CBSE Class 12 English Core Flamingo Book Poem 3 A Thing of Beauty Question Answers from previous years question papers (2019-2024)
A Thing of Beauty Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Poem 3, “A Thing of Beauty”.
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) Beauty provides security and peace.
(B) Beauty lies in possession of expensive things.
(C) Beauty is synonymous with power and riches.
(D) Beauty lies in our rich heritage and palaces and temples.
Ans. (A) Beauty provides security and peace.
(ii) Complete the following sentence appropriately.
A thing of beauty never passes into nothingness because it is ___________.
Ans. a source of perpetual joy.
(iii) ‘Quiet bower’ means a pleasant, shady, quiet place under trees or in the woods. This creates a sense of ___________.
Ans. tranquillity.
(iv) State whether the given statement is True or False with reference to the extract.
The quality of a thing ensures that its beauty lasts forever.
Ans. True
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 3 and 4 of the given extract, which word will rhyme with them?
(A) please
(B) sweep
(C) help
(D) self
Ans. (B) sweep
(vi) The use of the word ‘health’ in the extract suggests that beautiful things will give us a happier and more wholesome life. It creates a powerful image of _____________.
(A) rejuvenation
(B) attachment
(C) long life
(D) eternity
Ans. (A) rejuvenation
Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching :
(i) Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?
(A) The beautiful things in nature
(B) Things that cause unhappiness
(C) The immortality of human beings
(D) The early morning fragrance of flowers
Ans. (A) The beautiful things in nature
(ii) State whether the given statement is True or False, with reference to the extract.
The paths we follow are often not worthy of our noble nature.
Ans. True
(iii) Complete the following sentence appropriately :
‘We wreathe for ourselves a flowery band every morrow because __________.
Ans. It helps us stay connected to the earth despite the challenges and despair we face.
(iv) The use of the word ‘dearth’ creates a powerful image of __________.
Ans. a lack or scarcity of noble and virtuous people, contributing to a sense of gloom.
(v) Based on the rhyme scheme in lines 4 and 5, which of the following word will rhyme with ‘days’ and ‘ways’?
(A) craze
(B) pays
(C) haste
(D) waste
Ans. (D) waste
(vi) The lack of punctuation at the end of line 3 in the extract is to :
(A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line.
(B) encourage the reader to understand grammar.
(C) forewarn the reader of gloomy days ahead.
(D) keep us connected to this earth.
Ans. (A) create a sense of continuity and flow that connects it with the fourth line.
Q3. ‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms ; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’. [40-50 Words]
Ans. The phrase ‘mighty dead’ refers to great historical figures and heroes who have passed away. The grandeur of their legacies and the impact they left behind continue to inspire and evoke admiration, showing that their influence endures beyond their lifetimes.
Q4. How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Keats relates the ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’ by suggesting that the stories and legends of great historical figures add to the beauty and inspiration of the world. Their legacy contributes to the enduring beauty that Keats celebrates.
Q5. Imagine you are John Keats, the poet of ‘A Thing of Beauty’. What advice might you offer to Robert Frost, the poet of ‘A Roadside Stand’ in the context of his ‘The sadness that lurks near the open window’? Pen down your advice in a letter to Frost on how to deal with sadness. You may begin this way :
Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and …. ….
You may end this way :
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Warmly
John Keats [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Robert,
I have recently read your poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ and was deeply moved by the portrayal of sadness and longing. As a fellow poet, I understand how the weight of the world’s sorrows can press upon one’s spirit. In my poem ‘A Thing of Beauty,’ I explored the idea that beauty, in its many forms, offers solace and joy that endure despite life’s trials.
When you feel overwhelmed by sadness, seek out the simple yet profound beauty in nature, art, or moments of kindness. These instances of beauty can provide a quiet refuge, helping to lighten the burden of sorrow. Remember, the appreciation of beauty can transform our outlook, infusing our lives with a sense of peace and hope.
Despite the fact that our lives are full of sorrow and suffering, the beautiful things around us give us the strength to endure the sadness of life.
Yours sincerely,
John Keats
Q6. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and ‘A Roadside Stand’ are poetic expressions of human relationships. The first engages with nature while the latter highlights the individual’s place in society. Describe with reference to the two poems. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ acknowledges the creation of nature and addresses them as things of beauty. These beautiful creations of nature are eternal and give us immense joy. The poet highlights the various reliefs and respites provided by the shady bower, the cool rills, the warm Sun and the sheep. He is grateful for the pretty flowers and the tales of brave men. All such objects of beauty bind us to the earth and give us a reason to live and survive in this otherwise greedy world.
