Section D
Additional To Look Into
Summary of the Poem: “I Wish I Were…….!”
This is a thoughtful story by Rabindranath Tagore from the perspective of a school-going child. The child sees different people around him living seemingly free, unrestricted lives and wishes to be like them:
- The Hawker: The child sees a bangles seller every morning shouting, “Bangles, crystal bangles!” He roams freely without deadlines, timetables, or school bells.
The child wishes to be a hawker.
- The Gardener: On returning from school in the afternoon, the child sees a gardener happily working in the sun and dust, without anyone scolding him.
The child wishes to be a gardener.
- The Watchman: At night, while the child is sent to bed, the watchman walks up and down the street with a lantern, guarding silently. He never sleeps and seems bold and mysterious.
The child wishes to be a watchman.
The story beautifully captures the innocent longing for freedom that children often feel, imagining that jobs like those of a hawker, gardener, or watchman are more enjoyable and liberating than going to school.
Word Meanings (English to Hindi)
Word/Phrase | Meaning (English) | अर्थ (Hindi) |
Gong | A large, round metal instrument that makes a sound when struck | बड़ी घंटी |
Hawker | A person who sells goods on the streets | फेरीवाला |
Crystal | Clear, transparent glass | पारदर्शी कांच |
Spade | A tool used for digging | फावड़ा |
Soils (clothes) | Makes dirty | गंदा करता है |
To take to task | To scold or punish | डाँटना |
Baked in the sun | To feel the strong heat of the sun | धूप में झुलसना |
Lantern | A lamp with a protective covering | लालटेन |
Shadow | A dark shape made when something blocks light | परछाई |
Comprehension Questions & Answers
- Q: What does the child hear the hawker saying?
A: The hawker cries, “Bangles, crystal bangles!” - Q: Why does the child want to be a hawker?
A: Because the hawker is free and has no fixed schedule or restrictions. - Q: What does the gardener do when the child returns from school?
A: He digs the ground with a spade and enjoys his work without worry. - Q: Why is the child attracted to the watchman’s job?
A: Because the watchman walks at night, never goes to bed, and seems brave. - Q: What is the main theme of the poem?
A: The freedom and independence that children admire in the lives of working adults. - Q: How does the poet contrast the child’s life with others?
A: The child follows strict routines (school, bedtime), while others like hawkers and watchmen seem to enjoy freedom and no rules.
Word/Phrase | Meaning (English) | अर्थ (Hindi) |
Gong | A large metal disc that makes a loud sound when struck | घंटा (जिसे बजाने पर तेज़ आवाज़ आती है) |
Hawker | A person who sells goods in the street by calling out loudly | फेरीवाला (जो सड़क पर आवाज़ लगाकर सामान बेचता है) |
Crystal | A clear, transparent material like glass | क्रिस्टल (पारदर्शी और चमकदार सामग्री) |
No road he must take | He is free to go wherever he wants | उसे किसी खास रास्ते पर नहीं जाना होता |
Takes him to task | Scolds or punishes him | डांटता है या सज़ा देता है |
Soils his clothes | Makes his clothes dirty | अपने कपड़े गंदे करता है |
Gets baked | Becomes very hot due to the sun | धूप में तप जाता है |
Gets wet | Becomes soaked in water | भीग जाता है |
Street-lamp | A lamp that lights up the street at night | सड़क का लैंप |
Giant | A very large creature or object | दैत्य या बहुत बड़ा जीव |
One red eye | Refers to the glowing lamp in the streetlight (like an eye) | एक लाल आंख जैसी दिखने वाली लाइट |
Lantern | A portable light that is carried by hand | लालटेन |
Shadow | A dark shape made when an object blocks light | परछाई |
Chasing the shadows | Moving in the dark with the light, creating or following shadows | परछाइयों का पीछा करना |