2.1 Song of the Open Road

Title Explanation

The title of the poem, "Song of the Open Road," is very significant. Whitman uses the word ‘Song’ with a definite purpose: he enjoys traveling on the open road without any tension or worries of the past, present, and future, and faces life without any complaint. The poet wishes to move ahead on the road of life with his own will and goodness. The "Song of the Open Road" also indicates Freedom.

Ice Breakers

A) Choose the mode of travel that you would like the most for a journey.

(a) Airways

(b) Waterways

(d) Roadways

Answer: I like Roadways the most.

B) Give reasons for your preference.

Answer: The roadways are easily available to all, so I also use them most. I can travel through remote areas by roadways. There are various kinds of vehicles available for road journeys. I can use my own vehicle also. This journey gives me a chance to see the natural beauty, green landscapes, villages, rivers, mountains, and big cities.

C) Write the preparations you would like to make for the journey chosen.

Answer:

(a) I would make a perfect plan for the journey.

(b) I would collect information about the places before visiting them from different sources. I would use a physical map or Google map to know the distance and exact location of the place.

(c) I would carry the required things and medicines during the journey. I would make bookings for tickets, lodging, and hotels. I would carry essential documents if I have to use my own vehicle.

(d) I would carry lightweight bags. I would place money in a safe place. I would carry mobile chargers and power banks to get uninterrupted mobile facility. I would also keep in touch with my family members who are at home.

D) Discuss the ways in which you would overcome the problems/ hindrances/ difficulties you face during your journey.

Answer:

(a) If I face any problem during my journey, I would take the help of the persons near me. If it is not possible, I would go to the place where I get the required help.

(b) I would take the help of the local police or inform my friends or family members to send required help to resolve the problem.

(d) I would remain calm and pay attention to my safety to continue the journey.

E) During every journey we have to observe certain rules. Discuss your ideas of the journey without any restrictions.

Answer:

(a) I would go alone and search out the possible ways to continue the journey.

(b) I would go with my friends if there is a need for team efforts.

(d) We would show the required documents to show our identity proof. We should not consume harmful drinks like alcohol during our journeys.

New Words and Their Meaning

1. Afoot: going on foot, walking, in motion
2. Brown path: bare land
3. Postpone: to stop for a few days
4. Suffice: enough, adequate, sufficient
5. Delicious burdens (here): sweet memories of the past
6. Whimper: low voice of cry or agony, unhappiness, sadness
7. Querulous: argumentative, complaining
8. Constellations (here): group, collection, gathering of people
9. Light-hearted: cheerful, care-free
10. Take to: begin

Introduction

Song of the Open Road is a poem by Walt Whitman. It is taken from the collection "Leaves of Grass". It was written in 1856. Walt Whitman strongly advocated the importance of democracy & Freedom. The poem ‘Song of the Open Road’ is written in free verse and is in the form of a monologue by the poet. The poet intends to express his open thoughts over the journey of life taken on different roads.

The unrhymed and varying length of lines shows the complexities and the ups and downs one faces in his/her life. It also indicates the poet’s inner desire to enjoy life to its fullest without bothering about the tensions and worries.

It is an inspirational poem written in the form of narration. This poem is an Ode to one’s self.

Poet: Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is often called the father of free verse. He was born on Long Island in 1819 and grew up in the New York area. He had very little formal schooling, but he considered himself to be a lifelong learner. Whitman died at the age of 72 after suffering a stroke in 1892. His poem 'O Captain, My Captain!' and his poetry collection 'Leaves of Grass' are his remarkable literary works.

