Notes For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th
Poem Summary
The poem is about an old, poor, and lonely woman standing at a busy street crossing.
She is weak, slow, and afraid to cross the road because of the carriages and horses.
Many people and schoolboys pass by, but no one helps her.
At last, a kind-hearted young boy helps her cross the street safely.
The boy thinks of his own mother and wishes that if she ever grows old and helpless, someone would help her too.
The old woman prays for the boy, asking God to bless him.
Central Theme
The poem highlights kindness, empathy, and humanity.
It shows how a small act of compassion can bring happiness and blessings.
Important Points
Characters:
- Old woman – poor, ragged, grey, helpless.
- Young boy – kind, empathetic, helpful.
Setting:
- A busy street in winter with snow and slippery roads.
Key Events:
- Old woman waits helplessly.
- Children rush past without helping.
- One boy stops and helps her cross.
- Boy feels proud and thinks of his mother.
- Woman blesses him through her prayer.
Poetic Devices
Simile – “Came the boys like a flock of sheep”
Alliteration – “firm and strong”
Repetition – “Somebody’s mother” (to show respect and importance)
Imagery – “The street was wet with a recent snow” (creates a cold and difficult picture).
Rhyme Scheme – AABB (in couplets)
Values & Moral Lessons
Always help the elderly and needy.
Empathy makes society better.
Treat every person as if they were “somebody’s mother” or father.
Small acts of kindness bring happiness and blessings.
Moral of the Poem
“Helping one person may not change the whole world, but it may change the world for that one person.”
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