I M COLLEGIATE COACHING CENTER KARACHI

English Class 11th Notes 2024-25

(Poetry Section)

Chapter#1: “The Character Of A Happy Life” by Sir Henry Wotton

Important MCQs:
1. The strong retreat for a happy man is his:
a) heart b) thoughts c) mind d) conscience

2. According to the poet, a happy man cares much about:

a) worldly needs b) material uplift c) character d) finance

3. A happy man’s armor is his thoughts:

a) clever b) honest c) deep d) lofty

4. A happy man’s days are:

a) Joyful b) carefree c) harmless d) playful

5. It is the utmost skill of an honest man:

a) truth b) honesty c) simplicity d) wisdom

6. A happy man does not serve another’s:

a) order b) direction c) wish d) will

7. A happy man’s soul is always prepared for:

a) exam b) fight c) quarrel d) death

8. According to the poet, the deepest wounds are always given by:
a) back-biting b) praise c) trust d) friendship

Question/Answers:
Q1) What does the poet want to say in the poem?

"The Character Of A Happy Life" is written by Sir Henry Wotton. In this poem, the poet speaks of the
life of a happy man. He talks about the virtues which enable a person to lead a happy life. These
virtues are honesty, righteousness, self-satisfaction and devotion to God.

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Q2) Write the central idea of the poem “The Character Of A Happy Life.”

The central idea of this poem is that a happy man is nobody’s slave. He is honest, truthful and
God-fearing. He has faith in God and is free from envy and vices. He enjoys the company of books
and friends. He has no fear of death and he is his own master.

Q3) Explain the lines. ‘‘Whose armor is his honest thought and simple truth his utmost skill!”.

The happy man is sincere and truthful. He never deceives anyone, and he never tells a lie. He does
not need any armor to defend himself. Honesty is his means of self-defense, and truth is his best skill
to do his work in this world.

Q4) How does a man become really happy?

Ans. A man can be really happy if he decides to be free from passion, no matter what. He should be
honest, truthful, sincere, hard-working and free from jealousy and fear. He’s supposed to be his own
master. This is the secret of happiness.

Q5) How does ‘a religious book or a friend’ give happiness?

Ans. A religious book teaches a lot of useful lessons. The book teaches us to avoid evil and follow the
path of good. It keeps us on the right track. The same is true of a friend’s company. You get the same
peace of mind and happiness from the company of a true friend that a religious book gives you. They
give us the purest kind of happiness.

Q6) How does a contented man have all without having anything?

A contented man does not desire more than what he has got. He is not very ambitious. He is free from
jealousy. He is not scared of anything. He is self-sufficient. So, he has everything.

Q7) What is the central idea or theme of the poem “The Character Of A Happy Life”?

The poem "The Character of a Happy Life" gives us an idea that a happy life is obtained by
establishing a character with good qualities of a peaceful life. A person who always speaks the truth,
thinks and acts in a free manner and does not care about worldly temptations, but remains thankful,
humble and patient with his life truly represents the character of a happy life.

Q8) Explain briefly, how Sir Henry Wotton’s happy man is “having nothing yet hath all”?

The poet wants to say that the happy man is free from all kinds of worldly restraints. He is content
within his means. He is the master of his will. He has no wealth, land and property, but he has a
constant conscience that keeps him happy in every circumstance of life.

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Chapter#2: “Don’t Quit” by Edgar Albert Guest

Important MCQs:
1. The figure of speech in “The silver tint of the cloud of doubt” is:
a) metaphor b) simile c) irony d) onomatopoeia.

2. “When things seem worst”, we should:

a) run away b) take some other way c) stick to them d) all

3. “You might succeed with another blow”, means you:

a) give the blow b) receive the blow c) continue struggle d) none

4. The struggler learns too late that he:

a) was unable to struggle b) was close to his victory
c) should have taken rest d) should have quit

5. The moral of the poem is that we should:

a) face challenges of life b) enjoy success c) run away from hardships d) think positively

6. ‘So stick to the fight when you are’:

a) hardest hit b) betrayed c) unlucky d) unhappy

7. The phrase ‘golden crown’ means:

a) wealth b) victory c) power d) throne

8. In the first stanza of the poem, the word ‘sigh’ symbolizes:

a) happiness b) regret c) courage d) pain

Question/Answers:
Q1) What is the message of the poem “Don’t Quit”?

