Nose versus Eyes
Brainstorming – Solutions
(A1)
(i) State whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements.
(a) The Nose can use spectacles.
Answer: True.
The poem states that the Nose claims possession of the spectacles, as they are designed to fit its ridge, and the lawyer (Tongue) argues that the Nose has had spectacles “always in wear.”
(b) Eyes have to be shut when the Nose wears/puts on the spectacles.
Answer: False.
Correction: The poem does not state that the Eyes have to be shut when the Nose wears the spectacles. Instead, the verdict decrees that whenever the Nose puts on the spectacles, the Eyes should be allowed to use them for vision, implying they remain open.
(c) The Ear was appointed as a judge.
Answer: True.
The poem describes Chief Baron Ear sitting “to balance the laws” and making the final decree, indicating the Ear’s role as the judge.
(d) Eyes cannot make spectacles.
Answer: True.
The poem does not suggest that the Eyes can make spectacles; rather, it discusses their claim to use them. The lawyer’s argument for the Eyes is not detailed, implying it was less convincing.
(ii) Discuss with your partner and match the following expressions given in column ‘A’ with their interpretations in column ‘B’
Answer:-
| Sr. No. | Column A (Expression) | Column B (Interpretation) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | While Chief Baron Ear sat to balance the laws, | (b) The responsibility of giving verdict rested on the shoulders of the hearing organ. |
| 2. | They are made with the straddle as wide as the ridge of the Nose is. | (c) Spectacles are meant for none other than the nose. |
| 3. | That whenever the Nose put his Spectacles on, by daylight or candlelight Eyes should be shut! | (a) Eyes are refrained from using spectacles. |
| 4. | So his lordship decreed with a grave solemn tone, decisive and clear, without one if or but. | (d) The judge delivered a firm verdict without any doubt. |
(A2)
(i) The tongue justifies the possession of the spectacles on behalf of the nose. Pick up the expressions from the poem that argue in favour of the Nose and complete the following web diagram. 
Answer:-
(ii) Comment on the following characters depicted in the poem, in a sentence or a phrase.
| Character | Comment |
|---|---|
| On the Nose | The Nose is portrayed as assertive and possessive, claiming ownership of the spectacles based on its physical compatibility and long-standing use. |
| On the Eyes | The Eyes are depicted as less convincing in their arguments, overshadowed by the Nose’s stronger case, resulting in an unfavorable verdict. |
(iii) “Lend thy ears to all but few thy tongue”…. is a famous quote by William Shakespeare. Justify.
Answer:-
The quote “Lend thy ears to all but few thy tongue” by William Shakespeare, from Hamlet, advises one to listen openly to everyone but be cautious and selective in speaking. This is justified as follows:
1. Promotes Thoughtful Listening: Listening to all perspectives fosters understanding and empathy, allowing one to gather diverse viewpoints before forming opinions.
2. Encourages Prudence in Speech: Being reserved in speech prevents hasty or unwise words, reducing misunderstandings or conflicts.
3. Reflects Wisdom in Decision-Making: In the context of the poem Nose versus Eyes, the quote aligns with Chief Baron Ear’s role, who listens carefully to arguments before delivering a verdict, demonstrating judicial wisdom.
4. Encourages Restraint: Speaking less ensures one’s words carry weight and avoids unnecessary arguments, as seen when Tongue’s arguments for the Nose outweigh those for the Eyes.
(A3)
Pick out examples of Inversion from the poem.
Answer:-
Inversion Examples from the Poem:
1. “Between Nose and Eyes a strange contest arose,”
→ Correct order: A strange contest arose between Nose and Eyes.
2.”The point in dispute was, as all the world knows,”
→ Correct order: As all the world knows, the point in dispute was.
3. “So Tongue was the lawyer, and argued the cause”
→ Correct order: The Tongue was the lawyer and argued the cause.
4. “Designed to sit close to it, just like a saddle.”
→ Correct order: It was designed to sit close to it, just like a saddle.
(A4)
(i) Justify the verdict delivered in the poem.
