Here you’ll find a short summary of NBSE Class 10 alternative English chapter ‘Closed Path’ and questions and answers. However, these notes should be used only for references. These materials should be modified/changed as per the needs.
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Summary
In the first verse, the poet looks inward and thinks he has reached the end of his ability to do anything more because he is drained of creative energy. He thinks that, perhaps, his writing days are over; that, perhaps, he should wait quietly for the end of his days too. In the second verse, the poet looks towards God and tells Him that His will is still working out His purpose in his life. He feels inspired to compose music, even though he thought he had lost his ability to write. God seemed to be opening up new creative pathways for him even as he thought the old ones were closing. In his own weakness, the poet sees that God’s strength is leading him to new ways of being creative. He feels inspired to compose music when he thought his literary abilities were failing.
Textual questions and answers
Choose the correct option.
1. What is the poet experiencing in the poem?
Answer: d. Writer’s block
2. Which of the following sayings reflects the message of the poem you have just read?
Answer: a. ‘When one door closes another opens.’
3. What has the poem taught you about getting your creative juices flowing again?
Answer: a. Keep your faith and devotion to God strong.
Explain with reference to context
1. I thought that my voyage had come to its end
at the last limit of my power, that the path before me was closed,
a. What voyage is the poet talking about?
b. Why was he thinking so?
c. Explain the second line.
Answer: a. The poet is talking about the voyage of his creative career as a writer.
b. He was thinking so because he could feel his creative energy getting drained and exhausted after a prolonged career.
c. In the second line, the poet is saying that he has exhausted his limit of creativity and thus is lacking inspiration. He could feel he cannot go on anymore and his career as a writer and is finally getting over.
2. that provisions were exhausted
and the time come to take shelter in a silent obscurity.
But I find that thy will knows no end in me.
a. When do you think the poet would have felt so?
b. Does the poet see better days after this?
c. Who is the poet talking to?
Answer: a. The poet would have felt so in the latter part of his career as a writer when inspiration doesn’t come easy and he feels he has exhausted all his creative energy.
b. Yes, the poet does see better days after this as God continues to lead him to newer avenues when he thought his literary abilities were failing and he goes on to compose new music.
c. The poet is talking to God.
Answer the questions
1. Whose will does the poet refer to?
Answer: The poet is referring to the will of God.
2. To what does the poet compare his newfound ability to sing?
Answer: The poet compares his newfound ability to sing to a new country with all its wonders that have been revealed to him through the will of the Almighty.
3. Would you consider this a spiritual or a social poem? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer: I consider this a spiritual poem. The poem talks about the will of God and the miracles God can do in the darkest of our times to get us out from where we were and take us to newer places full of hope and wonders. In the poem Closed Path by Rabindranath Tagore, the poet feels he has exhausted all his creative energy. He thinks that his writing days are over and he should wait quietly for the end of his days too. But then, he feels inspired to compose music when he thought he had lost his ability to write. God seemed to be opening out new creative pathways for him even as he thought the old ones were closing.
Think and answer
1. In the second stanza of the poem, the poet mostly feels
a. surprised. b. grateful. c. excited.
Answer: b. grateful.
2. Read the last four lines of the poem. Give another example where something old gives way to new.
Answer: Day gives way to night.
3. Imagine that whoever is addressed in the poem gave a message to the poet when the poet was feeling hopeless. Write a few lines to give that message.
Answer: “Do not despair, my child. I am with you always. Though you may feel lost and alone, I will never forsake you. I have a plan for your life, and it is a good one. Trust in me, and I will lead you on the right path.”
4. Read the first two lines and the last two lines of the poem. Can they be relevant to a situation other than creativity or art? Explain.
Answer: Yes, they can be relevant to any situation where someone feels like they have reached the end of their rope and have no more to give. For example, someone who is struggling with a difficult illness or a personal loss may feel like they have reached the end of their journey. However, even in these dark times, it is possible to find new hope and strength.
Going beyond
Write a paragraph on the following.
1. The poet’s attitude to his creative talents of composing poetry and music.
Answer: Poet and composer Rabindranath Tagore was incredibly gifted and prolific. Tagore took great care to hone and polish his abilities as a writer and musician throughout his career, showing a deep appreciation and respect for his artistic abilities. Tagore took great pride in his ability to produce works that resonated with his readers and listeners because he saw poetry and music as a way to communicate with others and to express his truest emotions and thoughts. As someone who was devoted to using his artistic abilities to improve the world, Tagore frequently used his poetry and music to speak to social and political issues as well as to advance peace and understanding. Overall, Tagore had a grateful, humble, and purposeful attitude toward his artistic abilities. He saw his poetry and music as a way to improve the lives of others and to make a significant contribution to the world.
2. The talents we possess from your understanding of the poem.
Answer: We all have a variety of talents and abilities that we can use to make sense of the world and find meaning in our lives, according to Rabindranath Tagore’s poem “Closed Path.” Our senses and experiences, which enable us to perceive and comprehend the world around us, as well as our creativity and imagination, which enable us to express ourselves and connect with others, may be examples of these talents. The poem makes the argument that we have the capacity to learn and develop throughout our lives and that our talents are neither limited nor fixed but rather constantly expanding and evolving. Our understanding of the world is limited, and there is always more to learn and discover, so the poem also exhorts us to be humble and open-minded. The poem’s main message is to embrace our talents and use them to connect with others and have a positive impact on the world.
Extra MCQs
1. What does the poet believe has reached its end?
A. His life
B. His journey
C. His faith
D. His creativity
Answer: D. His creativity
10. What does the poet mean by “obscurity”?
A. Darkness
B. Loneliness
C. Anonymity
D. Hiding
Answer: C. Anonymity
Extra questions and answers
1. What does the poet initially believe about his creative abilities?
Answer: The poet initially believes that he has reached the end of his creative abilities and that his writing days are over. He feels drained of inspiration and thinks that his path forward is closed.
8. What lessons can readers draw from the poem about overcoming creative blocks or challenges in life?
Answer: The poem offers several lessons about overcoming creative blocks or challenges in life. It encourages readers to maintain faith and trust in a higher purpose, even when facing setbacks. It also highlights the importance of remaining open to new possibilities and embracing change as a source of inspiration and growth. The poem ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience, reminding readers that even when one path seems closed, new and unexpected opportunities can emerge.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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Sir you answer are not match to my school answer
Thanks for notes sir
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