Question Answers Class 11 Chapter 2.3 Yuvakbharati English Maharashtra Board

There is Another Sky

Brainstorming – Solutions

(A1)

(i) Imagine your younger sister is not paying attention to her studies and is seen wasting time playing games on her cell-phone. Suggest some ways that will help her to concentrate on her studies and overcome her bad habit.

Answer:-

1. Set a Study Schedule: Create a fixed daily timetable with dedicated study hours and short breaks to keep her focused and organized.

2. Limit Phone Usage: Encourage her to use apps that block distracting games during study time or set specific hours for phone use as a reward.

3. Create a Study-Friendly Environment: Provide a quiet, clutter-free study space free from distractions like the phone or TV.

4. Set Goals and Rewards: Help her set small, achievable study goals and reward her with something she enjoys (e.g., a favorite activity) upon completion.

5. Lead by Example: Study or read alongside her to model good habits and motivate her to focus on her studies.

(ii) You have noticed that many of your classmates are not interested in outdoor games or participating in co-curricular activities. Discuss some ways in which they will be encouraged to participate in activities.

Answer:-

1. Organize Fun Events: Arrange exciting and inclusive events like sports tournaments or talent shows to spark interest in co-curricular activities.

2. Highlight Benefits: Educate classmates about the benefits of outdoor games and activities, such as stress relief, teamwork, and improved health.

3. Involve Role Models: Invite popular students, teachers, or local sports figures to participate or speak about the value of these activities.

4. Offer Variety: Introduce diverse activities like dance, music, or adventure sports to cater to different interests and attract more participants.

5. Provide Incentives: Offer rewards like certificates, prizes, or recognition in school assemblies to motivate participation.

(A2)

(i) Discuss with your partner and complete the web, highlighting the sad and gloomy aspects of life mentioned in the first part of the poem.

Answer:-

(ii) The poet encourages her brother in the second part of the poem by telling him about the brighter side of life. Discuss with your partner and make a list of the expressions in the poem that mean encouragement.

(a) Brighter garden

(b) Ever serene and fair

(c) Unfading flowers

(iii) The poet has described two different shades of human feelings by using imagery of various forces of Nature in the poem. Pick out the terms or phrases that describe them. Complete the table given below. One is done for you.

(iv) The poem expresses feelings of serenity. Pick out expressions from the above poem that express the same.

Answer :-

1. Ever serene and fair

2. Brighter garden

3. Unfading flowers

4. Little forest, whose leaf is ever green

5. I hear the bright bee hum

Explanation: These expressions from Emily Dickinson’s poem “There is Another Sky” evoke a sense of serenity through imagery of a peaceful, vibrant, and unchanging natural world. “Ever serene and fair” directly conveys calmness, while “brighter garden,” “unfading flowers,” “little forest, whose leaf is ever green,” and “bright bee hum” suggest a tranquil, lively, and harmonious environment, fostering feelings of peace and contentment.

(v) Compare and contrast the two opposing human feelings as expressed by the poet.

Answer:-  Comparison and Contrast: In “There is Another Sky,” Emily Dickinson contrasts two opposing human feelings-despair and hope-using vivid nature imagery:

Despair/Gloom:

• Imagery: “Faded forests” and “silent fields” represent decay, loneliness, and desolation.
• Feelings: These evoke sadness, gloom, and emotional darkness, suggesting a state of depression or hardship faced by the poet’s brother, Austin.
• Tone: The first part of the poem reflects a somber and heavy mood, acknowledging life’s challenges.

Hope/Optimism:

• Imagery: “Brighter garden,” “unfading flowers,” “ever serene and fair,” and “little forest, whose leaf is ever green” symbolize vitality, peace, and endless possibilities.
• Feelings: These convey joy, hope, and optimism, encouraging a positive outlook and resilience.
  • Tone: The second part shifts to an uplifting and inviting tone, urging Austin to embrace a brighter perspective.

Contrast: The poem juxtaposes the gloomy, faded imagery of despair with the vibrant, evergreen imagery of hope, highlighting the shift from darkness to light. The poet encourages her brother to move past life’s challenges (“never mind faded forests, Austin”) and enter a serene, hopeful world (“into my garden come”).

Similarity: Both sets of feelings are tied to nature imagery, showing how human emotions can be reflected in the natural world. The poem uses this connection to convey a universal message of resilience, suggesting that hope can overcome despair.