"Don't Quit" is a motivational poem by Edgar Albert Guest that encourages the reader to persevere
through difficult times. The message of the poem is to keep going and stay determined in the face of
adversity, as challenges are a part of life, and success comes to those who persevere.

Q2) Why does the poet term life 'queer with twists and turns'?

"Life is queer with its twists and turns" means living is complicated and unpredictable. Our entire life is
like a journey on a road with many turns. We have no idea what will happen next. Therefore, the poet
termed life as ‘queer with twists and turns.

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Q3) What is the benefit of not quitting as suggested by the poet?

The poet urges the readers to have perseverance and strong determination. He also conveys that
when the situation is adverse, we need to stand strong and not lose hope. The clouds of doubt may
hinder the success but if we continue to fight and not quit in the most difficult times, then we will
achieve success.

Q4) What is the central idea of the poem?

The central idea of the poem revolves around the themes of resilience and determination. It illustrates
that setbacks are common, but maintaining a strong spirit is essential. By emphasizing persistence,
the poem inspires hope for achieving one's goals.

Chapter#3: “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Important MCQs:
1. ‘Ozymandias’ is a poem depicting that the life is:
a) beautiful b) transient c) attractive d) alluring

2. The poet met a traveler from:

a) an antique land b) abroad c) a desert d) none

3. The traveler told the poet that he had seen in the desert:
a) a statue b) a sculptor c) an oasis d) a snake

4. The words on the bases of statue tell us that the King Ozymandias was a:
a) proud king b) kind king c) humble king d) cruel king

5. The message of the poem for all powerful authority and glory is:
a) ‘sands stretch far away’ b) ‘frowned and wrinkled lips’
c) ‘nothing remains’ d) ‘stamped on these lifeless things’

6. In the poem ‘Ozymandias’, the condition of the statue is:

a) good b) bad c) excellent d) none

7. ‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings’, is type of the literary device:

a) Simile b ) irony c) personification d) metaphor

8. One of the following lines does NOT make use of alliteration in the poem:
a) The lone and level sands stretch far away b) I met a traveler from an antique land
c) Nothing beside remains. c) Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown

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Question/Answers:
Q1) What did the traveler see in the desert?

A) The poet met a traveler from an antique land in the desert. The traveler said that two vast and
trunkless legs of stone stood in the desert, and near the legs laid a shattered visage, half-sunk in the
sand. It was the sculpture of the King, Ozymandias, who was very cruel and proud.

Q2) How can you say that the sculptor was a great artist?

The sculptor was a skilful artist. He carved the expression of scorn and cold command on the face of
Ozymandias statue in such a manner that it seemed as if the sculptor mocked at the king's self
obsession and passion.

Q3) What was written on the pedestal of the trunkless legs of stone?

The words written on the pedestal echoed with the boastful voice of Ozymandias, proclaiming, "My
name is Ozymandias, king of kings; Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Q4) What was written on the pedestal of the trunkless legs of stone?

The pedestal of the statue had words that showed Ozymandias' pride. It said, "My name is
Ozymandias, king of kings; Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" These words were meant to
make others feel small in front of his greatness.

Q5) What is the theme of the poem “Ozymandias”

The main idea of "Ozymandias" is that powerful leaders and their empires eventually fade away and
are forgotten. The poem shows that no matter how grand or mighty something is, time will wear it
down. It teaches us that pride and arrogance don't last, and even the biggest achievements can be
lost in the sands of time. So, it's a reminder to be humble and not to think too highly of ourselves, as
everything in life is temporary.

Q6) The proud ozymandias lies forgotten in the desert. comment.

Ozymandias was once a proud and powerful king, but now he is forgotten. His statue is broken, and it
lies in the desert with nothing left of his kingdom. This shows that even the greatest rulers and their
achievements can fade away with time, leaving only ruins behind. His pride is meaningless now, as no
one remembers his greatness.

Q7) What is ironic about the fate of Ozymandias?

The condition of the statue and the inscription on the pedestal are ironical. The statue was completely
shattered. Only two legs stood on the pedestal and the head was lying in the sand. Whereas the
inscription said 'look upon my work ye Mighty and despair' and 'king of kings'.

