Q1. Who is the poet of "Freedom to the Slave"?
Henry Louis Vivian Derozio. is the poet of "Freedom to the Slave"/The poem was written by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio.
Q2. What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme is the joy, dignity, and spiritual elevation that comes with regaining freedom.
Q3. Who is the protagonist of the poem?
A slave who has just received the news of his liberation.
Q4. What "tidings" did the slave hear?
He heard the news (tidings) that he was no longer a slave but a free man.
Q5. How did the slave react initially to the news?
A smile of pride and joy lit up his face, replacing his previous sorrow.
Q6. What does the "light within his eye" represent?
It represents the awakening of his soul, hope, and the return of his self-respect.
Q7. How did the wind blow towards him?
The wind blew "from the pathless plain," symbolizing unrestricted freedom.
Q8. How did the wind welcome him?
The wind welcomed him with a "glory in its breath," celebrating his newfound liberty.
Q9. Why was the wind "glad" to fan his cheek?
Because his cheek was now free and no longer bore the mark of slavery.
Q10. What does the "wild bird" symbolize in the poem?
The wild bird symbolizes absolute, natural freedom and lack of restraint.
Q11. How did the birds fly?
They flew "waving their white wings" in the blue summer sky.
Q12. What feeling did the sight of birds evoke in the slave?
It made him feel that he was now as free and unrestrained as they were.
Q13. What natural element is mentioned alongside the wind and birds?
The "running stream" is mentioned as a symbol of unhindered flow.
Q14. How did the stream flow?
It flowed "freshly and freely" down the slope.
Q15. What did the stream seem to "babble" about?
The stream seemed to babble (speak) of liberty to the slave.
Q16. What change occurred in the slave's pulse?
His "scanty pulse" began to beat high and strong with excitement.
Q17. How is the blood described in his veins?
The blood is described as "warm and unrestrained," flowing freely through his veins.
Q18. What was missing from his limbs?
The "fetter" (shackles/chains) that used to bind him was gone.
Q19. What sound was no longer heard?
The "clank of the chain" was no longer heard around him.
Q20. What is a "fetter"?
A fetter is a chain or shackle used to restrain a prisoner, usually around the ankles.
Q21. What does the phrase "flesh to flesh" imply?
It implies the brutality of slavery where chains cut directly into the human skin.
Q22. How did the slave look towards heaven?
He looked up with a "look of pride," no longer ashamed or afraid.
Q23. Why did he "no more crouched"?
He stopped crouching because he was no longer subservient to a master; he had regained his dignity.
Q24. How did he stand after hearing the news?
He stood "erect" like a man, confident and tall.
Q25. What did the slave shout?
He shouted aloud, "I am free!"
Q26. What realization made him feel like a "Man"?
The realization that he was no longer a slave but a human being with rights.
Q27. What did the slave do immediately after shouting?
He knelt on the sod (grass) to pray.
Q28. Who did the slave thank?
He thanked the "Father" (God) for his freedom.
Q29. Why does he call God "Father"?
It acknowledges that all humans are children of God and therefore equal.
Q30. What does the poem say about how God created man?
It says God created man to be "free" as his own inheritance.
Q31. According to the poem, what is the "noblest" thing?
To possess the freedom that God gave to every human being.
Q32. What emotion "swells" in the heart of the free man?
A sense of nobility, dignity, and gratitude swells in his heart.
Q33. What is the "flame" mentioned in the poem?
The "patriot's flame," referring to the intense love for liberty and one's country.
Q34. When does the patriot's flame burn brightest?
It burns brightest when he dreams of fighting for freedom or unsheathing his sword.
Q35. What is meant by "sword unsheathed"?
It means drawing a weapon to fight against tyranny and oppression.
Q36. What is "hallowed" (holy) in the poem?
The thought of freedom and the patriot's willingness to die for it is considered hallowed.
Q37. Is the slave’s joy only physical?
No, it is deeply spiritual and emotional; he feels restored as a human creation of God.
Q38. How does Derozio view slavery?
He views it as a degradation of the human soul and contrary to nature's laws.
Q39. What literary movement influenced Derozio?
He was heavily influenced by British Romanticism (like Byron and Shelley), focusing on liberty and nature.
Q40. What is the "breath" of freedom compared to?
It is compared to a life-giving force that revives the spirit.
Q41. What is the significance of the "kneeling" posture at the end?
It signifies humility and gratitude towards God, replacing the forced kneeling before a tyrant.
Q42. How does nature react to the slave's freedom?
Nature (winds, birds, streams) appears to celebrate and mirror his newfound state.
Q43. What does "crouched no more" symbolize?
It symbolizes the end of submission and fear; he is no longer an animal-like servant.
Q44. What does the poem suggest about human equality?
It suggests all men are born equal and slavery is an artificial, unjust imposition.
Q45. Why is Derozio called the "National Poet of Modern India"?
Because he was one of the first to write about patriotism, freedom, and Indian identity in English.
Q46. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The poem generally follows a regular rhyme scheme (AABB or similar variations in couplets).
Q47. What does the "blue summer sky" represent?
It represents limitless possibilities and the beauty of the free world.
Q48. How does the poem define "Man"?
A "Man" is defined by his freedom, dignity, and direct connection to God, not by chains.
Q49. What is the tone of the ending?
The ending is solemn, reverent, and grateful.
Q50. Why is this poem relevant today?
It is a timeless reminder of the value of human rights, liberty, and the dignity of the individual.
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