The poem ‘A Roadside Stand’ presents the plight of the rural poor who crave for some money from the urban populace. They display farm produce on sheds by the highways and expect the rich people who pass by in cars, to stop and buy the goods. The poet also mentions how these innocent poor people are fooled by the politicians and authorities who are like beasts. They grab their land and shift them to further off places. They force them to live in such poverty-ridden conditions. No one really wants to help these people. Both the poems highlight the nuances of human relationships and emotions and lay importance on maintaining a balance.
Q7. If you were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty”, how would you interpret the need for quiet introspection as mentioned in “Keeping Quiet”? [120-150 Words]
Ans. If I were the poet of “A Thing of Beauty,” I would interpret the need for quiet introspection as a fundamental step toward appreciating the beauty around us. In “Keeping Quiet,” the call for silence and pause is essential for reflecting on our actions and their impact on the world. This introspection allows individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and recognize the profound beauty in simple, everyday moments. Just as beauty in nature provides solace and joy, quiet introspection helps us understand and value these experiences. It is through this reflection that we can foster a deeper appreciation for life’s small wonders, promoting peace and contentment within ourselves and our surroundings.
Q8 …… but will keep
A bower quiet for us. (A Thing of Beauty)
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive. (Keeping Quiet)
Based on ideas from ‘Keeping Quiet’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, as President of Eco Club of your school. Draft a speech on the importance of preserving nature for the benefit of mankind.
You may begin like this.
Good morning to one and all !
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe ……………. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all!
After reading both the poems, I strongly believe that preserving nature is crucial for the wellbeing of mankind. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats highlights how the beauty of nature provides us with endless joy and a sense of peace. Similarly, Pablo Neruda’s ‘Keeping Quiet’ teaches us the importance of stillness and introspection to understand our connection with the Earth.
Nature’s beauty is a constant source of inspiration and comfort. The trees, flowers, rivers, and mountains provide a tranquil environment that rejuvenates our spirits. However, with the current pace of environmental degradation, we risk losing these precious gifts. It is imperative that we take action to protect our natural surroundings. Planting trees, reducing pollution, and conserving wildlife are steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future.
Let us all commit to making small changes in our daily lives to preserve the beauty of nature for future generations. Together, we can create a harmonious relationship with our environment and enjoy the lasting benefits it offers.
Thank you.
Questions from the Poem in 2023 Board Exams
Q1. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet
and breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.
(i) Keats defines beauty as
(a) transient
(b) eternal
(c) illusionary
(d) short lived
Ans. (b) eternal
(ii) ‘will keep a bower quiet for us’ means all of the following EXCEPT
(a) create a peaceful, shady place
(b) provide a shelter
(c) will decrease noise pollution
(d) nature’s canopy
Ans. (c) will decrease noise pollution
(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below :
- Beautiful things uplift the soul.
- Beauty is ever changing.
(a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.
(c) both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.
(d) both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.
Ans. (a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are
(1) lack of noble nature
(2) old tunes
(3) dull days
(4) calm mind
(5) a flowery band
(6) strong relationships
Choose the most appropriate option :
(a) (1) and (2)
(b) (1) and (3)
(c) (4) and (5)
(d) (3) and (6)
Ans. (b) (1) and (3)
(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from used example :
flowery band : metaphor :: ___________: alliteration
Ans. we wreathing
(vi) According to the poet ‘every morrow’ we are ___________.
Ans. wreathing
Q2. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression? Explain. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Things that are beautiful last for a long time. It will always be a part of our memories. The happiness they give us lasts forever and grows greater every time we think about them. When we remember beautiful things from the past, it “lifts the cloud from our dark spirits.”
Q3. In the poem “A Thing of Beauty”, how is grandeur connected with the mighty dead? [40-50 Words]
Ans. The tales of the mighty soldiers who sacrificed their lives while fighting the enemy are impressive and inspiring. Thus, the poet says that the tales of the mighty dead have gradeur.
Q4. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, can be read together to show the permanence and everlasting impact of art and of things of beauty. Comment. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Both “Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers” by Adrienne Rich and “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats explore the idea of art and beauty being eternal and having a lasting impact on humanity. Aunt Jennifer uses needlepoint to make tigers that reflect the strength and freedom she lacks in her married life. The tigers will live on long after Aunt Jennifer has passed away, symbolising the enduring power of art. Similarly, Keats ‘A Thing of Beauty’ indicates that beauty is a source of joy that transcends the fleeting character of human existence.
These poems imply that beauty and art, whether in the shape of needlework or nature, have the ability to transcend human constraints and time, making a lasting impression on individuals and civilizations. Even after the creators have
passed away, art and beauty remain relevant and treasured for future generations. These poems remind us that art and beauty may create a sense of permanence and inspire future generations, rather than being fleeting pleasures.
Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams
Q1. What is the theme of the poem – ‘A Thing of Beauty’? [40 Words]
Ans. In many ways, A Thing of Beauty symbolises the romantic conclusion of Keats’s strong trust in the non-destruction of beauty, in its claim to validity in light of its transience, and in its capacity to summon or interpret the truth. This serves as the poem’s central idea. The poet’s artistic interpretation of beauty as an unyielding source of delight and pleasure clashes with his awareness of the life’s challenging issues, each of which the essence of beauty addresses in its own unique way. The objects of beauty are immune to time’s impermanence and, in fact, mortality, unlike the commonplace objects of everyday certainty. Nature’s sun, moon, plants, and animals are defenders of an infinity that cannot be compared to the transience and impermanence of human plans.
Q2. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort? [40 Words]
Ans. A thing of beauty provides shelter and comfort by offering solace and inspiration. It uplifts the spirit and brings joy, making life more bearable and enriching.
Q3. What are the things that cause suffering and pain? [40 Words]
Ans. Inhumanity, the lack of noble souls causes gloom and makes lives over darkened.
Q4. What, according to Keats, causes a pall over our spirits? [40 Words]
Ans. Spite of despondence, inhuman dearth of noble natures, of the gloomy days, unhealthy and over darkened ways causes a pall over our spirits.
Q5. How can the ‘mighty dead’ be described as ‘a thing of beauty’? Explain. [40 Words]
Ans. The mighty dead inspire humanity, their tales of valour inspire us for generations to come and so, are things of beauty.
Q6. What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? [40 Words]
Ans. Human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings because of the existence of several natural and beautiful things around them. These things of beauty never fade. They give joy and optimism to human mind, and thus, help in overcoming or bearing the troubles and sufferings.
Q7. According to the poet, Keats, nature offers a vast array of beautiful things around us which we fail to notice in our mundane life. List the beautiful things. [40 Words]
Ans. The things of beauty mentioned in the poem are the Sun, Moon, trees, flowers, sheep, streams and tales of the mighty dead.
Q8. Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an ‘endless fountain’ in the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’? [40 Words]
Ans. The lovely tales of the mighty dead inspire the future generations. They are like an endless fountain of an immortal drink bestowed upon humanity from the heaven above. These stories are impressive and when the posterity hears or reads them, they get motivated.
Q9. Explain “On every morrow are we wreathing. A flowery band to bind us to the earth …”. [40 Words]
Ans. The lines suggest that each new day, we create a metaphorical “wreath” of beautiful things that connect us to the world, reminding us of the enduring joy and meaning that beauty brings to our lives.
Q10. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? Elaborate with reference to the poem. [120-150 Words]
Ans. A Thing of beauty is a joy forever due to various reasons. The natural creations like the Sun provides warmth and energy, the moon is a beauty to look at in the night sky, the sheep provide us wool and milk, the flowers add vibrance to our life, the tales of brave men inspire us, the cool rills of water quench our thirst and the shade of the trees provide us sweet dreams, good sleep and health. Thus, these things of beauty give eternal joy to mankind.
Q11. The objects of beauty remove the gloom from our lives. Discuss with reference to the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The beauty in things lifts the melancholy from our life. There are numerous things that harm and hurt us. The main causes of human misery are malice and disappointment. The absence of noble traits is another. Our bad and unhealthy habits also produce a great deal of problems and misery. They lower our mood. They cast a gloomy veil over our existence. When this happens, beautiful things, good deeds, and moving stories help us overcome our anxiety and despair and learn to love life again. Men and animals alike get relief from the heat by seeking refuge under a tree or by becoming one with nature and its calming effects. The beautiful things that nature provides are straightforward. Every living thing is calmed down by them. We experience happiness when we interact with beautiful things. They leave us with a lasting impression. It is made plain right away by Keats. A beautiful object brings joy forever. It is a never-ending source of happiness and pleasure. It never loses or lessens any of its attractiveness. Every instant sees an increase in its beauty. Its worth has not decreased. It never vanishes into oblivion. It lifts the cloud of melancholy that hangs over our gloomy spirits.
Q12. What according to Keats are things of beauty? What is their significance in our lives? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The poet describes the natural world’s creations as beings of beauty. Even just glancing at or daydreaming about the dancing daffodil bushes and musk rose-studded thickets in verdant woodlands makes us happy. All of nature’s exquisite creations assist us in overcoming melancholy and uplifting our spirits. A beautiful thing is like a bower. We experience never-ending joy from it, relief from our sufferings, sound sleep, and a clear mind. Our dark spirits are lifted, and it brings us joy and tranquilly. There are certainly elements in life that bring about hardship and pain, such as hopelessness, a lack of honourable people, gloomy days, and excessively sinister paths. During these moments, we learn to love life by being inspired by beautiful things, good deeds, and compelling stories. Thus, the beautiful objects in our environment bring us joy always.
