Get summay, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF, competency-based questions of Donna Ashworth’s poem Sadness Comes: ISC Class 11 Modern English (Goyal Brothers Workbook), which is part of the present syllabus. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
Summary
The poem ‘Sadness Comes’ tells a story about a person’s experience with sadness. Sadness is described as a person who often visits the speaker. One night, the speaker tries to turn sadness away at the door, explaining that they are going to meet friends and it is not a good time for sadness to be there.
Despite being told to leave, sadness is persistent. It is described as having poor manners and being slow, but it follows the speaker to the gathering with friends. Even among the happy, laughing people, sadness squeezes its way in and stays close to the speaker.
The speaker becomes worried that the friends will see this sadness. The poem calls sadness a ‘spectre at the feast’, which means it feels like a ghost at a happy event. The speaker fears the friends will think less of them for having this sad companion. However, the friends are warm and accepting. They do not seem surprised or bothered. The speaker realizes that true friends understand that a person can sometimes come with their sadness, which is what the line ‘I sometimes come as two’ means.
Because the friends are so accepting, the feeling of sadness itself begins to change. It becomes ‘a lighter shade of grey’, which means the heavy feeling of sorrow gets a little easier to bear. The poem ends with a gentle message. It suggests that you should let sadness be with you instead of fighting it. You do not have to face it by yourself. The final instruction, ‘just pull an extra chair’, is a way of saying you should make room for your sad feelings and share them with others. This can bring comfort and help you feel better.
Line-by-line Explanations
Sadness came to tea last night / as she’s often done before
The poem begins by giving sadness human-like qualities, presenting it as a visitor who came for tea. This suggests that the feeling of sadness is not new to the speaker; it is a familiar and recurring guest in their life. The phrase “came to tea” implies an arrival that is almost casual, yet uninvited.
but I didn’t let her in this time / I stopped her at the door
On this particular occasion, the speaker decides to resist the feeling. They make a conscious effort to block sadness from entering their life, which is shown through the image of stopping someone at the doorway. This action represents a common human desire to avoid or suppress painful emotions.
“I’m off to meet with friends”, I said / “your timing isn’t right
The speaker directly addresses sadness as if it were a real person, explaining why it cannot be welcomed. They are going to a social gathering, a place for happiness, and feel that sadness does not belong there. This shows the speaker’s belief that certain emotions are inappropriate for certain situations.
I can’t allow your atmosphere / it’s not the place tonight”
The speaker continues to reject sadness, referring to the heavy and gloomy feeling it creates as its “atmosphere.” They believe this feeling would spoil the joyful event with friends, highlighting the pressure to always appear happy in social settings.
but sadness wouldn’t take the hint / her manners lack finesse
Despite the speaker’s attempts to push it away, sadness persists. The line “wouldn’t take the hint” shows that this emotion cannot be easily dismissed. It is described as having no “finesse” (grace or skill), meaning it is intrusive and does not care about being polite or waiting for an invitation.
her pace was slow and heavy / yet she kept up nonetheless
The movement of sadness is described as “slow and heavy,” which illustrates the draining and burdensome nature of the feeling. Even though it is heavy, it is also relentless. The word “nonetheless” (despite that) shows that no matter how the speaker tries to escape, sadness manages to follow along.
and even when I took my place / amongst my laughing friends
The scene changes to the speaker being with their friends, who are happy and laughing. This creates a sharp contrast between the cheerful external environment and the speaker’s internal emotional state, where sadness is still present.
she squeezed herself right in-between / her boldness never ends
This line uses a powerful image to show how sadness makes its presence felt. It “squeezed herself right in-between,” suggesting that the emotion intrudes even in moments of joy, making the speaker feel isolated despite being in company. Its “boldness” shows how persistent and shameless this feeling can be.
and I was sure my friends would see / this spectre at the feast
The speaker becomes worried that their inner sadness is visible to others. They call sadness a “spectre at the feast,” which is a metaphor for a ghostly, unwelcome presence that ruins a happy occasion. The speaker fears their sadness is spoiling the good time for everyone.
and somehow think me lesser / for inviting such a beast
The speaker’s anxiety grows as they worry about being judged. They fear their friends will “think me lesser,” or see them as weak and inferior, for carrying this heavy emotion. Describing sadness as a “beast” shows how monstrous and frightening the feeling can be to the person experiencing it.
but no, their warmth was undeterred / as if nothing was new
This is the turning point in the poem. The speaker’s fears are not realized. The friends’ kindness and warmth are “undeterred” (not discouraged or affected). They continue to be accepting, acting “as if nothing was new,” which suggests they understand and are not surprised by the speaker’s state.
