AHSEC| CLASS 12| ENGLISH| KEEPING QUIET
UNIT – 7
FLAMINGO
POETRY
(KEEPING QUIET)
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The poem is a bit different from many
poems here the poet talks about the importance of silent introspection of
oneself. According to the poet, silence can often achieve such objectives in
the world which cannot be achieved by running. He wants people to realize the
importance of being silent sometimes as he feels that we can analyze our inner
consciousness only in complete silence. That's why he talks about counting from
one to twelve and says that this much time is enough for the work. We should
just keep quiet because till the count of twelve, no more, if we can take out
these limited moments in our busy lives, we can know ourselves. He exhorts
people not to speak anything for a few seconds, at that time we just have to
remain motionless and not speak in any language. This still and quiet moment will
seem very unusual but good. That moment would be free from all the noise,
crowds and worries of the modern industrial world. In that quiet moment there
will be absence of noise of all kinds of machines. They feel that the moment of
silence will help people feel that everyone is together and united, that this
sense of belonging will make everyone happy.
The poet further
says that introspection will have different results in different types of
people. They believe that after introspection, fishermen will stop harming
whales in the vast cold sea. And the salt picker will be sad to see his injured
hands and will stop doing so. Both will act the way they need to, and will not
harm others or themselves. Those who are always preparing for new battles will
stop for a moment to think of fire, gas or guns. Where there is dead all
around, they will not imagine victory, they will put away their blood-stained
clothes and move around with clean clothes on the body. I would have free time
to spend with my fellow brothers sitting in the shade, away from the heat and
chaos of the battlefield.
Here the poet
reminds us that his words should not be misinterpreted. He is talking about a
temporary state of silence and immobility, but not a complete absence of
activity. complete inaction means no good but it
The poet is
talking about taking a few moments out of our busy, anxious and rushed lives
and examining our inner thoughts in silence. After all, the poet has nothing to
do with death, he wants life. He also says that we should keep on going in our
life without stopping, if we are seriously dedicated, we are bound to achieve
anything and will face dangers equivalent to a mortal life. So, we need to know
and understand ourselves properly and this can be possible only in complete silence,
a few moments are enough.
The poet says
that we can learn from the earth itself how a little silence can lead us to a
better, novel world. During the season of autumn and winter the earth seems
calm, still, dull and so still as if it is dead. But then with the coming of
spring, the same earth gets filled with new sounds, new activities, beauty and
freshness and this time the whole world seems to be new. Similarly, men also
get busy in their busy and anxious daily life and lose their patience. But if they
just remain silent for a few seconds and introspect, they will be enlightened
and will gain new energy and interest in life. Even a monotonous and monotonous
life can become a new and better one. Finally, the poet leaves us with the
count to twelve and advises us to remain silent until he bids his farewell.
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