Figures of Speech

1) The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose...
Alliteration - Sound of the letter ‘l’ is repeated.
2) Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune...
Repetition - Word ‘good-fortune’ is repeated. (Corrected from original text)
3) I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go...
Repetition - Words 'Carry them’ are repeated.
4) Still here I carry my old delicious burdens...
Paradox - Delicious and burden express opposite meaning.
5) Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticism...
Tautology - ‘Complaint and Querulous’ expresses similar meanings.
6) Still here........burdens
Metaphor - Old sweet memories are indirectly compared to something delicious.
7) Henceforth I....need no more –
Climax - Words are arranged in their ascending order of importance.
8) Querulous Criticism
Alliteration - Sound ‘k’ (cr) is repeated.
9) Strong and content I travel the open road.
Inversion - The words are not in a correct prose order. The correct prose order is – I travel the open road strong and content.
10) I am fill’d with them, and I will fill them in return
Repetition - The word ‘fill’ is repeated.
11) Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road.
Inversion - The words are not in a correct prose order. The correct prose order is – I take to the open road afoot and light-hearted.
12) Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms.
Climax - Ideas are arranged in ascending order.
13) Song of the road
Personification - Non-living objects on the road are shown (as if) singing through the experience. (Clarified)
14) Song of the Open Road
Metaphor - The road is indirectly compared with the journey of life.
15) I carry my old delicious burdens
Paradox - Burdens are described as delicious. It is absurd in a literal sense. A burden cannot typically be delicious. The poet has used this combination of words to express that he has many sweet memories of the people and places which he would like to remember forever.

Paraphrase

The poem begins with the poet's journey on foot on the open road. Here the road means the road of life. He expresses that he is very happy to take the journey in this healthy and free world. In addition, the poet has control over the journey as he is free to choose the brown path wherever to travel.

Next, the poet continues the thoughts in earlier lines by saying that he does not ask for good fortune and considers himself the creator of his own fortune. He adds that he will not cry or hesitate to do anything without postponing it and expects nothing. He is no longer satisfied being confined in the four walls. He is strong and happy enough to travel on the open road having unlocked himself from several complaints and arguments in his past life.

In the next lines, the poet tries to free himself from worldly pleasures and relations. Even though he has a great faith in them and knows that they are doing well and happy with them, he no longer likes to engage himself with friends and other people as he thinks that the mother earth is now enough for him to travel.

Special Features

The poem is written in very simple and effective language which is easy to understand. As it is written in free verse, there is no rhyme scheme and meter. Length of the lines and stanzas are not equal. It has four separate stanzas. The first stanza contains only three lines; the other two stanzas contain four lines. In the last stanza, the poet uses parentheses to separate himself from worldly needs. Phrases like 'light-hearted' and 'querulous criticisms' are interesting. Imageries such as constellations and brown color are noteworthy. Figures of speech such as Alliteration, Metaphor, Repetition, and Paradox are impressive.

Theme

Freedom, joy of free life, and optimism are the major themes of this poem. Throughout the poem, the poet encourages readers to be true to themselves and live freely and enjoy the freedom of life. Although his life is not free from obligations and troubles, he encourages everyone to live their dreams, leaving the obstacles behind.

Moral/Opinion

It teaches us to be optimistic and happy. We have everything including freedom and opportunities. It encourages us to enjoy life in a healthy and free world. It motivates us to fill our hearts with immense pleasure.

Translation of the Poem (Hindi)

चला मैं मनचला

खुशनुमा और उमंगभरी दुनिया है

मिट्टी से लिपटी राह पर

मंजिल हैं वहाँ जहाँ मैं चलुं

चला मैं मनचला

इक़बाल खुद करे, नसीब खुद लिखे

ना ख़लिश, ना गिला

ना कागज, ना कातिब, ना क़िताब

ना दिवारों से आरा घर

ना होगा विलंब तो करे आरंभ

चले मिट्टी से लिपटी राह पर

बाहों में जोश, मन लिये संतोष

बैठे रहे करे निंदा मेरी

चला मैं मनचला

खोजू सृष्टि में छिपे अजम, अटलं और जल के रहस्योंकी जो मेरे समीप है

और न चलूं में उन ग्रहो, चांद और तारो के भ्रमण में

अंतरिक्ष की खोज है ना मेरी

वो सलामत उन्हें जो खोजना चाहते हैं, उड़ना जानते है

वो चलें मनचले

चला मैं मनचला

लिये अतित का बोझ है लजिज जो

उसमें लदे है नज़्म, जख्म, कुछ लोग,

कुछ अज़ीज़, कुछ अपने, कुछ पराये

मानो यकिन मेरा, ये सामान मैं ना छोड़

ना तोड़ सकूं, चाहुं फिर भी

हर मोड़ पर मैं उसे ना हटा पाऊं,

ना मिटा पाऊं यह न हों पाता मुझसे

बोझ अतीत का बढ़ चला है हर मोड़ पे,

और मैं हर मोड़ पर उसमें इज़ाफ़ा करता चला हूं

चला में मनचला

Poem: 'The Song of the Open Road'

Poet: Walt Whitman

Chapter 2: Song of the Open Road - Exercises & Solutions

Choose the mode of travel that you would like the most for a journey.