I think perhaps they know by now / I sometimes come as two
The speaker has a moment of realization. They understand that their friends accept them completely, including the sadness they sometimes carry. The line “I sometimes come as two” signifies the speaker’s acceptance that sadness is a part of them, and that true friends embrace all parts of a person.
and even sadness seemed to glow / a lighter shade of grey
Once sadness is accepted by the speaker and their friends, the emotion itself begins to change. It is no longer a dark “beast” but becomes “a lighter shade of grey,” which symbolizes that the emotional weight has been reduced. The word “glow” suggests that acknowledging the feeling has made it less threatening.
to know that she’s accepted / seemed to lighten up her day
The reason for this transformation is acceptance. When sadness is no longer fought or hidden, it becomes less powerful. The personification continues, suggesting that even the emotion of sadness feels better when it is acknowledged, which in turn makes the experience less painful for the speaker.
so let your sad accompany you / don’t think her hard to bear
The poem concludes with direct advice to the reader. The message is to allow sadness to exist alongside you instead of fighting it. When you stop resisting it, the feeling becomes more manageable and not so “hard to bear.”
no need to face her all alone / just pull an extra chair.
This final image provides a powerful and compassionate solution. It suggests that the real difficulty is not the sadness itself, but facing it in isolation. To “pull an extra chair” is a metaphor for making space for your emotions, acknowledging their presence, and sharing them with supportive people. It is an invitation to be kind to yourself and to seek companionship.
Word Meanings
Came to tea: Visited or arrived unexpectedly. In the context of the poem, it means sadness arrived without being invited, like a guest dropping by.
Stopped her at the door: Tried to block or prevent something from entering. In the context of the poem, it means the speaker tried to keep sadness from affecting them or entering their life.
Atmosphere: The mood or feeling of a place or situation. In the context of the poem, it refers to the gloomy or heavy feeling that sadness brings.
Wouldn’t take the hint: Did not understand or ignored an indirect message. In the context of the poem, it means sadness did not leave even when the speaker indirectly told it to.
Finesse: Skill and grace in behavior or action. In the context of the poem, “her manners lack finesse” means sadness was rude and forceful, not polite or subtle.
Nonetheless: Despite that; however. In the context of the poem, it shows that even though sadness moved slowly, it still managed to stay with the speaker.
Squeezed herself right in-between: Forced her way into a space or situation. In the context of the poem, it means sadness pushed its way into the happy gathering of friends.
Boldness: The quality of being confident and unafraid. In the context of the poem, “her boldness never ends” means sadness is persistent and keeps intruding without hesitation.
Spectre: A ghost or a haunting presence. In the context of the poem, it refers to sadness as an unwelcome and visible presence at a happy gathering.
Feast: A large, enjoyable meal or celebration. In the context of the poem, it refers to the happy social gathering of the speaker and their laughing friends.
Think me lesser: Believe that I am weak or inferior. In the context of the poem, it means the speaker feared their friends would see them as weak for feeling sad.
Beast: A wild, frightening, or unwelcome creature. In the context of the poem, it is used by the speaker to describe sadness as something unwanted and difficult to handle.
Undeterred: Not discouraged or affected by something negative. In the context of the poem, it means the friends’ warmth was not lessened by the speaker’s sadness; they remained accepting.
Come as two: Bring both sadness and oneself together. In the context of the poem, it means the speaker has realized that sadness is a part of who they are, and they often experience it alongside their own self.
Accompany: To go along with or be present with someone. In the context of the poem, it means to let sadness be present with you, rather than trying to push it away.
Pull an extra chair: Make space for something or someone, accept it. In the context of the poem, it is a metaphor for accepting sadness and allowing it to be a part of one’s life, rather than fighting it.
Workbook solutions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What does the phrase ‘Sadness came to tea last night’ suggest?