(A3)

‘Never mind faded forests, Austin’. The word ‘faded’ means dim or faint. The word describes the forests that have become faint or dim in appearance. Now go through the poem again and complete the table.

(A4)

‘I hear the bright bee hum.’ The poet has used the word ‘hum’ that indicates the sound made by the bee. This is an example of Onomatopoeia. The poet has used different figures of speech like alliteration, inversion and hyperbole in the poem. Identify them and pick out the lines accordingly.

(a) Hyperbole : Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect.

Line: “Here is a brighter garden, / Where not a frost has been”

Explanation: The phrase “brighter garden” where “not a frost has been” exaggerates the idea of a perfect, flawless garden untouched by any frost, symbolizing an idealized, trouble-free place to emphasize hope and positivity.

(b) Alliteration : Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words.

Line: “Here is a little forest, / Whose leaf is ever green”

Explanation: The repetition of the “l” sound in “little” and “leaf” creates a musical effect, emphasizing the lush, vibrant imagery of the forest in the poet’s vision.

(c) Inversion : Inversion is the reversal of the normal word order in a sentence for poetic effect.

Line: “Into my garden come!”

(A5)

Imagine your friend is a table tennis champion who has won the semi-final in the inter-collegiate championship. Due to overconfidence, she neither practises nor does she take her opponent seriously. This may result in her losing the final. Suggest some ways to make her aware of the importance of hard work and regular practice.

Answer:

1. I would first congratulate my friend on her wonderful performance in the semi-final.
2. Then, I would gently remind her that the final match is more challenging than the previous one.
3. I would explain that overconfidence can lead to carelessness and failure.
4. I would give examples of famous players who lost important games due to lack of practice.
5. I would tell her that her talent is precious, and it must be polished with regular practice.
6. I would encourage her to take the final match seriously and start her training again.
7. I would remind her that true champions remain humble and consistent in their efforts.
8. I would also offer to practise with her to motivate and support her.
9. Finally, I would tell her, “Hard work never goes to waste-your dedication will bring you success.”

(A6)

(i) Use the following points and write an appreciation of the poem:

• About the poem, poet and title

• Theme

• Poetic style, language, poetic devices used in the poem

• Special features

• Message/values/morals in the poem 

• Your opinion about the poem

Answer:-

About the Poem, Poet, and Title “There is Another Sky” is an inspirational Petrarchan sonnet written by Emily Dickinson, a 19th-century American poet known for her reclusive life and unique poetic style. The poem, addressed to her brother Austin, is structured with an octave and a sestet. The title suggests an alternative, hopeful perspective, symbolizing a brighter world or state of mind beyond current struggles.

Theme The central theme is optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. The poet encourages her brother to remain hopeful, portraying a vibrant, eternal garden as a metaphor for life’s possibilities and choices, urging him to overcome challenges with a positive outlook.

Poetic Style, Language, Poetic Devices Dickinson employs a simple yet profound style with short lines, slant rhymes, and unconventional punctuation, characteristic of her work. The language is vivid and imagery-rich, creating a serene and inviting tone. Poetic devices include:

• Imagery: “Here is a little forest, / Whose leaf is ever green” paints a vivid picture of an everlasting, vibrant place.
• Metaphor: The “brighter garden” symbolizes hope and new opportunities.
• Alliteration: “Bright bee hum” emphasizes the lively atmosphere.
• Onomatopoeia: “Hum” mimics the sound of the bee, enhancing auditory imagery.
• Inversion: “Into my garden come!” adds a dramatic, inviting effect.
• Personification: The garden and sky are portrayed as welcoming entities, fostering hope.

Special Features The poem’s Petrarchan sonnet form, with its octave-sestet structure, is a distinctive feature, blending traditional form with Dickinson’s unconventional style. The personal address to her brother adds an intimate, epistolary quality, while the contrast between “faded forests” and the “brighter garden” highlights the shift from despair to hope. The use of nature imagery, such as “unfading flowers” and “ever green” leaves, creates a timeless, universal appeal.

Message/Values/Morals The poem conveys a message of hope and perseverance, urging readers to look beyond difficulties and embrace life’s brighter possibilities. It promotes the value of maintaining a positive attitude and resilience, encouraging one to find or create their own “garden” of hope despite life’s challenges.

Your Opinion About the Poem I find the poem deeply inspiring due to its uplifting message and vivid imagery. Dickinson’s ability to convey profound emotions through simple yet powerful language is remarkable. The poem’s optimistic tone and personal touch make it relatable, encouraging readers to adopt a hopeful perspective in tough times. Its timeless appeal lies in its universal message of resilience, making it a cherished piece of literature.

