Question

Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

(а) “and guide him among sudden betrayals and tighten him for slack moments.”

(b) “Brutes have been gentled where lashes failed.”

(c) “ Yet learning something out of every folly hoping to repeat none of the cheap follies”

(d) “He will be lonely enough to have time for the work”

Answer 1

(а) Reference: These lines are from the poem “A Father to his Son” written by Carl August Sandburg.

Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while explaining the need to stay strong like a rock or a steel. The steel will guide him when confronted with unexpected betrayals from trusted friends. It will also help him to be strong against future experimentations.

(b) Reference: These lines are from the poem “A Father to his Son” written by Carl August Sandburg.

Context and Explanation: The poet highlights the importance of soft but firm will to melt even hardened criminals. Love can transform even criminals. Harsh punishment may harden them but gentleness and love may bring about a change of heart.

(c) Reference: These lines are from the poem “A Father to his Son” written by Carl August Sandburg.

Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while hinting at the possibilities of failures in the pursuit of knowledge. People may mock at a beginner as a fool. He should not feel ashamed of being called a fool. He must continue the pursuit of knowledge doggedly to achieve success.

(d) Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘A Father to his Son” written by Carl August Sandburg.

Context and Explanation: The poet says these words to explain how creative thinkers and those who strive to bring about changes are left alone to fend for themselves. The poet says his son must take advantage of this loneliness to pursue his creative imagination and succeed like Shakespeare, Wright brothers, Pasteur, Pavlov and Faraday.