poem?
Ans. The poem creates a joyful, musical, and tender mood suitable for a wedding procession.
Q8. What cultural aspect does the poem highlight?
Ans. The poem highlights the traditional Indian custom of carrying brides in palanquins during marriage ceremonies.
Q9. How does repetition function as a refrain in the poem?
Ans. Repetition of lines like “Lightly, O lightly we glide and we sing” adds rhythm, musical quality, and emphasizes gentle movement.
Q10. What is the central theme of the poem?
Ans. The poem highlights the bride’s beauty and grace, joyful celebration, and the gentle care shown by palanquin bearers in a traditional wedding.