Question

Read the following poem and write an appreciation of it with the help of the
given points in a paragraph format: [05 Marks]
Where the Mind is Without Fear...
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments
By narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way
Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by Thee
Into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
 - Rabindranath Tagore
 Points
i. The title and the poet of the poem (01)
ii. Rhyme scheme (01)
iii. Figures of speech (01)
iv. Central Idea /Theme (02)

Answer 1

Title: The poem is titled "Where the Mind is Without Fear" and it is written by Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian poet and philosopher.

Rhyme scheme: The poem follows a loose rhyming pattern, with alternating lines that have a similar end sound but not a strict rhyme scheme. This allows the poem to flow naturally and maintain a rhythmic quality.

Figures of speech: The poem employs several figures of speech to convey its message effectively. One example is personification in the line, "Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection." Here, the concept of striving is personified, emphasizing the relentless and unwavering pursuit of perfection. Another figure of speech used is metaphor in the line, "Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake." Here, the country awakening is metaphorically compared to the concept of reaching a heavenly state, symbolizing the poet's aspirations for a free and enlightened nation.

Central Idea/Theme: The central idea of the poem revolves around the poet's vision for a society characterized by freedom, knowledge, unity, and progress. Tagore highlights the importance of a fearless mind and a self-assured attitude that allows individuals to hold their heads high. The poem speaks against the divisions created by narrow-mindedness and domestic conflicts, advocating for a united world. It emphasizes the value of truth, reason, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The final lines express the poet's yearning for his country to awaken to the ideals of freedom and enlightened thinking, envisioning a future where the mind is guided by higher principles and where actions are driven by expanding thoughts.

In conclusion, Rabindranath Tagore's poem "Where the Mind is Without Fear" presents a powerful vision of a society that values freedom, knowledge, and unity. The loose rhyming scheme enhances the poem's natural flow, while figures of speech like personification and metaphor add depth and evoke imagery. The central theme focuses on the poet's aspiration for a society free from fear, ignorance, and divisions, where the mind is guided by truth, reason, and a higher consciousness. It serves as an inspiring call for individuals and nations to embrace enlightenment, strive for perfection, and awaken to the possibilities of a better future.