The Power of Music Questions Answers for Class 10 ICSE provides detailed explanations and insights into the poem. It covers important themes, characters, and key questions. Perfect study material for ICSE 2025 exam preparation.
About the Poet
Sukumar Ray (1887-1923) was a master of nonsense verse in Bengali literature. The Power of Music (originally Ganer Gunto) is part of his famous collection Abol Tabol (The Weird), published in 1923. The book, later translated into English by Prof. Sukanta Chaudhuri, is celebrated for its playful humor and subtle satire. Many poems in Abol Tabol cleverly criticize societal and administrative issues of colonial Bengal while evading British censorship. Ray skillfully wove subversive ideas into rhymes for children, blending absurdity with deeper meaning. The Power of Music humorously narrates Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s relentless attempts to sing, causing chaos despite protests. The poem ends with an unexpected twist when Bhisma finally faces his match in a clever billy goat.
About the Text:
The Power of Music by Sukumar Ray is a humorous poem that tells the story of Bhisma Lochan Sharma, a man with a loud, unpleasant voice who loves to sing. His singing is so powerful that it causes chaos wherever he goes, from Delhi to Burma. The poem describes how people, animals, and nature are all disturbed by his voice. People become sick, animals panic, and even trees and birds are affected by the noise. Despite everyone pleading for him to stop, Bhisma sings on, completely unaware of the trouble he’s causing. Finally, a clever billy goat charges at him with its horns, stopping Bhisma’s loud singing and bringing peace. The poem humorously highlights the power of music and the chaos it can create when it’s too loud. It also shows how sometimes even the smallest creature can bring an end to a big problem.
The Power of Music Questions Answers Class 10 ICSE
- The paper (paper – 2) has four Sections: SECTION A – MCQs, SECTION B – DRAMA, SECTION C – PROSE – SHORT STORIES, SECTION D – POETRY
- Section A is compulsory – All questions in Section A must be answered.
- You must attempt one question from each of the Sections B, C, and D and one other question from any Section of your choice.
Section A
Attempt all questions from this section
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 1
1. What season is mentioned at the beginning of the poem?
A) Winter
B) Monsoon
C) Summer
D) Spring
Ans: C) Summer
2. Who is the main character in the poem?
A) Bhisma Lochan Sharma
B) Sukumar Ray
C) The billy goat
D) The speaker
Ans: A) Bhisma Lochan Sharma
3. Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing is heard from:
