Pre-Reading Task
- Kabir’s Doha
“बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय।
जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय॥”
Meaning:
When I went out in search of evil, I found no one bad.
But when I looked within myself, I found no one worse than me.
Explanation:
Kabir conveys a deep moral truth — we often blame others for wrongdoing, but self-reflection reveals our own faults. In just two lines, he emphasizes self-awareness and humility, which are universal virtues.
- Rahim’s Doha
“रहिमन धागा प्रेम का, मत तोड़ो चटकाय।
टूटे पे फिर ना जुड़े, जुड़े गाँठ पड़ जाय॥”
Meaning:
Rahim says, do not break the delicate thread of love abruptly.
Once broken, it cannot be joined without leaving a knot.
Explanation:
This couplet teaches us to handle relationships with care. The poet uses the metaphor of a thread to symbolize love and trust, showing how damage in relationships is often irreversible — a timeless message on emotional sensitivity.
- Kabir’s Doha
“धीरे-धीरे रे मना, धीरे सब कुछ होय।
माली सींचे सौ घड़ा, ऋतु आए फल होय॥”
Meaning:
O mind, be patient — everything happens in its own time.
Even if a gardener waters a plant a hundred times, fruit will come only in its season.
Explanation:
This couplet speaks of the value of patience and timing in life. Through a simple gardening metaphor, Kabir conveys that efforts take time to bear fruit — an important life lesson for all.
- Rahim’s Doha
“जो रहीम उत्तम प्रकृति, का करी सकत कुसंग।
चंदन विष व्यापत नहीं, लिपटे रहत भुजंग॥”
Meaning:
Rahim says, a person of noble nature remains unaffected by bad company.
Just like the sandalwood tree is not poisoned by the snakes that coil around it.
Explanation:
This doha beautifully shows that goodness and virtue are not easily corrupted. Using natural imagery, Rahim tells us to maintain our integrity regardless of surroundings.
Word Meaning
Word/Phrase | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Judgment | The ability to make considered decisions or come to conclusions | निर्णय करने की क्षमता / विवेक |
Watches | Timekeeping devices | घड़ी |
Go just alike | To work in exactly the same manner | बिल्कुल एक समान चलना |
Believes his own | Considers one’s own view correct | अपने विचार को सही मानना |
Middle state | A balanced or moderate position | संतुलित स्थिति |
Leans | Bends or inclines towards one side | झुकना |
Contest (verb) | To argue or fight over something | झगड़ना / विवाद करना |
Forms of government | Different systems of ruling or governance | शासन के प्रकार |
Administered | Managed or governed | प्रबंधित / शासित |
Modes of faith | Different religious beliefs or systems of worship | आस्था के तरीके / धार्मिक विश्वास |
Zealots | People who are fanatically devoted to a cause (often religion) | कट्टर अनुयायी / अंधभक्त |
Graceless | Lacking charm, tact, or respect | अभद्र / शिष्टता रहित |
Fight (verb) | To engage in a struggle or argument | लड़ना / झगड़ना |
His life is in the right | He lives righteously or morally | जिसकी जीवन शैली सही हो |
Faith | Strong belief in a religion or philosophy | विश्वास / आस्था |
Hope | A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing | आशा |
Disagree | To have different opinions | असहमत होना |
Charity | Kindness and help to others, especially the needy | दान / परोपकार / करुणा |
Summary in English: Couplets
These couplets by Alexander Pope reflect his philosophical and moral views on life, faith, governance, and human behaviour.
- People have different judgments, just like watches show different times, yet everyone believes their own is right.
- A wise person is one who maintains balance in life, avoiding extremes.
- Arguing over the form of government is pointless; the best one is the one that is well-managed.
- Fighting over religion is senseless; a person who lives righteously cannot be wrong in his faith.
- People may disagree on faith and hope, but the most important human value is charity—kindness and compassion.
In just two lines each, Pope presents universal ideas like tolerance, moderation, and compassion.
