Question

Explain the following lines with reference to the context.

(a) “and above all tell himself no lies about himself whatever the white lies and protective fronts”

(b) “Let him have lazy days seeking his deeper motives. Let him seek deep for where he is born natural. ”

(c) “Life is hard; be steel; be a rock.” And this might stand him for the storms”

(d) “A tough will counts. So does desire. So does a rich soft wanting

(e) “the quest of lucre beyond a few easy needs has twisted good enough men’”

(f) “Tell him too much money has killed men and left them dead years before burial:”

Answer 1

(a) 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 his son as to how to conduct himself after a folly is done. He wants him not to tell lies or defend himself or blame others for his predicament. He must learn from his follies and become wiser.

(b) 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 highlighting the advantages of spending leisure hours in introspection. When a person looks within in solitude he will realise his inner strength, innate abilities and also realise the purpose for which he has been created.

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

Context and Explanation: The poet emphasises the need to have rock or steel-like determination to confront the challenges in life. He believes that such a stance would help his son to overcome boredom of the routine in life.

(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 while stressing the need to have tough will to create a path for success even on a rocky terrain. One needs to have deep passionate desire and strong will to succeed in life.

(e) 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 how ill-gotten wealth suffocates the good men. The money earned through dishonest means frustrates good men and even reduces to the level of worms.

(f) 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 dwelling on the evil effects of amassing wealth beyond basic needs of men. Oliver Goldsmith says, “Where wealth accumulates, man decays.” The poet says that a man who amasses wealth against ethical principles is spiritually dead.