“CBSE Class 12 English Core Previous Years’ Exam Questions (PYQs) for the Poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ by John Keats. These questions are a collection from Previous Board Exam Questions. Clearn and from such PYQs to excel in your exams.”
CBSE Class 12 English Core Previous Years’ Exam Questions (PYQs) for the Poem ‘A thing of beauty’ Poem by John Keats.
CBSE Class 12 English Core PYQs of 2024 Board Exams
CBSE 2024 PYQs
1. How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’? [40-50 Words] (2023-24, 23)
Ans. Keats connects the ‘mighty dead’ to beauty because their stories of courage and sacrifice inspire and uplift us. The grandeur associated with their lives becomes a source of eternal beauty, much like nature, offering strength and hope to endure life’s struggles.
OR
Keats relates the “mighty dead” to a “thing of beauty” because their inspiring stories and achievements enrich our lives. Their grandeur becomes eternal, much like natural beauty. They remind us of human potential and inspire hope, forming a source of joy and strength for generations
2. ‘A Thing of Beauty’ and ‘A Roadside Stand’ are poetic expressions of human relationships. The first engages with nature while the latter highlights the individual’s place in society. Describe with reference to the two poems. [120-150 Words] (2023-24)
Ans. “A Thing of Beauty” explores human relationships through the lens of nature, emphasizing how beauty in the natural world provides solace and binds us to life. It highlights our emotional connection with nature, which nourishes the soul and inspires joy.
In contrast, “A Roadside Stand” focuses on the individual’s role in society and the disparities between urban and rural life. The roadside stand symbolizes the plight of marginalized rural people who seek attention and fairness from the more privileged. Frost conveys the neglect they face despite their desperate efforts to be part of society.
Both poems evoke empathy and compassion. While Keats’ work inspires hope and joy, Frost’s poem raises awareness about social injustice. Together, they reveal the need for harmony—both with nature and among individuals in society.
OR
A Thing of Beauty highlights the relationship between humans and nature. Keats emphasizes how nature provides joy, peace, and hope, uplifting the human spirit in times of despair. Beauty in the form of trees, flowers, and inspiring legacies binds us to life and offers eternal comfort.
A Roadside Stand, on the other hand, focuses on societal relationships and the struggles of rural individuals. Frost portrays the neglect faced by poor villagers and their longing for support from urban dwellers. While Keats finds solace in beauty, Frost reflects on the sadness caused by the disparity in human relationships.
Both poems explore the human condition—one through nature’s eternal beauty and the other through societal struggles—revealing the complexities of life and relationships.
Class 12 English Core PYQs – 2023 Board Exams
1. ‘And such too is the grandeur of the dooms ; we have imagined for the mighty dead.’ Explain the inference you can draw from the phrase ‘mighty dead’. [40-50 Words] (2022-23)
Ans. The phrase ‘mighty dead’ refers to great figures from history who achieved remarkable deeds and are remembered for their valour or contributions. Their inspiring stories, though from the past, continue to motivate us and symbolize the grandeur associated with their lives and legacies.
OR
The “mighty dead” refers to great people from history whose deeds and sacrifices inspire us. Their lives symbolize the grandeur of humanity. Keats connects their legacy to beauty, showing that their stories give us hope, pride, and a sense of continuity, just like nature’s eternal beauty.
2. How and why does Keats relate ‘mighty dead’ to the ‘Thing of Beauty’? [40-50 Words] (2022-23)
Ans. Keats connects the ‘mighty dead’ to beauty because their stories of courage and sacrifice inspire and uplift us. The grandeur associated with their lives becomes a source of eternal beauty, much like nature, offering strength and hope to endure life’s struggles.
OR
Keats relates the “mighty dead” to a “thing of beauty” because their inspiring stories and achievements enrich our lives. Their grandeur becomes eternal, much like natural beauty. They remind us of human potential and inspire hope, forming a source of joy and strength for generations
3. ‘Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers’ and ‘A Thing of Beauty’, can be read together to show the permanence and everlasting impact of art and of things of beauty. Comment. [120-150 Words] (2022-23)
Ans. Both Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers and A Thing of Beauty emphasize the enduring nature of beauty and art. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, the embroidered tigers represent the permanence of art, which outlives human struggles and limitations. Despite Aunt Jennifer’s oppression, her tigers remain bold and fearless, a testament to her creative legacy.