(a) The speaker invited sadness willingly.
(b) Sadness arrived unexpectedly as if it were a guest.
(c) The speaker enjoys feeling sad.
(d) Sadness was not allowed to enter.
Answer: (b) Sadness arrived unexpectedly as if it were a guest.
2. What is the significance of the speaker trying to stop sadness at the door?
(a) It shows that sadness can be easily avoided.
(b) It represents the speaker’s attempt to suppress emotions.
(c) It suggests that sadness is a welcome guest.
(d) It means the speaker is physically blocking someone.
Answer: (b) It represents the speaker’s attempt to suppress emotions.
3. What does the line ‘she squeezed herself right in-between’ suggest?
(a) Sadness is physically present in the room.
(b) The speaker’s friends noticed the sadness.
(c) Sadness is persistent and finds a way in.
(d) The speaker’s friends rejected sadness.
Answer: (c) Sadness is persistent and finds a way in.
4. What does the phrase ‘this spectre at the feast’ imply?
(a) Sadness is an invisible but overwhelming presence.
(b) The speaker is imagining things.
(c) The speaker’s friends fear ghosts.
(d) Sadness has left the gathering.
Answer: (a) Sadness is an invisible but overwhelming presence.
5. How do the speaker’s friends react to their sadness?
(a) They judge the speaker and distance themselves.
(b) They do not notice the sadness at all.
(c) They remain warm and accepting.
(d) They tell the speaker to leave.
Answer: (c) They remain warm and accepting.
6. What does ‘I sometimes come as two’ suggest about the speaker?
(a) The speaker has two personalities.
(b) The speaker has accepted sadness as part of themselves.
(c) The speaker dislikes their emotions.
(d) The speaker wants to be left alone.
Answer: (b) The speaker has accepted sadness as part of themselves.
7. How does sadness change by the end of the poem?
(a) It becomes heavier and harder to bear.
(b) It disappears completely.
(c) It transforms into a ‘lighter shade of grey,’ showing acceptance eases pain.
(d) It remains unwanted and intrusive.
Answer: (c) It transforms into a ‘lighter shade of grey,’ showing acceptance eases pain.
8. What is the message in the final stanza?
(a) Sadness should be fought and rejected.
(b) One should allow sadness to be present and not fear it.
(c) Sadness is unnecessary in life.
(d) Sadness always ruins happiness.
Answer: (b) One should allow sadness to be present and not fear it.
Fill the blanks/Complete Sentences
1. In the poem Sadness Comes, sadness is personified because ______
Answer: it is given human qualities, depicted as an uninvited guest who visits, has poor manners, and can be spoken to by the speaker.
2. The speaker initially refuses to let sadness in because ______
Answer: they are on their way to meet friends and believe that sadness, with its heavy atmosphere, is not appropriate for a joyful social gathering.
3. The phrase ‘her boldness never ends’ is used by the speaker because ______
Answer: it emphasizes the relentless and intrusive nature of sadness, which persists and forces its way into a happy moment even when the speaker tries to ignore it.
4. The speaker fears their friends will judge them because ______
Answer: they worry that their friends will see sadness as a ‘spectre at the feast’ and think of the speaker as weak or inferior for bringing such an unwelcome emotion with them.
5. The speaker says, ‘I sometimes come as two’ because ______
Answer: they are beginning to realize and accept that sadness is an unavoidable part of their identity, and that true friends understand this duality.
6. The speaker realises that their friends accept them despite their sadness because ______
Answer: their friends’ warmth remains undeterred and they do not react negatively, treating the speaker’s state as if it is nothing new and thereby showing their acceptance.
7. Sadness turns to ‘a lighter shade of grey’ because ______
Answer: it is finally acknowledged and accepted by the speaker and their friends, which softens the emotional pain and makes the burden of sadness feel lighter and more manageable.
8. The final stanza suggests that one should not suppress sadness but instead embrace it because ______
Answer: making space for sadness and sharing it with others, as symbolized by ‘pulling an extra chair’, leads to support, healing, and emotional balance, ensuring that one does not have to face it alone.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. How does the poet personify sadness in the poem? You are required to answer in 100-150 words by incorporating the following details:
- How sadness is given human qualities.
- How the speaker interacts with sadness like a real person.
