In the poem "Nation's Strength," Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects on what truly makes a nation great and strong. He asks what makes a nation's pillars high and its foundations strong, allowing it to defy the enemies that surround it. Emerson concludes that it is not gold or .............................
A Nation's Strength - New Broadway (MCB) - Class 8 - English
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Back Questions - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Literature | English | Class 8
The poem broadly deals with the following ideas. Against each idea, write the number of the stanza or stanzas that relate to it.
i. What is the source of a nation’s strength? ………………………………..
ii. Three things that are generally considered important: …………………………..
iii. The real source of strength: …………………………………
i. The source of a nation's strength is conveyed throughout the poem but is expressed most directly in the last two stanzas (5th and 6th).
ii. Gold, Swords, and Pride are considered important, but they're depicted as unreliable sources of strength in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stanzas, respectively.
iii. The real source of strength, according to the poem, lies in the character and dedication of its citizens, as mentioned in the 5th and 6th stanzas.
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What is the question that the poet asks in the beginning of the poem? Does he go on to answer it?
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Sign up nowWhat are the three things that people generally regard as the strength of any nation? Does the poet agree with this view? How does he show that these things are not reliable?
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Sign up nowWhat, in the opinion of the poet, is the main source of strength for a nation?
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Sign up nowList the qualities that are needed in people to make their nation strong.
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Sign up nowThe poem uses several words that are related to the structure of a building, e.g., pillars in line 1. Pick out other such examples from the poem.
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Sign up nowPoetry uses images to convey ideas. Often single words can convey a whole idea. Look at the following words and phrases that appear in the poem. Discuss what idea each of the following brings to our mind.
a. gold
b. the sword
c. That bright crown
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Sign up nowThe poem uses a metaphor to depict a strong nation.
It is a figure of speech which makes an implied or hidden comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics.
In this poem, a nation is compared to an impressive building with strong foundations. The poet does not merely say that a strong nation is like an impressive building but describes it as the structure. That is why it is a metaphor and not a simile.
You can see how the use of this metaphor appeals to our senses, sharpening our imagination to understand what is being said.
In fact, metaphors are not just used in poetry. They are used in everyday speech too.
The following examples will illustrate this:
- She is the apple of my eye.
- Her voice is music to my ears.
- His temper is a volcano ready to explode.
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Sign up nowHere are a few examples of metaphors from some famous sources. Locate the metaphor in each of them and explain what the comparison is in each case.
a. All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players.
b. Sport is war minus the shooting.
c. Don’t go chasing waterfalls
Stick to the rivers and lakes you’re used to.
d. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.
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Sign up nowExtra Questions - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Literature | English | Class 8
What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
- Name the poem and the poet.
- What does the poet question about a Nation's strength?
- What does the poet question about a Nation's might?
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
- The poem is ‘Nation's Strength’, and the poet is Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- The poet questions what factors contribute to a nation's strength, specifically its "pillars" (the people) and "foundations" (the principles and values upon which it is built).
- The poet questions what makes a nation mighty enough to defy and withstand its foes or enemies that surround it, seeking to understand the source of a nation's resilience and power in the face of adversity.
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It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.
a. What role does gold play in a nation's strength according to the poet?
b. What does the poet say about the foundations of these kingdoms built on gold?
c. Identify the poetic device used in the above lines.
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Vocabulary - Flashcards - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
About the Author - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who was a central figure in the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He is best known for his essays and lectures on the nature of individualism, self-reliance, and the divinity of nature. His works helped to shape American literature and philosophy, and he became one of the most influential thinkers of his time.
Emerson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and graduated from Harvard University in 1821. He became a Unitarian minister in 1826 but resigned in 1832 due to philosophical differences with the church. He began to focus on his writing and became known for his speeches and lectures on various topics, including politics, history, and literature.
Emerson's writing profoundly impacted American culture, and his works were widely read and admired by his contemporaries, including Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Emily Dickinson. He was also known for his abolitionist views and support for women's suffrage.
Today, Emerson is still widely read and studied, and his ideas continue to inspire thinkers and writers around the World.
His emphasis on individualism, self-reliance and the importance of nature has made him one of the most enduring figures in American literature and philosophy.
Summary - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
The themes in the poem "Nation's Strength" by Ralph Waldo Emerson are as follows:
The Importance of Human Values
The poem emphasises that a nation's strength lies not in its wealth or power but in the values and virtues of its people. The people who are honest, brave, and hardworking make a nation great.
The Transience of Wealth and Power
Emerson highlights how wealth and power are fleeting, and the
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Unlock now 🔓Poetic Devices - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
The poem "Nation's Strength" by Ralph Waldo Emerson uses several poetic devices, including:
Metaphor
Emerson uses the metaphor of building pillars to represent the strength of a nation. He also compares the kingdoms to shafts laid on sinking sand, representing wealth and power's fragility.
Repetition
The phrase "Not gold" is repeated throughout the poem to emphasise
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Unlock now 🔓Symbols - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
In the poem "A Nation’s Strength," several symbols are used to convey the central theme that the strength and greatness of a nation lie not in its material wealth or military power but in the character of its citizens:
- Nation’s Pillars: This symbol stands for the elements that uphold a nation's integrity, stability, and strength. It's suggested that these pillars are not material or superficial elements but the virtues of its citizens.
- Foundations: This represents the underlying principles or values upon which a nation is built. The strength of these foundations ....
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - A Nation's Strength | New Broadway (MCB) | Class 8 Literature | English
Pillars - tall upright structures or columns that support the weight of a building or structure.
The grand entrance of the palace was adorned with marble pillars, exuding a sense of majesty.
Foundations - the solid base or groundwork upon which something is built or established.
The success of any relationship is built upon a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Mighty - possessing great power, strength, or influence; impressive in size or extent.
The mighty waterfall cascaded down the cliff, creating a breathtaking sight.
Defy - to resist or challenge openly; to refuse to obey or conform to.
The brave protesters marched...........
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