Comprehension I: Ballad of the Tempest

Question 1.
‘We were crowded in the cabin,
    Not a soul would dare to sleep.
a. Who does the word ‘we’ refer to here?
Answer:
The word ‘we’ refers to the sailors and the people aboard the ship.

b. Not a soul would dare to sleep – why was it so?
Answer:
No one dared to sleep because a fierce storm was raging at sea, causing fear and uncertainty among them.

Question 2.
Usually, storms are formed in the deep sea. What precautions have the sailors got to take before a voyage?
Answer:
Precautions before a voyage
Before setting sail, sailors must:
• Check weather conditions and forecasts.
• Ensure the ship is well-maintained and stocked with emergency supplies.
• Secure the mast and sails properly.
• Have life-saving equipment like life jackets and lifeboats ready.
• Follow navigation and safety protocols.

Question 3.
The poet says, “Tis a fearful thing in winter…” According to the poet, what is referred to as a fearful thing in winter? What would be the condition in the deep sea during winter on the sea?
Answer:
‘Tis a fearful thing in winter…’
The fearful thing referred to is being caught in a storm during winter at sea.
• The sea in winter is especially dangerous due to freezing winds, rough waves, and strong storms.
• The cold makes survival harder, and icy conditions make the ship vulnerable.

Question 4.
How does ‘it’ affect the sailors? (Read the first two stanzas.)
Answer:
Effect of the storm on the sailors
• The storm fills the sailors with fear and helplessness.
• The rattling trumpet and the command to “Cut away the mast!” show the urgency of the situation.
• The breakers talked with death, meaning the powerful waves seemed to threaten their lives.

Question 5.
The speaker and his crewmates sat in darkness and prayed. What did they hear?
Answer:
• They heard the roaring sea and the crashing waves (breakers) that seemed to bring death.
• The storm’s fury made them believe they were on the verge of destruction.

Question 6.
When the captain shouted, “We are lost,” how did his daughter react?
Answer:
Reaction of the captain’s daughter
• When the captain cried, “We are lost!”, his little daughter remained calm and faithful.
• She held his cold hand and reminded him that God is present on the ocean just as on the land.
• Her words gave hope and strength to the frightened sailors.

Question 7.
The crewmates kissed the maiden and spoke with better cheers. What made them feel cheerful?
Answer:
The girl’s faith in God reassured them that they were not alone.
• Her innocence and trust inspired the sailors to regain their courage.
• The next morning, they reached safety, proving that their faith and patience helped them through the crisis.

Question 8.
‘A ship is always safe at the shore, but it was not built for that.’. What does this mean?
Answer:
• This means that safety and comfort are not the only purposes of life.
• Just like a ship is meant to sail and face the dangers of the sea, humans must take risks and overcome challenges to fulfill their purpose.
• Staying in a safe place may prevent danger, but growth and success come from facing difficulties courageously.

Read and appreciate: Ballad of the Tempest

Question 1.
The poet uses the phrase ‘the hungry sea.’. What can the reader imagine from this? What is the figure of speech employed in lines 11 and 12?
Answer:
‘The Hungry’ Sea’—Meaning and Figure of Speech
• The phrase ‘hungry sea’ creates an image of the sea as a living creature that is devouring everything in its path. It emphasizes the sea’s power and danger during the storm.
• The figure of speech used here is personification, as the sea is given human-like qualities (hunger).
In lines 11 and 12:
• “While the hungry sea was roaring / And the breakers talked with death”
• Personification is used because the sea and waves (breakers) are given human actions—the sea “roars” and the breakers “talk” with death.

Question 2.
The poet uses expressions which are unusual, evocative and rhythmic. Some examples are given with an explanation.