Similarly, in A Thing of Beauty, Keats highlights how beauty, whether in nature or art, provides eternal joy and comfort. It transcends time, offering hope and inspiration even in bleak moments. Both poems celebrate the immortal nature of beauty and creativity, which remain unaffected by human suffering or mortality, serving as lasting symbols of strength and hope.
OR
Both poems, Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers and A Thing of Beauty, highlight the enduring nature of art and beauty. In Aunt Jennifer’s Tigers, the tigers embroidered by Aunt Jennifer symbolize her desire for freedom and courage. Even though her life is burdened with oppression, her art becomes permanent, continuing to inspire strength and boldness.
Similarly, in A Thing of Beauty, Keats emphasizes the eternal nature of beauty. Whether it is the beauty of nature or the grandeur of inspiring stories, it leaves a lasting impression on the human soul, providing joy and hope even during struggles.
Both poems convey that art and beauty transcend time and remain impactful, serving as a source of inspiration for future generations. While Aunt Jennifer’s tigers reflect her inner strength, Keats’s beautiful things highlight the everlasting joy and solace found in life.
4. Do we experience things of beauty only for short moments or do they make a lasting impression? Explain. (Constructed Response Question) (CBSE 2022-23)
Ans. Things of beauty create a lasting impression. While their physical presence may be fleeting, their emotional and spiritual impact endures. They inspire joy, hope, and strength, providing solace in difficult times. This eternal quality makes beauty a source of comfort and happiness beyond the moment.
OR
Beautiful things make a lasting impression on us. According to Keats, beauty is eternal and continues to provide joy and comfort long after we experience it. For example, the sight of a blooming flower or a peaceful sunrise remains in our memory and becomes a source of inspiration in difficult times. This lasting impact of beauty refreshes our soul and helps us overcome challenges, making it much more than a fleeting pleasure.
5.In the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’, how is grandeur connected with the mighty dead? (CBSE 2022-23)
Ans. The grandeur of the mighty dead refers to their lasting legacy and the inspiration they provide through their brave deeds and sacrifices. Keats connects this grandeur to beauty, as their lives and stories continue to inspire and uplift, becoming timeless symbols of courage and greatness.
OR
Grandeur is connected with the mighty dead through the legacy of their noble deeds. The poet refers to them as a source of inspiration and pride. Their lives and stories symbolize greatness and remind us of human potential, leaving a lasting impact, much like eternal beauty.
Class 12 English Core PYQs – 2022 Board Exams
1. How does Keats’ poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’ appeal richly to the senses, stimulating the reader’s inner sight as well as the sense of touch and smell? Write your answer in about 120-150 words. (SQP 2022)
Ans. Keats’ “A Thing of Beauty” vividly stimulates the reader’s senses through detailed imagery. The visual descriptions of the sun, moon, trees, and flowers engage the inner sight, evoking a picture of natural beauty. The musk-rose blooms appeal to the sense of smell, suggesting their delicate fragrance. The poet also refers to the cooling shade of trees and a bower offering quiet rest, evoking the sense of touch. This rich sensory imagery immerses the reader in an experience that is both physical and emotional, allowing them to feel, smell, and see the beauty around them. Keats’ ability to connect sensory elements with emotional solace enhances the poem’s impact, making it a deeply immersive and uplifting read.
OR
Keats’ poem appeals richly to the senses by presenting vivid imagery of nature and its beauty. The “old and young trees” provide a soothing shade, stimulating the reader’s sense of touch. The mention of musk-rose blooms evokes a sense of smell, while the clear streams in the forest appeal to our imagination, offering a cooling relief in hot seasons. Keats uses the image of “sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms” and “clear rills” to transport the reader into a world of serenity. The grandeur of the mighty dead and their inspiring tales ignite the inner vision and imagination. This sensory appeal connects the physical and emotional aspects of beauty, stimulating both our senses and our soul, creating a lasting impact on the reader.
2. Rationalise why Keats uses the metaphor ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ in his poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’. (SQP 2022)
Ans. Keats uses the metaphor of “an endless fountain of immortal drink” to signify the eternal nature of beauty. The fountain represents a constant source of joy and inspiration, while the immortal drink symbolizes the spiritual nourishment provided by beauty. This imagery emphasizes how beautiful things uplift human spirits, providing comfort and strength to endure life’s struggles. The use of this metaphor highlights that beauty, like a life-giving elixir, is timeless and inexhaustible.
OR
Keats uses the metaphor ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ to emphasize the eternal and life-giving nature of beauty. He compares beauty to an infinite fountain that continuously pours out joy, comfort, and inspiration. Just as a refreshing drink sustains physical life, beautiful things nurture our souls, offering hope and relief from despair. The metaphor symbolizes how beauty connects humanity to the divine and provides an endless source of joy that renews itself, ensuring it never fades.
