The Worm
Short Questions
1. Who is the poet of the poem “The Worm”?
- The poet of the poem is Thomas Gisborne.
2. What does the poet ask us to do in the first stanza?
- The poet asks us not to crush the worm under our feet.
3. What figure of speech is used in “Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside”?
- The figure of speech used is Apostrophe.
4. Why are worms called the ‘friends of farmers’?
- Worms help in soil fertilization and maintain ecological balance.
5. What is the meaning of the archaic word ‘thy’ used in the poem?
- The word ‘thy’ means ‘your’ in modern English.
6. What does the poet say about the creation of the worm?
- The poet says that God has created the worm just like He created humans.
7. Which proverb is supported by the poem?
- The proverb “Live and let live” is supported by the poem.
8. What is vermiculture?
- Vermiculture is the breeding of worms to convert organic waste into fertilizer.
9. Which creatures are mentioned in the poem?
- The poem mentions worms, the sun, the moon, and the stars.
10. What message does the poem convey?
- The poem conveys the message of respecting all living beings, even the smallest ones.
Long Questions
1. Why does the poet request us not to harm the worm?
- The poet reminds us that even the smallest creatures are created by God and have a purpose in nature. He urges us to be compassionate and not take away a life that we cannot give back.
2. How does the poem highlight the concept of ecological balance?
- The poem suggests that every creature, no matter how small, has a role in nature. Worms, in particular, contribute to soil health and fertility, supporting plant growth and sustaining life.
3. What is the significance of the line “The life thou canst not give”?
- This line highlights the moral responsibility of humans to protect life. It reminds us that if we cannot create life, we should not destroy it carelessly.
4. Why do you think God has created worms?
- Worms play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil and decomposing organic matter. Without them, the soil would lose its fertility, affecting plant and animal life.
5. How does the poet use imagery in the poem?
- The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the worm and its surroundings. Words like “grassy blade” and “lowly bliss” paint a picture of nature’s beauty and the worm’s peaceful existence.
6. What archaic words are used in the poem, and what do they mean?
- The poem uses words like “thy” (your), “thee” (you), “thou” (you), and “bestow’d” (given). These words add an old-fashioned, poetic feel to the verse.
7. How does the poem reflect the theme of kindness?
- The poet appeals to human emotions by showing that even a worm deserves compassion. By urging us to be kind to small creatures, he teaches a broader lesson of empathy and respect for all life.
8. Does the poem focus only on worms, or does it give a larger message?
- While the poem talks about worms, its message extends to all living beings. It teaches us to respect every form of life, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
9. How can we relate the poem’s message to environmental conservation?
- The poem teaches us to care for even the smallest creatures, which aligns with the need to protect biodiversity. By preserving nature, we maintain the delicate balance of life on Earth.
10. Why is “Live and let live” an important lesson from the poem?
- This lesson emphasizes coexistence and respect for life. By allowing all creatures to thrive, we create a harmonious and sustainable world for future generations.
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