Grass By Jayanta Mahapatra : Important Short Questions with Answer By PKG SIR

Grass By Jayanta Mahapatra : Important Short Questions with Answer By PKG SIR

Bankura University 1st Semester English Hons 

1. What does the speaker ask in the very first line of the poem?

The speaker asks a question first. He wants a negotiation with the grass. This negotiation shows his inner struggle. He faces the passage of time.

2. How does the poet describe his physical movement while interacting with the grass?

The poet moves very slowly. He drags his heavy grief beside him. Sometimes, he throws this deep sorrow across the shoulders of the grass.

3. What does the "little hymn" refer to in the second stanza?

The "little hymn" refers to the soft movement of the grass. The wind moves the green grass. This movement shows nature's silent and holy worship.

4. Why does the poet describe the soil as "tolerant"?

The poet calls the soil tolerant. The soil bears the continuous cycle of life and death. It makes its own way under the bright sunlight.

5. Why does the poet refer to the grass as a "Mirror"?

The grass acts like a clear mirror. It reflects the poet's own mind. The grass forces him to see his inner grief and hidden secrets.

6. What is implied by the phrase "marching away / solemnly with me"?

This phrase shows the serious passing of time. Time always walks with the speaker. It takes the speaker toward old age and eventual human death.

7. What personal realization does the "ancestral smell of rot" evoke in the speaker?

The bad smell brings a deep thought. It reminds the poet of human death. It also brings back his own old and hidden painful secrets.

8. What does the phrase "the cracked earth of / years" symbolize?

The cracked earth shows the harsh effects of old age. It represents the poet's dry mind. It highlights his tiredness after many long passing years.

9. What is the implied meaning of the roots seeking "an impatient sensuality"?

The roots show a strong desire for life. They want to survive at any cost. This desire highlights the human fight against natural physical decay.

10. What do the "bland heads" of the grass do in the unknown winds?

The bland heads sway in the unknown winds. They move aimlessly in the air. Their movement perfectly reflects the poet’s deep loneliness and sad isolation.

11. What violent action do the speaker's hands perform in the final lines?

The speaker feels a sudden pain. His hands tear the grass violently. This angry physical action shows his strong desire to destroy his painful memories.

12. Who or what are the "familiar tormentors" mentioned at the end?

The familiar tormentors mean the poet's old painful memories. These memories include his deep fears and sadness. They constantly hurt his peaceful state of mind.

13. How does the poet project his grief onto the natural landscape?

The poet projects his deep sadness upon nature. He walks through the green field. He throws his heavy grief across the shoulders of the grass.

14. What is the significance of the sunlight in the poem?

The sunlight falls on the tolerant soil. It shows the strong life force of nature. Nature continues its journey despite the poet's personal deep sadness.

15. How does the grass physically respond to the "loneliness of unknown winds"?

The grass heaves its dull heads. It moves blindly in the empty wind. This aimless movement shows the poet's deep vulnerability in a lonely world.

16. What does the "scythe" metaphorically represent in the final stanza?

The scythe represents a sudden sharp thought. This painful thought comes from his mind. It cuts through his calm observation and brings out strong emotions.

17. Why does the speaker feel a sense of internal "dread" in the grass?

The speaker sees the decay in the grass. This decay reminds him of old age. He fears his own physical death and ultimate human insignificance.

18. What is the relationship between the speaker and the natural world?

The speaker shares a very tense relationship with nature. He uses the natural landscape constantly. He projects his inner grief and fear of death upon it.

19. How does the poem illustrate the relentless passage of time?

The poem shows time through natural decay. The green grass marches away solemnly. The cracked earth and the smell of rot prove the passing time.

20. What is the central theme conveyed through the symbol of grass?

The grass symbolizes the endless cycle of life and death. It acts as a mirror. It helps the poet explore his deep grief and human mortality.