3. How does a thing of beauty provide shelter and comfort? (CBSE 2022)
Ans. A thing of beauty offers shelter and comfort by creating a sense of peace and happiness. Keats mentions natural elements like trees providing shade and bowers, which symbolize rest and relief from life’s struggles. Beauty soothes troubled minds and brings a sense of harmony, helping us escape from life’s hardships.
OR
Beautiful things, according to Keats, act as a bower—a safe, peaceful place that offers shelter from life’s struggles. They comfort us by inspiring sweet dreams and moments of quiet reflection. Whether it is the shade of a tree or the memory of a lovely experience, these things create a soothing environment that alleviates our pain and refreshes our spirits.
4. According to the poet, Keats, nature offers a vast array of beautiful things around us which we fail to notice in our mundane life. List the beautiful things. [40 Words] (2022)
Ans. Keats mentions the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, clear streams, musk-rose blooms, and the stories of noble deeds as beautiful things. These elements of nature and human inspiration bring joy, soothe our minds, and uplift our spirits.
OR
Keats mentions the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, musk-rose blooms, and clear rills as things of beauty. He also includes inspiring tales of the mighty dead, all of which bring joy, provide shade, and nurture the soul in everyday life.
5.What makes human beings love life in spite of troubles and sufferings? ( 2022, Delhi 2015)
Ans. Human beings love life because of the beauty around them. Beautiful things like nature, art, and inspiring stories provide hope and joy. These moments of beauty help counter life’s difficulties, giving people the strength to persevere and find happiness.
OR
In spite of troubles and suffering, human beings love life because of the beautiful things around them. These things, like trees, flowers, and clear streams, provide moments of joy and peace, easing our burdens and refreshing our spirits with hope.
6. What are the things that cause suffering and pain? R [Outside Delhi 2022]
Ans. Suffering and pain are caused by despondence, the lack of noble qualities in people, greed, and selfishness. Life’s hardships, like gloomy days and unhealthy circumstances, contribute to the sorrow humans face.
OR
Keats mentions despondency, the lack of noble qualities, gloomy days, unhealthy ways, and human greed as causes of suffering. These struggles darken the human spirit, but the poet suggests that beauty can help alleviate this pain.
7. What is the theme of the poem—’A Thing of Beauty’? [Outside Delhi 2022]
Ans. The poem’s theme is the eternal and uplifting nature of beauty. Keats explores how beauty inspires joy, soothes troubled minds, and provides hope. Beauty is portrayed as a timeless source of comfort that helps people endure life’s struggles.
OR
The theme of the poem is the eternal and transformative nature of beauty. It highlights how beauty provides joy, comfort, and hope, helping us endure life’s hardships. Beauty’s enduring impact refreshes our souls and removes the darkness from our lives.
8. What according to Keats are things of beauty? What is their significance in our lives? R [Outside Delhi 2022]
Ans. According to Keats, things of beauty include natural elements like trees, flowers, and streams, as well as inspiring human achievements. Their significance lies in their ability to provide joy, remove sadness, and uplift spirits, making life worth living despite challenges.
OR
According to Keats, things of beauty include natural elements like the sun, moon, trees, and flowers, as well as inspiring tales of noble deeds. These things uplift the human spirit, provide solace, and act as an antidote to despair, making life worth living.
9. The objects of beauty remove the gloom from our lives. Discuss with reference to the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’. A [Outside Delhi 2022]
Ans. bjects of beauty remove gloom by bringing joy and peace. Keats highlights how nature and inspiring tales of courage uplift our spirits, dispelling sadness. They create a positive atmosphere and help us cope with life’s challenges.
OR
Beautiful objects act as a balm to the human soul, removing the gloom caused by life’s struggles. They inspire hope, foster inner peace, and refresh our spirits, helping us face difficulties with renewed energy and joy.
10. Keat’s things of beauty “move away the pall from our darkened spirits”. Explain. U [Outside Delhi 2022]
Ans. Keats’ things of beauty brighten our spirits by offering hope and joy. They act as a soothing balm for our troubles, moving away the metaphorical “pall” or gloom. Their eternal presence inspires happiness and harmony, helping us overcome life’s hardships.
OR
Keats explains that beauty removes the “pall” or cover of sorrow from our souls. It replaces despair with hope, providing joy and calmness. Beauty’s eternal presence acts as a source of light that chases away life’s darkness.