हिंदी में सारांश:
एलेक्ज़ेंडर पोप के ये दोहे उनके जीवन, धर्म, शासन और मानव स्वभाव पर गहरे विचारों को प्रकट करते हैं।
- जैसे सभी घड़ियाँ एक जैसे नहीं चलतीं, वैसे ही हर व्यक्ति की सोच अलग होती है, फिर भी वह अपनी सोच को सही मानता है।
- जो व्यक्ति जीवन में संतुलन बनाए रखता है, वही सही अर्थों में जीना जानता है।
- शासन के रूप को लेकर विवाद करना व्यर्थ है; जो शासन अच्छे से चलाया जाए, वही सर्वोत्तम है।
- धर्म को लेकर झगड़ने वाले मूर्ख हैं; जो सही तरीके से जीवन जीता है, उसकी आस्था गलत नहीं हो सकती।
- लोग आस्था और आशा पर असहमत हो सकते हैं, लेकिन सबसे ज़रूरी मानवीय गुण करुणा और दया हैं।
पोप ने केवल दो पंक्तियों में ही सहिष्णुता, संतुलन और मानवता जैसे महत्वपूर्ण विचारों को सरलता से व्यक्त किया है।
Understanding the Story
A. On the basis of your understanding of the couplets, complete the following statements by filling in the blanks.
- Just as no two watches show the same time, the _________of different people
vary and each person believes in their own _________.
Answer – judgments, opinion
- The best way to live is to tread the _________path and avoid _________on the extremes.
Answer – middle, leaning
- Only fools _________over the forms of government. The most successful government is the one with the best _________.
Answer – quarrel, administration
- Let fanatic people _________for_________. One who follows the path of
truth can never be _________or aimless.
Answer – fight, faith, wrong
- People might have different _________, religions, aims or ambitions, but _________ is the common concern of the whole _________.
Answer – faiths, charity, mankind
B. Answer the following questions in about 30 words, elaborating the ideas given in the couplets.
- What is the key to a successful life?
Answer – The key to a successful life is maintaining balance and avoiding extremes. A wise person chooses the middle path, staying calm, composed, and rational in all situations.
- What are the various forms of government? (Mention two or three.) Which one is the best? Why?
Answer – Forms of government include monarchy, democracy, and dictatorship. The best government is not defined by its form but by how effectively and fairly it is administered for the welfare of people.
- What should be the chief concern of the whole mankind? What other concerns divert people’s attention from this?
Answer – Charity or kindness should be mankind’s chief concern. However, people often get diverted by religious disputes, political arguments, and personal ambitions, forgetting the importance of compassion and humanity.
C. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
- He knows to live, who keeps the middle state.
(a) What do you understand by middle state ?
Answer – The “middle state” refers to a balanced way of living—avoiding excesses, staying calm in success or failure, and not going to extremes in thoughts or actions.
(b) How can the ‘middle state’ be achieved?
Answer – The middle state can be achieved through self-discipline, self-awareness, and practicing moderation in emotions, desires, and actions, regardless of external situations.
(c) Is this line relevant in a student’s life? Give an example.
Answer – Yes, it is. For example, a student should balance studies with rest and recreation. Over-stressing or neglecting studies can both lead to failure.
(d) What other things are required to lead a virtuous life?
Answer – To lead a virtuous life, qualities like honesty, kindness, patience, humility, empathy, and the courage to do the right thing are also essential.
- For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight.
(a) Why do zealots fight?
Answer – Zealots fight because they are blindly devoted to their own religious beliefs and often refuse to accept or tolerate others’ viewpoints.
(b) Why are zealots called ‘graceless’?
Answer – Zealots are called ‘graceless’ because they lack tolerance, humility, and respect for others’ beliefs, which are essential for a graceful, noble character.
(c) Whose life cannot be wrong? Why?
Answer – The life of a person who lives with truth, compassion, and righteousness cannot be wrong, regardless of their faith, because actions matter more than belief systems.
(d) How can we help the zealots attain peace?
Answer – We can help them attain peace by promoting dialogue, understanding, mutual respect, and by setting examples of living harmoniously despite differences in faith or opinions.
HOTS
‘Half of the problems of the world will vanish if we realise that each person is right in their own perspective.’ Discuss.
Answer – Conflicts often arise when people try to impose their views on others. If we understand that everyone sees the world differently, based on their experiences and values, we will become more tolerant and empathetic. Realising that no single perspective is absolute encourages dialogue, respect, and peaceful coexistence, thus solving many social and personal conflicts.
Life Skills
List five qualities that a good government should have other than good administration.
Answer – Transparency – The government should share truthful information with citizens.
Accountability – Leaders must be answerable for their actions and decisions.
Inclusiveness – It should ensure participation and welfare of all sections of society.
