Here are the paraphrases and summaries of all the poems of Std 10 English as first language:
1. “All the World’s a Stage” – William Shakespeare
Paraphrase:
Life is like a stage, and every person is an actor playing different roles. From birth to old age, people go through seven stages: infancy, childhood, youth, adulthood, middle age, old age, and finally, death. Each stage has its own unique characteristics, emotions, and responsibilities. Eventually, we grow weak, lose our abilities, and fade away from life.
Summary:
This poem, taken from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, presents a philosophical perspective on human life. It describes the seven stages of life, showing how people transition from one role to another. The poem emphasizes that life is temporary and follows a natural cycle, just like a play where actors enter and exit the stage.
2. “Where the Mind is Without Fear” – Rabindranath Tagore
Paraphrase:
The poet prays for a world where people live fearlessly and with dignity. He envisions a society where knowledge is freely accessible, and people are not divided by narrow-minded prejudices. Truthfulness, hard work, and reason should guide human actions, leading to progress. He asks God to help his country move toward enlightenment and freedom.
Summary:
Tagore’s poem is a prayer for a free and progressive nation. It expresses his dream of an ideal society where people are courageous, united, and guided by reason and honesty. He emphasizes the importance of breaking away from ignorance and oppression to achieve true freedom.
3. “I Think I Could Turn and Live with Animals” – Walt Whitman
Paraphrase:
The poet admires animals for their simplicity, honesty, and contentment. Unlike humans, they do not complain, regret, or obsess over material possessions. They do not engage in religious rituals or worry about social status. Animals live peacefully and naturally, which makes the poet feel connected to them. He wonders if humans once possessed these qualities but lost them over time.
Summary:
This poem contrasts animals with humans, highlighting the purity and simplicity of animal life. Whitman suggests that humans have complicated their lives with greed, religion, and social structures, losing their natural happiness. The poem encourages self-reflection on what truly brings peace and fulfillment.
4. “The Pulley” – George Herbert
Paraphrase:
When God created humans, He gave them various blessings like strength, wisdom, beauty, and honor. However, He withheld the gift of rest, ensuring that humans would always feel a sense of longing. This restlessness would lead them to seek God, as they would never be fully satisfied with material wealth alone.
Summary:
Herbert’s poem presents a religious perspective on human nature. It suggests that human dissatisfaction is part of God’s plan, as it keeps people connected to spirituality. The pulley symbolizes how God draws people toward Him by making them seek something beyond worldly pleasures.
5. “Night of the Scorpion” – Nissim Ezekiel
Paraphrase:
The poet recalls a night when his mother was stung by a scorpion. Villagers gathered and chanted prayers, believing her suffering would cleanse her of past sins. They performed various superstitious rituals, while the poet’s rational father tried using medical treatments. Despite all efforts, the pain lasted until the poison eventually wore off. The mother, however, only expressed gratitude that the scorpion had stung her instead of her children.
Summary:
This poem highlights the clash between superstition and rationality. It portrays how rural communities rely on religious beliefs in times of crisis. At the same time, it showcases a mother’s selfless love, as she endures pain without complaint. Ezekiel uses this event to reflect on human emotions and cultural practices.
6. “The Will to Win” – Berton Braley
Paraphrase:
If you truly desire something, you must be willing to work tirelessly for it, sacrificing comfort and overcoming all obstacles. You must chase your dreams with full determination, ignoring hardships like poverty, illness, and fear. If you persist with faith and confidence, with the help of God, you will achieve your goal.
Summary:
This poem is a motivational call to action, emphasizing hard work, persistence, and self-belief. Braley inspires readers to chase their dreams fearlessly, despite difficulties. The poem conveys that success comes to those who are willing to give their all and never give up.
7. “A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever” – John Keats
Paraphrase:
Beautiful things bring everlasting joy and comfort. They provide a peaceful escape from life’s struggles, acting as a source of inspiration. Beauty can be found in nature, art, and human experiences, making life more meaningful. It never fades away but continues to nourish the soul.
Summary:
Keats’ poem expresses the Romantic belief that beauty is eternal and essential for human happiness. It highlights how beautiful things, whether natural or artistic, have the power to uplift the spirit. Keats celebrates the deep emotional and spiritual connection between humans and beauty.
8. “The Height of the Ridiculous” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Paraphrase:
The poet writes something he finds extremely funny and expects others to laugh as well. However, when he shares it, the reaction is much stronger than he imagined—his readers laugh uncontrollably to the point of physical pain. The exaggerated response amuses the poet, showing the unexpected power of humor.
Summary:
This poem humorously explores the effects of exaggerated emotions. Holmes plays with the idea that laughter can be overwhelming and even dangerous. Using hyperbole, he creates a lighthearted and entertaining reflection on the power of humor in literature.
These paraphrases and summaries break down each poem’s message in a simple, clear way.
