Question

Read the extract and complete the activities given below:

She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling place. And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

A1. Select and write the two Statements from the given list which justify the theme of the poem.

1. The poet is blunt and direct in his expression of love.
2. Internal beauty is as important as the external beauty.
3. The poet is in love with the lady’s outward beauty.
4. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

A2. Complete the following web describing the various aspects of the lady’s beauty. One is done for you at the centre place.

A3. Write your idea of 'a beautiful person' in your own words.

A4. Find out and explain an example of 'Antithesis’ from the given extract.

A5. Compose a poem of your own in about 2 to 4 lines on the topic 'Beauty'.

Answer 1

A1.

b. Internal beauty is as important as the external beauty.

d. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

A2.

A3. A beautiful person, to me, is someone whose attractiveness transcends the physical. It's a person whose beauty is also composed of kindness, intelligence, compassion, and integrity. This person carries a light within them that shines through in their actions and the warmth of their presence. They are the ones who smile with genuine affection, whose eyes light up with understanding and empathy, and whose words encourage and uplift those around them.

Their beauty is not just in the symmetry of their features but in the laughter that eases the heaviest of hearts, in the steadiness of their hands extended in times of need, and in the depth of their commitment to better not only their life but also the lives of others. A truly beautiful person is one whose inner beauty shapes their outer presence, making their attractiveness something that is felt and experienced, not just seen.

A4. Antithesis is a literary device that involves a contrast or opposition between two concepts or ideas. In the given extract from "She Walks in Beauty" by Lord Byron, the antithesis can be found in the lines:

"And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes;"

In these lines, "dark" and "bright" are contrasting ideas, and their juxtaposition creates a striking image of the woman's beauty. By suggesting that the best of both dark and bright are combined in her, Byron emphasizes the harmonious and balanced blend of opposites that contribute to her allure. This merging of contrasts serves to enhance the idea that her beauty is complex and complete, embodying a perfect union of various elements.

A5.

In the quiet grace of dawn's soft light,
Beauty whispers in hues so bright.
It's in kind deeds and laughter's bloom,
In every small room where flowers perfume.