Comprehension

It is in the news that all these pitiful kin
Are to be bought out and mercifully gathered in
To live in villages, next to the theatre and the store.
Where they won't have to think for themselves anymore,
While greedy good-doers, beneficent beasts of prey,
Swarm over their lives enforcing benefits
That are calculated to soothe them out of their wits,
And by teaching them how to sleep they sleep all day
Destroy their sleeping at night the ancient way. (A Roadside Stand)
 

Question: 1

The expression "It is in the news" suggests:

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When analyzing poetry, focus on context clues like tone, word choice, and references to external events to understand implied meanings.
Updated On: May 16, 2025
  • It is good news for the roadside stand owners.
  • An important decision has been taken by the government.
  • The roadside stand owners have protested against the government.
  • That the news was not there in the newspaper.
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The expression "It is in the news" indicates that a significant development or government decision has been made. In the context of the poem, this decision affects the roadside stand owners. The reference to ‘news’ suggests some major policy or governmental decision that impacts them.
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Question: 2

Read the Assertion and the Reason below, with reference to the given extract. 
Assertion: The poet complains that the rural people are exploited by the people in power. 
Reason: The rural people reposed blind faith in the false promises of the people in power. 

Choose the correct option regarding their relationship. 
 

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When dealing with Assertion-Reason questions, identify whether the Reason directly explains why the Assertion is true.
Updated On: May 16, 2025
  • Both the Assertion and the Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation.
  • Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation.
  • The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
  • The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The poet's complaint is that rural people suffer under false hopes created by those in power. The rural population trusts these promises, which often result in manipulation and exploitation. The Reason effectively explains the Assertion.
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Question: 3

Complete the following suitably:
In the line "that are calculated to soothe them out of their wits", the phrase "soothe them out of their wits" refers to: ______

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Pay attention to figurative language in poetry; phrases like "soothe them out of their wits" often symbolize deeper meanings.
Updated On: May 16, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The phrase "soothe them out of their wits" refers to how manipulative leaders create an illusion of security and calm, preventing people from questioning or resisting. This strategy controls rural populations by mentally suppressing their awareness.
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Question: 4

Bring out the irony in the expression "they won’t have to think for themselves".

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Irony often involves a contradiction between appearance and reality. Identifying this contrast is key to understanding deeper meanings in poetry.
Updated On: May 16, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The irony is that the supposed relief offered by authorities appears helpful but actually weakens the people’s ability to think independently. This manipulation is portrayed as a "mercy," but it robs them of autonomy.
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Question: 5

Select the correct option from those given in brackets, to fill in the blank.
The poet uses the expression 'greedy good-doers' to _________(criticize / appreciate) the intention of the powerful people.

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Sarcasm is often used in literature to criticize societal flaws. Words like "good-doers" may have underlying negative implications.
Updated On: May 16, 2025

  •  Criticize the intention of the powerful people.

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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The term "greedy good-doers" reflects the poet’s sarcastic tone. While these individuals claim to help, they exploit others for their own benefit. Their seemingly positive actions hide selfish motives.
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Question: 6

Complete the following suitably.
The tone of the poet in the above extract is:________

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Identifying the poet’s tone can help reveal the underlying emotions and social commentary within a poem.
Updated On: May 16, 2025
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Solution and Explanation

The poet’s tone is critical as he mocks the deceptive tactics of those in power. The use of sarcasm highlights the exploitation faced by rural communities.
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