Answer: The poet personifies sadness as a persistent and unwelcome guest who visits the speaker. Sadness is given several human qualities to make it feel like a real entity. It is described as a visitor who comes to tea, but whose manners lack finesse, suggesting it is rude and intrusive. It has a slow and heavy pace, yet it is determined and possesses a boldness that never ends. This depiction makes the emotion feel like a living, stubborn presence.
The speaker interacts with this personified sadness as if it were a real person. Initially, the speaker tries to block sadness at the door, telling it directly that its timing is wrong and its atmosphere is not suitable for the evening’s social gathering. This direct conversation and physical attempt to bar entry show the speaker treating the emotion not as an abstract feeling, but as a tangible individual they are trying to dismiss.
2. What does the phrase ‘this spectre at the feast’ mean in the context of the poem? You are required to answer in 100-150 words by incorporating the following details:
- How sadness is compared to an unwanted guest.
- The speaker’s fear of judgement by their friends.
Answer: The phrase ‘this spectre at the feast’ refers to an unwelcome presence that haunts a happy occasion. In the poem, it represents the speaker’s sadness, which feels like a ghost at a joyful gathering. Sadness is compared to an unwanted guest, and even a ‘beast’, that has followed the speaker to a meeting with laughing friends, turning a cheerful event into a haunted one. This comparison shows the intrusive and disruptive nature of sorrow in a setting that is supposed to be happy.
The speaker is filled with a fear of judgment from their friends because of this ‘spectre’. They are certain that their friends will notice this unwelcome companion and will ‘think me lesser’ for bringing such a sorrowful presence. The speaker worries that being seen with sadness will make them appear weak or different in the eyes of their friends, as if they are incapable of participating fully in the joy of the moment.
3. How does the poet contrast the speaker’s emotions with their surroundings? You are required to answer in 100-150 words by incorporating the following details:
- The laughter and joy of the friends vs. the speaker’s sadness.
- The persistence of sadness despite the lively setting.
Answer: The poet creates a sharp contrast between the speaker’s internal state of sadness and the joyful external environment. The surroundings are filled with the warmth and laughter of the speaker’s friends, creating a lively and happy atmosphere. This cheerful setting is in direct opposition to the speaker’s personal experience, as they are accompanied by sadness, which is described as a heavy, slow, and intrusive presence.
This contrast is heightened by the persistence of sadness. Despite the speaker being in a joyful setting, the emotion does not disappear. Instead, sadness ‘squeezed herself right in-between’ the speaker and their friends, showing that external happiness cannot simply erase internal sorrow. Its ‘boldness never ends’, which shows its powerful and relentless nature. This demonstrates that deep emotions can remain present and demand attention, regardless of how cheerful one’s surroundings are.
4. What message does the poem convey about emotional acceptance? You are required to answer in 100-150 words by incorporating the following details:
- How the speaker realises that sadness is part of life.
- The role of friends in making sadness easier to bear.
Answer: The poem conveys a message that emotional acceptance, rather than resistance, is a healthier way to manage difficult feelings. The speaker begins to realize that sadness is an unavoidable part of life when their friends react with warmth and understanding instead of judgment. This acceptance from others leads the speaker to acknowledge that they ‘sometimes come as two’, meaning sadness is a part of their experience. This shift in perspective is transformative; once accepted, sadness itself seems to change, becoming ‘a lighter shade of grey’ and less of a burden.
The friends play a very important role in making sadness easier to bear. By remaining warm and undeterred, they create a safe and supportive space. Their reaction shows that true companionship involves accepting a person completely, including their sorrow. This support system demonstrates that sadness does not have to be faced in isolation. The final advice to ‘pull an extra chair’ for sadness reinforces the idea that making space for our feelings, especially with the support of others, can lead to healing and emotional balance.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. How does the poet explore the inevitability of sadness in the poem? You are required to answer in 200-250 words by incorporating the following details:
- The persistence of sadness despite attempts to push it away.
- How the speaker eventually learns to accept it.
