Question

Pablo Neruda wants the entire humanity to

• A. keep talking
• B. keep running
• C. keep laughing
• D. keep still

Hint:

In "Keeping Quiet," Pablo Neruda's message is about the power of stillness and silence. He believes that a moment of collective introspection can lead to peace, understanding, and a better world.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This question refers to the poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda, a Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet. The poem is included in the Flamingo textbook for Class 12 English.

About the Poem "Keeping Quiet":

In this poem, Neruda appeals to humanity to pause and reflect. He advocates a moment of silence and stillness—a brief cessation of activities that cause division, conflict, and destruction.

Key Themes and Messages:

1. Stillness Over Constant Activity:
Neruda asks everyone to "keep still" and count up to twelve moments of silence.
He criticizes the frantic pace of modern life, where people are constantly talking, running, and engaging in endless activities without introspection.

2. Self-Reflection and Understanding:
The poet believes that in stillness, we can understand ourselves better.
He suggests that by pausing, we can avoid harmful actions and reconnect with our deeper humanity.

3. Unity and Brotherhood:
Neruda envisions a moment when all human beings, regardless of nationality, language, or culture, come together in shared silence.
This silence would transcend barriers and promote peace and mutual understanding.

4. Opposition to Destruction:
The poem refers to those who prepare for wars and engage in destructive activities.
Neruda implies that if people paused to reflect, they might abandon such harmful pursuits.

Why Option (D) is Correct:
The central message of the poem is captured in the repeated plea for humanity to "keep still." Neruda does not want people to continue their usual activities (talking, running, laughing) without thought; instead, he wants them to experience the transformative power of silence and stillness.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

(A) keep talking: The poet criticizes endless, meaningless talk and instead advocates silence.
(B) keep running: The poem highlights the futility of constant movement without purpose or reflection.
(C) keep laughing: While laughter can be positive, Neruda’s focus is on serious introspection rather than lighthearted amusement.

Final Answer: keep still