Under the Green Wood Tree

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem Under the Green Wood Tree which is the title of a song taken from the play, As You Like It written by William Shakespeare. The play tells the story of two brothers, the Elder Duke and the younger brother, Duke Frederick. The younger brother is very greedy, selfish and ambitious and wishes to usurp the dukedom. He forces the Elder Duke to go into exile and pass the rest of his life in the forest of Arden. The Elder Duke is accompanied by some his devoted companions and followers. Among them is Lord Amiens, who is gifted with a very sweet, melodious voice. The lines given for explanation are an extract from one of the songs sung by him. In this song, he desribes the pleasant and carefree life of the forest. He also extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to join him in that cheerful surrounding. Such a person should be free from all worldly wishes, and should feel happy and contented to live in the open, natural environment. The only problem one has to face there is the harsh unbearable winter weather.

Lines

UNDER THE GREEN WOOD TREE
WHO LOVES TO LIE WITH ME,
AND TURN HIS MERRY NOTE
UNTO THE SWEET BIRD’S THROAT,
COME HITHER, COME HITHER, COME HITHER:
HERE SHALL HE SEE
NO ENEMY
BUT WINTER AND ROUGH WEATHER
Explanation

In these lines, the singer is giving an open invitation to any one who wishes to join him in the forest of Arden. The singer desires the newcomer to rest under the shady trees and sing a song in such a manner that his voice mingles with the sweet notes of the bird to produce one single harmony. The singer reminds that the life of the forest is free from all enmity and petty rivalries. The only snag in the life of the forest is the unpleasant and unbearable winter wind. If one is brave and willing enough to endure the harshness of the weather, the life of the forest is almost an ideal one.

Lines

WHO DOTH AMBITION SHUN,
AND LOVES TO LIVE I’ THE SUN,
SEEKING THE FOOD HE EATS,
AND PLEASED WITH WHAT HE GETS-
COME HITHER, COME HITHER, COME HITHER,
HERE SHALL HE SEE
NO ENEMY
BUT WINTER AND ROUGH WEATHER
Explanation

In the lines given for contextual explanation, the singer is laying down certain conditions to be fulfilled by one who wishes to come and pass his life in the forest of Arden. In the first place, such a person should have no worldly wishes. He should not be materialistic in his approach and should never run after fame, wealth, power and glory. He should be willing to pass his life in the open atmosphere under the bright sun. He should look for his own sustenance and nourishment and should be contented with whatever he gets to eat. The singer reiterates that the life of the forest is free from all anxieties, problems and difficulties except the unpleasantness of the chilly winter weather.

The Deserted Village

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem The Deserted Village written by Oliver Goldsmith. The poem presents two contrasting pictures of an Irish village which fell a victim to the cruelty and inhuman treatment of the feudal lords. The simpler, hardworking rustics were forced to leave their native land as a result of the agricultural revolution when the big land owners switched over from general farming to sheep farming in order to earn greater profits. On the one hand, this poem shows the joy and activities of the people before the village was deserted, while on the other hand, it presents a gloomy picture of the same village after the eviction of the rural population.

Lines

SWEET AUBURN! LOVELIEST VILLAGE OF THE PLAIN,
WHERE HEALTH AND PLENTY CHEERED THE LABOURING SWAIN,
WHERE SMILING SPRING ITS EARLIEST VISIT PAID,
AND PARTING SUMMER’S LINGERING BLOOMS DELAYED:
DEAR LOVELY BOWERS OF INNOCENCE AND EASE,
SEATS OF MY YOUTH, WHEN EVERY SPORT COULD PLEASE
HOW OFTEN HAVE I LOITERED O’ER THY GREEN,
WHERE HUMBLE HAPPINESS ENDEAR’D EACH SCENE!
HOW OFTEN HAVE I PAUSED ON EVERY CHARM
THE SHELTERED COT, THE CULTIVATED FARM,
THE NEVER FAILING BROOK, THE BUSY MILL,
THE DECENT CHURCH THAT TROPPED THE NEIGHBOURING
THE HAWTHORN BUSH, WITH SEATS BENEATH THE SHADE,
FOR TALKING AGE AND WHISPERING LOVERS MADE !
Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet points out that Auburn was the most Beautiful village of the area. The rustics enjoyed good health and found all the necessities of life in abundance. They worked hard and remained happy. The first signs of the spring were visible and summer lasted the longest. The poet had passed his childhood and early youth in this village. He had participated in different kinds of activities. He had observed all the beautiful sights of Nature. He had seen the beautiful cottages and the picturesque natural surrounding. He had also admired the flowing stream, the working mill and the ploughed fields. The seats under the trees were occupied either by the old, fond of talking all the time or the young lovers whispering to each other.

