AN ICON OF CIVIL RIGHTS : GLOSSARY, ANTONYMS, SYNONYMS AND COMPREHENTION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 AN ICON OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Glossary:

1.     Majesty: Royal or regal dignity.

2.     Excellencies: Honorific title used to address dignitaries or ambassadors.

3.     Nonviolence: The use of peaceful means and passive resistance to achieve social or political change.

4.     Beleaguered: Under pressure or surrounded by difficulties.

5.     Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

6.     Antithetical: Directly opposing or contrasting.

7.     Passivity: Inaction or lack of resistance.

8.     Audacious: Showing a willingness to take bold risks or display courage.

9.     Flotsam and jetsam: Floating wreckage or debris.

10.  Militaristic: Having a strong emphasis on military ideals or values.

11.  Nonviolent redemptive: The act of saving or rescuing through nonviolent means.

12.  Forward stride: Progressing or advancing with determination.

13.  Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

14.  Humanity: All human beings collectively.

15.  Trustee: Someone entrusted with the responsibility to manage or administer something for the benefit of others.

16.  Orbit: A circular path followed by an object around a center of gravity.

17.  Brutal expression: Extreme or harsh manifestation.

18.  Inhumanity to man: Cruel or savage treatment towards fellow human beings.

19.  Heirloom: A valuable object that has been passed down through generations of a family.

20.  Curator: A person responsible for the preservation and care of a collection or exhibition.

21.  Dignitaries: People of high rank or position, especially in government or society.

22.  Passivity: Inaction or lack of resistance.

23.  In whose eyes: In the perspective or viewpoint of.

24.  Beauty is truth and truth beauty: A line from John Keats' poem "Ode on a Grecian Urn," suggesting that true beauty is synonymous with truth and vice versa.

 

Antonyms:

1.     Engaged - Disengaged

2.     Majesty - Humility

3.     Freedom - Oppression

4.     Peace - Conflict

5.     Brutalized - Treated kindly

6.     Chains - Liberation

7.     Militaristic - Peaceful

8.     Triumph - Defeat

9.     Darker - Brighter

10.  War - Peace

11.  Fear - Courage

12.  Unconditional - Conditional

13.  Inaction - Action

14.  Chaos - Harmony

 

Synonyms:

1.     Majesty - Sovereignty

2.     Acceptance - Reception

3.     Movement - Struggle

4.     Unrelenting - Persistent

5.     Oppression - Suppression

6.     Civilization - Society

7.     Nonviolence - Pacifism

8.     Stride - Progress

9.     Audacious - Bold

10.  Redeem - Reclaim

11.  Struggle - Battle

12.  Turmoil - Chaos

13.  Courage - Bravery

14.  Precious - Valuable

15.  Liberation - Freedom

 

Comprehension Questions and Answers:

1.     What is the occasion for Martin Luther King Jr.'s acceptance speech in Oslo?

Ans: The occasion for Martin Luther King Jr.'s acceptance speech is the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on December 10, 1964.

2.     According to Martin Luther King Jr., what is the current state of the civil rights movement in the United States?

Ans: According to Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement in the United States is engaged in a creative battle to end the long night of racial injustice.

3.     What examples does Martin Luther King Jr. provide to illustrate the struggles faced by African Americans in their fight for civil rights?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. provides examples of incidents in Birmingham, Alabama, and Philadelphia, Mississippi, where African Americans, including children, were met with violence and death while fighting for brotherhood and the right to vote.

4.     What does Martin Luther King Jr. believe is the answer to the political and moral question of their time?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. believes that nonviolence is the answer to the political and moral question of their time—the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.

5.     Why does Martin Luther King Jr. think nonviolence is a powerful moral force for social transformation?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. thinks nonviolence is a powerful moral force for social transformation because it has been demonstrated by the people of India and the Negroes of the United States. Nonviolence is not passive but a force that can lead to significant changes and progress.

6.     What does Martin Luther King Jr. have the audacity to believe despite the challenges and adversities faced by his people?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. has the audacity to believe that despite challenges and adversities, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow, wounded justice can be lifted, and mankind can eventually overcome racism and war with unarmed truth and unconditional love.

7.     How does Martin Luther King Jr. view the future of mankind and the ultimate triumph of nonviolent redemptive good?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. views the future of mankind with hope, believing that nonviolent redemptive good will eventually triumph over violence and oppression. He believes that people will learn to live together in peace, and justice will prevail.