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Chapter#4: “Good Timber” by Douglas Malloch

Important MCQs:
1. The poem explains that good qualities always develop in:
a) hardships b) ease c) idleness d) illness

2. “Never became a forest king” means never:

a) became a lion b) acquired a prominent position c) possessed coverage to fight d) enjoyed life

3. “But lived and died as began” points out towards this type of people:
a) courageous b) effortless c) wealthy d) successful

4. In the poem, ‘Good Timber’ the poet discusses themes of:

a) nature , wealth and defeat b) power relationship and hope
c) nature , struggle and fulfillment d) Nature, nurture and chao

5. The poem teaches us that the people reach their true potential by overcoming:
a) feelings b) enemies c) desires d) adversities

6. “But lived and died a scrubby thing” means lived a/an ______ life:
a) unimportant b) high status c) useful d) comfortable

7. “By sun and cold, by rain and snow’ is a literary device:

a) metaphor b) oxymoron c) alliteration d) simile

8. ‘Whose broken branches show the scars,’ is an example of this poetic device:
a) oxymoron b) onomatopoeia c) metaphor d) None of them (Alliteration)

Question/Answers:
Q1) What is the message of the poem?

The central idea of the poem "Good Timber" by Douglas Malloch is that true strength and character
develop through adversity and challenges. The poem uses the metaphor of trees, which must face
storms and harsh conditions to grow strong and resilient, to illustrate that enduring difficulties builds a
person's inner strength and qualities.

Q2) Why does poet suggest people to be like good timber?

The poet suggests people to be like good timber because true strength and character come from
facing challenges. Just as strong trees grow resilient from enduring storms, people also become
stronger by overcoming difficulties.

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Q3) What happens to the people who work hard good timber

The poet says that people who work hard and face challenges become strong and resilient, much like
good timber. They develop character and inner strength through their struggles. Ultimately, their hard
work leads to success and fulfillment in life.

Q4) How can one achieve one’s true potential in life?

According to "Good Timber," one can achieve their true potential in life by embracing challenges and
working hard. The poem suggests that facing difficulties helps build strength and character, much like
trees that grow resilient through storms. By persevering and learning from struggles, individuals can
realize their true capabilities and succeed in life.

Q5) What is the significance of the title of the poem good timber

The title is significant because it establishes the central metaphor of the poem, comparing a strong,
resilient person to high-quality timber that has withstood storms and challenges to become valuable. It
conveys that true strength arises from enduring hardships and overcoming difficulties, much like a tree
that grows stronger in tough conditions.

Chapter#5: “Lucy Gray” by William Wordsworth

Important MCQs:
1. The poet chanced to see Lucy at:
a) break of the day b) in the evening c) in the afternoon d) at night

2. Lucy's father asked Lucy to go to the town with a lantern to bring her:
a) aunt b) sister c) brother d) mother

3. Lucy's father asked her that she would ________ go to the town to take back her mother.
a) gladly b) sadly c) unwillingly d) probably

4. Lucy could not reach the town because:

a) It was late b) did not get any conveyance c) her mother d) she lost her way in storm

5. The wooden bridge was at a distance of ________ from Lucy's home:

a) a mile b) a furlong c) a kilometer d) a few feet

6. Lucy's parents became certain of her death when they saw:

a) her footprints b) her body c) her lantern d) her shoes

7. Some people still believe that Lucy can be seen:

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a) in mountains b) in wind c) in town d) on bridge

8. People believe Lucy can be seen doing these activities except:

a) looking straight b) singing songs c) moving rapidly d) talking to people

9. The writer of the poem “Lucy Gray” is:

a) William Shakespeare b) William Wordsworth c) John Keats d) PB Shelley

10. Lucy Gray was a child:

a) obedient b) rude c) lazy d) a & b both

Question/Answers:
Q1) Where did Lucy live and what kind of child she was?

Lucy lived on a wide moor. She was a quiet and solitary child. She did not have any friends to play
with. Instead, she spent her time alone in nature.

Q2) Where did Lucy's father send her and why?

Lucy's father asked her to go to the town to bring back her mother. He was worried because a stormy
rain was expected soon. The storm could make it difficult for her mother to return safely. To avoid any
danger, he wanted Lucy to bring her mother home before the rain began.

Q3) What did Lucy mean when she said, "yonder is the moon'?

When Lucy says, "yonder is the moon," she means there is still time before night fully falls. By pointing
out the distant moon, she suggests that the evening is approaching but not yet fully dark.

Q4) Why did Lucy take the lantern with her?