A) Delhi to Agra
B) Delhi to Burma
C) Burma to China
D) India to Sri Lanka
Ans: B) Delhi to Burma
4. How does Bhisma sing according to the poem?
A) Softly and calmly
B) As if he’s staked his life
C) Cheerfully
D) With hesitation
Ans: B) As if he’s staked his life
5. The people’s reaction to Bhisma’s singing is:
A) Delighted
B) Indifferent
C) Dazed and amazed
D) Fearful yet joyful
Ans: C) Dazed and amazed
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 2
1. What do the people request Bhisma to do?
A) Sing louder
B) Sing another song
C) Stop singing
D) Sing with an instrument
Ans: C) Stop singing
2. Which animals line the roadside due to Bhisma’s singing?
A) Elephants
B) Horses
C) Cows
D) Camels
Ans: B) Horses
3. How do the “wretched brutes” (animals) react to Bhisma’s singing?
A) They start dancing
B) They enjoy the song
C) They whine and stare with feet in the air
D) They fall asleep
Ans: C) They whine and stare with feet in the air
4. Where do the fishes dive to escape the noise?
A) Into deeper waters
B) Onto the shore
C) Into caves
D) To the lake bottom
Ans: D) To the lake bottom
5. What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the trees?
A) They bloom
B) They collapse and shake
C) They grow taller
D) They sway gracefully
Ans: B) They collapse and shake
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 3
1. The poem humorously suggests that Bhisma’s singing causes what in the sky?
A) Storms
B) The birds to turn turtle
C) Rainbows
D) Clear skies
Ans: B) The birds to turn turtle
2. How does the poem describe Bhisma’s response to people’s pleas to stop?
A) He stops immediately
B) He sings louder
C) He’s unconcerned and keeps singing
D) He apologizes
Ans: C) He’s unconcerned and keeps singing
3. The phrase “welkin weeps” means:
A) The sky is cloudy
B) The heavens cry in sorrow
C) The weather is sunny
D) The mountains echo
Ans: B) The heavens cry in sorrow
4. What is described as “tumbling” in response to Bhisma’s singing?
A) Mighty mansions
B) Small huts
C) Fences
D) Flowers
Ans: A) Mighty mansions
5. Which animal finally confronts Bhisma?
A) A horse
B) A cow
C) A billy goat
D) A bull
Ans: C) A billy goat
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 4
1. How is the billy goat described?
A) Brave
B) Sagacious
C) Gentle
D) Unassuming
Ans: B) Sagacious
2. What action does the billy goat take against Bhisma’s singing?
A) He sings back
B) He charges with his horns
C) He turns away
D) He dances
Ans: B) He charges with his horns
3. What sound accompanies the billy goat’s action?
A) Silence
B) A loud bellow
C) Soft whispers
D) Laughter
Ans: B) A loud bellow
4. What does the phrase “golden gift of silence” refer to?
A) A song
B) Bhisma stopping his singing
C) Bhisma singing softly
D) The billy goat leaving
Ans: B) Bhisma stopping his singing
5. What is the tone of the poem?
A) Sad and serious
B) Humorous and exaggerated
C) Romantic
D) Melancholic
Ans: B) Humorous and exaggerated
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 5
1. What literary device is used in “welkin weeps”?
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Alliteration
D) Personification
Ans: D) Personification
2. The phrase “mighty mansions tumble” is an example of:
A) Simile
B) Hyperbole
C) Irony
D) Onomatopoeia
Ans: B) Hyperbole
3. Bhisma’s singing can be best described as:
A) Soft and melodious
B) Loud and unbearable
C) Joyful
D) Quiet and calm
Ans: B) Loud and unbearable
4. How does the speaker feel about Bhisma’s singing?
A) Admiring
B) Terrified
C) Amused
D) Indifferent
Ans: C) Amused
5. What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on the people?
A) They start clapping
B) They flee in panic
C) They join him in song
D) They dance
Ans: B) They flee in panic
The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 6
1. Why do the trees “collapse and shake”?
A) Because of a storm
B) Due to Bhisma’s powerful singing
C) From an earthquake
D) Because of heavy rain
Ans: B) Due to Bhisma’s powerful singing
2. What is the overall message of the poem?
A) To appreciate all music
B) To be cautious of being self-absorbed
C) To inspire musical talent
D) To learn from nature
Ans: B) To be cautious of being self-absorbed
3. The line “again we cry, ‘We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?’” is an example of:
A) Sarcasm
B) Irony
C) Simile
D) Paradox
Ans: B) Irony
4. How is Bhisma Lochan Sharma portrayed in the poem?
A) As a thoughtful musician
B) As a heroic singer
C) As an oblivious singer causing chaos
D) As a peaceful singer
Ans: C) As an oblivious singer causing chaos
5. Which literary technique is used to describe the billy goat’s final action?
A) Metaphor
B) Satire
C) Irony
D) Alliteration
Ans: C) Irony
SECTION D
(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)
POETRY
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 1
“When summer comes, we hear the hums
Bhisma Lochan Sharma.
You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi
down to Burma.”
Questions:
1. Describe Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing as it is introduced in the poem.
Answer: Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing is introduced as loud and far-reaching, echoing across regions from Delhi to Burma. It is more than just a melody; it seems to engulf the surroundings in a powerful hum. His singing becomes a part of the summer atmosphere, almost like a force of nature. His voice is so prominent that it’s unavoidable and catches everyone’s attention, illustrating his intense passion for music despite the reactions it causes around him.
2. How does the poet use exaggeration to highlight Bhisma’s singing?
Answer: The poet uses exaggeration by describing Bhisma’s singing as spanning vast geographical areas, from “Delhi down to Burma.” This hyperbolic statement emphasizes the extreme volume and intensity of Bhisma’s voice, making it seem otherworldly. This exaggeration not only enhances the humor in the poem but also portrays Bhisma’s overwhelming impact on the people and nature around him, making the singing feel almost mythical and grand.
