P-4 Upagupta

Rabindranath Tagore

A1- Lamps were all out, doors were all shut and Stars were all hidden by the murky sky of August.(Third and fourth line of the poem proves that it was..)

A2- the dancing girl was very young and beautiful. She was wearing jewels.

A3- Beauty is a natural gift. So a face can be austere (plain and simple) yet beautiful.

A4- Because she was suffering from a serious and infectious disease.

A5- The ascetic sat by her side, took her head on his knees. He gave her (moistened her lips with) water and smeared her body with sandal balm.

Ex-2 Match the Meanings

1. Murky Cloudy

2. Mantle Cloak

3. Ascetic Abstinent/ living like a monk

4. Blossom Flourish

5. Rampart Parapet

6. Pestilence epidemic

7. Contagion Spreading of disease by touch

8. Balm Ointment

9. Grove Group of trees

Ex-3

Answer- ‘Her’ way was luring but ‘his’ way was the life of religion and good deeds.

Ex-4

Ans1- It is personification because the night is shown as a person who shoes her teeth.

Ans2- Repetition of same sound of ‘S’ –spotted, sores, small is there. So the figure of speech is

Alliteration.

Ans3- Comprehension- The ascetic sat by her……..young ascetic.’

A1- - The ascetic sat by her side, took her head on his knees. He gave her (moistened her lips with) water and smeared her body with sandal balm.

A2- The significance of this line is that the time when the woman was in need of his help.

Central Idea- ‘Upagupta’ is a beautiful poem written by Rabindranath Tagore. It gives a beautiful message. Upagupta was a true ascetic. He was forgiving by nature. He had wonderful self-control. He felt no hesitation in nursing a woman. Who was suffering from a horrible disease? This poem is a great tribute to Upagupta.

4. UPAGUPTA

‘Upagupta’ is written by ‘Rabindranath Tagore’. The poem throws light on the strengths of character. Upagupta is the name of a Budhist monk. Self-control and kindness for humanity are the strengths of his character. Outer beauty does not attract him. But he believes in serving humanity in its gross situation. Thus the poem is a true picture of a strong character.

The ascetic sat by her side, took her head

On his knees,

And moistened her lips with water, and

Smeared her body with sandal balm.

“Who are you, merciful one?” asked the woman.

“The time at last has come to visit you, and

I am here.” Replied the young ascetic.

Q1. Give the name of the poem and the poet.

Ans. The name of the poem is ‘Upagupta’ and the poet is ‘Rabindranath Tagore’.

Q2. List the things the ascetic did to lessen the woman’s suffering.

Ans. He put her head on his knees, moistened her lips with water and smeared her body with sandal balm.

Q3. Why do you think the ascetic helped her?