Lines

HOW OFTEN HAVE I BLEST THE COMING DAY,
WHEN TOIL REMITTING LENT ITS TURN TO PLAY,
AND ALL THE VILLAGE TRAIN, FROM LABOUR FREE,
LED UP THEIR SPORTS BENEATH THE SPREADING TREE;
WILL MANY A PASTIME CIRCLED IN THE SHADE,
THE YOUNG CONTENDING AS THE OLD SURVEYED;
AND MANY A GAMBOL FROLICKED O’ER THE GROUND,
AND SLEIGHTS OF ART AND FEATS OF STRENGTH WENT ROUND;
AND STILL AS EACH REPEATED PLEASURE TIRED,
SUCCEEDDING SPORTS THE MIRTHFUL BAND INSPIRED;
THE DANCING PAIR THAT SIMPLY SOUGHT RENOWN
BY HOLDING OUT TO TIRE EACH OTHER DOWN;
THE SWAIN MISTRUSTLESS OF HIS SMUTTED FACE,
WHILE SECRET LAUGHTER TITTERED ROUND THE PLACE;
THE BASHFUL VIRGIN’S SIDE-LONG LOOKS OF LOVE,
THE MATRON’S GLANCE THAT WOULD THOSE LOOKS REPROVE!
THESE WERE THEY CHARMS, SWEET VILLAGE, SPORTS LIKE THESE,
WITH SWEET SUCCESSION,TAUGHT EVEN TOIL TO PLEASE;
THESE ROUND THY BOWERS THEIR CHEERFUL INFLUENCE SHED
THESE WERE THY CHARMS-BUT ALL THESE CHARMS ARE FLED.
Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is describing the leisure activities of the simple villagers, which have now come to an end as the village wears a deserted look. The toiling masses worked hard for the whole week and eagerly waited the seventh day when they could enjoy themselves to their heart’s content. On a holiday, the people gathered at different places and took part in various activities. While the young people competed with one another, the old observed them. When the people were tired of one game, they began something else. They divided themselves into couples, each couple trying to dance for the longest time to get renown. They also blackened the face of some innocent rustic and then laughed at him secretly. Young girls tried to look secretly at their lovers but such looks were disapproved of by their matron. Once the laborer rustics were compelled to leave their native land, the village looked barren and deserted. All the charms of the village were gone with the rustics no more being there.

Lines

ILL FARES THE LAND, TO HASTENING ILLS A PREY
WHERE WEALTH ACCUMULATES, AND MEN DECAY;
PRINCESS AND LORDS MAY FLOURISH, OR MAY FADE;
A BREATH CAN MAKE THEM, AS A BREATH HAS MADE;
BUT A BOLD PEASANTRY, THEIR COUNTRY’S PRIDE
WHEN ONCE DESTROYED CAN NEVER BE SUPPLIED.
Explanation

The lines given for explanation present a picture of the village after it was deserted. The simple abode of the innocent rustics had fell a prey to injustice and cruelty. Wealth was accumulating in a few hands while the common man suffered from misery, poverty and deprivation. The bulk of the population consists of hardworking villagers. The rich may grow richer and get all the honour and titles but that does not make much difference. The real asset and wealth of the country are the poor, toiling formers. If they are once destroyed, no one can replace them. The joy and satisfaction life is lost forever.

The Character of a Happy Life

Reference to the Context

Introduction

The lines given for explanation are an extract from the poem, The Character of a Happy Life written by Sir Henry Wotton. In this moralizing piece of writing, the poet points to the sterling qualities of head and heart needed in a person to lead a life of contentment and bliss. Such a person should enjoy full freedom and should never be dictated by others. He should remain steadfast and firm on the path of honesty. Truthfulness should be his most prominent trait. He should exercise complete control over his passion and should never be swept away by his emotions. He should be brave enough to face all the challenges in life and should have the courage to encounter death any moment. He should believe in simplicity and keep away from the evils of jealousy and flattery. The accumulation of wealth and the acquisition of worldly name and fame should never be his goal in life. He should be pious and God-fearing and pass his time in healthy activities. Such a person may bot be playing in riches but he is gifted with all the noble qualities required by a person to lead a contented life.

Lines

HOW HAPPY IS HE BORN OR TAUGHT
THAT SERVETH NOT ANOTHER’S WILL:
WHOSE ARMOUR IS HIS HONEST THOUGHT
AND SIMPLE TRUTH HIS UTMOST SKILL!
Explanation

In the lines given for elucidation, the poet is referring to three outstanding characteristics of a person willing to pass a happy, contented life. Such a person should be independent in all his actions. He should never be a slave to the will of others. His honest and humble thoughts prove to be his best protective device and truthfulness is his most outstanding and remarkable feature.