8.     Why does Martin Luther King Jr. see the Nobel Peace Prize as more than just an honor to him personally?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. sees the Nobel Peace Prize as more than just an honor to him personally because he considers it a recognition of the civil rights movement and the power of nonviolence as a means to fight oppression and violence. He accepts the prize on behalf of all those who love peace and brotherhood

 AN ICON OF CIVIL RIGHTS

Glossary:

1.     Majesty: Royal or regal dignity.

2.     Excellencies: Honorific title used to address dignitaries or ambassadors.

3.     Nonviolence: The use of peaceful means and passive resistance to achieve social or political change.

4.     Beleaguered: Under pressure or surrounded by difficulties.

5.     Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

6.     Antithetical: Directly opposing or contrasting.

7.     Passivity: Inaction or lack of resistance.

8.     Audacious: Showing a willingness to take bold risks or display courage.

9.     Flotsam and jetsam: Floating wreckage or debris.

10.  Militaristic: Having a strong emphasis on military ideals or values.

11.  Nonviolent redemptive: The act of saving or rescuing through nonviolent means.

12.  Forward stride: Progressing or advancing with determination.

13.  Turmoil: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

14.  Humanity: All human beings collectively.

15.  Trustee: Someone entrusted with the responsibility to manage or administer something for the benefit of others.

16.  Orbit: A circular path followed by an object around a center of gravity.

17.  Brutal expression: Extreme or harsh manifestation.

18.  Inhumanity to man: Cruel or savage treatment towards fellow human beings.

19.  Heirloom: A valuable object that has been passed down through generations of a family.

20.  Curator: A person responsible for the preservation and care of a collection or exhibition.

21.  Dignitaries: People of high rank or position, especially in government or society.

22.  Passivity: Inaction or lack of resistance.

23.  In whose eyes: In the perspective or viewpoint of.

24.  Beauty is truth and truth beauty: A line from John Keats' poem "Ode on a Grecian Urn," suggesting that true beauty is synonymous with truth and vice versa.

 

Antonyms:

1.     Engaged - Disengaged

2.     Majesty - Humility

3.     Freedom - Oppression

4.     Peace - Conflict

5.     Brutalized - Treated kindly

6.     Chains - Liberation

7.     Militaristic - Peaceful

8.     Triumph - Defeat

9.     Darker - Brighter

10.  War - Peace

11.  Fear - Courage

12.  Unconditional - Conditional

13.  Inaction - Action

14.  Chaos - Harmony

 

Synonyms:

1.     Majesty - Sovereignty

2.     Acceptance - Reception

3.     Movement - Struggle

4.     Unrelenting - Persistent

5.     Oppression - Suppression

6.     Civilization - Society

7.     Nonviolence - Pacifism

8.     Stride - Progress

9.     Audacious - Bold

10.  Redeem - Reclaim

11.  Struggle - Battle

12.  Turmoil - Chaos

13.  Courage - Bravery

14.  Precious - Valuable

15.  Liberation - Freedom

 

Comprehension Questions and Answers:

1.     What is the occasion for Martin Luther King Jr.'s acceptance speech in Oslo?

Ans: The occasion for Martin Luther King Jr.'s acceptance speech is the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo on December 10, 1964.

2.     According to Martin Luther King Jr., what is the current state of the civil rights movement in the United States?

Ans: According to Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement in the United States is engaged in a creative battle to end the long night of racial injustice.

3.     What examples does Martin Luther King Jr. provide to illustrate the struggles faced by African Americans in their fight for civil rights?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. provides examples of incidents in Birmingham, Alabama, and Philadelphia, Mississippi, where African Americans, including children, were met with violence and death while fighting for brotherhood and the right to vote.

4.     What does Martin Luther King Jr. believe is the answer to the political and moral question of their time?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. believes that nonviolence is the answer to the political and moral question of their time—the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression.

5.     Why does Martin Luther King Jr. think nonviolence is a powerful moral force for social transformation?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. thinks nonviolence is a powerful moral force for social transformation because it has been demonstrated by the people of India and the Negroes of the United States. Nonviolence is not passive but a force that can lead to significant changes and progress.

6.     What does Martin Luther King Jr. have the audacity to believe despite the challenges and adversities faced by his people?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. has the audacity to believe that despite challenges and adversities, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow, wounded justice can be lifted, and mankind can eventually overcome racism and war with unarmed truth and unconditional love.

7.     How does Martin Luther King Jr. view the future of mankind and the ultimate triumph of nonviolent redemptive good?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. views the future of mankind with hope, believing that nonviolent redemptive good will eventually triumph over violence and oppression. He believes that people will learn to live together in peace, and justice will prevail.

8.     Why does Martin Luther King Jr. see the Nobel Peace Prize as more than just an honor to him personally?

Ans: Martin Luther King Jr. sees the Nobel Peace Prize as more than just an honor to him personally because he considers it a recognition of the civil rights movement and the power of nonviolence as a means to fight oppression and violence. He accepts the prize on behalf of all those who love peace and brotherhood

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

 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