CBSE Class 9 English (Beehive) Important Questions Chapter 6 (Poem) - No Men Are Foreign

1. What is the main message of the poem?
Answer: The main message of the poem is that all human beings are the same, regardless of nationality or background, and we should not see anyone as a stranger or enemy.

2. What does the poet say about uniforms in the poem?
Answer: The poet says that beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes, meaning that despite differences in appearance or uniform, we are all human.

3. How are 'their hands' similar to ours, according to the poet?
Answer: The poet says 'their hands' are like ours because they too work and labour, just like we do.

4. What does the poet say happens when we take arms against each other?
Answer: The poet says that when we take arms against each other, we harm the earth and defile the human bond that we share.

5. What do 'hells of fire and dust' refer to in the poem?
Answer: 'Hells of fire and dust' refer to the destruction caused by war, which damages both people and the environment.

6. What does the poet mean by "no men are foreign"?
Answer: By saying "no men are foreign," the poet means that no person is a stranger or enemy. Regardless of nationality or culture, all human beings share common experiences, emotions, and needs. We all live on the same earth, breathe the same air, and face similar challenges, making us more alike than different.

7. Why does the poet emphasize that war is destructive for everyone?
Answer: The poet emphasizes that war is destructive for everyone because it harms not only the enemy but also the ones who fight. War brings suffering to both sides, destroys the earth, and pollutes the air. By fighting each other, we betray our shared humanity and damage the natural world that sustains us all.

8. How does the poet suggest that we are connected through nature?
Answer: The poet suggests that we are connected through nature by pointing out that we all live on the same earth, breathe the same air, and experience the same natural elements like sun, water, and harvests. These connections remind us that, despite our differences, we share the same environment and depend on it for survival.

9. What does the poet mean by "dispossess, betray, condemn" when talking about hating others?
Answer: When the poet says "dispossess, betray, condemn," he means that when we are taught to hate others, we lose something of ourselves. By treating others as enemies, we betray the shared humanity that unites us all and condemn ourselves to a life of hatred and division. In the end, this harms us just as much as it harms others.

10. Why does the poet urge us to remember the common life we share?
Answer: The poet urges us to remember the common life we share because recognising our similarities helps build understanding and peace. By focusing on what unites us, rather than what divides us, we can prevent conflict and live in harmony. The poet believes that acknowledging our shared humanity is the key to ending hatred and war.

11. How does the poet explain that all humans are similar despite differences in nationality or culture?
Answer: The poet explains that all humans are similar by focusing on the fundamental experiences that we all share. He points out that, beneath different uniforms, all human beings have the same body and breath. We all live on the same earth and will eventually return to it. The poet also mentions how we all depend on nature for survival, whether it is the sun, water, or harvests. Furthermore, he highlights that our hands, our eyes, and our emotions are the same. Despite differences in nationality or appearance, the poet believes that we are all connected through our shared experiences of life and nature.

12. How does the poet use the imagery of war to convey his message of peace?
Answer: The poet uses the imagery of war, such as "hells of fire and dust," to show the devastating effects of conflict. He describes how war pollutes the air, destroys the earth, and outrages the natural elements we all depend on. By highlighting the destruction caused by war, the poet conveys that violence only leads to suffering and loss for everyone involved. The phrase "dispossess, betray, condemn" reinforces the idea that by fighting each other, we not only harm others but also lose a part of ourselves. The poet contrasts this destruction with the peace that can come from recognising our shared humanity, urging us to avoid war and embrace unity.

13. Why does the poet think hating others is equivalent to harming ourselves?
Answer: The poet thinks that hating others is equivalent to harming ourselves because, in the end, we are all connected as human beings. When we hate or fight others, we damage the same earth and environment that we all share. Additionally, the poet believes that by hating others, we betray our own values of love, compassion, and humanity. He suggests that when we act with hatred, we not only hurt those we oppose but also destroy the peace and harmony that could exist in our own lives. The message is clear: by harming others, we harm ourselves.

14. What does the poet mean by the phrase, "It is the human earth that we defile"?
Answer: The phrase "It is the human earth that we defile" means that when we engage in war or hatred, we pollute and damage the very earth that belongs to all of us. The poet wants to remind us that the earth is shared by everyone, regardless of nationality or culture. By harming it through conflict and violence, we are not only destroying a piece of land but are defiling something that is essential to the survival of all humans. This phrase highlights the idea that war harms everyone and everything, including the environment that sustains us.

15. How does the poem 'No Men are Foreign' promote global unity and peace?
Answer: The poem 'No Men are Foreign' promotes global unity and peace by emphasising that all humans share the same experiences, needs, and emotions, no matter where they come from. The poet encourages us to recognise that we are all connected through the same earth, air, and natural resources. He warns against hatred and conflict, reminding us that violence only leads to mutual destruction. By focusing on our common humanity, the poem suggests that we can avoid war and live in peace with one another. The message is clear: no one is a stranger or an enemy, and we should treat everyone with understanding and compassion.