Airways
Waterways
Railways
Roadways

Solution:

I would like to choose railways for the following reasons.

Railways are relatively cheaper than airways and roadways.
They are the most convenient mode of transport for long-distance travel.
They are free of traffic jam hassles, unlike roadways.

Discuss with your partner, the preparations you would like to make for the journey chosen.

Solution:

I would make the following preparations for the journey by railways:

I would pack my luggage in bags of suitable dimensions, so that they could be comfortably tucked in under the seats.
I would carry some savouries and water for emergency, in case the train doesn’t have a pantry car.
I would remember to carry my tickets and an identity card to show the ticket-checker.
I would carry the tourist guidebook of the place I am visiting, in case I am travelling for sight-seeing.

Discuss the ways in which you would overcome the problems/ hindrances/ difficulties you face during your journey.

Solution:

To spare myself the boredom of a long journey, I would keep some reading material handy, such as a novel or a magazine.
I would have to keep my luggage fastened with chains to prevent its theft.
I would need to keep my tickets safe till the completion of the journey to avoid getting fined by the ticket-checker.
I would be alert and observant of my surroundings at all times.

During every journey we have to observe certain rules. Discuss your ideas of the journey without any restrictions. You can begin like this: I would go alone / with selected friends/ _______

Solution:

I would like to go all alone, as I am highly individualistic by nature.
I would like to travel as far as I can, so as to explore new places.
I would prefer home-stays, so that I could get to know people from different cultures.
I would try to live off the land as much as possible.
I would use my mobile phone only in case of emergencies during the travel, so that I could enjoy my journey without being distracted by my phone.

Pick out the lines showing that the poet is prepared to enjoy every moment of his journey.

Solution:

Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Strong and content I travel the open road.

By ‘old delicious burdens’ the poet means-

the luggage
the food he carries
the stress he bears during the travels
sweet memories of the past

The poet is a person who is free from all inhibitions. Discuss how the concept of ‘freedom’ is expressed in the poem.

Solution:

The poet has written the poem with an objective of stirring the idea of freedom on the reader’s mind. The spirit of freedom is expressed in the poem through the symbolic reference to the open road, where men come together irrespective of their social status. Freedom implies the independence to choose one’s road, both literally and figuratively. It also means enjoying nature in a free state of mind.

As the poet sets out on his journey, he is light-hearted and content because he has left his mundane life behind in order to seek adventure. His quest to live a free life is so strong that he doesn’t hesitate or postpone setting out on this journey. He has freed himself of the elite society that surrounded him, as that was not something he desired. However, he does carry the fond memories of people along the journey, because that satisfies him and makes him complete.

Following are the activities of the poet related to his journey on the road. Divide them into two parts as ‘activities the poet will practice’ and ‘activities he will not practice’.

Walking along the road though he does not know where it reaches
Complaining about the discomforts during the journey
Postponing the journey
Praying for good fortune
Carrying the fond memories of the good people
Creating contacts with famous and influential people
Striving to achieve high and bright success.
Reflecting and developing his own ‘self’

Solution:

Activities the poet will practice:

e. Carrying the fond memories of the good people
h. Reflecting and developing his own ‘self’

Activities the poet will not practice:

a. Walking along the road though he does not know where it reaches (Implied he chooses his path, but the spirit is adventurous, so this is debatable based on interpretation of "wherever I choose" versus "not knowing")
b. Complaining about the discomforts during the journey
c. Postponing the journey
d. Praying for good fortune
f. Creating contacts with famous and influential people
g. Striving to achieve high and bright success (in a conventional sense, he seeks self-fulfillment)

Write down the traits the poet exhibits through the given line.

Henceforth, I ask for no good fortune-I myself am good fortune

Solution:

Self-confidence

Henceforth, I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing.

Solution:

Determination and Positivity

I do not want the constellations any nearer.

Solution:

Contentment

I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them

Solution:

Genuineness (or acceptance of his connections/memories)

I am filled with them – I will fill them in return.

Solution:

Inter-dependence (or reciprocity, interconnectedness)

‘Healthy, free, the world before me’. Express your views regarding the above line.

