Important Questions Class 8 Chapter 1.3 Balbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Pilgrim

Short Questions

1. Who is the main character in the poem “The Pilgrim”?

• The main character is an old pilgrim.

2. What time of day does the pilgrim cross the chasm?

• He crosses the chasm at evening.

3. Why does the old pilgrim build a bridge after crossing the chasm?

• To help future travelers cross safely.

4. What does the chasm symbolize in the poem?

• It symbolizes challenges and dangers in life.

5. What does the pilgrim represent in the poem?

• The pilgrim represents a wise and experienced person.

6. Why does the fellow pilgrim question the old man’s action?

• Because the old man will not need to cross the chasm again.

7. What is the message conveyed by the poem?

• It teaches the importance of helping others.

8. What figure of speech is used in “Up came the sun”?

• Inversion.

9. What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?

• AABCCBB.

10. Who will benefit from the bridge built by the old man?

• A young traveler who will pass that way.

Long Questions

1. Why did the old man decide to build a bridge after crossing the chasm?

• The old man decided to build the bridge because he wanted to help a young traveler who might struggle to cross the chasm safely in the future. His act reflects selflessness and wisdom.

2. What explanation did the old man give to the fellow pilgrim?

• The old man explained that although the chasm was not dangerous for him, it could be a pitfall for a young traveler, and he wanted to make the path easier for others.

3. How does the poem reflect the value of selflessness?

• The poem shows that the old pilgrim’s decision to build a bridge without personal benefit reflects the value of selflessness and helping others.

4. What is the significance of the chasm in the poem?

• The chasm symbolizes the difficulties and dangers in life, and the bridge represents the support and guidance offered to overcome them.

5. What role does the fellow pilgrim play in the poem?

• The fellow pilgrim represents the skeptical perspective, questioning the old man’s act, which allows the poet to highlight the old man’s wisdom and kindness.

6. How does the poet use metaphor in the poem?

• The journey represents life, the chasm represents challenges, and the bridge symbolizes solutions and support provided to others.

7. What lesson can young readers learn from this poem?

• Young readers can learn the importance of helping others and leaving behind something useful for future generations.

8. How does the poem use poetic devices to enhance meaning?

• The poem uses inversion, tautology, and interrogation to create rhythm, emphasize meaning, and engage the reader’s attention.

9. What does the evening or close of day symbolize in the poem?

• The evening or close of day symbolizes the end of life or old age, highlighting the wisdom gained through life’s experiences.

10. Why does the old man believe the chasm might be dangerous for the young traveler?

• The old man understands that experience gives strength, but the young traveler might lack the experience to navigate life’s difficulties alone.