NO MEN ARE FOREING

1. (i) “Beneath all uniforms…” What uniforms do you think the poet is
speaking about?
Ans: Uniforms could refer to the military uniform or the uniform or government
employees which symbolizes the country they are from. It could also be
pointing towards the traditional dress of the country which helps to
differentiate between us as humans on a superficial level.

(ii) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same?
Ans: The poet first points out the physical difference that we create by
adorning different clothes and living in different countries. But beneath all
those layers of clothing, the anatomical body that breathes remains the same.
Each one of us feels the same range of emotions and are affected similarly by
the sun and water and other physical aspects. Everyone craves for inner
peace and suffers from starvation during wars when the grain is not sufficient
for everyone.

2. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the
words.
Ans: These are certain phrases and words in the poem that tells us that we all
are alike. Some of them are mentioned below:
(i) Each of us has a similar body
(ii) All of us breathe
(iii) All of us walk
(iv) All of us lie
(v) We live and die on the same earth

3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the
words.
Ans: There are certain common features present in stanza 2. Sun, air, water,
hands, labour, and peaceful harvest are some of them.
4. “…whenever we are told to hate our brothers…” When do you think
this happens? Why? Who ‘tells’ us? Should we do as we are told at such
times? What does the poet say?
Ans: We are often told, by political leaders and people in power, under the
label of patriotism to love our country and people more than others. This over
a period of time cultivates hate in our hearts and we start to despise people of
other nations. These ideas are aggressively propagated during the wars which
eventually ends up harming humankind and profiting the political setups.
People often end up listening to these propagandas and blindly follow the
ideas which strain the universal brotherhood we all should have amongst us.
The poet says to look beyond such boundaries and celebrate humankind, that
is, all our similarities while respecting the differences. He asks us not to fall
prey to such propaganda.

ON KILLING A TREE
1. Can a “Simple Jab of the Knife” Kill a Tree? Why Not?
Ans: No, a single knife slash will not kill a tree since trees need many years to
mature and emerge from the ground. Moreover, a chop will not kill it because
it will gradually re-emerge and re-grow to its previous size.

2. How Has The Tree Grow to its Full Size? List the Words Suggestive of
its Life and Activity.
Ans: Years of sunlight, water, and air are absorbed by the tree as it grows to
its ultimate size. It gently emerges from the ground and develops leaves.
‘Growing slowly consuming the soil,' ‘rising out of it,' ‘feeding upon its crust,'
‘absorbing years of sunlight, air, and water,' and ‘sprouting leaves' are terms
that convey its life and activity.

3. What is the Meaning of “Bleeding Bark”? What Makes it Bleed?

Ans: The term "bleeding bark" refers to the area on the tree trunk where the
ax has been used. It bleeds because the woodcutter cut and chopped the
tree, injuring it.

4. The Poet Says “No” At the Beginning of the Third Stanza. What Does
He Mean by This?
Ans: The poet says "No" at the beginning of the third stanza to emphasize
that simply cutting down the tree will not kill it. The tree would regrow and
return to its previous size.

5. What is The Meaning of “Anchoring Earth” and “Earth Cave”?

Ans: The roots of the tree that lie inside the earth and serve as an anchor for
the tree's growth are referred to as "anchoring earth." They safeguard the
tree's safety by providing it with water and nutrients. The ground on which the
tree's foundation is constructed is referred to as an "earth cave," as it holds
the roots and keeps the tree standing tall while also protecting it from
adversity such as severe rainfall.

6. What Does He Mean by “The Strength of the Tree Exposed”?

Ans: The tree's roots are what give it its strength. "The strength of the tree
exposed" relates to the roots of the tree being exposed to sunlight and air. The
tree would ultimately die as a result of this. The tree's strength rests in its
roots, which the poet asks be snapped out to kill it. As a result, the expression
"the tree's strength exposed" alludes to the tree's roots. When a tree is
exposed to sunlight and air, it thrives.
7. What Finally kills the Tree?
Ans: Finally, the tree is destroyed by being pulled out of the mother ground.
The tree becomes burnt and choked when its roots are exposed to sunlight
and air. It then begins to disappear. It turns brown, dries out, and hardens. It
eventually dies. The uprooting of the tree's roots eventually kills it. The tree's
strength was shown when the roots, which had anchored it lies concealed in
the dirt for years, were dug out, resulting in the tree's death. After being
uprooted, it dried up.
THE SNAKE TRYING

1. What is the snake trying to escape from?

Ans: The snake is attempting to escape the person chasing it with a stick and
attempting to strike it.

2. Is it a harmful snake? What is its color?

Ans: It is not a dangerous snake. Its modest size makes it safe for children
from getting harm. The color of the snake is bright green.

3. The poet finds the snake beautiful. Find the words he uses to convey
its beauty.
Ans: The poet uses the terms "beautiful" and "graceful" to emphasize the
snake's attractiveness. He also used the word "harmless" to characterize its
one-of-a-kind trait, which the poet believes is the snake's charm.

4. What does the poet wish for the snake?

Ans: The snake, according to the poet, should be left alone. He wants the
snake to cross the pond and hide deeper in the reeds. The poet thinks the
snake's charm and appearance are unique characteristics.

5. Where was the snake before anyone saw it and chased it away?
Where does the snake disappear?
Ans: The snake lay in the sand until it was noticed and scared away. In the
ripples of the lake, the snake vanished amongst the green reeds.

6. Find out as much as you can about different kinds of snakes (from
books in the library, or from the Internet). Are they all poisonous? Find
out the names of some poisonous snakes.
Ans: No, snakes aren't all poisonous. Indian Cobra, Common Krait, Russell's
Viper, and Saw-scaled Viper are some of the deadly snakes.