A Thing of Beauty Poem PYQs – Extract Based Questions, MCQs, CBFQs Class 12

“Extract-based Questions and Answers for ‘A Thing of Beauty’ from Previous Years’ Board Exam Papers for CBSE Class 12 English Core, Flamingo Book Poems. These questions have curated past English Core board exams. Practicing these extract-based questions for the poem ‘A Thing of Beauty’ would in achieving excellent marks in exams.”

PYQs – Extract Based Questions & CBFQs for “A Thing of Beauty’ Class 12 English Core

Directions: Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:

Extract (CBSE SQP 2024)

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

1. Which of the following themes is best represented in the given extract?

  • (A) The beauty of nature
  • (B) The power of imagination
  • (C) The immortality of art and literature
  • (D) The inevitability of death

2. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE, with reference to the extract:

  • By referring to the dead as “mighty”, the poet emphasizes their importance and the power they exerted on the people.

3. Complete the sentence appropriately:

  • The “endless fountain of immortal drink” is an apt analogy for the tales of the mighty dead because ____________________________.

4. The use of the word “brink” in the extract suggests that the immortality that is being poured onto us is on the verge of overflowing. This creates a powerful image of ___________.

5. Based on the poem’s rhyme scheme, evident in lines 2-5 of the given extract, which word would rhyme with line 1?

  • (A) Said
  • (B) Think
  • (C) Tombs

Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract:

  • (A) Creates a sense of continuity and flow that connects the line with the second line.
  • (B) Encourages the reader to continue reading seamlessly without any pause.
  • (C) Creates a sense of anticipation and expectation for the reader.
  • (D) Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding lines.
  1. (C) The immortality of art and literature
  2. TRUE. By referring to the dead as “mighty,” the poet emphasizes their importance and the power they exerted on the people.
  3. The “endless fountain of immortal drink” is an apt analogy for the tales of the mighty dead because they provide eternal inspiration and joy to the human spirit.
  4. The use of the word “brink” in the extract suggests that the immortality that is being poured onto us is on the verge of overflowing. This creates a powerful image of limitless abundance of hope and joy.
  5. (C) Tombs
  6. (D) Encourages a revisit to the ideas in the preceding lines.

Extract: (CBSE CFPQ)

“Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall.”

(i) In the above lines, the speaker is suggesting that we ________.

  • (A) fight evils which plague the earth with our own strength
  • (B) reconnect with the earth by stepping into its uncharted territory
  • (C) create a string of flowers from the earth and bind it to our bodies
  • (D) bask in the natural beauty of the earth and be tethered to its joyous strength

(ii) Select the option that has the same rhyme scheme as these lines from the given stanza.

(A) Green grow the rashes, O!
Green grow the rashes, O!
The sweetest hours that e’er I spend
Are spent amang the lasses, O.

(B) Three old hermits took the air
By a cold and desolate sea,
First was muttering a prayer,
Second rummaged for a flea;

(C) Lull me to sleep, ye winds, whose fitful sound
Seems from some faint Aeolian harp-string caught;
Seal up the hundred wakeful eyes of thought
As Hermes with his lyre in sleep profound
The hundred wakeful eyes of Argus bound;

(D) I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

(iii) Which line evokes the optimistic tone of the extract?

  • (A) A flowery band to bind us to the earth
  • (B) Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
  • (C) Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
  • (D) Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

(iv) Select the option that uses the same literary device as the below line from the extract:

“Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days.”

  • (A) Sing to me, Autumn, with the rustle of your leaves.
  • (B) Tyger Tyger, burning bright, in the forests of the night.
  • (C) Her beauty hangs upon the cheek of night, Like a rich jewel.
  • (D) All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.

(i) (D) bask in the natural beauty of the earth and be tethered to its joyous strength

(ii) (C)

(iii) (D) Some shape of beauty moves away the pall

(iv) (B) Tyger Tyger, burning bright, in the forests of the night.

Extract (2023)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
pass into nothingness: but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health and quiet breathing.

Therefore, on every morrow are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth;
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching.

(i) Keats defines beauty as:

  • (a) transient
  • (b) eternal
  • (c) illusionary
  • (d) short lived

(ii) ‘Will keep a bower quiet for us’ means all of the following EXCEPT:

  • (a) create a peaceful, shady place
  • (b) provide a shelter
  • (c) will decrease noise pollution
  • (d) nature’s canopy

(iii) On the basis of the extract, choose the correct option with reference to the two statements given below:

  1. Beautiful things uplift the soul.
  2. Beauty is ever-changing.
  • (a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
  • (b) 2 can be inferred from the extract but 1 cannot.
  • (c) Both 1 and 2 can be inferred from the extract.
  • (d) Both 1 and 2 cannot be inferred from the extract.

(iv) The things that cause unhappiness are:

  1. lack of noble nature
  2. old tunes
  3. dull days
  4. calm mind
  5. a flowery band
  6. strong relationships

Choose the most appropriate option:

  • (a) (1) and (2)
  • (b) (1) and (3)
  • (c) (4) and (5)
  • (d) (3) and (6)

(v) Complete the analogy. Do not repeat from the used example:

  • Flowery band : metaphor :: ___________: alliteration

(vi) According to the poet, ‘every morrow’ we are ___________.

(i). (b) eternal
(ii). (c) will decrease noise pollution
(iii). (a) 1 can be inferred from the extract but 2 cannot.
(iv). (b) (1) and (3)
(v). we wreathing

Extract (CBSE SQP 2023)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth.

1. Choose the option that displays the same poetic device as used in the first line of the extract:

  • (A) I’m as happy as I can be.
  • (B) Life is a roller coaster ride.
  • (C) Nature is God’s gift to us.
  • (D) The dazzling divas enchanted all.

2. The expression ‘bower quiet’ indicates ____________.

3. Complete the sentence appropriately:
The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include _______________.

4. State whether the given statement is TRUE or FALSE:
We are surrounded by beautiful things.

5. What does ‘never pass into nothingness’ mean?

6. How can beauty be defined according to this poem?

  • (A) Beauty is pleasure.
  • (B) Beauty is the cause of all happiness.
  • (C) Beauty is nothing.
  • (D) Beauty is a quality which always gives happiness.
  1. (B) Life is a roller coaster ride.
  2. A peaceful and pleasant shelter.
  3. The benefits of a thing of beauty for humans include providing mental peace, happiness, and an escape from stress.
  4. TRUE. We are surrounded by beautiful things.
  5. It means that beauty is eternal and its value will never fade away.
  6. (D) Beauty is a quality which always gives happiness.

Extract 3: (CBSE Question Bank, 2021)

Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er darkened ways
Made for our searching; yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits.

  1. State TRUE or FALSE:
    • According to the poet, the cause of gloom and sadness is this negativity.
  2. What is the poet trying to convey from the above stanza?
  3. Pick the option that enumerates what ‘noble natures’ would include:
    • Selflessness
    • Insensitivity
    • Enthusiasm
    • Aggression
    • Meticulousness
    • Judiciousness
      • (A) 1, 4 and 5
      • (B) 2, 3 and 6
      • (C) 2, 4 and 5
      • (D) 1, 3 and 6
  4. Based on the poem, choose the correct options with reference to the two statements given below:
    • Statement 1: The earth without beautiful things is a place full of despair and unpleasantness.
    • Statement 2: The ornate band created by human beings ushers hope in their lives.
      • (A) Statement 1 is true but Statement 2 is false.
      • (B) Statement 1 is false but Statement 2 is true.
      • (C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
      • (D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 cannot be inferred.
  5. Self-centred tendency and inability to rise above shallow circles is _________________.
  6. Complete the sentence:
    • ‘Spite of despondency’ refers to ___________.
  1. TRUE. According to the poet, the cause of gloom and sadness is this negativity.
  2. The poet conveys that even amidst sadness and negativity, beauty provides comfort and helps uplift our spirits.
  3. (D) 1, 3 and 6
  4. (C) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 can be inferred.
  5. A cause of despair and unhappiness in human life.
  6. ‘Spite of despondency’ refers to the persistence of hope and joy despite sadness and negativity.

Extract (CBSE Question Bank, 2021)

Rich with sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms;
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

Questions:

  1. Pick the quote that matches best with:
    • “And such too is the grandeur of the dooms we have imagined for the mighty dead.”
      • (A) In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
      • (B) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.
      • (C) Endings are not always bad; most times they’re just beginnings in disguise.
      • (D) Cowards die many times before their death, the valiant never taste of death but once.
  2. Pick the option that refers to what ‘an endless fountain of immortal drink’ suggests:
    • Inspirational deeds of great men
    • A ceaseless series of dreams
    • An infinite source of strength
    • An elixir of life for upliftment of the soul
    • An eternal source of delight
    • A boundless gift of love
      • (A) 1, 4 and 5
      • (B) 2, 3 and 5
      • (C) 1, 2 and 6
      • (D) 2, 4 and 6
  3. State TRUE or FALSE:
    • The bushes with fragrant flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
  4. Complete the sentence:
    • The line in the poem that has the same literary device as the ‘mighty dead’ is ___________.
  5. ‘Endless fountain’ gets its immortal drink from ___________.
  6. The poet talks about ‘grandeur’. Whose grandeur is he talking about?
  1. (B) When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.
  2. (A) 1, 4 and 5
  3. TRUE. The bushes with fragrant flowers lift the human spirit and bring joy.
  4. The line in the poem that has the same literary device as the ‘mighty dead’ is “All lovely tales that we have heard or read.”
  5. The beauty of nature and human imagination.
  6. The grandeur of the lives and deeds of great individuals who are dead but still  continue to inspire humanity.

