NCERT Class 10 English Textbook Solutions: Find the solutions to the NCERT Class 10 textbook exercises for the poem “For Anne Gregory” by William Butler Yeats. Click here for more study resources.
Q&A-For Anne Gregory
1. What does the young man mean by “great honey-coloured / Ramparts at your ear?” Why does he say that young men are “thrown into despair” by them?
Ans: The “great honey-coloured ramparts” refer to the young woman’s golden-yellow hair. The word “ramparts” symbolizes a protective barrier, meaning that her beautiful hair acts as a wall, preventing men from seeing her true personality. The young men are “thrown into despair” because they are captivated by her external beauty, especially her hair, and fail to love her for her inner qualities. They feel hopeless because their love is based on appearance, not the person within.
2. What colour is the young woman’s hair? What does she say she can change it to? Why would she want to do so?
Ans: The young woman’s hair is yellow (golden or honey-colored). She says that she can dye it and change the colour to brown, black, or carrot (red-orange). She would want to change her hair colour to see if men would love her for who she truly is, rather than just being attracted to her golden hair. She hopes that by altering her appearance, men might focus on her inner qualities.
3. Objects have qualities which make them desirable to others. Can you think of some objects (a car, a phone, a dress…) and say what qualities make one object more desirable than another? Imagine you were trying to sell an object: what qualities would you emphasise?
Ans: Attempt yourself. Here a sample answer is given.
- Car: People might desire a car for its design, speed, fuel efficiency, and comfort. To sell a car, I would emphasize its modern design, advanced safety features, high mileage, and luxurious interior.
- Phone: Phones are desired for their camera quality, processing speed, and user-friendly interface. To sell a phone, I would highlight its high-resolution camera, long battery life, fast performance, and sleek design.
- Dress: A dress can be desirable because of its style, fabric, and comfort. If I were selling a dress, I would focus on its elegant design, high-quality material, and perfect fit for various occasions.
4. What about people? Do we love others because we like their qualities, whether physical or mental? Or is it possible to love someone “for themselves alone”? Are some people ‘more lovable’ than others? Discuss this question in pairs or in groups, considering points like the following.
Ans: Attempt yourself. Here a sample answer is given.
- (i) A parent or caregiver’s love for a newborn baby, or a child with mental or physical challenges, is unconditional. This kind of love isn’t based on qualities but on deep emotional connection and care. It shows that love can be given “for themselves alone.”
- (ii) The public’s love for a film star, sportsperson, politician, or social worker is often based on their talents, achievements, or public image. This kind of love can be superficial and might depend on the qualities that make the person famous or admired.
- (iii) Your love for a friend, or sibling is more personal. In these relationships, we often love people for both their inner qualities and the bond we share, rather than just their outward appearance.
- (iv) A pet’s love is often unconditional. Pets love their owners not for their physical appearance or talents but for the care and affection they receive. Similarly, people love pets for their loyalty and companionship.
5. You have perhaps concluded that people are not objects to be valued for their qualities or riches rather than for themselves. But elsewhere Yeats asks the question: How can we separate the dancer from the dance? Is it possible to separate ‘the person himself or herself’ from how the person looks, sounds, walks, and so on? Think of how you or a friend or member of your family has changed over the years. Has your relationship also changed? In what way?
Ans: It is difficult to completely separate a person from their physical appearance, behaviours, and characteristics, just like it is hard to separate a dancer from the dance. Over time, a person’s looks, voice, and habits may change, but the bond and love we have for them can deepen or transform. For example, a parent may love their child regardless of how they change physically or mentally as they grow older. Similarly, friendships evolve as people change, but the foundation of care and understanding often remains. My relationship with my parents, for instance, has grown stronger as I have matured, because now I understand their sacrifices and care more deeply.
