NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 – “No Men are Foreign” offer a thought-provoking exploration of unity, brotherhood, and the interconnectedness of all human beings. This powerful poem by James Kirkup presents a profound message of peace and understanding, emphasizing that regardless of nationality, race, or creed, we all share a common humanity. The questions and answers provided in these solutions guide students to comprehend the poem’s deeper meaning, identify poetic devices, and reflect on the importance of embracing diversity and breaking down barriers that divide us. Through this enriching journey, students gain valuable insights into fostering a world where no one is considered a stranger, and we stand united as one global family.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 No Men are Foreign Questions and Answers
Thinking about the Poem
1. (i) “Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?
Ans: In his poem, the poet explores the diverse attires worn by people from different countries, yet he emphasizes that underneath these garments, the human body remains fundamentally the same.
(ii) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same?
Ans: The poet eloquently proclaims that there are no inherent differences or peculiarities among individuals. Every country is familiar, and beneath all uniforms, there beats a single universal body. Furthermore, the land remains the same everywhere, connecting us all as one.
2. In stanza 1. find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words.
Ans: In stanza 1, the poet presents five ways in which we all are alike:
1. “Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes” – This line emphasizes the commonality of the human body, regardless of the external clothing or attire.
2. “Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon” – The poet suggests that the land we inhabit is shared by all, and we are like brothers on this earth.
3. “Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie” – This line underscores the universal reality of mortality, as we all share the same earth in death.
4. “They, too, aware of sun and air and water” – Here, the poet points out that people from all countries are aware of and dependent on the basic elements like sun, air, and water.
5. “Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d” – This phrase highlights the shared experiences of nourishment from peaceful harvests and suffering during times of war-induced scarcity.
These lines emphasize the common humanity and interconnectedness of people worldwide, regardless of cultural, national, or geographical differences.
3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words.
Ans: In stanza 2, there are four common features highlighted:
1. “They have eyes like ours that wake or sleep” – This line points out the shared human experience of waking and sleeping, common to people everywhere.
2. “Strength that can be won by love” – The idea here is that the strength and power of love are universally applicable and can be found in people from all walks of life.
3. “In every land is common life” – The phrase “common life” suggests that there are fundamental aspects of human existence that are shared by all individuals, regardless of their nationality or location.
4. “That all can recognize and understand” – This line emphasizes the universal nature of these common features, as they can be recognized and understood by people everywhere.
Overall, stanza 2 emphasizes the universal aspects of humanity, highlighting that people from different countries and cultures share common experiences and characteristics.
4. “… whenever we are told to hate our brothers…” When do you think this happens? Why? Who ‘tells’ us? Should we do as we are told at such times? What does the poet say?
Ans: At times, certain selfish individuals manipulate the innocent, leading them to harm others for their personal gain. The unsuspecting common man falls prey to their cunning schemes and begins to harbor hatred towards his fellow human beings. These malevolent influences may even incite them to spark riots and create unrest.
The poet advises against blindly following anyone’s counsel without thoughtful consideration. He repeatedly stresses that there is no inherent difference between us and foreigners, as people from across the globe are essentially the same. We all share a common humanity, irrespective of nationality or origin.
FAQ : NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 No Men are Foreign Questions and Answers
FAQ 1:
Q: What is the central theme of the poem “No Men are Foreign” in NCERT Class 9 English Beehive?
A: The central theme of the poem revolves around the idea that all human beings are interconnected and share a common humanity. It emphasizes the importance of unity, brotherhood, and the elimination of barriers that divide people based on nationality, race, or creed.
FAQ 2:
Q: How does the poet James Kirkup convey the message of peace and understanding in the poem?
A: James Kirkup conveys the message of peace and understanding in “No Men are Foreign” through the use of vivid imagery and poetic devices. He portrays the world as a global family, where every individual is interconnected like rivers flowing into one sea. The poet’s choice of words and rhythmic structure enhances the poem’s emotional impact, encouraging readers to embrace diversity and foster a sense of brotherhood among all people.
FAQ 3:
Q: How do the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 help students in understanding the poem’s deeper meaning?
A: The NCERT Solutions provide a detailed analysis of the poem, breaking down its structure, themes, and literary devices. Through comprehensive questions and answers, students gain insights into the poet’s intentions and the underlying message of the poem. The solutions also encourage critical thinking, allowing students to reflect on the relevance of the poem’s themes in the context of contemporary society.