I can support my answer with the help of the following suitable arguments:
a) The verdict favors the Nose because the spectacles are designed to fit its shape, with a straddle that matches the ridge of the Nose, making it the most suitable part to hold them.
b) The Nose’s long-standing possession of spectacles, as argued by Tongue, suggests a historical claim, implying that the Nose has always been the primary bearer of spectacles.
c) The poem highlights that without a Nose, spectacles would have no place to rest, as the Eyes alone cannot support them, reinforcing the Nose’s practical role in the verdict.
(ii) Compose two lines of your own on any sensory organ.
Answer:- Eyes that see everything and ears that hear,
Need to have the patience and strength to bear.
(iii) Imagine that you are a lawyer defending the case of the eyes in court. Present your counter-statement in support of your client.
Answer:- Honorable Chief Baron Ear, I represent the Eyes. While the Nose claims possession due to its shape, the Eyes are the true beneficiaries of spectacles. Spectacles exist to enhance vision, which is the sole function of the Eyes. Without them, spectacles would be mere ornaments, useless to the Nose. The straddle may rest on the Nose, but it is the Eyes that peer through the lenses, making them the rightful owners. I urge the court to recognize that utility, not mere physical fit, determines ownership. The Eyes, not the Nose, give spectacles their purpose.
(A5)
(i) Write the appreciation of the poem.
Answer:- Title and Poet: The poem “Nose versus Eyes” is written by William Cowper, an 18th-century English poet known for his satirical and humorous works that often reflect on human tendencies and societal norms.
Theme: The central theme of the poem is a satirical take on the judicial system, humorously depicting a courtroom dispute between the Nose and the Eyes over the ownership of spectacles. It mocks the lack of empathy and common sense in legal proceedings, using personification to highlight human folly.
Structure and Form: The poem is structured in six quatrains with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. Each stanza advances the narrative of the courtroom drama, maintaining a light-hearted and mocking tone. The regular meter adds to the rhythmic flow, making it engaging and easy to follow.
Language and Style: Cowper employs simple yet effective language, infused with legal terminology like “Chief Baron,” “court,” and “decreed,” to create a mock-serious tone. The use of personification (Nose, Eyes, Tongue, and Ear as characters) and vivid imagery (e.g., spectacles straddling the nose “like a saddle”) adds humor and relatability.
Literary Devices: The poem uses several literary devices:
- Personification: Nose, Eyes, Tongue, and Ear are given human roles, such as lawyer and judge.
- Satire: The judicial process is mocked through exaggerated arguments and a biased verdict.
- Inversion: Examples include “Between Nose and Eyes a strange contest arose” (line 1) and “So Tongue was the lawyer, and argued the cause” (line 5), where the word order is reversed for poetic effect.
- Metaphor: Spectacles are likened to a saddle, emphasizing their fit on the nose.
Tone and Mood: The tone is satirical and humorous, poking fun at the absurdity of the dispute and the judicial process. The mood is light-hearted, encouraging readers to reflect on human tendencies to argue over trivial matters.
Relevance: The poem’s satire remains relevant, as it critiques the rigidity and occasional lack of logic in judicial systems, a theme that resonates with modern audiences. It also reflects human tendencies to claim ownership or superiority in petty disputes.
Personal Response: I found the poem engaging due to its clever use of personification and humor. Cowper’s ability to transform a simple argument into a courtroom drama is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a delightful read that subtly critiques societal flaws.
(ii) Write the summary of the poem.
Answer:- The poem “Nose versus Eyes” by William Cowper is a humorous satire that personifies human sensory organs in a mock courtroom trial. The Nose and the Eyes dispute over who rightfully owns the spectacles. Tongue, acting as the lawyer, argues skillfully for the Nose, stating that spectacles are designed to fit the nose’s ridge like a saddle and that the Nose has always worn them, implying possession “time out of mind.” Tongue further argues that without a nose, spectacles would be useless, as they rely on the nose for support. When Tongue shifts to defend the Eyes, the arguments are less convincing, and the court, presided over by Chief Baron Ear, rules in favor of the Nose. The verdict declares that whenever the Nose wears spectacles, the Eyes must be shut, highlighting the absurdity of the judicial decision. Through this playful narrative, Cowper mocks the lack of empathy and common sense in legal proceedings, using humor to underscore human tendencies to engage in trivial disputes.
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