Justice – Fair laws and equal treatment for everyone.
Responsiveness – Quick and effective response to citizens’ needs and crises.
Values
The joy of giving is always greater than the joy of receiving. Write a few ways in which you can help your fellow human beings who are less fortunate than you.
Answer – Donate clothes, books, and food to those in need.
Volunteer time to teach underprivileged children.
Support community kitchens or shelters.
Show kindness through small acts—listening, comforting, and encouraging.
Raise awareness or funds for causes like education or health for the poor.
Writing Skills
Taking ideas from the third couplet, write a letter to a friend telling the importance of leading a balanced life.
Answer –
[Write Your Address here]
123 Karolbagh
New Delhi – 110016
Date: 00.00.0000
Dear Umesh,
I hope this letter finds you in the best of health and spirits. I recently read a thought-provoking couplet by the English poet Alexander Pope which said:
“He knows to live, who keeps the middle state
And neither leans on this side nor on that.”
This reminded me of how important it is to live a balanced life. In today’s fast-paced world, we often run after success, grades, or material achievements and forget to take care of our health, emotions, or relationships. However, true happiness lies in maintaining balance—between work and rest, ambition and contentment, fun and responsibility.
As students, we must avoid going to extremes. Studying all the time may exhaust us, while ignoring studies can lead to failure. A balanced routine with time for study, exercise, family, and hobbies leads to peace of mind and better results.
I hope you too find time to reflect on this and make space for balance in your life. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
With warm regards,
Your friend,
Avinash
Additional Questions and Answer
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What does Pope compare human judgments to in the first couplet?
- a) Books
- b) Watches
- c) Rivers
- d) Stars
Answer: b) Watches
- According to the first couplet, why do people believe their own judgments?
- a) They are always correct
- b) They are influenced by others
- c) Each believes his own to be right
- d) They are based on facts
Answer: c) Each believes his own to be right
- What does Pope suggest about living wisely in the second couplet?
- a) To always take risks
- b) To keep the middle state
- c) To lean towards one side
- d) To avoid any decisions
Answer: b) To keep the middle state
- What does “middle state” refer to in the second couplet?
- a) A state of wealth
- b) A balanced approach to life
- c) A geographical location
- d) A state of confusion
Answer: b) A balanced approach to life
- Who does Pope say contests over forms of government in the third couplet?
- a) Wise men
- b) Fools
- c) Kings
- d) Scholars
Answer: b) Fools
- According to the third couplet, what makes a government the best?
- a) Its structure
- b) Its administration
- c) Its leader
- d) Its laws
Answer: b) Its administration
- Who does Pope refer to as “graceless zealots” in the fourth couplet?
- a) Those who fight over modes of faith
- b) Those who live righteously
- c) Those who lack hope
- d) Those who are charitable
Answer: a) Those who fight over modes of faith
- What does Pope say cannot be wrong in the fourth couplet?
- a) The faith of the majority
- b) The life of one who lives righteously
- c) The beliefs of zealots
- d) The rules of religion
Answer: b) The life of one who lives righteously
- What does Pope say the world will disagree on in the fifth couplet?
- a) Charity
- b) Faith and hope
- c) Government
- d) Judgment
Answer: b) Faith and hope
- What does Pope identify as mankind’s common concern in the fifth couplet?
- a) Wealth
- b) Power
- c) Charity
- d) Faith
Answer: c) Charity
- What does the term “leans” mean in the second couplet?
- a) Rests
- b) Bends
- c) Falls
- d) Stands
Answer: b) Bends
- What does Pope imply about people’s judgments in the first couplet?
- a) They are always accurate
- b) They differ but each trusts their own
- c) They are influenced by watches
- d) They are unimportant
Answer: b) They differ but each trusts their own
- What does the term “contest” mean in the third couplet?
- a) To agree
- b) To quarrel
- c) To discuss
- d) To celebrate
Answer: b) To quarrel
- What does Pope suggest about religious conflicts in the fourth couplet?
- a) They are necessary
- b) They are futile for the righteous
- c) They lead to truth
- d) They unite people
Answer: b) They are futile for the righteous
- What quality does Pope advocate for in the fifth couplet?
- a) Faith
- b) Hope
- c) Charity
- d) Judgment
Answer: c) Charity
- What does the phrase “modes of faith” refer to in the fourth couplet?