Solution:

In the line ‘Healthy, free, the world before me’, the poet is trying to convey that the world that lies ahead in his journey of life is healthy and free. In my view, the line is full of hope and optimism. It gives an idea of the world being free from all shackles of routine and monotony. It depicts a picture where the world, which the poet encounters on his journey, is in better shape than the one he has left behind.

The poet has used many describing words such as ‘healthy’ in this poem. Make a list and classify them as -

For the world _______
For himself ________
For the road _______

Solution:

a. For the world:

free
healthy

b. For himself:

afoot
light-hearted
strong
content

c. For the road:

long
brown
open

Read the expression ‘old delicious burdens.’ A burden cannot be delicious. The poet has used this combination of words to express that he has many sweet memories of the people and places which he would like to remember forever. The poet has used seemingly contradictory expressions to convey the meaning that his heart is full of sweet memories of good and kind people. Though he wants to be free from any type of attachment, he wants to cherish these sweet memories in his heart forever. The expression contains opposite ideas that make it seem absurd or unlikely, although it may be true. This is called ‘Paradox.’

(This question itself is an explanation of Paradox using the given expression.)

The road in the poem does not mean only the road to travel. The poet wants to suggest the road of life. Explain the metaphor with the help of the poem.

Solution:

The road referred to in the poem has both literal and figurative meanings. It also refers to the journey of life in its figurative sense. The poet celebrates the road as a metaphoric space of free spirit where people come together, irrespective of their social status. People who travel this road of life are a community in themselves. Like the poet, they too have broken the shackles of their daily life and have commenced their journey seeking adventure, because the road is also symbolically a call of adventure.

Free Verse: Free Verse is a poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular rhythm. The features of Free Verse are -

It is a literary device that is free from limitations of the regular meter or rhythm, does not rhyme with fixed forms, and still it provides an artistic expression. In this way, the poet can give his own shape to a poem as he desires and can use various poetic devices to create the effect he considers suitable for the piece.

As Free Verse gives greater freedom for choosing words and conveying their meanings to readers, it is free from the artificiality of a typical poetic expression. This technique is commonly used in modern poetry.

Remember -

Although Free Verse requires no meter, rhyme or other traditional poetic techniques, it is the use of internal pattern of sounds, the choice of exact words and their chosen places are the factors which attribute the Free Verse, its lyrical or rhythmic beauty.

Free Verse is completely different from ‘Blank Verse’ which essentially has to occur in iambic pentameter. Blank verse is poetry written with regular metrical but unrhymed lines. It is described as ‘the most common’ form of English poetry which has been influential since the 16th century.

There are certain words that are repeated in the poem. For example, ‘no more’ (Line 7). Find out other similar expressions. Explain the effect they have created in the poem.

Solution:

Such repetition is seen in lines like "Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune," where 'good-fortune' and 'Henceforth' are emphasized. Also, "I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me" repeats 'I carry them'. The personal pronoun ‘I’ is repeated throughout, for example, "I take to the open road," "I ask not," "I myself am," "I whimper no more," "I travel," "I carry," "I swear," "I am fill'd," "I will fill."

Repetition, as a figure of speech, adds emphasis to the ideas being conveyed, creates rhythm, and enhances the poetic appeal. In this poem, the repetition of ‘I’ reinforces the poet's strong sense of self, independence, and personal resolve on his journey. The repetition of phrases like 'no more' or 'henceforth' signals a decisive break from the past and a commitment to a new way of living.

The use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ is evident and prominent in this poem. Give reasons.

Solution:

The poet uses the personal pronoun ‘I’ to emphasize his own independence in travelling the open road and also his freedom in choosing the road that he wishes to take. It highlights the personal, subjective nature of the experience and the journey. Moreover, he asserts through the abundant use of ‘I’ that he wants to live life on his own terms, take responsibility for his own destiny ("I myself am good-fortune"), and always be in command of his circumstances and choices. It underscores the poem's theme of individualism and self-reliance.

With the help of the following points, write a poetic appreciation of the poem ‘Song of the Open Road.