Answer: The poet explores the inevitability of sadness by portraying it as a persistent and unavoidable part of life. The poem opens by describing sadness as a recurring visitor, one who has often come before. The speaker’s initial reaction is to push it away, trying to block it at the door and reject its presence. However, this attempt is futile. Sadness is shown to be a stubborn guest that refuses to leave and follows the speaker, demonstrating its persistence. It is described as having manners that lack finesse and a boldness that never ends, as it squeezes itself into a joyful gathering of friends. This illustrates that emotions cannot simply be pushed away or ignored, and that fighting them only makes them stronger.
The speaker’s journey towards acceptance begins when their friends react with warmth and understanding, rather than judgment. This unexpected acceptance from others changes the speaker’s perspective. They come to the realization that sadness is a part of who they are, as suggested by the line, “I sometimes come as two.” This acknowledgment, both from the self and from friends, transforms the nature of sadness, making it appear as a ‘lighter shade of grey’. The poem shows that accepting sadness in a caring environment can make it more bearable. The final message, to ‘pull an extra chair’ for sadness, symbolizes making space for the emotion instead of fighting it. This act of embracing sadness alongside companionship is shown to lead to healing, emotional balance, and ultimately, peace.
2. In what ways does the poem Sadness Comes challenge the idea that sadness should be hidden? You are required to answer in 200-250 words by incorporating the following details:
- The speaker’s initial attempt to suppress sadness.
- The message that sadness can exist alongside joy and friendship.
Answer: The poem Sadness Comes challenges the idea that sadness should be hidden by demonstrating the failure of suppression and showing that acceptance leads to relief. The narrative begins with the speaker’s initial attempt to suppress sadness, which reflects a common societal tendency to hide negative emotions. The speaker tries to stop sadness at the door, telling it that its timing is wrong and that its atmosphere is not suitable for a happy social gathering. This action shows a clear desire to separate sadness from joy and to present a cheerful exterior to the world.
However, the poem quickly shows that this suppression is ineffective. Sadness is persistent; it follows the speaker and intrudes upon the joyful scene with friends. The message that sadness can and does exist alongside joy and friendship is a central part of the poem’s argument. The turning point occurs when the speaker’s friends remain warm and accepting, their warmth undeterred by the presence of sadness. They do not judge the speaker but instead seem to understand that sadness is sometimes a companion. This reaction shows that true friendship allows for the coexistence of both happiness and sorrow. The poem suggests that sadness does not diminish friendships but can become a shared part of the experience, making the emotional burden easier to bear and leading to a stronger connection. By showing this, the poem argues against hiding one’s feelings and for the healing power of sharing them in a supportive environment.
3. How does the poet use imagery to represent the presence of sadness in daily life? You are required to answer in 200-250 words by incorporating the following details:
- How sadness is described as a guest who arrives uninvited.
- The contrast between the speaker’s emotions and their surroundings.
Answer: The poet uses clear and relatable imagery to represent the presence of sadness in daily life, making the abstract emotion feel like a tangible entity. Sadness is consistently described as an uninvited guest who arrives unexpectedly. The opening line, which states that sadness came to tea, personifies the emotion as a visitor. This visitor, however, is unwelcome and stubborn. It is depicted as having poor manners and lacking finesse, refusing to take a hint when the speaker tries to turn it away. This imagery of an intrusive guest who follows the speaker around makes the feeling of sadness seem real and overwhelming, capturing how it can feel like a constant, unwanted presence in one’s life.
The poet also uses imagery to create a sharp contrast between the speaker’s internal emotions and their external surroundings. The speaker is on their way to meet with ‘laughing friends’, a setting that is meant to be joyful and lighthearted. Into this happy scene, sadness ‘squeezed herself right in-between’, an image that vividly portrays the intrusion of sorrow into a moment of joy. This contrast is further heightened with the phrase ‘this spectre at the feast’, which compares sadness to a ghost haunting a celebration. This powerful image captures the speaker’s feeling of being an unwelcome presence in a happy moment and the internal conflict of trying to participate in joy while being accompanied by a dark emotion. This contrast effectively shows how sadness can feel isolating and ever-present, regardless of one’s surroundings.
4. How is Sadness Comes relevant in today’s world? You are required to answer in 200-250 words by incorporating the following details:
- The importance of mental health awareness.
- How the poem encourages people to acknowledge and accept emotions.