Extract (2020)

And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.

(i) Which two things of beauty are mentioned in these lines?

(ii) Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an endless fountain?

(iii) Where is this fountain situated?

(iv) Explain: ‘grandeur of the dooms’.

(i) The two things of beauty mentioned in these lines are:

  • The ‘mighty dead’ or the grand lives of those who have passed away.
  • The ‘lovely tales’ that we have heard or read.

(ii) The ‘lovely tales’ are called an endless fountain because they keep inspiring and nourishing us, like an infinite source of beauty and wisdom that never runs out.

(iii) This fountain is situated in the heavens, symbolizing the divine or eternal nature of these stories and inspirations.

(iv) ‘Grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the impressive and magnificent nature of the endings or destinies of great people who have passed away. It suggests that the way we remember and honour the mighty dead is grand, full of awe and respect.

Extract:

“And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.”

(i) Which two things of beauty are mentioned in these lines?

  • (a) The stories of bravery of the dead, which we have heard or read, inspire us to be brave and courageous like those people.
  • (b) The immortal drink which is being poured to us straight from the heaven.
  • (c) Colourful water poured from the fountain of life.
  • (d) Both (a) and (b).

(ii) Why are the ‘lovely tales’ called an endless fountain?

  • (a) As there is no end to tall tales and these inspire us lifelong.
  • (b) As there is no end to tales of patriotism and cowardice and these inspire us lifelong.
  • (c) As there is no end to tales of heroism and these inspire us lifelong.
  • (d) As there is no end to tales of perfectionism and these inspire us lifelong.

(iii) Where is this fountain situated?

  • (a) This fountain is situated at the brink of the heaven.
  • (b) This fountain is situated in the heaven.
  • (c) This fountain is situated in the heart of earth.
  • (d) This fountain is situated at the brink of hell.

(iv) Explain: ‘grandeur of the dooms’.

  • (a) The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the immortality that our heroes have attained even out of their deaths.
  • (b) The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the greatness that our heroes have attained even out of their deaths.
  • (c) The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the name and fame that our heroes have attained even out of their deaths.
  • (d) The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the greatness and immortality that our heroes have attained even out of their deaths.

(i) (d) Both (a) and (b).
(ii) (c) As there is no end to tales of heroism and these inspire us lifelong.
(iii) (a) This fountain is situated at the brink of the heaven.
(iv) (d) The ‘grandeur of the dooms’ refers to the greatness and immortality that our heroes have attained even out of their deaths.

Extract (2019)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

  1. (a) Name the poem and its poet.
  2. (b) How does a thing of beauty remain a joy forever?
  3. (c) Explain: ‘never pass into nothingness’.
  4. (d) How does the bower help us in our life? Give two examples.

(a) The poem is “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats.

(b) A thing of beauty remains a joy forever because it continuously provides pleasure, health, and peace. Its charm and soothing effect never diminish.

(c) The phrase ‘never pass into nothingness’ means that the value and impact of a beautiful thing never fade away; it stays eternal and meaningful.

(d) The bower helps us in life by:

  • Providing restful sleep full of sweet dreams.
  • Offering a peaceful and healthy environment that refreshes the mind and body.

Extract (2019)

A thing of beauty is a joy forever
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness; but will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

(a) Which two qualities of beauty are mentioned here?

(b) How does it give calm to a troubled mind?

(c) What does the word ‘bower’ mean?

(d) How does beauty lead to ‘a sleep full of sweet dreams’?

(a) The two qualities of beauty mentioned here are joyous and lovely.

(b) Beauty gives calm to a troubled mind by providing restful sleep, sweet dreams, good health, and quiet breathing.

(c) The word ‘bower’ means a pleasant shady place under trees.

(d) Beauty leads to ‘a sleep full of sweet dreams’ by creating a soothing and nourishing environment that relaxes the mind and body.


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