About the poem/poet and the title
The theme
Poetic style
The language/poetic devices used in the poem
Special features
Message, values, morals in the poem
Your opinion about the poem

Solution 1:

Appreciation of the poem ‘Song of the Open Road’

‘Song of the Open Road’ is a classic travel poem written by Walt Whitman. This narrative poem centers on the quest for freedom and shunning a life of monotony to take to the open road to course through life. The poet views the road as a space that offers countless opportunities as it can lead people to anywhere they desire to go. The poem is written in free verse, as the lines are unrhymed and of varying lengths. The poet makes use of simple poetic devices such as Alliteration, Antithesis, Consonance, Inversion, Metaphor, Paradox and Repetition. He employs Metaphor when he refers to road to actually mean ‘the road of life’, as also when he likens constellations to influential people. The use of these poetic devices helps to convey the message in lucid and expressive narrative and hence adds to the poetic appeal. The use of parenthesis in fourth stanza is a distinctive feature of the poem that makes the stanza more of a remark, rather than a continuation of the central topic of the poem. The use of imagery enhances the overall appeal of the poem, with words like ‘long, brown’ describing the road, the words ‘healthy, free’ describing the world and words like ‘afoot’, ‘strong’ and ‘content’ describing the poet paint a pretty picture of the poet’s wanderlust. The poem conveys the message that we should not be bound by the routines of ordinary life; instead we should step out into the open air and live life in a free-spirited manner. I like the poem for its timeless appeal. It drives me to set out and be free, while leaving my worries behind.

Solution2:

Appreciation of the poem ‘Song of the Open Road’

‘Song of the Open Road’ is a classic travel poem written by the renowned American poet Walt Whitman, often called the father of free verse. The title itself suggests a joyful, liberated journey, with "Song" implying celebration and "Open Road" symbolizing freedom and limitless possibilities.

The central theme of the poem is the quest for freedom, individualism, and the joy of a self-reliant journey through life. It encourages shunning a life of monotony and societal constraints to embrace adventure and self-discovery on the "open road" of life.

The poem is written in free verse, characteristic of Whitman's style. This means the lines are unrhymed and of varying lengths, mirroring the natural, unconstrained flow of thoughts and the journey itself.

The language is simple yet powerful and evocative. Whitman employs various poetic devices such as Alliteration (“long brown path”), Repetition (“Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune”), Metaphor (the road as ‘the road of life’; constellations as influential people or destiny), Paradox (‘old delicious burdens’), and Inversion ("Strong and content I travel the open road"). These devices enhance the poem's imagery and emotional impact.

A special feature is the use of the first-person pronoun "I", which makes the poem deeply personal and relatable. The parenthetical stanza (lines 13-16 in some versions, concerning carrying "old delicious burdens") offers a nuanced reflection on attachments and memories, suggesting that complete detachment isn't necessary or even possible for the poet.

The poem conveys a powerful message about optimism, self-trust, and the importance of experiencing the world directly. It values freedom, resilience, and the courage to define one's own path. The moral is to live life fully, unburdened by societal expectations, and to find contentment in oneself and the journey.

In my opinion, ‘Song of the Open Road’ is an inspiring and uplifting poem. Its timeless appeal lies in its celebration of individual liberty and the human spirit's desire for exploration and connection with the world. It motivates me to embrace new experiences and to appreciate the freedom to choose my own path in life.

Write four to six lines of Free Verse on the topic ‘The road that leads to my college’. Express that it is the road to knowledge and a bright future. You may begin like this: Every day I tread with the bag of books …

Solution:

The road that leads to my college

Every day I tread with the bag of books,

Each step a beat closer to understanding,

This path, sometimes sun-scorched, sometimes rain-slicked,

Is more than just asphalt and dust;

It's the open highway to tomorrow's light,

Paving the way to a future I build, one lesson at a time.

Write a blog on the following topic: ‘Man is free by birth.’

Solution 1:

Man is free by birth

Have you ever seen a baby in solitude? A blissful sight it is! A world of their own, no rules, no filters! Isn’t that how each one of us is born pure and free? Growing up, social conditioning casts us into these moulds which may or not be the perfect fit. The world around us shapes us but the world within makes us; this world we are free to create. We allow our lives to be run by others and we follow the rules laid down by society. This often is the cause of our unhappiness and we then tend to blame the situations because we are unable to control them. Instead, we should take responsibility of our own lives. We all have the sense to differentiate the right from the wrong. We are capable of leading sound lives resulting from the choices that we make for ourselves. We are not someone else’s responsibility or liability. We should set ourselves free from the shackles of societal restrictions and soar high in liberty. We are free by birth and bound only by the limitations we set for ourselves.

