Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 10 The Lake Isle of Innisfree

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Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 10 The Lake Isle of Innisfree

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Also, you can read the SCERT book online in these sections Solutions by Expert Teachers as per SCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines. These solutions are part of SCERT All Subject Solutions. Here we have given Assam Board Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 10 The Lake Isle of Innisfree Solutions for All Subject, You can practice these here.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Chapter: 5

POETRY ( Section Two )

TEXTUAL QUESTION & ANSWERS

A. Answer in one or two words.

1. Where does the poet want to go?

Ans: The poet wants to go to Innisfree to enjoy its natural beauty.

2. What will he build there? 

Ans: He will build a small cabin there. He shall have nine rows of beans and a hive of bees.

3. With what will he build it?

Ans: He will build it with clay and wattles.

4. What will the poet plant there?

Ans: The poet will plant beans.

5. How, according to the poet, will peace arrive in Innisfree?

Ans: According to Yeats, peace will arrive at Innisfree through a deep connection with the natural world. He depicts a serene landscape where he can withdraw from the noise and chaos of urban living. By immersing himself in the rhythms of nature, he believes that peace will naturally manifest itself.

B. Answer in a few words.

1. Where is Innisfree located?

Ans: Innisfree is located in Ireland.

2. What is the significance of the ‘bee-loud glade’? 

Ans: The phrase ‘bee-loud glade” means the loud buzzing of wild bees in the open nature.

3. What does the speaker mean by ‘peace comes dropping slow’?

Ans: These words mean that peace surrounds that area at dawn. 

4. How does the poem create a sense of nostalgia using imagery?

Ans: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats creates a sense of nostalgia through its vivid imagery, transporting the reader to a place of tranquility and longing. 

Here are a few ways in which the poem evokes nostalgia through its imagery:

(a) Descriptions of the natural landscape: The poem paints a vivid picture of Innisfree, an idyllic island in Lough Gill, Ireland. Yeats uses imagery to describe the beauty of the surroundings, including “peace comes dropping slow” and “a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made.” These descriptions evoke a sense of longing for a simpler time and a connection to nature.

(b) Reference to childhood memories: Yeats reminisces about his childhood in the poem, saying, “And live alone in the bee-loud glade.” This line suggests a yearning for the innocence and freedom of youth. By referencing his past, Yeats taps into the nostalgic longing for a time when life felt simpler and more carefree.

(c) Evocative sensory details: The poem engages the senses by describing the sights, sounds, and smells of Innisfree. Yeats mentions the “purple glow” of the glade, the sound of bees humming, and the scent of “honey-suckle.” These sensory details create a vivid and nostalgic atmosphere, transporting the reader to a place of peaceful reflection.

(d) Contrast with urban life: Throughout the poem, Yeats contrasts the busy, noisy city with the serene beauty of Innisfree. By juxtaposing the two, he emphasizes the desire to escape the modern world and return to a more peaceful and natural existence. This stark contrast reinforces the nostalgic longing for a simpler way of life. 

Overall, through rich and evocative imagery, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” creates a nostalgic atmosphere that taps into the universal longing for a peaceful and idyllic place, away from the complexities and chaos of modern life.

C. Answer these questions briefly.

1. What does the poet mean by arise and go¹? 

Ans: In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats, the phrase “arise and go” refers to the poet’s call to action, urging himself to leave the city behind and embark on a journey to the peaceful island of Innisfree By using the phrase “arise and go,” Yeats expresses his yearning for a different way of life, a longing to escape the urban environment and seek solace in nature. It represents a desire for personal transformation, a departure from the constraints of everyday existence, and a quest for inner peace and harmony.

2. Where does the poet stand when he hears ‘the deep heart’s core’?

Ans: In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats, the poet does not explicitly mention where he stands when he hears the “deep heart’s core.” However, the phrase “deep heart’s core” refers to a profound inner longing or desire that resonates within the poet’s being The poet hears this longing while he is in the midst of the bustling city, surrounded by noise and urban distractions. It is in this chaotic environment that the yearning for a peaceful and tranquil existence on the island of Innisfree arises within him. The phrase “deep heart’s core” suggests that this longing comes from the deepest part of his being, from his innermost self.

