The Solitary Reaper - Interact in English: Literature Reader - Class 9 - CBSE English

Alone she cuts, and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain: O listen! for the vale profound Is overflowing with the sound. (a) Who is 'she' in the first line and what is she doing? (b) Give the meaning of 'melancholy strain'. Why do you think is the song called so? (c) What do you understand by the word 'profound' in the above lines? (d) How is the 'sound' affecting the poet?

No nightingale did ever chant More welcome notes to weary bands Of Travellers in some shady haunt. Among Arabian Sands; (a) What does the poet want to convey by comparing the Solitary Reaper's song with that of the Nightingale? (b) In what way is the Nightingale's song a 'welcome' song? (c) Explain: "some shady haunt".

A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the cuckoo-bird. Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides; (a) Why is the voice in the first line described as thrilling? (b) What does the poet want to convey by comparing the cuckoo bird's song with that of the Solitary Reaper? (c) Why do you think the poet is exaggerating the melody of the Solitary Reaper's song?

Will no one tell me what she sings? Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: (a) Whose song is referred to here? (b) What does the word 'Perhaps' in the second line suggest? (c) Explain : 'plaintive numbers', (d) Why does the poet say, "Will no one tell me what she sings?

Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, that has been, and may be again? (a) What is the poet trying to do in these lines? (b) Explain: 'humble lay'. (c) How does the Solitary Reaper's song affect the poet?

Whate'er the theme, the maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending; (a) What is the meaning of the word 'maiden'? Who is the maiden referred to here? (b) Why could the poet not understand the theme of the maiden's song? What guess does he make about it?
(c) Why does it seem to be never ending? (d) What impression of the maiden do you form after reading the poem?

I listen 'd, motionless and still And, as I mounted up the hill, The Music in my heart I bore, Long after it was heard no more. (a) How did the poet listen to the song of the solitary reaper? (b) What could be the theme of the song as according to the poet? (c) Explain: 'The Music in my heart I bore.'

Why do you think Wordsworth has chosen the song of the nightingale and the cuckoo, for comparison with the solitary reaper’s song?

How does the poet creates an aura of romance and mystery in the poem ‘The Solitary Reaper”?

The poem is rich in imagery. Pick out two images which appeal to you the most. Give reason for your choice?

The poet is captivated by the mellifluous voice of the reaper. However the poem itself is very rhythmic and musical as well. How does the poet achieve this effect?

What assumptions des the poet make about the theme of the reaper’s song? What makes him do so? What does the expression ‘plaintive numbers’ mean in this context?

The theme of Wordsworth’s poetry are generally drawn from the lives of simple, ordinary rural folk living in close proximity to nature. Nature has always been a source of great spiritual bliss and comfort to the poet. The reaper’s song too has a certain ethereal quality to it. How does the poet employ nature in the poem to create this effect?

The maiden sang if her song could have no ending?