Solution 2:

Man is Free by Birth: Reclaiming Our Innate Liberty

Have you ever watched a baby explore the world? Pure, unadulterated curiosity, an arm reaching out, a leg kicking with joyous abandon. There are no self-imposed rules, no societal filters, just a being experiencing life in its rawest form. This, I believe, is how each one of us enters the world – pure and fundamentally free.

Yet, as we grow, the invisible threads of social conditioning begin to weave around us. We are gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) nudged into moulds that may or may not be our perfect fit. The world around us shapes our behavior, our beliefs, and often, our aspirations. We learn rules, absorb expectations, and internalize limitations. But the critical distinction lies here: the world *within* us, our core essence, remains ours to nurture and define. We are, at our core, free to create this inner world.

Too often, we allow our lives to be steered by external pressures or the unwritten rulebook of society. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction, a feeling of being trapped, and we might then blame circumstances beyond our control. The truth, however, is that true freedom begins with taking radical responsibility for our own lives and choices. We are all endowed with the innate capacity to differentiate right from wrong, to make choices that align with our deepest values, and to lead lives that are authentic and fulfilling.

We are not merely someone else’s responsibility or a passive recipient of life’s liabilities. The call is to consciously set ourselves free from the self-imposed shackles of societal restrictions, fear of judgment, and past conditionings. It's about daring to soar high on the wings of our innate liberty, to question, to explore, and to live in alignment with our truest selves.

Man is indeed free by birth. The only chains that truly bind us are often the ones we unknowingly forge for ourselves. Let's break them.

Expand the idea suggested in the following line: ‘All roads lead to Rome’

Solution 1:

All Roads Lead to Rome

‘All roads lead to Rome’ is a proverb that has a literal meaning and a figurative meaning. The literal meaning is that whichever road one takes, they will always end up in Rome. This is because in the ancient Roman Empire, Rome was placed as the center and all the roads were constructed in a manner that they all eventually led to Rome. The figurative meaning of this proverb is that no matter which way one chooses to reach their goal, they will always end up where they are meant to be. This proverb is relevant in all aspects of life – education, career, and relationships. For example, three people try to solve a problem using different methods, but arrive at the same solution; or two people use different approaches on a single project but achieve the same outcome. Essentially, our choices may determine and alter our paths, but we will ultimately reach the destination intended for us, because ‘All roads lead to Rome!’.

Solution 2:

All Roads Lead to Rome: Diverse Paths, Singular Destinations

The proverb ‘All roads lead to Rome’ carries both a fascinating literal origin and a profound figurative meaning. Literally, during the zenith of the Roman Empire, Rome was the meticulous center of an extensive and sophisticated network of roads. These highways were engineered so effectively that, indeed, many major routes ultimately converged on the capital. This infrastructure was a testament to Roman power and organization, making the city accessible from vast corners of its dominion.

Figuratively, the proverb suggests that there are many different methods, approaches, or paths one can take to achieve a particular goal or arrive at the same outcome or conclusion. It implies that while the journeys may vary widely in their nature, difficulty, or duration, the final destination or result can be common. This idea is relevant across numerous aspects of life. In problem-solving, different individuals might employ varied strategies – analytical, intuitive, collaborative – yet all can arrive at the correct solution. In career paths, people might take traditional routes or unconventional detours, involving diverse experiences and skill sets, but still achieve success or fulfillment in their chosen field. In personal growth or spiritual seeking, individuals might follow different philosophies, practices, or teachers, yet ultimately seek similar states of enlightenment, peace, or understanding.

Essentially, ‘All roads lead to Rome’ celebrates the diversity of human endeavor and acknowledges that there isn't always a single "right" way. It encourages tolerance for different approaches and reminds us that our unique choices and methods, while shaping our individual paths, can often lead us to shared truths or common objectives. It underscores the idea that the end can justify varied means, as long as those means are sound, and that life often has a way of guiding us towards our intended destination, regardless of the specific route we navigate.

Expand the idea suggested in the following line: ‘A man without liberty is a body without a soul.’

