English Literature - ...

The Brook (Poem-By Lord Alfred Tennyson)

About the poem

A.  Read to understand

1. Find the lines in the poem that express the following thoughts.

     a)   As the brook flows down its stony and pebbly paths, it creates a whirlpool and makes many musical sounds.

 

     b)   The brook follows a winding path, carrying flowers and fish along with it.

 

     c)   When the brook flows above the stones and pebbles, there is a break in the flow of water, which appears silvery.

 

     d)   The rays and beams of the sun appear to be dancing as they fall on the brook through the tree cover along the shallow sandy banks.

 

     e)   The brook continues its journey forever to join the brimming river, unlike man whose life must come to a stop.

 

2. Answer these questions.

     a)   How does the brook behave when it encounters curves on its banks?

 

     b)   Make a list of the various places that fall in the path of the brook as it flows.

 

     c)   What do you think causes the ‘foamy flake’ as the brook flows?

 

     d)   What makes the brook sparkle?

 

     e)   What is the ‘netted sunbeam’? What makes it dance?

     f)    Where does the brook in the poem originate from-the highlands or the plains? Support your answer with lines from the poem.

 

 

 

B.  Discuss

Compare the following parts of the brook’s journey with human life.

     1.   at the beginning of its journey

 

     2.   closer to the river

 

 

C.  Read to appreciate

Read these lines from the poem.

I make a sudden sally

By many a field and fallow

Both these lines show the use of alliteration.

    1.   Find at least five more examples of alliteration in the poem. 

    2.   The poet has used a lot of words that describe some sound or movement. Read these words and phrases from the poem, and write them in suitable columns.

babble	bicker	chatter	hurry	linger	loiter
murmur	sailing	skimming	slide	steal by	wind about

 

Sound words	Movement words