3. Explain the mood created by the poet in these lines.
Answer: The mood created in these lines is a blend of humor and awe. There’s a sense of amusement in the way Bhisma’s singing is presented as all-encompassing and unavoidable. The poet’s use of broad imagery to describe Bhisma’s singing gives readers a sense of wonder and lightheartedness, while also subtly hinting at the chaos his singing could cause. This mood is comedic yet slightly exaggerated to capture attention.
4. What does the reaction of the people suggest about Bhisma’s singing?
Answer: The reaction of the people suggests that Bhisma’s singing is more a source of disturbance than pleasure. Instead of enjoying his song, people are overwhelmed by its volume and intensity, as if it were an onslaught. This reaction highlights Bhisma’s obliviousness to how his art affects others, hinting at his self-centered pursuit of music. The exaggeration in their responses underscores the humorous tone, showing Bhisma as out of touch with his audience.
5. What literary devices does the poet use in these opening lines, and what effect do they create?
Answer: The poet employs hyperbole and personification in these lines. By exaggerating the reach of Bhisma’s singing across vast distances, he emphasizes its overpowering nature. Personifying summer as carrying the “hums” of Bhisma adds a touch of humor, as if nature itself is affected by his voice. These devices make Bhisma’s singing seem both impressive and absurd, setting a comic tone that frames his music as a powerful, yet disruptive, force.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 2
“He sings as though he’s staked his life, he sings
as though he’s hell-bent.”
Questions:
1. What do these lines reveal about Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s dedication to his singing?
Answer: These lines illustrate Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s intense dedication to his singing. The phrase “staked his life” implies that he puts everything into his performance, singing with a passion that borders on obsession. His determination is further reinforced by “hell-bent,” suggesting that he will sing regardless of obstacles. This shows Bhisma as a character who pursues his art with relentless zeal, oblivious to how it affects those around him.
2. How does the poet create humor in these lines?
Answer: The humor in these lines stems from the hyperbolic portrayal of Bhisma’s commitment to his singing. By saying he sings “as though he’s staked his life” and “hell-bent,” the poet exaggerates his intensity to a humorous extent. This extreme portrayal of dedication makes Bhisma appear almost fanatical, amusing readers who see the absurdity in his unyielding passion for music, especially given the negative reactions it provokes.
3. What impression do we get of Bhisma’s personality from these lines?
Answer: These lines suggest that Bhisma is highly self-absorbed, perhaps even egotistical, regarding his music. His commitment appears almost exaggerated, giving the impression that he views his singing as a noble or heroic act. He seems unconcerned with the discomfort his music causes others, indicating a one-track mind focused solely on self-expression. This depiction paints Bhisma as both passionate and oblivious, adding to the humor of the poem.
4. Why does the poet emphasize Bhisma’s intensity in singing?
Answer: The poet emphasizes Bhisma’s intensity to highlight the contrast between his perception of his music and others’ reactions to it. His intensity makes him seem larger-than-life, adding humor to the situation as his passionate singing inadvertently causes discomfort. By focusing on his zealous approach, the poet underscores Bhisma’s obliviousness and the absurdity of his dedication, which leads to unintended chaos around him.
5. Analyze how these lines contribute to the poem’s theme of the impact of art on an audience.
Answer: These lines underscore the theme of art’s impact on an audience by showcasing Bhisma’s passionate performance, which elicits negative responses. His intensity and zeal represent an artist’s dedication, while the audience’s discomfort reflects the varied ways people perceive art. This humorous clash illustrates how an artist’s self-expression, no matter how fervent, can sometimes alienate rather than captivate, exploring the idea that the artist’s intentions may not align with the audience’s experience.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 3
“The people, dazed, retire amazed although they
know it’s well-meant.”
Questions
1. What is the reaction of the people to Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing?
Answer: The people are dazed and overwhelmed by Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s intense singing. Although they know his intentions are “well-meant,” they struggle to handle the sheer volume and vigor of his voice. This contrast between his good intentions and their discomfort adds humor, as they try to escape his overpowering performance. The line underscores the comic tension between Bhisma’s earnestness and the audience’s need for relief from his singing.
