WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR : SUMMARY, GLOSSARY, ANTONYMS, SYNONYMS, AND COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 WHERE THE MIND IS WITHOUT FEAR

Summary:

This poem, titled "Where the mind is without fear," is a prayer for a country, expressing the poet's vision of an ideal nation. The poem envisions a place where people live without fear and with their heads held high, signifying confidence and dignity. In this utopian land:

• Knowledge is free and accessible to all.
• There are no divisions caused by narrow-minded thinking and prejudices.
• Words spoken are truthful and sincere.
• People strive tirelessly for perfection and progress.
• Reason and logic are valued, and old habits do not hinder growth.
• The mind is guided forward by a higher power, leading to open-mindedness and action.
• The nation experiences freedom in all aspects of life.

The poem is a call for a country that embodies these ideals, where people are empowered to think freely, act with integrity, and strive for a better future. The poet appeals to a divine force, referred to as "My Father," to awaken the country to this vision of enlightenment and liberty. It is a heartfelt plea for a society that embraces knowledge, reason, and unity, leading to the ultimate realization of freedom and progress.

Glossary:

1.     Fear: A feeling of anxiety or apprehension about something.

2.     Held high: Raised or elevated in a position of confidence and pride.

3.     Knowledge: Information, understanding, or awareness gained through learning and experience.

4.     Broken up: Divided or fragmented.

5.     Fragments: Small, disconnected parts or pieces.

6.     Narrow domestic walls: Limitations or barriers created by narrow-mindedness or prejudice within one's home or community.

7.     Depth: The profound or innermost part of something.

8.     Truth: The state or quality of being true or factual.

9.     Tireless: Unflagging or persistent.

10.  Striving: Making great efforts to achieve or accomplish something.

11.  Stretch: Extend or reach out to the fullest extent.

12.  Perfection: The state of being flawless or without faults.

13.  Clear stream of reason: The unobstructed flow of logical thinking and rationality.

14.  Dreary: Dull, monotonous, or lifeless.

15.  Dead habit: A habitual behavior or routine that lacks vitality or meaning.

16.  Led forward: Guided or directed towards progress and development.

17.  Ever-widening: Constantly expanding or growing.

18.  Thought: Ideas or reflections of the mind.

19.  Action: The process of doing something or taking steps towards a goal.

20.  Heaven of freedom: A state or land of complete liberty and liberation.

Antonyms:

1.     Fear - Courage

2.     High - Low

3.     Free - Restricted

4.     Broken - United

5.     Fragments - Wholes

6.     Narrow - Broad

7.     Dreary - Bright

8.     Dead - Lively

9.     Lost - Found

10.  Forward - Backward

11.  Heaven - Hell

12.  Fearful - Confident

13.  Restriction - Freedom

14.  Closed - Open

15.  Night - Day

Synonyms:

1.     Fear - Apprehension

2.     High - Elevated

3.     Free - Liberated

4.     Fragments - Pieces

5.     Narrow - Limited

6.     Dreary - Gloomy

7.     Dead - Lifeless

8.     Habit - Routine

9.     Forward - Progressive

10.  Heaven - Paradise

11.  Freedom - Liberty

12.  Awake - Arise

13.  Knowledge - Wisdom

14.  Striving - Endeavor

15.  Reason - Rationality

Comprehension Questions and Answers:

1.     What are the characteristics of the ideal world described in the poem?

Ans: In the ideal world described in the poem, the mind is without fear, and people hold their heads high with confidence. Knowledge is free and not restricted. The world is not divided into fragments by narrow domestic walls. Truthful words flow from the depth of one's being. Tireless striving for perfection is encouraged, and reason is clear without getting lost in dead habits. The mind is led forward into ever-widening thought and action, and freedom is cherished.

2.     What does the phrase "narrow domestic walls" signify in the poem?

Ans: The phrase "narrow domestic walls" signifies the limitations and divisions that exist within homes and communities due to narrow-mindedness, prejudices, and narrow perspectives. It symbolizes the barriers that prevent unity and understanding among people.

3.     What does the poet mean by "the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit"?

Ans: The poet means that in the ideal world, people have not lost their rationality and logical thinking to monotonous and lifeless habits. The "clear stream of reason" refers to the unobstructed flow of rational thought, which has not been stifled by rigid and unchanging customs or routines represented by the "dreary desert sand of dead habit."

4.     How does the poet envision the role of knowledge in the ideal world?

Ans: In the ideal world, knowledge is free, accessible to all, and not restricted. It is valued and celebrated, allowing individuals to expand their understanding and grow intellectually. Free knowledge fosters enlightenment and empowers people to contribute to the betterment of society.

5.     What does the poet seek for his country in the last lines of the poem?

Ans: In the last lines of the poem, the poet seeks a state of enlightenment and freedom for his country. He envisions a country where people's minds are free from fear, where they have access to knowledge, and where they are not limited by narrow divisions or prejudices. The poet wishes for his country to awaken to its potential and embrace a path of progress, thought, and action.

6.     What emotions and aspirations does the poem evoke in the reader?

Ans: The poem evokes emotions of hope, aspiration, and a longing for a better world. It encourages readers to envision an ideal society where fear is absent, knowledge is free, and people are united in a broad-minded and progressive outlook. The poem inspires readers to seek freedom, enlightenment, and the courage to strive for a brighter future.

7.     How does the poem reflect Rabindranath Tagore's vision for India?

Ans: The poem reflects Rabindranath Tagore's vision for India as a nation that embraces freedom, knowledge, and unity. Tagore advocates for a society free from fear and prejudices, where rationality and reason guide the path towards progress and enlightenment. He envisions a country where people are empowered by knowledge and work together to break down narrow walls and divisions.

8.     What literary devices does Tagore use in the poem to convey his ideas effectively?

Ans: Tagore uses metaphors, such as "dreary desert sand of dead habit" and "Heaven of freedom," to vividly describe the contrast between stagnation and freedom. He employs repetition, like "Where" and "Into that Heaven of freedom," to emphasize the recurring theme of freedom. The poem's use of parallelism and rhythmic flow also adds to its lyrical and persuasive tone, making his ideas resonate with readers