The Lighthouse Poem Q&A Class 8 English Book Lavender

Here are the answers to the textbook exercises based on the poem “The Lighthouse” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The textbook used here is ‘Lavender’ Class 8.

Also See..

The lighthouse Poem Explanation (Eng. & Hindi)

The Lighthouse Poem Notes – Summary, Meanings, Poetic Devices

Poem Q&A (The Lighthouse)

Time to Answer

A: Choose the correct option

Q&A

1. In Line 4, the poet compares the lighthouse to a ‘pillar of fire.’ Which of these options could be the most likely reason for doing so?
   ✅ Because the lighthouse is a pillar which shines brightly at night.
2. What could be the best summary of Stanza 5?
   ✅ Using a simile, the poet compares the lighthouse to the great giant Christopher because the lighthouse keeps a watch on the mariners sailing on the tempestuous waves.
3. Which of these lines in the poem tell you that the lighthouse is reliable?
   ✅ “Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same, Year after year, through all the silent night”
4. Which of these statements about the poem is true?
   ✅ The poem is told from the point of view of a person looking at the lighthouse.

B. Answer these questions.

1. What happens to the light of the lighthouse as the evening approaches?
2. How is the light of the lighthouse described in the poem?
3. What role do other geographic features along the coastline play in relation to the lighthouse?
4. How do the ships and their crews react on seeing the lighthouse’s light?
5. Do you think the poet admires the lighthouse? Give reasons for your answer.

Answers:

1. What happens to the light of the lighthouse as the evening approaches?
   • Ans. As evening approaches, the lighthouse’s light shines brightly through the darkening sky. It appears suddenly and gives a strange, unearthly glow.
2. How is the light of the lighthouse described in the poem?
   • Ans. The poet describes the lighthouse as a “pillar of fire by night” and “a cloud by day.” It shines with radiance and splendor, guiding sailors safely through the sea.
3. What role do other geographic features along the coastline play in relation to the lighthouse?
   • Ans. The projecting capes and dangerous reefs along the coast also appear like dim shapes, helping to guide ships. They work along with the lighthouse to warn sailors about the dangers of the sea.
4. How do the ships and their crews react on seeing the lighthouse’s light?
   • Ans. The sailors feel joyful and comforted when they see the lighthouse. They wave silent welcomes and farewells, knowing the lighthouse will always be there to guide them.
5. Do you think the poet admires the lighthouse? Give reasons for your answer.
   • Ans. Yes, the poet admires the lighthouse. He describes it as strong, steadfast, and immovable, standing against storms and guiding sailors. He also compares it to a guardian and a symbol of hope for those at sea.

OR (Another Set of Answers)

1. What happens to the light of the lighthouse as the evening approaches?
   • Ans. As the evening approaches, the light of the lighthouse shines brightly through the twilight air. It appears sudden and radiant, making the lighthouse look like a glowing pillar in the dark.
2. How is the light of the lighthouse described in the poem?
   • Ans. The light is described as “a pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.” It has a strange, unearthly splendor and shines like a guiding star, helping sailors find their way.
3. What role do other geographic features along the coastline play in relation to the lighthouse?
   • Ans. Other features like capes and reefs also have lights, which help sailors avoid dangerous areas. These lights, like the lighthouse, guide ships safely through the rough sea.
4. How do the ships and their crews react on seeing the lighthouse’s light?
   • Ans. The sailors feel joy and relief when they see the lighthouse. They wave silent welcomes and farewells, feeling reassured that they are on the right path.
5. Do you think the poet admires the lighthouse? Give reasons for your answer.
   • Ans. Yes, the poet admires the lighthouse. He describes it as steadfast, strong, and unmovable, standing firm despite storms. The lighthouse is compared to a giant and a protector, showing how important and respected it is.

Reference to the Context

Read these lines from the poem and answer the questions that follow.

Q and Answers (Reference to Context):

1.

They come forth from the darkness, and their sails
Gleam for a moment only in the blaze,
And eager faces, as the light unveils,
Gaze at the tower, and vanish while they gaze.

a. Who are ‘they’ in these lines?
Ans. (ii) “They” refers to the sailors that are approaching the lighthouse.

b. What does the phrase ‘sails gleam for a moment only in the blaze’ signify?
Ans. (iii) The sails of the ships briefly catch the light from the lighthouse, making them gleam or shine for a short period.

c. What do you understand by the phrase ‘And eager faces, as the light unveils’?
Ans. (iv) It suggests that the people on board the ships are eagerly looking towards the lighthouse as it becomes visible in the light.

d. What kind of emotions are expressed in the phrase ‘Gaze at the tower, and vanish while they gaze’?
Ans. (i) A sense of fleetingness and transience.

2.

The mariner remembers when a child,
On his first voyage, he saw it fade and sink; And when, returning from adventures wild,
He saw it rise again o’er ocean’s brink.

a. What does the mariner remember from his childhood?

Ans. The mariner remembers seeing the lighthouse as a child on his first voyage. He saw it slowly fade and disappear into the horizon as the ship sailed away.

b. What happened when the mariner returned from his ‘adventures wild’?

Ans. When he returned from his exciting travels, he saw the lighthouse appear again over the ocean’s edge, welcoming him home.

c. What significance does the mariner’s memory of the lighthouse have in the poem?