3. Which times of the day are referred to and why? 

Ans: In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats, there are references to two specific times of the day: morning and evening. These references serve to create a sense of rhythm, harmony, and connection with nature. The poem mentions the morning time with the line, “I will arise and go now, for always night and day.” This indicates the poet’s intention to leave the city and travel to Innisfree, emphasizing his longing for a change in his life. Morning represents the start of a new day, symbolizing renewal and the opportunity for a fresh beginning. By mentioning the morning, the poem suggests the poet’s desire to awaken to a simpler, more meaningful existence. The poem also alludes to the evening with the line, “I hear it in the deep heart’s core.” Here, the evening is used metaphorically to represent a time of reflection and introspection. The poet hears the call of Innisfree in the depths of his being, during a moment of quiet contemplation. The evening signifies stillness, a moment to connect with one’s inner self and the natural world. It reflects the poet’s longing for a peaceful retreat where he can experience serenity and harmony. The references to morning and evening in the poem highlight the poet’s yearning for a new beginning and a place of tranquility. They symbolize the cyclical nature of time and the desire for a harmonious rhythm in life. By invoking these times of the day, the poem emphasizes the poet’s longing for a deeper connection with nature and a departure from the chaotic pace of urban existence.

4. Name the different creatures mentioned in the poem. 

Ans: In the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats, there are references to several creatures that inhabit the natural landscape of Innisfree. These creatures add to the imagery and evoke a sense of the tranquil environment. Here are the different creatures mentioned in the poem:

(a) Bees: The poem mentions the presence of bees with the line, “And lives alone in the bee-loud glade.” This suggests that bees are abundant on Innisfree, emphasizing the vibrant and harmonious nature of the island. 

(b) Cricket: While not explicitly mentioned, the line “While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey” suggests the presence of crickets. Crickets are known for their chirping sound, which often characterizes the peaceful ambiance of nature.

(c) Lake water: Although not creatures in the traditional sense, the poem references the lake water itself, specifically Lough Gill. The mention of “peace comes dropping slow” and “purple glow” evokes the gentle movement and reflective beauty of the lake.

D. Answer in detail.

1. What is the significance of the Lake Isle of Innisfree to the speaker?

Ans: The Lake Isle of Innisfree holds great significance to the speaker in the poem. It represents a place of escape, solace, and connection with nature amidst the busyness and noise of city life. Here are a few key aspects of the significance:

(a) Symbol of tranquility: Innisfree symbolizes a haven of peace and tranquility for the speaker. It is an idyllic island where the speaker can find respite from the chaos and pressures of urban living. The island embodies a sense of harmony, simplicity, and natural beauty that contrasts with the fast-paced and noisy cityscape.

(b) Longing for a simpler life: The speaker expresses a deep yearning to live a simpler, more meaningful existence. Innisfree represents a return to a more connected and authentic way of life, free from the distractions and artificiality of modern society. It symbolizes a desire to live in harmony with nature, engaging in basic tasks such as building a cabin and cultivating the land.

(c) Connection with nature: The speaker’s attachment to Innisfree stems from a strong connection with the natural world. The island offers an environment where the speaker can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of nature. The references to bees, the bee-loud glade, and the lake water evoke a sense of communion with the natural elements, fostering a deep spiritual connection for the speaker.

(d) Personal retreat and inner renewal: Innisfree serves as a personal retreat for the speaker, a place to rejuvenate and find inner renewal. The mention of “peace comes dropping slow” suggests that the speaker believes that by immersing themselves in the tranquility of Innisfree, a sense of peace and contentment will naturally manifest.

Overall, the significance of the Lake Isle of Innisfree to the speaker lies in its representation of an idealized escape from the complexities and noise of urban life, offering a simpler, more harmonious connection with nature and the self. It embodies the yearning for a meaningful and peaceful existence, serving as a source of solace and inspiration.

2. What poetic devices does Yeats use in the poem? How do they contribute to the poem’s meaning and effect? 

Ans: W.B. Yeats utilizes several poetic devices in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” to enhance the poem’s meaning and create a particular effect. Here are some of the devices employed and their contributions:

(a) Rhyme scheme and metre: The poem follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme in each stanza, with alternating end rhymes. The metre is predominantly iambic, with lines composed of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed. This regularity and musicality of the poem’s structure contribute to a sense of rhythm and harmony, mirroring the peacefulness and tranquility that the speaker seeks on Innisfree.

(b) Alliteration: Yeats employs alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create pleasing and memorable sounds. For example, in the line “And live alone in the bee-loud glade,” the repetition of the “I” sound in “live,” “alone,” and “glade” adds a lyrical quality to the verse. Alliteration helps to establish a melodic flow and enhances the overall musicality of the poem.