16. Do you agree with the poet's message that no men are foreign? Why or why not?
Answer: Yes, I agree with the poet's message that no men are foreign because, despite our differences in language, culture, or nationality, all humans share the same basic needs and emotions. We all live on the same planet and depend on the same resources to survive. By recognising this, we can foster understanding and peace instead of conflict. The poet's message encourages us to focus on our similarities rather than our differences.

17. Why do you think the poet repeats the line "Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange"?
Answer: The poet repeats the line "Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange" to reinforce the idea that everyone, regardless of where they come from, is part of the same human family. The repetition serves as a reminder that we should not view others as enemies or strangers. It also emphasises the poem's central message of unity and peace, urging readers to reflect on their shared humanity and avoid hatred or division.

18. How does the poet use the concept of "uniforms" to explain his message?
Answer: The poet uses the concept of "uniforms" to explain that, despite the differences in appearance or national identity, we are all the same underneath. A uniform represents a particular group, country, or role, but beneath these outward symbols, all humans have the same body, needs, and emotions. By pointing out that "beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes," the poet emphasises that the divisions created by uniforms are artificial, and we should focus on our common humanity instead.

19. What impact do you think the poem’s message could have on reducing conflicts between countries?
Answer: The poem’s message could have a powerful impact on reducing conflicts between countries by encouraging people to see each other as equals, regardless of nationality. By understanding that all humans share the same experiences and emotions, the poem promotes empathy and compassion. This recognition of shared humanity could lead to greater understanding and cooperation between nations, reducing tensions and preventing conflicts. The poem suggests that if we focus on our similarities, we are less likely to engage in wars and more likely to work towards peace.

20. What is the significance of the poet’s focus on nature (earth, air, harvests) in the poem?
Answer: The poet’s focus on nature—such as the earth, air, and harvests—highlights the idea that all humans share the same environment and resources. Nature does not recognise national borders or divisions, and it provides for everyone equally. By focusing on these natural elements, the poet emphasises the common ground that unites all people, regardless of where they come from. This connection to nature reinforces the idea that no one is truly foreign, and we all rely on the same world to survive.

21. What does the poet mean by "peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d"?
Answer: The poet means that during times of peace, people can enjoy the benefits of nature, such as good harvests. However, during times of war, people suffer, and even the land may become barren or unable to produce food, leading to starvation and hardship.

22. How does the poet describe the effect of war on nature?
Answer: The poet describes the effect of war on nature by saying that war pollutes the earth and air, causing destruction and defiling the environment. The "hells of fire and dust" caused by war disrupt the natural beauty and peace that should exist on the earth.

23. Why does the poet say that we betray ourselves by hating others?
Answer: The poet says that we betray ourselves by hating others because, by doing so, we lose our sense of shared humanity. Hating others divides us and leads to conflict, which ultimately harms both sides. When we turn against others, we also turn against the values of kindness and compassion that we hold dear.

24. How does the poem challenge the idea of national borders and divisions?
Answer: The poem challenges the idea of national borders and divisions by emphasising that all humans are the same, regardless of where they come from. The poet argues that these divisions are artificial and should not define how we treat others. Instead, we should focus on the common humanity that unites us all.

25. What can we do to ensure that "no men are foreign"?
Answer: To ensure that "no men are foreign," we can promote understanding, empathy, and compassion towards others, regardless of their nationality or background. By recognising our shared humanity and working towards peace, we can break down the barriers of hate and division. Treating others with respect and kindness is key to creating a world where no one is seen as foreign or strange.

Benefits of CBSE Class 9 English (Beehive) Important Questions for Chapter 6 (Poem)

• Helps students concentrate on frequently asked and high-weightage questions.

• Ensures understanding of critical themes, concepts, and literary aspects.

• Streamlines revision by focusing on essential topics, saving time.

• Enhances ability to write well-structured and concise answers.

• Familiarity with important questions reduces exam stress.

• Prepares students for question styles commonly used in exams.

• Provides targeted preparation, avoiding overloading with unnecessary content.

• Increases chances of scoring well by covering the most significant topics.

• Regular practice of these questions builds discipline and understanding.

Conclusion:

No Men are Foreign" by James Kirkup delivers a powerful message of unity and peace. The poet reminds us that despite our differences in nationality, culture, or language, we are all part of the same humanity. The poem urges us to reject hatred and conflict, as they only lead to our own harm. By recognising the similarities we share, we can live in harmony and create a better world for everyone. The FREE PDF provided by Vedantu for this chapter includes questions and answers provided by subject matter experts At Vedantu for easy study sessions.

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