Important Questions Class 8 Chapter 4.3 Balbharati English Maharashtra Board

The Bees

Short Questions

1. Who is the ruler in the bees’ kingdom?

• The emperor or king bee is the ruler in the bees’ kingdom.

2. What do soldier bees do?

• Soldier bees protect the hive and collect nectar from flowers.

3. What is the role of the mason bees?

• Mason bees build the hive with golden roofs.

4. Why is the drone punished?

• The drone is punished because he is lazy and does no work.

5. What lesson do bees teach humans?

• Bees teach humans how to live in an organized and orderly society.

6. How do merchant bees serve the hive?

• Merchant bees venture out to collect nectar.

7. What kind of march do the soldier bees make?

• They make a merry march while bringing nectar back to the hive.

8. Who kneads up the honey in the hive?

• The civil citizens knead up the honey.

9. What do the porter bees do?

• Porter bees carry heavy loads at the narrow gate.

10. Which bee symbolizes justice in the poem?

• The sad-eyed Justice bee symbolizes fairness and punishment.

Long Questions

1. Describe the emperor bee and his role in the hive.

• The emperor bee rules over the hive and supervises the work of all other bees. He represents order and leadership in the beehive.

2. What are the duties of magistrate bees in the poem?

• Magistrate bees ensure discipline and correction within the hive. They are compared to judges who keep everything under control.

3. How do merchant bees contribute to the hive’s survival?

• Merchant bees venture out to collect nectar and bring it back. Their travels help in gathering resources from outside the hive.

4. Explain the work done by soldier bees.

• Soldier bees are defenders and collectors; they are armed with stings and gather nectar from flowers. They are brave and vital for the hive’s protection.

5. What does the poet mean by “singing masons”?

• The phrase “singing masons” refers to bees that build the hive cheerfully. Their activity creates a visual and musical image of construction.

6. What is the importance of the porter bees?

• Porter bees are the laborers who carry heavy loads into the hive. Their hard work represents dedication and strength.

7. Why is the drone bee sentenced to death?

• The drone bee is punished because he is lazy and doesn’t contribute. This shows that everyone in the hive must work for the community.

8. What imagery does the poet use to describe the bees at work?

• The poet uses vivid phrases like “velvet buds,” “singing masons,” and “narrow gate” to paint a busy and colorful picture of the beehive.

9. What moral lesson does the poem ‘The Bees’ teach us?

• The poem teaches us about discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work. It compares the beehive to a well-functioning human society.

10. How do bees show order in their kingdom?

• Bees live under a strict hierarchy with assigned duties. Their organized behavior sets an example for human beings to follow.