Solution 1:

A man without liberty is a body without a soul

A composition of muscle, bone and tissue in varying proportions generates the physical form, but what makes us a spiritual ‘human’ being is the soul. The soul is what actually makes the body whole. Similarly, the freedom to make choices, without any restrictions, is what makes a person whole. Without it, we are all mere puppets, dancing to someone else’s tunes. As social beings, we are blessed with the power of choice to make sound decisions. But with time, we impose rules and restrictions upon ourselves to align with society. Consequently, these impositions then govern our lives and keep us from being true to ourselves. They take away our freedom and confine us in the monotony of tedious routines. However, to lead a sound and happy life, we need to be the free-spirited beings that we were in the past. We need to have the liberty to follow our hearts because without this liberty, our lives are as empty as a body without a soul.

Solution 2:

A Man Without Liberty is a Body Without a Soul: The Essence of Freedom

The profound statement, ‘A man without liberty is a body without a soul,’ powerfully equates freedom with the very essence of human existence and vitality. A physical body is a marvel of biological engineering – a composition of muscle, bone, and tissue, animated by complex systems. However, what distinguishes a living, thriving human being from a mere biological entity is often described as the 'soul' – that intangible core of consciousness, spirit, will, and identity. The soul is what infuses the body with purpose, personality, and the capacity for higher thought, emotion, and self-determination.

Similarly, liberty, or freedom, is not just a political concept but a fundamental human need and right. It encompasses the freedom to think, to choose, to speak, to act according to one's conscience, and to pursue one's own path in life without undue external coercion or oppression. Just as a body without a soul is lifeless, inert, and devoid of true meaning, a person stripped of liberty is reduced to a mere automaton. They may physically exist, go through the motions of life, but they lack the vital spark that comes from self-direction and the ability to shape their own destiny.

Without liberty, creativity is stifled, potential remains unfulfilled, and the human spirit is crushed. Individuals become puppets, dancing to the tunes of others, their actions dictated by external forces rather than internal conviction. The capacity for moral choice, for innovation, for authentic self-expression – all wither in the absence of freedom. Therefore, to deny a person liberty is to deny them their very humanity, to render their existence as hollow and empty as a body from which the soul has departed. True human flourishing is inextricably linked to the presence of liberty, allowing the soul to breathe, to explore, and to guide the body towards a life of meaning and purpose.

Take help from the sources available on the internet and make a list of proverbs and quotations about ‘road’.

Solution:

“It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.” - Seneca
“If you don’t like the road you're walking, start paving another one.” - Dolly Parton
“Nobody travels on the road to success without a puncture or two.” - Unknown
“If you make the mistake of looking back too much, you aren’t focused enough on the road in front of you.” - Unknown
"The road to success is always under construction." - Lily Tomlin
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost
"A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn." - Helen Keller

Read the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost.

Solution:

(This is an activity for the student to perform.) Do it yourself.

HSC ENGLISH MARCH 2020 SET A BOARD PAPER WITH SOLUTION

GRAMMAR

English Yuvakbharati Latest Syllabus Solution.