- a) Different ways of living
- b) Different religious beliefs
- c) Different forms of government
- d) Different types of charity
Answer: b) Different religious beliefs
- What does Pope criticize in the third couplet?
- a) Poor administration
- b) Foolish debates over government forms
- c) Lack of leadership
- d) Excessive laws
Answer: b) Foolish debates over government forms
- What does Pope suggest about a righteous life in the fourth couplet?
- a) It guarantees wealth
- b) It transcends religious disputes
- c) It requires zealotry
- d) It leads to conflict
Answer: b) It transcends religious disputes
- What does the second couplet advise against?
- a) Living a balanced life
- b) Taking extreme positions
- c) Making judgments
- d) Seeking happiness
Answer: b) Taking extreme positions
- What is the tone of Pope’s couplets?
- a) Humorous
- b) Satirical
- c) Romantic
- d) Melancholic
Answer: b) Satirical
Short Questions and Answers
- Question: What does Pope compare judgments to in the first couplet?
Answer: Watches.
- Question: Why do people believe their own judgments?
Answer: Each believes his own to be right.
- Question: What does Pope suggest for living wisely in the second couplet?
Answer: Keep the middle state.
- Question: What does “middle state” mean?
Answer: A balanced approach to life.
- Question: Who contests over forms of government in the third couplet?
Answer: Fools.
- Question: What makes a government the best, according to Pope?
Answer: Its administration.
- Question: Who are the “graceless zealots” in the fourth couplet?
Answer: Those who fight over modes of faith.
- Question: What cannot be wrong, according to the fourth couplet?
Answer: The life of one who lives righteously.
- Question: What does the world disagree on in the fifth couplet?
Answer: Faith and hope.
- Question: What is mankind’s common concern in the fifth couplet?
Answer: Charity.
- Question: What does “leans” mean in the second couplet?
Answer: Bends.
- Question: What does Pope imply about people’s judgments?
Answer: They differ but each trusts their own.
- Question: What does “contest” mean in the third couplet?
Answer: To quarrel.
- Question: What does Pope suggest about religious conflicts?
Answer: They are futile for the righteous.
- Question: What quality does Pope advocate for in the fifth couplet?
Answer: Charity.
- Question: What does “modes of faith” refer to?
Answer: Different religious beliefs.
- Question: What does Pope criticize in the third couplet?
Answer: Foolish debates over government forms.
- Question: What does Pope suggest about a righteous life?
Answer: It transcends religious disputes.
- Question: What does the second couplet advise against?
Answer: Taking extreme positions.
- Question: What is the tone of Pope’s couplets?
Answer: Satirical.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion) and Answers
- Question:
Assertion (A): Pope suggests that human judgments are subjective.
Reason (R): He compares judgments to watches, noting that none go alike yet each believes his own.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Pope implies subjectivity—“each believes his own”—in judgments, as the couplet states. The reason explains this by comparing judgments to watches—“none go just alike”—as the couplet notes, directly showing their variability and individual belief in their correctness, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): Pope advocates for a balanced approach to life.
Reason (R): He advises to keep the middle state and avoid leaning to either side.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Pope promotes balance—“he knows to live, who keeps the middle state”—as the couplet states. The reason explains this by detailing the advice—“neither leans on this side nor on that”—as the couplet notes, directly linking the balanced approach to avoiding extremes, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): Pope believes that the effectiveness of a government depends on its administration.
Reason (R): He states that whatever is best administered is best, dismissing debates over forms of government.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Pope emphasizes administration—“whate’er is best administered is best”—as the couplet states. The reason explains this by highlighting his dismissal of debates—“for forms of government let fools contest”—as the couplet notes, directly linking effective governance to administration over structure, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): Pope suggests that a righteous life transcends religious disputes.
Reason (R): He states that zealots fight over faith, but a righteous life cannot be wrong.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Pope suggests transcendence—“his can’t be wrong whose life is in the right”—as the couplet states. The reason explains this by contrasting zealots’ fights—“let graceless zealots fight”—with the righteousness of a good life, as the couplet notes, directly showing that true morality surpasses religious conflicts, supporting the assertion.
- Question:
Assertion (A): Pope values charity as a universal concern.
Reason (R): He notes that while the world disagrees on faith and hope, charity unites mankind.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as Pope values charity—“all mankind’s concern is charity”—as the couplet states. The reason explains this by contrasting disagreements—“in faith and hope the world will disagree”—with charity’s unifying role, as the couplet notes, directly showing why charity is universally important, supporting the assertion.