Lines

WHOSE PASSIONS NOT HIS MASTERS ARE,
WHOSE SOUL IS STILL PREPARED FOR DEATH,
UNTIED UTO THE WORLD BY CARE
OF PUBLIC FAME, OR PRIVATE BREATH;
Explanation

The lines given for explanation bring out some prominent qualities of a person who wishes to life a cheerful, satisfied life. He should have full control over his feelings and should never be swayed by his emotions. He should not be afraid of death and should be bold enough to encounter all the ups and downs in life. He should follow the path of simplicity and sobriety. He should not care for the individual and collective opinion form about him. He should never run after earthly name and fame.

Lines

WHO ENVIES NONE THAT CHANCE DOTH RAISE,
NOR VICE; WHO NEVER UNDERSTOOD
HOW DEEPEST WOUNDS ARE GIVEN BY PRAISE;
NOR RULES OF STATE, BUT RULES OF GOOD;
Explanation

In these lines, the poet is referring to the qualities needed in a person desirous of leading a simple, innocent life. Such a person never fall a victim to the green-eyed monster by looking at others who acquire wealth and reputation. He never gets involved in any kind of evil of sight, speech or hearing. He is not interested in politics and government and is simply aware of the golden principles of a life without ostentation. He realizes that flattery is harmful for both who is flattered and the one who is over-praising. Thus he keeps away from false praise at all cost.

Lines

WHO HATH HIS LIFE FROM RUMOURS FREED;
WHOSE CONSCIENCE IS HIS STRONG RETREAT;
WHOSE STATE CAN NEITHER FLATTERERS FEED,
NOR RUIN MAKE OPPRESSORS GREAT;
Explanation

In the lines given for explanation, the poet believes that a person who wants to live a simple, contented life keeps his life free from rumours by never trying to become a public figure. Such a person always depends upon his conscience and acts according to it. He is not so affluent that people may flatter him and take undue advantage of his wealthy state. Such flatterers often fill their own coffers but when their benefactors are ruined and deprived of their wealth, they accuse them and find all kinds of faults in them.

Lines

WHO GOD DOTH LATE AND EARLY PRAY
MORE OF HIS GRACE THAN GIFTS TO LEND;
AND ENTERTAINS THE HARMLESS DAY
WITH A RELIGIOUS BOOK OR FRIEND
Explanation

The lines given for elucidation points to one of the salient features of the character of a person wishing to live a happy life. Such a person is religious-minded, morally sound, pious and God-fearing. He prays to Almighty God whenever it is possible. He asks God for his benevolence and blessings and not for worldly comfort and luxuries. He passes his time in healthy activities by reading good books or being in the company of good, virtuous friends.

Lines

THIS MAN IS FREED FROM SERVILE BANDS
OF HOPE TO RISE, OR FEAR TO FALL:
LORD OF HIMSELF, THOUGH NOT OF LANDS,
AND HAVING NOTHING, YET HATH ALL.
Explanation

The lines given for explanation present in a nutshell all the advantages of having sterling qualities of head and heart, so necessary to pass a life of joy and satisfaction. A person who is the master of his won will, follows the path of honesty, truthfulness, simplicity, piety and self-confidence, and is courageous enough to face all the challenges, can definitely lead a life of contentment. He is not bound by the chains of slavery, and has neither the hope of achieving loftier goals nor the fear of suffering a fall. He is not a feudal lord, possessing big estates but is lord of himself, having all the noble qualities. Thus he is able to pass his life in ease, joy and comfort.

Abou Ben Adhem summary and introduction

Abou Ben Adhem

Introduction of the Poet

James Henry Leigh Hunt was born in 1784. He was a religious man educated at Christ Hospital. He then became the editor and writer of a newspaper called The Examiner. His early poems are The Story of Rimini and Endymion. The earliest poems he wrote were published when he was in school. In English Literature, Leigh Hunt is known for his achievements as an editor, a critic and an essayist and not so much as a poet.

Introduction of the Poem

Abou Ben Adhem is a poem with a religious concept. The poet has conveyed the ideas of happiness, peace and love through easy and flowing rhymed couplets.
“Love is in your heart which is given by God, so give it to others.”
_____________________________________________________________________ John Keats
The poem consists of 2 stanzas, which are composed of 11 lines. It also has some archaic words.

Summary

Abou Ben Adhem was a religious person. One night when he was sleeping peacefully in his room, a sparkling light woke him up.
He found out that this bright light was due to the presence of an angel who was writing something in a golden book. Being a pious man, Abou was not afraid of the Angel and the silence in the room made him more courageous. He asked the angel what he was writing in the book. The reply Abou heard was that he was writing the names of all those people who love God. About asked the angel curiously if his name was in the list. The angel replied was negative. He then politely requested the angel to write his name as those people who love God’s fellow men. The angle wrote and disappeared.
The other night, it came again with a still glistening light and displayed the names of people whom God had blessed. Abou Ben Adhem saw that his name was on the top of the list and it led all the rest.
Moral

This poem conducts the idea that we should love humanity and care for people.
“To get love from God, love the board.”
________________________________ Williams Wordsworth