Hi Everyone!! This article will share A Passing Glimpse Questions & Answers.
This poem is written by Robert Lee Frost. In my previous posts, I have shared the questions and answers of The Magic Shop, Weaver and The Window so, you can check these posts as well.
A Passing Glimpse Questions & Answers
Word Galaxy
- Hesperides – (see author note)
- Car – here, the carriage or compartment of a train
- Fireweed – a type of tall North American plant, with spikes of pinkish flowers. These grow best in burned areas.
- Bluebell(s) – a type of wildflower with bell-shaped, bluish flowers. These grow well in moist areas.
- Lupine – (also lupin) a plant of the pea family
- Drouth – drought; a long period of low (or no) rainfall
Question 1: Where was the poet when he saw the flowers?
Answer: The poet was in the compartment of a train when he saw the flowers.
Question 2: Does the poet see these flowers carefully? How can we tell?
Answer: No, the poet doesn’t see these flowers carefully because he says, ‘… that are gone before I can tell what they are…’
Question 3: Why does the poet start three lines of the poem with the word ‘Not’?
Answer: The poet starts three lines of the poem with the word ‘Not’ to emphasise that though the passing flowers may have appeared to be these, the poet is not really sure.
Question 4: Why do you think the poet mentions ‘where woods have burnt’?
Answer: The poet mentions ‘where woods have burnt’ to draw attention to the destruction of nature by man’s hand, and to remind us that nature can still rejuvenate itself – some flowers grow best in burned areas.
Question 5: Is the poet referring to the flowers when he says: ‘something brushed across my mind’? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: No, the poet is not referring to the flowers when he says: ‘something brushed across my mind’. He means memories, ideas, impressions, thoughts.
Question 6: Do you agree with the poet’s observations about our fast-paced modern lives and our relationship with the nature? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, I agree with the poet that because of machines and modern inventions, we are moving away from nature. Nature can give us a lot of happiness and peace, but we stay away from it because we are busy with machines all the time.
Question 7: Read the lines and answer the questions:
1. I want to get out of the train and go back……
(a) What has the poet glimpsed from the train?
Answer: Some flowers that he couldn’t recognise at a fleeting glimpse.
(b) Why does he want to go back?
Answer: He wanted to go back to see for himself what they were.
(c) If he does not go back, what might he be left with?
Answer: He might be left with impressions and fancies, but no certainties.
2. Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
(a) What glimpses might these be?
Answer: These glimpses might be of paradise – of beautiful things and happiness.
(b) Where were these glimpses seen?
Answer: These glimpses were seen from a moving train, across the passing landscape.
(c) Is the poet telling us about something more than just flowers? What do you think?
Answer: Yes, he’s also talking about human relationships, friendships and momentary joys and pleasures.
So, these were A Passing Glimpse Questions & Answers.