- Understand the importance of quiet introspection.
- Recognize the value of mutual understanding among human beings.
- Reflect on the significance of stillness and silence in our lives.
- Analyze the imagery used by Pablo Neruda in his poetry.
- Explore the themes of life, death, and nature as presented in the poem.
Keeping Quiet
Learning Objectives
TopRevision Notes & Summary
TopKeeping Quiet
About the Poet
- Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto.
- Born in Parral, Chile.
- Known for easily understood images in his poetry.
- Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
Themes and Ideas
- The poem discusses the necessity of quiet introspection.
- Emphasizes creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.
Key Lines and Analysis
- "Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still."
- Suggests a moment of silence and reflection.
- "For once on the face of the Earth let's not speak in any language..."
- Advocates for a pause in communication and action.
- "It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines..."
- Imagines a peaceful coexistence with nature.
Questions for Reflection
- What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
- Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
- What is the ‘sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?
- What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
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Multiple Choice Questions
A.
It symbolizes the twelve months of the year.
B.
It is a metaphor for taking a brief pause to reflect.
C.
It represents the twelve zodiac signs.
D.
It indicates the twelve hours of daylight.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The suggestion to 'count up to twelve' is a metaphor for taking a brief pause to reflect and introspect, allowing for a moment of silence and peace.
A.
A moment of introspection and mutual understanding
B.
Total inactivity and death
C.
A chance to celebrate victory
D.
An opportunity to speak in all languages
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The poet suggests that counting up to twelve and keeping still might lead to introspection and mutual understanding, as it allows us to pause and reflect on our actions.
A.
Engaging in total inactivity and idleness.
B.
Taking a moment for introspection and reflection.
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem uses the metaphor of Earth's cycles to illustrate that life can emerge from apparent stillness.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Pablo Neruda, whose real name is Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, was indeed born in Parral, Chile.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The poem suggests keeping still and not speaking in any language to promote mutual understanding.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poet mentions that perhaps a huge silence might interrupt the sadness of never understanding ourselves.
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