Q13. Justify the title of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. [120-150 Words]
Ans. The title of the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ is well justified because the poem discusses all the various beautiful creations of nature. The poet talks of the various benefits which these things provide mankind. According to him, the world is full of inhumanity, spite and gloom. It is only these beautiful creations which bind us to the earth. They are like a flowery wreath that bind us to this earth, to overlook the sadness and despondence. The poem talks of various things of beauty which give long-lasting happiness.
Q14. How do things of beauty have a lasting impact on us? [120-150 Words]
Ans. There are various things of beauty which provide everlasting joy to humans in different ways. According to the poet, Robert Frost, a thing of beauty binds us to this Earth which is otherwise full of despondence and lacks nobility. He lists down things of beauty as the Sun, the Moon, the trees, sheep, roses and daffodils, the clear rills of water and the tales of the mighty dead. When we have a close inspection of these things of beauty, we realize that each thing provides us relief, comfort and happiness in a unique manner. This unique feature makes the thing special and this speciality is recognized by the poet when he says that the things of beauty are eternal.
Every morning, the Sun shines brightly and provides us warmth and energy which activates us and our body’s circadian rhythm works in accordance to it. The Moon shines brightly in the night sky and is a beautiful sight to look at. It inspires lovers and poets. Sheep and similar domestic animals provide us various resources like wool and milk. The trees provide shade for resting and rejuvenating. The pretty flowers add vibrance to our lives. The clear streams of water nurture all life. The lovely tales of brave men inspire posterity to be valorous and thus, impact mankind.
Thus, we can see the numerous benefits that things of beauty provide us with.
Q15. In what way do the things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Things of beauty leave a lasting impression on us by providing a sense of joy and tranquillity. They uplift our spirits and offer a temporary escape from the challenges of life. Beauty in nature, art, or human kindness creates lasting memories because it evokes emotional responses and connects us to deeper meanings. This lasting impression helps us appreciate life more fully and inspires us to seek and cherish beauty in our everyday experiences.
Questions from the Poem in 2020 Board Exams
Q1. Read the extracts given below and briefly answer the questions that follow each.
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
(i) Which two things of beauty are mentioned in these lines?
Ans. Lovely tales, mighty dead
(ii) Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an endless fountain?
Ans. They inspire us and so, are an endless fountain of an immortal drink bestowed from the heaven above.
(iii) Where is this fountain situated?
Ans. In the heaven
(iv) Explain : ‘grandeur of the dooms’.
Ans. The term “grandeur of the dooms” refers to the glory and magnificence that the dead are entitled to on the Doom Day following their death.
2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Poem
Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(a) Name the poem and its poet.
Ans. A Thing of Beauty by John Keats.
(b) How does a thing of beauty remain a joy forever?
Ans. A thing of beauty remains a joy forever because it provides us pleasure, good health, sleep and binds us to this earth.
(c) Explain : ‘never pass into nothingness’.
Ans. It means that its importance will never end.
(d) How does the bower help us in our life? Give two examples.
Ans. The shady bower provides us good sleep, health, dreams and thus, nourishes us.
Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow :
A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
(a) Which two qualities of beauty are mentioned here?
Ans. Joyous, lovely
(b) How does it give calm to a troubled mind?
Ans. It calms a troubled mind by providing sleep full of sweet dreams, good health and deep breathing.
(c) What does the word `bower’ mean?
Ans. A pleasant shady place under trees.
(d) How does beauty lead to ‘a sleep full of sweet dreams’?
Ans. A shady bower of trees is a beautiful creation of nature. The shade gives us nice sleep which is full of sweet dreams.
Q3. How does a thing of beauty bring joy in our lives? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The poet John Keats lists down various things of beauty. These beautiful creations of God provide humans with different blessings. He says that the shade of the trees provides good sleep, sweet dreams and thus, good health. The beautiful flowers like daffodils and roses remove the sadness from our lives. The Sun gives us energy while the moon’s beauty inspires us. Animals like the sheep provide us with wool and similar things. The rills of water are a cooling covert which quench our thirst. The tales of the brave men are sources of inspiration. All these beautiful things are like a fountain of a heavenly drink that pours onto humanity from the heaven above.
Also see:
A Thing of Beauty Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions
A Thing of Beauty Summary, Explanation