(c) Imagery: Yeats employs vivid imagery to bring the natural landscape of Innisfree to life. He describes the “purple glow” of the glade, the “bee- loud” surroundings, and the “peace… dropping slow.” This imagery appeals to the reader’s senses, creating a vivid and immersive experience. It contributes to the poem’s nostalgic and idyllic tone, allowing the reader to visualize and connect with the speaker’s longing for a serene and simple existence.

(d) Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases or lines throughout the poem adds emphasis and reinforces the speaker’s desires. The repetition of “I will arise and go now” at the beginning of the poem and the recurrence of “peace” and “innisfree” contribute to a sense of determination and yearning. They highlight the importance and urgency of the speaker’s desire to leave the city and find solace in the natural beauty of Innisfree.

(e) Symbolism: The lake isle itself, Innisfree, serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents a utopian place, a refuge from the chaos of modem life, and a return to a simpler existence. The symbolism of Innisfree contributes to the poem’s themes of longing, escape, and the search for inner peace and harmony.

By employing these poetic devices, Yeats enriches the poem’s language, imagery, and musicality. They work together to evoke a nostalgic and contemplative mood, inviting readers to reflect on their own yearnings for tranquility and connection with nature. The devices contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and effect by intensifying the speaker’s longing for Innisfree and allowing readers to resonate with the universal desire for a peaceful retreat.

3. What is the role of nostalgia in the poem? How is it expressed?

Ans: Nostalgia plays a significant role in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” by W.B. Yeats. It is expressed through the speaker’s longing for a simpler and more peaceful existence on the island of Innisfree. Here’s how nostalgia is depicted and expressed in the poem:

(a) Yearning for a distant place: The speaker expresses a deep yearning for Innisfree, a place that seems distant and far away. This longing for a specific location evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the speaker reminisces about a place that holds emotional significance and represents an idealized past or a utopian haven.

(b) Escape from urban life: The poem highlights the speaker’s desire to escape the busy, noisy, and artificial environment of the city. The longing for Innisfree serves as a nostalgic escape, a longing for a time and place where life felt simpler, more meaningful, and connected to nature.

(c) Emphasis on childhood memories: The speaker alludes to childhood memories with the line, “And live alone in the bee-loud glade.” This reference to a simpler time in the past adds to the sense of nostalgia. It implies a yearning for the innocence, freedom, and closeness to nature experienced during childhood.

(d) Vivid imagery of nature: The poem employs rich and evocative imagery to describe the natural landscape of Innisfree. The descriptions of the “purple glow,” “bee-loud glade,” and “peace… dropping slow” create a sense of longing and nostalgia for the beauty and serenity of the natural world. This imagery taps into the universal human longing for a connection with nature and a return to a more authentic and harmonious existence.

Overall, nostalgia is expressed in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” through the speaker’s yearning for a distant place of peace, a longing to escape from the noise and artificiality of modern life, and a wistful remembrance of a simpler time. The poem’s evocative language and imagery contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere, inviting readers to reflect on their own longing for a return to a more tranquil and meaningful existence,

ADDITIONAL QUESTION & ANSWERS

A. Very Short Answer Type Question:

1. Who wrote the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”? 

Ans: The poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” was written by William Butler Yeats.

2. What is the main theme of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”?

Ans: The main theme of the poem is the longing for a simple and idyllic life in harmony with nature.

3. Where is Innisfree located? 

Ans: Innisfree is a fictional place created by the poet, but it is often associated with Lough Gill, a lake in County Sligo, Ireland.

4. What does the speaker desire in the poem?

Ans: The speaker desires to live in a small cabin on Innisfree, where he can find peace and solitude, surrounded by nature.

5. What are some of the natural elements mentioned in the poem?

Ans: The poem mentions elements such as “peace,” “bees,” “honey,” “cricket’s song,” “linnet’s wings,” and “midnight’s all a glimmer.”

6. What is the significance of the phrase “peace comes dropping slow”?

Ans: The phrase “peace comes dropping slow” emphasizes the slow pace of life on Innisfree, contrasting it with the busy and hectic city life.

B. Short & Long Answer Type Question:

1. Where is the Lake Isle of Innisfree located? 

Ans: The Lake Isle of Innisfree is a fictional place described in a poem by William Butler Yeats. Although it does not exist in reality, it is inspired by the beauty of the Irish landscape. The island is imagined to be situated on Lough Gill, a lake located in County Sligo, Ireland.