Difficult Words and Their Meanings

Afoot: In motion, walking, happening.
Advocated: Publicly recommended or supported.
Alliteration: The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
Altert: (Likely a typo for 'Alter') Change or modify.
Blissful: Extremely happy; full of joy.
Commenced: Began or started.
Conditioning: The process of training or accustoming a person or animal to behave in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances.
Constellations: (In this context) Groups of influential people; or more broadly, destiny or fate.
Course (verb): To move swiftly through or over an area.
Dimensions: Measurements of length, width, or height.
Essayist: A writer of essays (short pieces of writing on a particular subject).
Figuratively: In a symbolic or metaphorical sense, not literally.
Free Verse: Poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular rhythm.
Henceforth: From this time onwards.
Hindrances: Obstacles or things that cause delay or difficulty.
Immense: Extremely large or great.
Individualistic: Characterized by a belief in the importance of the individual and their rights and independence.
Inhibitions: Feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment that prevent one from acting naturally.
Inversion: A literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed to achieve a particular effect or emphasis.
Liability: The state of being responsible for something; a drawback or disadvantage.
Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
Light-hearted: Cheerful and carefree.
Lodging: A place where someone lives or stays temporarily.
Lucid: Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
Lyrical: (Of literature, art, or music) Expressing the writer's emotions in an imaginative and beautiful way.
Metaphor: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable (an indirect comparison).
Meter: The regular rhythmic pattern in poetry.
Monologue: A long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.
Monotony: Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition.
Mundane: Lacking interest or excitement; dull.
Noteworthy: Deserving attention; remarkable.
Obligations: Duties or commitments.
Optimism: Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.
Paradox: A seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well-founded or true.
Paraphrase: Expressing the meaning of (something written or spoken) using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.
Personification: The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman.
Postpone: To put off until a later time.
Prominent: Important; famous; easily seen.
Proverb: A short, well-known saying stating a general truth or piece of advice.
Querulous: Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.
Quest: A long or arduous search for something.
Relevant: Closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.
Remarkable: Worthy of attention; striking.
Resolve: To settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter).
Savouries: Salty or spicy food items, not sweet.
Shackles: Restraints, limitations, or things that prevent freedom of action.
Shunning: Persistently avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting (someone or something) through antipathy or caution.
Soar: Fly or rise high in the air; maintain height in the air without flapping wings or using engine power.
Solitude: The state or situation of being alone.
Spiritual: Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things.
Suffice: To be enough or adequate.
Tautology: The saying of the same thing twice in different words, generally considered to be a fault of style (e.g., "they arrived one after the other in succession").
Tedious: Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
Theme: The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.
Uninterrupted: Continuous; without a break in continuity.
Unrhymed: Not having rhymes.
Varying: Differing in size, amount, degree, or nature.
Wanderlust: A strong desire to travel.
Whimper: To make a series of low, feeble sounds expressive of fear, pain, or discontent.

Adsense Ad Unit

Chapter 2: Song of the Open Road English Yuvakbharati 12th Standard HSC Maharashtra State Board Latest Edition 2021

2.1 Song of the Open Road

Title Explanation

Ice Breakers

New Words and Their Meaning

Introduction

Poet: Walt Whitman

Figures of Speech

Paraphrase

Special Features

Theme

Moral/Opinion

Translation of the Poem (Hindi)

Chapter 2: Song of the Open Road - Exercises & Solutions

Choose the mode of travel that you would like the most for a journey.

Discuss with your partner, the preparations you would like to make for the journey chosen.

Discuss the ways in which you would overcome the problems/ hindrances/ difficulties you face during your journey.

During every journey we have to observe certain rules. Discuss your ideas of the journey without any restrictions. You can begin like this: I would go alone / with selected friends/ _______

Pick out the lines showing that the poet is prepared to enjoy every moment of his journey.

By ‘old delicious burdens’ the poet means-

The poet is a person who is free from all inhibitions. Discuss how the concept of ‘freedom’ is expressed in the poem.

Following are the activities of the poet related to his journey on the road. Divide them into two parts as ‘activities the poet will practice’ and ‘activities he will not practice’.

Write down the traits the poet exhibits through the given line.

‘Healthy, free, the world before me’. Express your views regarding the above line.

The poet has used many describing words such as ‘healthy’ in this poem. Make a list and classify them as -

The road in the poem does not mean only the road to travel. The poet wants to suggest the road of life. Explain the metaphor with the help of the poem.

Free Verse: Free Verse is a poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular rhythm. The features of Free Verse are -

There are certain words that are repeated in the poem. For example, ‘no more’ (Line 7). Find out other similar expressions. Explain the effect they have created in the poem.

The use of the personal pronoun ‘I’ is evident and prominent in this poem. Give reasons.

With the help of the following points, write a poetic appreciation of the poem ‘Song of the Open Road.

Write four to six lines of Free Verse on the topic ‘The road that leads to my college’. Express that it is the road to knowledge and a bright future. You may begin like this: Every day I tread with the bag of books …

Write a blog on the following topic: ‘Man is free by birth.’

Expand the idea suggested in the following line: ‘All roads lead to Rome’

Expand the idea suggested in the following line: ‘A man without liberty is a body without a soul.’

Take help from the sources available on the internet and make a list of proverbs and quotations about ‘road’.

Read the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost.

HSC ENGLISH MARCH 2020 SET A BOARD PAPER WITH SOLUTION

GRAMMAR

English Yuvakbharati Latest Syllabus Solution.

SECTION ONE (Prose)

SECTION TWO (Poetry)

SECTION THREE (Writing Skills)

SECTION FOUR (Genre-Drama)

ENGLISH PAST BOARD PAPERS UPTO DATE

Difficult Words and Their Meanings