NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem: The poem A Photograph by Shirley Toulson reflects on the themes of time, loss, and nostalgia.
The poet describes an old photograph of her mother as a child, enjoying a seaside holiday with her cousins. The image captures a moment of joy, but the passage of time brings change.
The poet mourns her mother’s death, highlighting the impermanence of life. The poem’s tone is melancholic yet reflective, emphasizing how memories remain while people fade.
The concluding lines express speechlessness, symbolizing the depth of loss. Toulson’s simple yet profound expression makes the poem emotionally powerful and relatable.
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem Overview
The poem A Photograph by Shirley Toulson explores themes of time, transience, and loss. It describes an old photograph of the poet’s mother as a child, capturing a joyful moment by the sea.
However, as time passes, the mother grows up and eventually passes away, leaving the poet in silent grief.
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1
The poem highlights the impermanence of life and the enduring power of memories.
NCERT solutions help students understand poetic devices, deep meanings, and literary techniques, enhancing comprehension and analytical skills.
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They also encourage emotional connection, improving interpretation abilities essential for literature and beyond.
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem PDF
The poem A Photograph by Shirley Toulson reflects on themes of time, loss, and nostalgia.
It captures the poet’s emotions as she looks at an old photograph of her mother, realizing the inevitable passage of time.
The poem beautifully expresses the contrast between past joy and present sorrow. Below, we have provided a PDF of the NCERT solutions
which includes a detailed summary, explanations, and answers to help students understand and analyze the poem effectively. Download the PDF for easy access and learning.
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem PDF
NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem A Photograph
Below is the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem A Photograph -
Page No. 11
Infer the meanings of the following words from the context
Now look up the dictionary to see if your inference is right.
Answer:
Paddling is rowing a boat or walking in shallow water.
Transient refers to temporary.
Dictionary Meaning:
Paddling is standing or walking in shallow water with bare feet.
Paddling also means rowing a boat.
Paddling is swimming with short movements of feet or hands up and down.
Transient is staying in a place for a short period of time.
Think it Out
1. What does the word ‘cardboard’ denote in the poem? Why has this word been used?
Answer:
In the poem, the word cardboard refers to the photograph, which is stuck on a thick and sturdy paper. This was a common practice in the past when photos were glued onto cardboard and framed with glass to keep them safe and lasting.
2. What has the camera captured?
Answer:
The photograph shows three girls – the poet’s mother and her two cousins, Dolly and Betty. They are wearing swimsuits, with the poet’s mother in the middle, holding their hands as they walk in the shallow sea water.
3. What has not changed over the years? Does this suggest something to you?
Answer:
Over the years, the sea has remained the same. Its waves are always moving, bright, and fresh, just like in the past. In contrast, the aging of a human face over time is highlighted by the unchanging nature of the sea.
4. The poet’s mother laughed at the snapshot. What did this laugh indicate?
Answer:
This laugh indicates her joy at remembering the incident that connected with her past life, when she was young and free from worries and tensions of life.
5. What is the meaning of the line “Both wry with the laboured ease of loss.”
Answer:
The poet’s mother’s laughter and the sea holiday are memories from the past, bringing both joy and sadness. They are enjoyable yet bittersweet because the happiness felt now seems unnatural or forced.
This feeling of loss is difficult to bear. The phrase laboured ease is an oxymoron, as it combines two opposite ideas—effort and relaxation—to express the deep and conflicting emotions of loss.
6. What does “this circumstance” refer to?
Answer:
“This circumstance” refers to the death of the poet’s mother.
7. The three stanzas depict three different phases. What are they?
Answer:
1. Girlhood of the poet’s mother – The phase before the poet’s birth.
2. Middle age – The phase during the poet’s childhood.
3. Death – The phase after the death of the poet’s mother.
Benefits of Using NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem
Below we have provided some of the benefits of Using NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 1 Poem -
Clear Understanding – Provides detailed explanations of the poem A Photograph, helping students grasp its meaning and themes.
Literary Analysis – Breaks down poetic devices, figures of speech, and symbolism for better interpretation.
Exam Preparation – Offers well-structured answers that follow CBSE guidelines, helping in scoring good marks.
Time-Saving – Saves effort by providing accurate and concise answers to textbook questions.
Improves Writing Skills – Helps in framing answers effectively, enhancing comprehension and expression.
Emotional Connection – Encourages students to relate to the poem’s themes of time and loss.