(ii) Write a summary of the poem with the help of the points given below:

• Title

• Introductory paragraph (about the poem/ type/nature/tone)

• Main body (the central idea/gist of the poem)

• Conclusion/ opinions/views/appeal

Answer:-

Title The title “There is Another Sky” suggests an alternative, hopeful perspective, symbolizing a brighter world or state of mind that transcends current difficulties.

Introductory Paragraph (About the Poem/Type/Nature/Tone) “There is Another Sky” is a Petrarchan sonnet by Emily Dickinson, a 19th-century American poet known for her introspective and unconventional style. Written as a letter to her brother Austin, the poem is inspirational in nature, with a serene and optimistic tone. It uses vivid imagery of nature to convey hope and resilience, structured in an octave and sestet, blending traditional form with Dickinson’s unique poetic voice.

Main Body (Central Idea/Gist of the Poem) The central idea of the poem is to inspire hope and encourage perseverance in the face of life’s challenges. Dickinson addresses her brother, urging him not to dwell on “faded forests” or “silent fields,” which represent gloom and despair. Instead, she invites him to envision a “brighter garden” with “ever green” leaves and “unfading flowers,” symbolizing a vibrant, hopeful world free from sorrow. The imagery of a serene sky, unfading flowers, and a humming bee emphasizes life’s endless possibilities and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, encouraging Austin to return home and embrace this optimistic perspective.

Conclusion/Opinions/Views/Appeal In conclusion, “There is Another Sky” is a timeless, uplifting poem that resonates with readers through its message of hope and resilience. Dickinson’s use of nature as a metaphor for life’s choices is both simple and profound, making the poem universally appealing. It encourages readers to look beyond hardships and find their own “brighter garden,” making it a powerful call to adopt optimism and strength in adversity.

(iii) Let’s compose a poem. Two lines are given. Add two of your own.

There is another sky,

Ever serene and fair

Answer:- A world where dreams take flight,

With hope that lingers there.

Explanation: The added lines maintain the poem’s optimistic and serene tone, using imagery of flight and hope to align with Dickinson’s theme of a brighter, uplifting world. The rhyme scheme (fair/there) echoes the original’s structure, ensuring cohesion

(iv) Given below is the poem ‘Blue Sky’ by Mark Hastings. Imagine a poem of a similar kind by replacing the word blue. You can add any colour or object of your choice and write a poem of four lines.

For example, replace ‘blue’ with

(a) Starry sky above me………………..

(b) Cloudy sky above me………….

Answer :-

1. Golden sky above me,

2. Shining bright with hope and light.

3. It fills my heart with peaceful dreams,

4. And turns my darkness into white.

(A7)

Write a letter to your younger sibling making him / her aware of various man-made and natural disasters and encourage him / her to join all the programmes, campaigns, drives etc. in school or in your locality.

Answer:

Sender’s Address 123, Green Valley, Mumbai, Maharashtra July 18, 2025

Dear [Sibling’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well and full of energy. Today, I want to talk about something important-disasters that affect our world and how you can make a difference.

Our planet faces both natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and droughts, which occur due to nature’s forces, and man-made disasters like pollution, deforestation, oil spills, and accidents caused by human negligence. These events can harm people, animals, and the environment. For example, floods can destroy homes, while pollution affects the air we breathe.

You can help by joining programs, campaigns, or drives at school or in our locality. Participate in tree-planting drives to combat deforestation, join cleanliness campaigns to reduce pollution, or attend disaster preparedness workshops to learn how to stay safe during earthquakes or floods. These activities not only help the environment but also teach you valuable skills.

I encourage you to get involved actively. Sign up for the school’s environmental club or local community drives. Your small efforts, like spreading awareness or volunteering, can create a big impact. Let’s work together to protect our planet!

With love, [Your Name]

(A8)

The poem describes the beauty of Nature. Make a list of careers that are related to Nature, environment and forest. One is done for you.

(a) Forest Department – (Forest officer, Ranger, etc.)

(b) Environmental Scientist – Studies the environment to address issues like pollution, climate change, and conservation.

(c) Wildlife Biologist – Researches and protects animal species and their habitats in forests and ecosystems.

(d) Ecologist – Examines relationships between organisms and their environment to promote biodiversity.

(e) Park Naturalist – Educates visitors about nature and manages conservation efforts in national parks.