Ans. The lighthouse symbolizes guidance, stability, and home. The mariner’s memory shows how the lighthouse remains unchanging, always there to guide sailors no matter how far they travel.

d. How does the mariner’s perspective on the lighthouse change from his childhood to his later adventures?

Ans. As a child, the lighthouse seemed like a mysterious and distant object, fading away. But as an experienced sailor, he sees it as a reliable and comforting guide that welcomes him back after his journeys.

Or (Another Set of Answers for Q No. 2)

a. What does the mariner remember from his childhood?

Ans. He remembers seeing the lighthouse fade and disappear on his first voyage.

b. What happened when the mariner returned from his ‘adventures wild’?

Ans. He saw the lighthouse appear again over the ocean’s edge.

c. What significance does the mariner’s memory of the lighthouse have in the poem?

Ans. It shows that the lighthouse is a symbol of guidance and home.

d. How does the mariner’s perspective on the lighthouse change from his childhood to his later adventures?

Ans. As a child, he saw it as mysterious; later, he saw it as a reliable guide.

Time to Think and Answer

1. How does the lighthouse symbolise more than just a navigational aid in this poem? What deeper themes or ideas does it represent? Answer in 60-80 words.
2. Analyse the role of memory and nostalgia in the poem. How does the mariner’s memory of the lighthouse shape his experiences and emotions, and what does it suggest about the passage of time? Answer in 80-100 words.

Answers:

1. How does the lighthouse symbolise more than just a navigational aid in this poem? What deeper themes or ideas does it represent? Answer in 60-80 words.

Ans. In the poem, the lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid; it symbolizes guidance, stability, and hope. It represents a constant presence in the lives of sailors, offering safety in the vast, unpredictable sea. The lighthouse also reflects endurance and resilience, standing firm against storms and waves. On a deeper level, it signifies home, comfort, and an unwavering light in life’s journey, reminding sailors of security and direction, both physically and emotionally.

2. Analyse the role of memory and nostalgia in the poem. How does the mariner’s memory of the lighthouse shape his experiences and emotions, and what does it suggest about the passage of time? Answer in 80-100 words.

Ans. Memory and nostalgia play a crucial role in the poem, as seen through the mariner’s recollections. As a child, he saw the lighthouse fade away during his first voyage, marking his departure from home. Upon returning from his adventures, he saw it rise again, symbolizing familiarity and belonging. This memory shapes his experiences, highlighting the passage of time and the changes in his life. The lighthouse serves as a reminder of continuity, anchoring the mariner’s emotions and reinforcing the theme of longing for stability amidst life’s uncertainties.

OR (Another Set of Answers)

Ans. 1. The lighthouse is more than just a guide for sailors. It stands for safety, hope, and strength. It remains steady even in storms, just like a strong person in tough times. It also reminds sailors of home, giving them comfort when they are far away. The lighthouse is like a light in life’s journey, helping people find their way back.

Ans 2. The mariner remembers seeing the lighthouse fade when he left home as a child. When he returned after many adventures, he saw it rise again. This shows how time passes, but some things, like the lighthouse, remain the same. It gives him a sense of home and stability. His memories of the lighthouse remind him of his journey and experiences, making him feel both nostalgic and comforted.

Time to Enjoy

Short Answers:

1. Simile:- Like the great giant Christopher it stands.
2. Anaphora:- The use and repetition of the word AND in the opening lines of the poem. For
   example -And on its outer point, some miles away.
3. Alliteration:- Lighthouse lifts
   Ships sail
   Bending and bowing
   Forth from
   Steadfast, serene

Long answers:

1. Simile: A simile compares two different things using “like” or “as” to create a vivid connection.

Examples from the poem:

1. “Like the great giant Christopher it stands.”

• Explanation: The lighthouse is compared to Saint Christopher, a giant who carried travellers across dangerous waters. This simile emphasizes the lighthouse’s role as a protector and guide.

1. “And shake it like a fleece.”

• Explanation: The hurricane shakes the lighthouse violently, comparing the movement to shaking a piece of wool (fleece). This simile highlights the storm’s force.
• Hindi: तूफान प्रकाशस्तंभ को ऊन के टुकड़े की तरह झटकता है, जो तूफान की ताकत को दर्शाता है।

2. Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses to create rhythm and emphasis.

Examples from the poem:

1. “Be mine to guard this light from all eclipse, / Be yours to bring man nearer unto man!”

• Explanation: The repetition of “Be” at the beginning of both lines emphasizes the division of roles—the lighthouse guards the light, while ships connect humanity.

3. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words to create a musical or rhythmic effect.

Examples from the poem:

“Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same.”

• Explanation: The repetition of the “s” sound in “steadfast,” “serene,” and “same” emphasizes the lighthouse’s stability and calmness.

“Smites it with all the scourges of the rain.”

• Explanation: The repetition of the “s” sound in “smites,” and “scourges” creates a harsh, hissing effect, mimicking the violence of the storm.

“The sea-bird wheeling round it, with the din / Of wings and winds and solitary cries.”

• Explanation: The repetition of the “w” sound in “wheeling,” “wings,” and “winds” creates a whooshing, windy effect, evoking the sound of the storm.

Summary Table: