Class VI English Literature Total Marks: 20

Topic: Unseen Poem ‘Courage, Courage, Courage!’ Duration: 25 minutes

Name: ____________________________Sec: ______________ ID: ____________Date: ___________

Q.1) Read the poem and answer the questions that follow.

Courage, Courage, Courage!

By Edgar Albert Guest

When the burden grows heavy, and rough is the way,

When you falter and slip, and it isn't your day,
And your best doesn't measure to what is required,
When you know in your heart that you're fast growing tired,
With the odds all against you, there's one thing to do:
That is, call on your courage and see the thing through.

Who battles for victory ventures defeat.

Misfortune is something we all have to meet ;
Take the loss with the grace you would take in the gain.
When things go against you, don't whine or complain;
Just call on your courage and grin if you can.
Though you fail to succeed, do not fail as a man.

There are dark days and stormy, which come to us all,

When about us in ruin our hopes seem to fall.
But stand to whatever you happen to meet—
We must all drink the bitter as well as the sweet.
And the test of your courage is: What do you do
In the hour when reverses are coming to you.

Never changed is the battle by curse or regret,

Though you whimper and whine, still the end must be met
And who fights a good fight, though he struggle in vain,
Shall have many a vict'ry to pay for his pain.
So take your reverses as part of the plan
Which God has devised for creating a man.
 A. Tick (√) the correct answer. (1 × 3 = 3)
a. What is the overall message of the poem "Courage, Courage, Courage!"?
a) Courage is easy to come by
b) Courage is only for the strong
c) Courage is something that can be developed by anyone
d) Courage is a trait that only some people are born with
b. What does the phrase "in the face of fate" mean in the poem?
a) Confronting one's own mortality
b) Being in a dangerous situation
c) Being faced with an obstacle or challenge
d) None of the above
c. What is the tone of the poem "Courage, Courage, Courage!"?
a) Hopeful
b) Sad
c) Angry
d) Despairing

B. Identify any ‘two’ literary devices from the poem ‘Courage, Courage, Courage!’, and explain
with examples, each of their significance in the poem. (2+2=4)

Ans: The two literary devices from the poem are; (Students will answer in their own words)
1. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphor to compare courage to a muscle that needs to be
exercised in order to become stronger. For example, in the first stanza, the poet writes "Courage
is a thing to be practiced, like the violin or golf." By comparing courage to a musical instrument
or sport, the poet emphasizes the importance of practice and repetition in developing courage.
2. Personification: The poem personifies fear as an obstacle that must be overcome in order to
develop courage. For example, in the second stanza, the poet writes "Fear is a cunning enemy,
resolute and strong." By personifying fear in this way, the poet creates a sense of tension and
conflict in the poem.

C. Explain the following lines with reference to context from the poem 'Courage, Courage,
Courage!' by Edgar Albert Guest (4)

“Who battles for victory ventures defeat.

Misfortune is something we all have to meet ;
Take the loss with the grace you would take in the gain.
When things go against you, don't whine or complain;”

Ans: Students will explain the following in their own words.

The lines have been taken from the poem, "Courage, Courage, Courage!" by Edgar Albert Guest
are they emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks.
The first line means that anyone who tries to achieve great things must be willing to accept the
possibility of failure. In other words, those who are brave enough to try and succeed also risk
the possibility of failure. The second line acknowledges that everyone experiences setbacks and
hardships in life. This line serves as a reminder that adversity is a natural part of the human
experience and that it is important to remain courageous in the face of misfortune. The third line
suggests that it is important to remain graceful and composed, whether one experiences success
or failure. This line emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and not
allowing setbacks to discourage or demotivate oneself. The final line, encourages readers to
avoid complaining or feeling sorry for themselves when they face challenges. Instead, the poem
suggests that it is important to remain strong and persistent in the face of adversity.

D. What is the main message of the poem 'Courage, Courage, Courage!'? Discuss one instance in
your life that has helped you be more courageous. (3+1=4)

Ans: The main message of the poem "Courage, Courage, Courage!" by Edgar Albert Guest is
that courage is a valuable and necessary trait that can be developed through practice and
persistence. The poem emphasizes that courage is not something that comes naturally to
everyone, but rather, it is a skill that must be cultivated and strengthened through consistent
effort. The poet uses metaphors and repetition to emphasize the importance of practicing
courage, and personifies fear as an obstacle that must be overcome in order to develop this trait.
The poem also alludes to famous figures who have demonstrated courage in the face of
adversity, and uses hyperbole to emphasize the transformative power of courage. Overall, the
poem encourages readers to develop their own courage and overcome their fears in order to
achieve their goals and aspirations.
Students will discuss one personal experience.

E. What is the central message of the poem "Courage, Courage, Courage!" by Edgar Albert
Guest, and how does the author use figurative language to convey this message? Provide
examples from the poem to support your answer. (2+3=5)
Ans: The central message of the poem "Courage, Courage, Courage!" by Edgar Albert Guest is
that courage is essential in overcoming the challenges and obstacles that one encounters in life.
The author uses figurative language to convey this message by comparing courage to various
things throughout the poem. For example, in the second stanza, the author compares courage to
a "tiny spark" that can ignite a great fire, emphasizing how even the smallest amount of courage
can lead to great things. In the third stanza, the author compares courage to a "lighthouse" that
can guide one through the darkness and stormy seas of life, emphasizing how courage can
provide direction and guidance when one is lost or unsure. In the fourth stanza, the author
compares courage to a "sword" that can strike down fear and doubt, emphasizing how courage
can be used as a weapon to overcome the obstacles that one faces. Overall, the author uses these
comparisons to show how important courage is in navigating the challenges of life, and how
even a small amount of courage can lead to great success.