Abou Ben Adhem: Question and Answers(RTCs)

Abou Ben Adhem: Question and Answers

(RTCs)

Q1.Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the presence in the room he said, "What writest thou?"-The vision raised its head, And with a look made of all sweet accord, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," Replied the angel.

i. Who is the presence' referred to in the stanza? What was it doing in Abou Ben Adhem's room? What other expression has been used to refer to it? 

The presence' refers to an angel who had appeared in Ben Adhem's room at night.

It was writing the names of those who love God in a book of gold.

The angel has also been called 'the vision' later in the stanza.

ii. How could Abou Ben Adhem speak boldly to the angel?

Abou Ben Adhem was a highly compassionate and devout man. His piety sah and righteousness had made him fearless. Hence, he was not afraid to speak boldly to the angel when he saw it in his room.

iii. What was Ben Adhem's reaction to the angel's reply to his question?

When the angel informed Ben Adhem that his name did not figure on the list of people who loved God, he was a little disappointed. But he did not lose heart. Though his tone became softer than earlier, he remained cheerful and requested the angel to write his name as one who loves his fellow beings.

iv. Comment on the use of archaic language in this poem.

Leigh Hunt has used several archaic words throughout the poem. For example, Ben Adhem addresses the angel using the words 'thou' and 'thee' which are no longer used. Similarly, the angel responds to Ben Adhem's question using the word 'nay' that is an old term meaning "no". The expression "And lo!' is also archaic and is used to draw attention to something interesting or incredible.

The use of archaic language contributes to the setting of the poem, and makes it obvious that the poem is based on an ancient personality. Furthermore, when Ben Adhem uses 'thou' and 'thee' instead of you, it clearly indicates his respect for the divine being in front of him.

Draw a character sketch of Abou Ben Adhem.

Hunt portrays Ben Adhem as a good and humble man who loves his fellow beings. He is at peace with himself and bears no ill will towards anyone. Being a good and pure soul, he can easily see and talk to the angel. He is not afraid of the divine presence and respectfully asks the angel what it is doing. Even though he is disappointed that his name is not on the list, he is stoic enough to accept it and requests that his name be written as one who loves his fellow beings. For him, love for his fellow beings is just like worshipping God.

Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

... Abou spoke more low, But cheerly still,; and said, "I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again with a great wakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blest,

And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

i. Why did Ben Adhem 'speak low'?

When Ben Adhem asked the angel whether his name was on the list of people who loved God, the angel said it was not. This disappointed Ben Adhem a little and when he spoke next, he spoke in a softer voice. than earlier.

ii. What was amazing about the list that the angel showed Ben Adhem the second night?

On the second night, the angel showed Ben Adhem the names of those whom God had blessed. On this list, Ben Adhem's name was right on top. This was incredible because it conveyed that God appreciated Ben Adhem's selflessness and his love for his fellow beings.

iii. What does the poet mean by the words, 'a great wakening light'? When the angel visits Ben Adhem the second time, it casts a dazzling light in the room. This indicates that the angel has come bearing some important news. This is starkly different from the first time when the angel's presence makes the room glow in the moonlight. 'Great wakening light could also refer to the spiritual awakening that Ben Adhem experiences on learning that his name was the first on the list of people blessed by God.

iv. Describe the angel.

The angel that appeared in Abou Ben Adhem's room was writing in a book of gold. Its presence filled Ben Adhem's room with moonlight and made the room appear as beautiful as a lily in bloom. The angel's demeanour was calm and soothing, and it replied to Ben Adhem's questions in a soft, mellow tone. Overall, the angel radiated gentleness, divinity and goodwill.

v. What message is Leigh Hunt trying to convey through this poem?

Through this poem, Hunt brings to our notice that loving and serving our fellow beings is more pleasing to God than merely offering prayers or visiting religious places. The poem drives home the point that true love for God is expressed through actions not words. Service to humanity is service to God.

Abou Ben Adhem by Leigh Hunt:-

1. Question and Answers RTCs: http://abou-ben-adhem-question-and-answers

2. Context and Summary: http://abou-ben-adhem-context-and-summary

3. Figures of Speech: http://abou-ben-adhem-figures-of-speech

4. Themes, Literary Style, Form and Structure: http://abou-ben-adhem-themes-literary-style

5. Character Analysis: http://abou-ben-adhem-character-analysis