Long Questions and Answers (60-70 words)
- Question: How does the first couplet reflect Pope’s view on the subjectivity of human judgment?
Answer: The first couplet reflects Pope’s view on subjectivity by comparing judgments to watches—“none go just alike, yet each believes his own”—as the couplet states, highlighting that people’s perceptions differ, yet they trust their own, as the metaphor suggests. This underscores the individualistic nature of judgment, revealing Pope’s insight into human bias and the importance of recognizing diverse perspectives, as the couplet implies, promoting tolerance in understanding others.
- Question: Discuss the significance of the “middle state” in the second couplet and its relevance to leading a wise life.
Answer: The “middle state” in the second couplet—“he knows to live, who keeps the middle state”—signifies a balanced life, avoiding extremes, as “neither leans on this side nor on that” suggests, promoting moderation, as the couplet states. Its relevance lies in fostering stability and wisdom, as Pope implies, ensuring one navigates life’s challenges with equilibrium, leading to a harmonious and prudent existence, as the couplet advocates, reflecting classical ideals of balance.
- Question: How does the third couplet critique the debate over forms of government, and what alternative does Pope propose?
Answer: The third couplet critiques debates over government forms by calling participants “fools”—“for forms of government let fools contest”—as the couplet states, suggesting such arguments are futile, as Pope implies. He proposes that effective administration matters more—“whate’er is best administered is best”—as the couplet notes, emphasizing practical governance over theoretical structures, as Pope advocates, shifting focus to functionality and efficiency in leadership, reflecting a pragmatic approach to politics.
- Question: Analyse the fourth couplet’s view on religious conflicts and the importance of a righteous life.
Answer: The fourth couplet dismisses religious conflicts—“for modes of faith let graceless zealots fight”—as irrelevant, as the couplet states, highlighting their futility, as Pope critiques. It emphasizes a righteous life—“his can’t be wrong whose life is in the right”—as the true measure of morality, as the couplet notes, suggesting that ethical living transcends doctrinal disputes, as Pope implies, advocating for a universal standard of goodness over sectarian arguments, promoting moral integrity.
- Question: Explore the theme of unity in the fifth couplet and how Pope elevates charity above faith and hope.
Answer: The fifth couplet explores unity through charity—“all mankind’s concern is charity”—as the couplet states, contrasting it with divisive faith and hope—“in faith and hope the world will disagree”—as Pope notes. By elevating charity, Pope suggests it as a universal value that unites humanity, as the couplet implies, transcending disagreements, as he advocates, emphasizing compassion as the cornerstone of human connection, fostering a shared moral foundation for all, as the couplet reflects.
- Question: How does Pope use satire in the third and fourth couplets to address societal conflicts?
Answer: Pope uses satire in the third couplet by mocking those who debate government forms—“for forms of government let fools contest”—as the couplet states, labeling them “fools,” as he critiques, and in the fourth, by deriding religious zealots—“let graceless zealots fight”—as the couplet notes, calling them “graceless,” as Pope implies. This satirical tone exposes the absurdity of such conflicts, as the couplets suggest, urging focus on practical governance and righteous living instead, as Pope advocates.
- Question: Discuss how the couplets collectively reflect Pope’s philosophy on living a virtuous life.
Answer: Pope’s couplets collectively advocate a virtuous life through balance—“keeps the middle state”—righteous living—“his can’t be wrong whose life is in the right”—and charity—“all mankind’s concern is charity”—as the couplets state, emphasizing moderation, morality, and compassion, as Pope implies. They critique divisive conflicts—“let fools contest” and “graceless zealots fight”—as the couplets note, promoting a life guided by practical wisdom, ethical conduct, and universal kindness, as Pope envisions, reflecting his Enlightenment ideals.
- Question: How does the first couplet’s metaphor of watches enhance the theme of individual perspective in human judgments?
Answer: The first couplet’s metaphor—“’tis with our judgments as our watches”—enhances the theme of individual perspective by illustrating that judgments, like watches, “none go just alike,” as the couplet states, yet “each believes his own,” as Pope notes, emphasizing subjectivity, as the metaphor implies. This highlights how personal biases shape perceptions, as the couplet suggests, encouraging readers to acknowledge diverse viewpoints, as Pope subtly advocates, fostering humility in understanding others’ judgments.