Keeping Quiet
TEXTBOOK EXERCISES
1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
Ans: The poet asks people to count up to twelve and remain still for a moment. This short pause will help people stop their restless activities and think calmly. It will give them time to reflect on their actions and bring peace and understanding to the world.
2. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
Ans: No, the poet does not support total inactivity or death. He clearly explains that stillness does not mean doing nothing forever. Instead, he suggests stopping harmful and violent activities for a while so that people can reflect and live peacefully.
3. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
Ans: The sadness mentioned by the poet comes from human behaviour. People are always busy, restless and destructive. They fail to understand themselves and their actions. Because of this uncontrolled activity, they create suffering, conflicts and destruction in the world.
4. What symbols from nature does the poet use to show that life exists even in stillness?
Ans: The poet uses the example of the earth as a symbol from nature. Even when everything appears quiet and lifeless, the earth continues its natural processes. Life continues beneath the surface, showing that stillness does not mean the end of life.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
1. Why does Pablo Neruda urge us to keep still?
Ans: Pablo Neruda urges people to keep still because constant activity, greed and haste lead to conflict and destruction. A moment of stillness will allow people to relax, reflect and experience peace and harmony.
2. How can suspension of activities help?
Ans: Stopping unnecessary human activities can reduce violence, conflicts and environmental damage. It can help people think calmly and restore balance in nature and society.
3. Why shouldn’t we speak in any language or move our arms so much?
Ans: The poet suggests that people should stop unnecessary arguments and actions that often lead to harm. Instead of speaking endlessly or acting aggressively, they should remain silent for a moment and think deeply about their behaviour.
4. What does the poet say about different kinds of wars? What alternative does he suggest?
Ans: The poet criticizes all kinds of wars, including those against nature and those fought with dangerous weapons. He suggests that instead of fighting, people should live peacefully, spend time together and enjoy simple moments of life.
5. According to Pablo Neruda, what can human beings learn from nature?
Ans: Human beings can learn patience and balance from nature. Nature works quietly and continuously without hurry or destruction. Even when everything seems silent, life continues. People should follow this peaceful and balanced way of living.
6. What lesson can the Earth teach us according to Pablo Neruda?
Ans: The earth teaches that life continues even in moments of stillness. What appears silent or inactive may still be full of life. Therefore, stillness should not be confused with death or inactivity.
7. Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death? Give reasons.
Ans: No, the poet does not support inactivity or death. He only encourages people to pause and reflect. His idea of stillness means stopping harmful activities and living more thoughtfully and peacefully.
8. How can there be life under apparent stillness?
Ans: Even when everything appears quiet, life continues beneath the surface. The earth remains active and living processes continue. The poet uses this example to show that stillness does not mean the absence of life.
9. Justify the title “Keeping Quiet.”
Ans: The title is appropriate because the poem encourages people to pause and remain quiet for a short time. This quiet moment helps people reflect on their actions and brings peace, understanding and harmony.
10. What is the “exotic moment” the poet wishes for?
Ans: The poet imagines a rare and peaceful moment when all human activities stop briefly. During this time there will be silence, calmness and harmony. People will be free from noise, violence and unnecessary actions.
11. How is “Keeping Quiet” related to life?
Ans: “Keeping quiet” is connected to life because it allows people to reflect and understand the true meaning of living. A moment of silence can help humanity move away from violence and confusion toward peace and harmony.