2. Who wrote the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”? 

Ans: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a poem written by William Butler Yeats, one of the most celebrated poets in Irish literature. Yeats, born in 1865, was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and played a significant role in the Irish Literary Revival.

3. What is the central theme of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”? 

Ans: The central theme of “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is the longing for a peaceful and idyllic place of escape. In the poem, the speaker expresses a deep desire to leave the noise and chaos of urban life behind and retreat to a tranquil and natural environment, represented by the Lake Isle of Innisfree. The poem captures a yearning for simplicity, harmony with nature, and a connection to a more authentic existence

4. What does the speaker plan to do on the Lake Isle of Innisfree? 

Ans: In the poem, the speaker envisions a life of solitude and communion with nature on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. They plan to build a small cabin or bee-hive hut made of clay and wattles, where they can live in peace. The speaker longs to engage in simple activities such as growing beans, fishing, and waking up to the sound of lapping waves and the singing of crickets.

5. What does “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” symbolize? 

Ans: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” symbolizes a yearning for a simpler and more authentic way of life. It represents the desire to escape the pressures and distractions of modern society and reconnect with nature. The poem’s themes of tranquility, harmony, and the search for an inner refuge resonate with many readers who long for a place of solace and contentment amidst the complexities of the world. It serves as a reminder of the importance of finding balance and seeking moments of peace and reflection.

6. Can you provide a detailed analysis of the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”? 

Ans: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” is a lyrical and introspective poem written by William Butler Yeats. It explores themes of longing, escape, and the connection between nature and the human spirit. The poem consists of three quatrains, following an ABAB rhyme scheme, and has a contemplative and rhythmic tone.

In the first stanza, the speaker expresses a deep yearning to escape the bustling and noisy urban environment. They describe hearing the “lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore” and the sound of bees “murmuring” nearby. This creates a sensory contrast between the urban chaos and the tranquility of the imagined island. The speaker desires to leave the “pavements gray” and escape to the peaceful Lake Isle of Innisfree.

In the second stanza, the speaker vividly describes their plans for a life on the island. They want to build a small, rustic cabin made of clay and wattles, which reflects a desire for simplicity and a return to nature. The speaker mentions specific activities they wish to engage in, such as growing beans, “nine bean rows,” and living alone “in a bee-loud glade.” This emphasizes a desire for self-sufficiency, harmony with nature, and a connection to the rhythms of the natural world.

The final stanza reveals the depth of the speaker’s longing for the Lake Isle of Innisfree. They state that while they are physically in the noisy city, their heart is always in the peaceful island. The repetitive and hypnotic refrain, “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,” underscores their determination to fulfill this longing and find solace in the natural beauty of the island.

Overall, the poem captures the universal human desire for escape and the search for a place of tranquility and inner peace. It highlights the tension between the busy, modern world and the longing for a simpler and more authentic existence connected to nature. “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” continues to resonate with readers who yearn for a place of refuge and renewal amidst the complexities of life.

7. How does “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” showcase the theme of escapism? 

Ans: “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” serves as a prime example of the theme of escapism. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a strong desire to escape the confines of urban life and find solace in the natural world. The theme of escapism is evident in several aspects of the poem. Firstly, the speaker yearns to escape the noise and busyness of city life. They describe the “pavements grey” and the “pavements full of pedestrians” as elements of urban life that they wish to leave behind. The contrast between the urban environment and the peaceful sounds of nature, such as the “lake water lapping” and the “murmuring” of bees, emphasizes the speaker’s longing to escape to a quieter and more tranquil place.

Secondly, the poem highlights the speaker’s desire for simplicity and a return to a more authentic existence. The envisioned life on the Lake Isle of Innisfree is characterized by basic activities such as growing beans, fishing, and living in a humble cabin made of natural materials. This longing for a simpler lifestyle represents a desire to escape the complexities and pressures of modern society and reconnect with a more fundamental way of living.

Additionally, the repetition of the phrase “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree” throughout the poem reinforces the theme of escapism. This refrain reflects the speaker’s determination to leave their current surroundings and embark on a journey to the imagined island. It signifies their longing for a place of refuge and a break from the demands and constraints of everyday life.

Overall, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” illustrates the theme of escapism by portraying the speaker’s yearning to escape the urban chaos, seek simplicity, and find solace in the natural beauty of the Lake Isle of Innisfree. The poem resonates with readers who share the universal desire to escape and find a sanctuary where they can reconnect with themselves and the world around them.

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