Lucy had to go to town to bring her mother back and carried a lantern to light her way in the stormy
weather. She took it because the path would be hard to see with the expected storm approaching. The
lantern was meant to guide her through the darkness and keep her safe. Despite the dangers, Lucy
was determined to complete her task.

Q5) Do you think that tragedy would have been prevented if Lucy's father himself had gone
down the town?

Lucy's father was an experienced and aged person. He was familiar with the tracks of the town. So, if
he, instead of Lucy, had gone down to the town, the tragedy would have been prevented.

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Q6) What happened to Lucy Gray while she was going to the town?

While Lucy Gray was going to the town, a sudden storm hit. She slipped and got lost, wandering up
and down the hills. She tried to climb back but fell and couldn’t reach the town. Sadly, she died in the
storm, and her body was never found.

Q7) What efforts did Lucy's parents make in finding her?

Lucy’s parents made several efforts to find her after she went missing. After a long search, they finally
found traces of her feet on the bridge. The footprints led them along a snowy path to the hawthorn
hedge. There, they discovered that Lucy had slipped and fallen, leading to her tragic death.

Q8) What led Lucy's parents to the bridge?

Lucy’s parents were led to the bridge by her footprints in the snow. After searching for a long time, they
noticed the traces of her feet. Following the footprints gave them hope that they were close to finding
her.

Q9) What do people still believe about Lucy Gray and why?

People still believe in Lucy Gray's spirit because she has become immortal in their memories. After her
death, they began to think of her as a living child who could be seen alone at dawn, especially by
those who appreciate natural beauty. It is said that she can be spotted singing a solitary song on the
moors, wandering through rough and smooth terrain, never looking back.

Chapter#6: “The Abbot Of Canterbury” by Anonymous

Important MCQs:
1. The ballad “The Abbot of Canterbury” is narrated in _____ person:
a) first b) second c) third d) first and third

2. The poet says to the reader that he is going to tell a _____ story:
a) sad b) funny c) terrible d) folk

3. King John was jealous of Abbot’s housekeeping and high:

a) character b) respect c) business d) renown

4. King John feared that the Abbot was working against his:
a) people b) policies c) crown d) ministers

5. King John told the Abbot if he did not answer his three questions he would be:
a) beheaded b) poisoned c) banished d) fined

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6. After listening to the King’s questions, the Abbot rode to universities:
a) Oxford and California b) Oxford and Canterbury
c) Oxford and Campbell d) Oxford and Cambridge

7. The Abbot requested the King to give him ______ weeks space:
a) three b) four c) five d) six

8. While going back to his hometown, the Abbot met a:

a) farmer b) friend c) neighbor d) shepherd

9. The shepherd demanded Abbot’s _______ to answer King’s questions:

a) lands b) house c) horse and dress d) wealth

Question/Answers:
Q1) What was the dispute between the King and Abbot?

The dispute between King John and the Abbot of Canterbury was about the Abbot's lavish lifestyle and
rising popularity. King John had heard about the lavish living standard and growing fame of the Abbot
so out of jealousy he called him to his court and accused him of defiance for which he decided to
punish him.

Q2) What efforts did the abbot make in order to save himself?

The Abbot became very worried when he heard King John's difficult questions because he couldn't
answer them right away. He asked for three weeks to find the answers and did his best to search for
them. He went to Cambridge and Oxford, but no wise man there could come up with the answers.

Q3) What were the questions that the king asked?

The King asked the Abbot three tricky questions because he was jealous of the Abbot’s lifestyle and
growing followers. The first question was to tell the King’s exact worth in pennies, the second was how
fast the King could ride around the world, and the third was to tell what the King was thinking at that
moment.

Q4) What was the shepherd’s answer to the first question of the King?

The shepherd answered the first question by saying that Jesus Christ was sold for thirty pence by
Judas, so the King’s worth should be one penny less than that. Therefore, the King’s worth was
twenty-nine pence. The answer surprised the King because he had never thought his value could be
so small.

Q5) What was the shepherd’s answer to the second question of the King?

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The shepherd answered the second question by saying that if the King rose with the sun and rode
along with it, he could travel the whole world in twenty-four hours. The King was amazed by this
answer, as he never thought it could be done so quickly.

Q6) What was the shepherd’s answer to the third question of the King?

