Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk Question answer to each chapter is provided in the list so that you can easily browse throughout different chapters Assam Board HS Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk, Class 12 Alternative English Question Answer, HS 2nd year Alternative English and select needs one.

Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

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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 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk Solutions for All Subject, You can practice these here…

The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

Chapter: 4

POETRY

A. Answer these questions in one or two words.

1. Who was Alexander Selkirk?

Ans: Alexander Selkirk, was a Scottish sailor who was marooned on an uninhabited island in the South Pacific for over four years in the early 18th century.

2. What kind of an island was Selkirk marooned on?

Ans: Selkirk marooned on an uninhabited island.

3. Does Selkirk regret his decision of living in solitude?

Ans: Yes, but later accepts it.

4. For how many years was Selkirk stranded on the island?

Ans: Selkirk was stranded on the island for over four years.

5. Name one poetic device used in the poem.

Ans: One poetic device used in the poem is Imagery.

B. Answer these questions in a few words each.

1. What is the significance of the island in the poem?

Ans: The island in the poem symbolizes Alexander Selkirk’s isolation and solitude, where he exists as the sole master and ruler. The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk reflects on the life of Selkirk, a sailor from Fife, Scotland, who left home at nineteen and found himself stranded on an uninhabited island off the coast of Chile after a dispute with a young captain. His story has served as inspiration for many writers, sparking their imagination and encouraging them to explore themes of adventure and survival.

2. What is the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem?

Ans: Alexander Selkirk’s emotional state in the poem shifts from an initial sense of joy at his solitary rule to deep desperation for human companionship, eventually leading to acceptance of his fate. He experiences regret and frustration over his decision to remain on the island, grappling with loneliness before coming to terms with his isolation.

3. What do you understand by the words ‘sweet music of speech’?

Ans: The phrase “sweet music of speech” signifies the joy and comfort found in human conversation and connection. Stranded on a deserted island and struggling for survival, Selkirk longs to hear this “sweet music of speech,” as he has no one to talk to. He reflects on the isolation of the island, realizing that it has never been inhabited by humans. Even the beasts regard him “with indifference.” He yearns for “Society, Friendship, and Love,” which are uniquely human experiences.

4. What elements of nature do the speaker think of using while trying to connect with civilization?

Ans: The speaker in the poem imagines using elements of nature, such as the winds and birds, to send messages and receive news from civilization while enduring isolation on the island. From wild turnips and pink peppercorns to feral goats, Selkirk managed to survive off the land, gradually easing his loneliness and melancholy. He successfully domesticated the island’s wild cats, which helped protect him from rats that attempted to attack him in his sleep. He hunted goats for food and milk, and with the shoemaking skills learned from his father, he crafted clothing from animal skins. As time passed, Selkirk built two huts from pepper trees, one for cooking and eating, the other for sleeping and reading his Bible. The speaker reflects on how he wished he could escape if only he had wings like a dove. Despite being surrounded by nature and animals, he finds no true solace in them. He cannot communicate with the animals, and they have become so accustomed to his presence that they observe him with “indifference.” In frustration, he calls upon the wind to carry a message to his loved ones, expressing how deeply he misses them. He further pleads with the winds to deliver his message of loneliness to his friends, whom he may never see again.

C. Answer these questions briefly in your own words.

1. What message did Selkirk want to convey to his friends?

Ans: Selkirk wished to convey to his friends that he longed for their thoughts and well-wishes to reach him. He yearned for a connection to the outside world and sought reassurance that he was not forgotten, even if he might never see them again. He hoped his friends would remember him and send their kind regards, as this would provide him with comfort and solace in his lonely and desolate existence.

2. How does Selkirk reflect upon the flight of the mind?

Ans: Selkirk reflects on the flight of the mind with awe and wonder. He compares its speed to be far greater than any physical entity, surpassing even the swiftness of a tempest or the rapid flight of light. He recognizes the mind’s ability to transcend time and space, allowing him to instantly revisit his homeland in his thoughts. However, he also acknowledges the bittersweet nature of memory, as it inevitably brings him back to the harsh reality of his isolation and despair.

3. What is Selkirk’s view about solitude?

Ans: Selkirk reflects on the flight of the mind with awe and wonder. He compares its speed to be far greater than any physical entity, surpassing even the swiftness of a tempest or the rapid flight of light. He recognizes the mind’s ability to transcend time and space, allowing him to instantly revisit his homeland in his thoughts. However, he also acknowledges the bittersweet nature of memory, as it inevitably brings him back to the harsh reality of his isolation and despair.

4. How is mercy seen by Selkirk?

Ans: Selkirk sees mercy as a comforting and uplifting force that can bring grace even in the face of affliction. He believes that mercy has the ability to help one reconcile with their circumstances and find solace in their struggles. Selkirk finds solace in the thought that mercy exists everywhere, even in the desolate place he finds himself in. He sees mercy as an encouraging and hopeful concept that gives meaning to his hardships.Through this perspective, he discovers a sense of resilience, allowing him to come to terms with his solitude and find a degree of peace in his existence.

D. Answer these questions in detail.

1. Discuss the significance of the title ‘The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk’ in relation to the poem’s themes and content.

Ans: The significance of the title “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” lies in its connection to the themes and content of the poem. The word “solitude” refers to a state of being alone or isolated, and it directly reflects the experience of Alexander Selkirk, who was marooned on a remote island for an extended period. The title sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that it will delve into the emotions, thoughts, and challenges associated with solitude.

The poem explores the various dimensions of solitude, highlighting its impact on Selkirk’s psyche and his relationship with the natural world. It reflects on the initial sense of power and dominion that Selkirk feels as the sole ruler of his surroundings, but also the subsequent despair and longing for human companionship. The title encapsulates Selkirk’s experience of isolation and emphasizes the central theme of the poem, the profound effects of solitude on an individual’s emotional and psychological state.

2. How does the poem explore the theme of isolation and loneliness? Give examples from the poem to support your answer.

Ans: The theme of isolation and loneliness is a central focus in the poem, “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk.” The poem vividly portrays Selkirk’s feelings of isolation and his longing for human connection. 

Here are a few examples from the poem that highlight this theme:

(i) In the first stanza, Selkirk expresses his dominion over the island, claiming to be the “monarch of all I survey.” While this initially seems empowering, it quickly reveals his isolated state, as there is no one to challenge his authority.

(ii) Selkirk’s yearning for companionship becomes evident in the second stanza. He questions the sages who have praised solitude, stating that he would rather face the alarms and dangers of society than remain in his desolate place.

(iii) Selkirk’s isolation from humanity is emphasized in the third stanza. He remarks that he is out of reach of any human contact and starts at the sound of his own voice, highlighting the absence of communication and interaction with others.

(iv) The fourth stanza describes Selkirk’s encounter with the animals on the island. While they are indifferent to his presence, their “tameness” shocks him because they are so unacquainted with human beings. This reinforces his sense of loneliness and estrangement from his fellow humans.

(v) The fifth stanza expresses Selkirk’s yearning for society, friendship, and love. He longs for the wings of a dove to reunite with those human connections and find solace in the wisdom of age and the energy of youth.

(vi) The final stanza portrays Selkirk’s bittersweet contemplation of his situation. He acknowledges that even in his isolation, there is mercy and grace, but he still longs for the friends he left behind, even if he may never see them again.

Dev Kirtonia

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