This page provides complete textbook solutions for Coromandel Fishers by Sarojini Naidu from the Class 7 English book Gul Mohar. Students can find simple and clear answers to all “Understanding the Poem” and “Appreciating the Poem” questions. The answers are written in easy language for quick learning, homework help, exam preparation, and better understanding of Sarojini Naidu’s famous poem about the brave fishermen and their close bond with the sea.
Question and answers for the poem ‘Coromandel Fishers’ from the Class 7 Gul Mohar book.
Understanding the Poem
Answer these questions.
- Is it a calm morning? How do you know?
- Why are the fishermen eager to get into their catamarans and go out to sea?
- What makes them so willing to take on the challenges of this profession?
- We are the kings of the sea.
a. Why are the fishermen the kings of the sea?
b. Why do they say this when they are calling their comrades? - What does the speaker mean by hasten away in the track of the seagull’s call?
- What are the things that the fishermen enjoy on land?
- Do you think the fishermen prefer being at sea to being on shore? Use examples from the poem to support your answer.
- Who is the sea-god and how is he described? How does this sea-god watch over the fishermen?
- What shows us that the fishermen-
a. respect the sea?
b. are aware of the role the sea plays in their lives?
ANSWERS
1. Is it a calm morning? How do you know?
Short Answer.
The poem describes the morning as peaceful, with the wind asleep in the arms of the dawn and the child-like, calm sea.
Long Answer.
Yes, it is a calm and peaceful morning. The poet says that “The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.” This shows that the wind is soft and still, and nature is quiet at daybreak.
2. Why are the fishermen eager to get into their catamarans and go out to sea?
Short Ans.
They are eager to catch the leaping wealth of the tide which means ‘fish’ here.
Long Ans.
The fishermen are eager to go to sea because fishing is their livelihood. They want to catch fish, which the poet calls the “leaping wealth of the tide.” They also enjoy the adventure and excitement of the sea.
3. What makes them so willing to take on the challenges of this profession?
Short Ans.
Their deep connection to the sea and the need to earn their livelihood from it drives them, despite the risks.
Long Ans.
The fishermen are brave and confident. They have a deep connection with the sea and trust the sea-god for protection. They also know that the sea provides food and income for their families, so they willingly face its dangers.
4. “We are the kings of the sea.”
- Why are the fishermen the kings of the sea?
Short Answ.
They possess freedom and dominion over the vast ocean, feeling a sense of ownership and mastery.
Long Ans.
The fishermen call themselves the kings of the sea because they are skilled, fearless, and experienced in sailing and fishing. The sea is their workplace, and they know it well.
- Why do they say this when they are calling their comrades?
Short Answ.
To inspire confidence and a sense of shared purpose among them.
Long Ans.
They say this to encourage and motivate their fellow fishermen. The words fill them with confidence, pride, and courage before they begin their journey.
5. What does the speaker mean by “hasten away in the track of the seagull’s call”?
Short Ans.
To move quickly in the direction of the sea, guided by nature’s signals.
Long Ans.
The speaker means that the fishermen should quickly move towards the sea, following the direction of the seagulls. The seagull’s call acts like a signal guiding them to the fishing area.
6. What are the things that the fishermen enjoy on land?
Short Ans.
They find comfort in the smell of the land, the scent of the coconut grove, and the sound of the falling cocoanut.
Long Ans.
The fishermen enjoy the cool shade of the coconut trees, the sweet smell of the mango groves, the moonlit sandy shore, and the loving voices of their family and friends.
7. Do you think the fishermen prefer being at sea to being on shore? Use examples from the poem to support your answer.
Short Ans.
While they appreciate the comfort of the land, they seem to prioritize the sea, as it is their source of life and freedom.
Long Ans.
Yes, the fishermen prefer being at sea. Although they enjoy the comforts and beauty of land, they feel happier and more excited on the sea. The poet says, “But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee.” This shows that they love the thrill and freedom of the sea more than life on shore.
8. Who is the sea-god and how is he described? How does this sea-god watch over the fishermen?
Short Ans.
The sea-god is the guardian of the ocean, who protects the fishermen in his arms, ensuring their safety.
Long Ans.
The sea-god represents the divine power that controls the sea and storms. He is described as someone “who holds the storm by the hair,” showing his great power over nature. The fishermen believe that this sea-god protects them and keeps them safe during dangerous journeys.
9. What shows us that the fishermen—
- respect the sea?
Short Ans.
They call it their “mother” and the boat their “brother”.
Long Ans.
The fishermen respect the sea because they call it their “mother.” They understand its power and depend on it for their livelihood.
- are aware of the role the sea plays in their lives?
Short Ans.
They rely on the sea for their survival, recognizing it as both their workplace and source of sustenance.
Long Ans.
The fishermen know that the sea provides them with fish, food, and income. The phrase “leaping wealth of the tide” shows that they understand how important the sea is for their survival and happiness.
Appreciating the Poem
- The wind and the dawn are personified in this poem. Personification is the style of giving human qualities to something non-human in order to make it easier to imagine and more interesting. What are they personified as?
- Some elements of nature are compared to relatives or close kin. What are the comparisons? What does this tell us about the relationship that the fishermen have with the sea? What emotions do these descriptions evoke?
- The poem is written in the voice of one fisherman calling to his comrades to set out to sea. Why is the poem written this way? How will it be different if it was written as a description of the fisherman going out to sea?
ANSWERS
1. The wind and the dawn are personified in this poem. Personification is the style of giving human qualities to something non-human in order to make it easier to imagine and more interesting. What are they personified as?
Answer: The wind is personified as a tired child sleeping peacefully after crying all night. This is seen in the line, “The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.”
The dawn is personified as a loving mother who gently holds the sleeping child in her arms. The phrase “in the arms of the dawn” gives dawn a human quality.
2. Some elements of nature are compared to relatives or close kin. What are the comparisons? What does this tell us about the relationship that the fishermen have with the sea? What emotions do these descriptions evoke?
Answer: The poet compares elements of nature to close relatives and friends:
- “The sea is our mother” — the sea is compared to a caring mother because it feeds and protects the fishermen.
- “The cloud is our brother” — the clouds are compared to brothers, showing closeness and companionship.
- “The waves are our comrades” — the waves are compared to friends or companions who stay with them during their journey.
These comparisons show that the fishermen share a deep and affectionate relationship with nature. They do not see the sea as something frightening or separate from them. Instead, they feel connected to it like a family member.
These descriptions evoke feelings of love, trust, comfort, unity, and confidence. They also show the fishermen’s respect for nature and their faith in its protection.
3. The poem is written in the voice of one fisherman calling to his comrades to set out to sea. Why is the poem written this way? How will it be different if it was written as a description of the fisherman going out to sea?
Answer: The poem is written in the voice of one fisherman calling his comrades because it makes the poem lively, energetic, and musical. It feels like a real conversation or a song sung by fishermen before going to sea. The repeated calls such as “Rise, brothers, rise” and “Row, brothers, row” create excitement, unity, and encouragement among the fishermen.
This style also helps the reader feel the courage, confidence, and adventurous spirit of the fishermen more closely.
If the poem were written only as a description of fishermen going out to sea, it would sound less personal and less emotional. It would lose the directness, enthusiasm, and song-like quality that make the poem powerful and inspiring.