11. How is a thing of beauty a joy forever? [CBSE 2022, Delhi 2012]
Ans. A thing of beauty remains a joy forever because its impact never fades. Its loveliness grows with time, offering constant comfort and hope. Beauty inspires us to endure life’s struggles, acting as a timeless source of happiness and peace.
OR
A thing of beauty is a joy forever because its loveliness never fades. It provides eternal comfort and joy, soothing our minds and hearts, and continues to inspire us long after we first experience it, leaving a lasting impact.
Class 12 English Core PYQs – 2019 Board Exams
1. How does a thing of beauty bring joy in our lives? [CBSE, 2019]
Ans. A thing of beauty brings joy by uplifting our spirits and providing comfort amidst life’s challenges. It offers hope, removes negativity, and fills our lives with positivity, making us cherish life despite struggles.
OR
A thing of beauty brings joy by uplifting our spirits and giving us hope. It removes sadness, heals pain, and inspires us to cherish life. As Keats describes, beauty has the power to soothe our souls, like an “endless fountain” that nourishes us with its eternal charm and positivity.
Class 12 English Core PYQs – 2017 Board Exams
1. How does Keats define a thing of beauty? [CBSE (F) SET II 2017
Ans. Keats defines a thing of beauty as a source of eternal joy that never fades. It provides comfort, removes sorrow, and acts as a source of strength, bringing delight and peace to human lives.
OR
Keats defines a thing of beauty as a source of eternal joy and comfort. It has the power to remove sorrow, bring hope, and connect us to life. Beauty is not fleeting; it leaves a lasting impression and provides solace amidst the challenges of life.
2. How does Keats show his unhappiness with his fellow human beings? [CBSE (F) SET I 2017]
Ans. Keats expresses unhappiness about the inhumanity, lack of noble values, and unhealthy actions of humans. He describes their despondence and gloomy ways, which create a sense of despair and darkness in life.
OR
Keats expresses unhappiness with humanity by highlighting the suffering caused by greed, cruelty, and a lack of empathy. He mentions the “gloomy days” and “unhealthy and over-darkened ways” created by humans, reflecting his disappointment with the negativity and selfishness in the world.
3. What rich bounty has the heaven given us? [CBSE (Delhi) 2017]
Ans. Heaven has given us beautiful things like the sun, moon, trees, and streams. These things of beauty refresh our souls, inspire us, and remove sadness, offering us solace and joy.
OR
Heaven has blessed us with a bounty of beautiful things, like the sun, moon, trees, flowers, rivers, and greenery. These natural gifts provide joy, comfort, and inspiration, creating a bond between humans and the earth. This rich bounty is eternal and nourishing for the soul.
Class 12 English Core PYQs – 2016 to 2011 Board Exams
Q: According to Keats, what moves the pain and suffering away from human life? [ 2016]
Ans. Beautiful things move pain and suffering away from human life. They act as a soothing balm for our minds, removing despair and negativity while filling us with happiness and strength.
OR
Beautiful things move pain and suffering away from human life. They act as a soothing balm for our minds, removing despair and negativity while filling us with happiness and strength.
Q: Which objects of nature does Keats mention as sources of joy in his poem, ‘A Thing of Beauty’? [CBSE (AI) 2015]
Ans. Keats mentions the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, streams, musk-rose blooms, and forests. These objects of nature provide endless joy, comfort, and a sense of connection with the beauty of life.
OR
Keats mentions the sun, moon, trees, daffodils, streams, musk-rose blooms, and forests. These objects of nature provide endless joy, comfort, and a sense of connection with the beauty of life.
Q: What does Keats consider as an endless fountain of immortal drink and why does he call its drink immortal? [CBSE (AI) 2013]
Ans. Keats considers the beauty of nature as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls it immortal because it provides everlasting joy and nourishes the human spirit, uplifting us in moments of despair.
OR
Keats considers the beauty of nature as an endless fountain of immortal drink. He calls it immortal because it provides everlasting joy and nourishes the human spirit, uplifting us in moments of despair.
Q: What is the source of the endless fountain and what is its effect? [CBSE (F) 2010, 2011]
Ans. The source of the endless fountain is the beauty of nature, which flows from the brink of heaven. Its effect is to refresh and nurture the soul, removing sadness and filling life with positivity and strength.
OR
The source of the endless fountain is the beauty of nature, which flows from the brink of heaven. Its effect is to refresh and nurture the soul, removing sadness and filling life with positivity and strength.