Answer: Sadness Comes is highly relevant in today’s world, particularly with the increasing focus on mental health awareness. The poem addresses the universal human experience of sadness and offers a healthy way to deal with it, which aligns with modern conversations about emotional well-being. It directly confronts the common but harmful tendency to suppress or hide difficult feelings. The speaker’s initial attempt to shut sadness out is a reflection of the societal pressure to always appear happy. The poem’s message about the healing power of human connection and the importance of a support system speaks directly to the core principles of mental health advocacy, which promote open communication and seeking help.
The poem strongly encourages people to acknowledge and accept their emotions rather than fighting them. It teaches that sadness is an unavoidable part of life and that resisting it is not a solution. The central message is to stop struggling alone and to make space for one’s feelings. The final instruction to ‘just pull an extra chair’ serves as a simple yet powerful metaphor for this acceptance. By showing that sharing feelings with understanding friends can lighten an emotional burden and lead to healing and emotional balance, the poem provides a gentle and comforting guide. It encourages readers to view sadness not as a personal failing or a burden, but as a normal part of the human experience that becomes more manageable when it is acknowledged and shared, a perspective that is fundamental to promoting positive mental health.
Extras
MCQs: Knowledge-based
1. What did the speaker do when sadness arrived “last night”?
A. Invited her in for tea
B. Ignored her completely
C. Stopped her at the door
D. Asked her to come back later
Answer: C. Stopped her at the door
28. The friends’ “warmth was undeterred” serves to change the poem’s mood from anxious to what?
A. Hostile
B. Suspicious
C. Accepting
D. Indifferent
Answer: C. Accepting
MCQs: Competency-based
1. (I) The speaker tries to stop sadness at the door.
(II) The speaker says, “your timing isn’t right / I can’t allow your atmosphere / it’s not the place tonight”.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. II is an explanation for I.
D. II is the result of I.
Answer: C. II is an explanation for I.
10. (I) The poem shows that true companionship involves accepting a person’s flaws and struggles.
(II) The friends’ warmth was “undeterred” by the presence of the speaker’s sadness.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. II is an example of the principle stated in I.
D. I is the result of II.
Answer: C. II is an example of the principle stated in I.
Questions and Answers
1. How does the poem illustrate the theme of emotional strength and growth? You are required to answer in 100-150 words by incorporating the following details:
- The speaker’s initial fear of being judged for their sadness.
- The transformation of sadness into ‘a lighter shade of grey’ through acceptance.
Answer: The poem shows emotional strength and growth by tracking the speaker’s changing response to sadness. Initially, the speaker is afraid of being judged by their friends. They worry that bringing a ‘spectre at the feast’ will make their friends ‘think me lesser’. This shows a fear of vulnerability. However, the turning point comes with the friends’ acceptance. This act of kindness allows the speaker to grow. The transformation of sadness into ‘a lighter shade of grey’ represents this growth. It shows that when sadness is accepted instead of fought, its emotional weight lessens. This change demonstrates that true strength comes from acknowledging difficult emotions, not from hiding them.
15. What is the importance of the title ‘Sadness Comes’? How does it shape the poem’s central theme? You are required to answer in 200-250 words by incorporating the following details:
- How the title establishes sadness as an inevitable and recurring visitor.
- How this framing supports the poem’s ultimate message of acceptance over resistance.
Answer: The title ‘Sadness Comes’ is very important because it immediately frames the poem’s central theme. The title presents sadness not as a state one chooses or a problem one can solve, but as an event that simply happens. The word ‘comes’ suggests an arrival, like a visitor or the changing of seasons. It establishes sadness as an inevitable and recurring part of life, something that will show up from time to time whether we want it to or not. The poem reinforces this idea by stating that sadness has ‘often done before’, indicating its regular presence in the speaker’s life.
This framing is essential to the poem’s message of acceptance over resistance. If sadness is an inevitable visitor, then trying to bar the door, as the speaker initially does, is a futile effort. The poem’s narrative shows exactly this: resistance does not work. The title sets up the reader to understand that since sadness will come regardless, the real question is not how to stop it, but how to respond when it arrives. The poem’s conclusion—to ‘pull an extra chair’—is the logical and healthy answer to the situation established by the title. By presenting sadness as a certainty, the title guides the reader toward the poem’s core lesson: acceptance is a more peaceful and effective path than resistance.
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