- 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.
We would achieve a sense of global unity and peace.
B.
The world would come to a standstill and cease to function.
C.
People would become confused and disoriented.
D.
Nature would take over and cause chaos.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The poet suggests that by stopping all movement and speech, we might achieve a moment of unity and peace, as described in the poem.
A.
A moment of chaos
B.
A moment of silence and stillness
C.
A moment of celebration
D.
A moment of language exchange
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The poet refers to a moment without rush and engines, where everyone is still.
A.
It is non-existent
B.
It is vibrant and alive
C.
It is dull and inactive
D.
It is chaotic
True or False
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Pablo Neruda was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Pablo Neruda, whose real name was Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, was indeed born in Parral, Chile.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poet believes that a huge silence could interrupt our sadness and help us understand ourselves.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem emphasizes the importance of quiet introspection and creating mutual understanding by taking a moment to be still.
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