The shepherd answered the third question by saying that the King thought the Abbot of Canterbury
was answering, but it was actually the shepherd in the Abbot’s clothes. The King was surprised to
learn that it was the Abbot’s shepherd who had answered all the questions.

Q7) How did the king express his emotions after he answered all his questions?

Abbot was benefited by the shepherd because he had a lot of resemblance with abbot so much that
father pop wouldn't be able to judge him. Also only the shepherd knew the answers of the three
questions that the King had asked Abbot.

Q8) Why did the shepherd not accept the king's offer?

The shepherd did not accept the King’s offer to become the Abbot because he was illiterate and
couldn’t read or write. In recognition of the shepherd’s wisdom, the King rewarded him with four nobles
a week for the rest of his life.

Q9) How did the king express his emotions after all his questions were answered?

The King was overjoyed after all his questions were answered. He laughed loudly and swore by mass.
In his happiness, he offered the position of Abbot to the shepherd as a reward for his cleverness, but
the shepherd declined the offer.

Q10) What is the main idea of this ballad?

The main idea of the poem “The Abbot of Canterbury” emphasizes that wisdom is not limited to any
specific group of people; rather, it belongs to anyone who seeks to understand. The poem illustrates
that sometimes a fool can provide answers that the wise cannot, as shown by the shepherd’s clever
responses to the King’s tricky questions

Chapter#7: “Selection From Sur Khahori” by Shah Latif Bhitai

Important MCQs:
1. Khahoris trouble their bodies to attain their:
a) goal b) class c) earnings d) destination

2. Khahoris face severe ____ while achieving their goals:

a) criticism b) conditions c) hardships d) all

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3. Khahoris never take their _____ when they have goals:
a) property b) care c) followers d) none

4. “Khahoris’ face are dry, on their feet are slippers old and torn” shows the:
a) struggle b) emotion c) hardships d) pleasure

5. Khahoris recognition is like:

a) caravan in desert b) raft in ocean c) guide in mountains d) safety in jingle

6. Khahoris can be found even where there is no trace of:

a) human beings b) animals c) birds d) cattle

7. In fourth stanza, the word ‘save’ is used in sense of:

a) safety b) preservation c) together d) except

8. True seekers can only be known to those who are for:

a) jungle dwelling b) deserted abodes c) mountain peaks d) spiritual realm

9. The verses selection from Sur Khahori are from:

a) Shah Abdul Latif b) Sachal Sarmast c) Sheikh Ayaz d) Sheikh Altaf

10. The verses “Selection from Sur Khahori” are translated by:
a) Amina Khamisani b) Amina Begum c) both d) none

Question/Answers:
Q1) How is Khahori's character depicted by the poet?
The poet depicted Khahori's character as a pious and virtuous person. They have an ascetic character,
they try to achieve that character by adopting many self-denying activities. They abandon the world
and suffer for the sake of god. Their ultimate aspiration is to bring happiness to God and fulfill His
desires.

Q2) How do the Khahoris experience sleep?

The Khahoris experience sleep as a short break from their difficult journey. They might sleep on rough
ground, but their rest is often interrupted by the harsh conditions and the demands of their spiritual
path. For them, sleep is just a brief pause in their constant search for spiritual truth.

Q3) Where and why do Khahori's spend their days and nights?

The Khahoris live in mountainous areas and spend their time deliberately experiencing physical
discomfort. They believe that enduring pain strengthens their spirituality, a philosophy based on the
idea that challenging their bodies leads to greater spiritual power.

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Q4) What does the poet want to say when he says "Where not a trace of birds is seen, fire is
lit"?

The poet describes the unique spiritual strength of the Khahoris, who can reach places that others
struggle to access. They arrive in areas where no birds are seen, getting there before the birds and
bringing light and life to those places.

Q5) What reward does a Khahori get after his hard work ?

A Khahori's reward for his hard work is spiritual fulfillment. After enduring physical hardships and
self-denial, he achieves a deeper connection with God, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. This
journey brings him profound joy as he fulfills his spiritual purpose.

Q6) Sur Khahori is the narration of Khahoris' struggle. Elaborate.

Sur Khahori is one of 30 surs of Shah Latif's poetry. In this sur, Latis defines that, a Khahori always
tries to remain in search of spiritual power. He wants to make his soul permanent by giving up the
desires of the world. He sacrifices his worldly pleasures for the sake of his soul.

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