2. How does the poet use irony in this line?
Answer: The irony lies in the contrast between Bhisma’s intentions and the audience’s reaction. Though his singing is “well-meant,” it causes distress and astonishment rather than enjoyment. This ironic twist highlights the humor in the poem, as Bhisma’s good intentions have the opposite effect, leading to chaos and discomfort. The line subtly mocks the notion of “well-meaning” art, showing how even the sincerest performances can go awry if they lack empathy.
3. Explain the word ‘retire’ in the context of the poem.
Answer: In this context, “retire” means to withdraw or escape. The people “retire amazed,” meaning they leave Bhisma’s presence in a state of shock and confusion due to his overwhelming singing. This word choice reinforces their desire to find relief from his loud, overpowering performance. Their retreat emphasizes the intensity of Bhisma’s singing and adds humor by showing just how strong an effect it has on others.
4. What does this line suggest about Bhisma’s awareness of others?
Answer: This line suggests that Bhisma is somewhat oblivious to how his singing affects others. While he likely believes he’s performing a noble service, his singing drives people to withdraw in discomfort. His lack of awareness reflects his self-centered passion for music, which blinds him to the reactions around him. The humor arises from this disconnect between his intentions and the reality of the situation.
5. How does the poet use contrast to convey humor in this line?
Answer: The poet contrasts Bhisma’s good intentions with the crowd’s reaction to emphasize humor. While he sings with passion and perhaps thinks he’s doing something meaningful, the people feel overwhelmed and rush to escape. This contrast between the singer’s purpose and the unintended consequences creates a humorous effect, showing how even well-meaning actions can lead to chaos if one is not mindful of others’ experiences.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 4
“The bullock-carts are overturned, and horses
line the roadside;
But Bhisma Lochan, unconcerned, goes
booming out his broadside.”
Questions
1. Describe the scene depicted in these lines.
Answer: These lines paint a chaotic picture as Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing causes bullock-carts to overturn and horses to line the roadside in distress. The impact of his voice is so powerful that it disrupts both people and animals alike. Despite this, Bhisma remains “unconcerned” and continues to sing loudly. This scene highlights his obliviousness to the disorder he creates, adding humor to the poem.
2. What effect does Bhisma’s singing have on animals, and why is this humorous?
Answer: Bhisma’s singing affects animals dramatically, causing bullock-carts to overturn and frightening horses to a standstill. This exaggerated reaction from the animals highlights the absurdity of Bhisma’s powerful voice. The humor arises from the exaggerated portrayal of animals responding to a human’s singing as if it were a natural disaster, showcasing the over-the-top impact of his music.
3. How does the poet portray Bhisma’s attitude in these lines?
Answer: Bhisma is portrayed as “unconcerned,” singing without noticing the chaos his voice causes. His attitude reflects a disregard for the disturbance he creates, emphasizing his single-minded focus on singing. This lack of awareness or empathy adds to the comic effect, as he remains blissfully ignorant of the turmoil around him, creating a humorous portrayal of a self-absorbed artist.
4. What literary device is used in “booming out his broadside,” and what effect does it create?
Answer: The phrase “booming out his broadside” uses alliteration and metaphor. The alliteration emphasizes the intensity of his voice, while the metaphor of a “broadside” (a naval attack) suggests that his singing is as forceful as cannon fire. This comparison amplifies the humor by portraying Bhisma’s voice as a weapon, impacting the surroundings with the force of a bombardment, making his song seem absurdly intense.
5. Analyze how these lines contribute to the characterization of Bhisma Lochan Sharma.
Answer: These lines contribute to Bhisma’s characterization as a passionate but oblivious singer. Despite the chaos his voice creates, he remains indifferent, indicating a lack of awareness of the world around him. His self-absorption is portrayed humorously, with his “booming” voice affecting both humans and animals alike. The poet uses exaggeration to show Bhisma as a character so consumed by his art that he ignores the chaos, adding to the comic and satirical tone of the poem.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 5
“The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search
for silence.”
Questions
1. How do the fishes react to Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing?
Answer: The fishes react to Bhisma’s singing by diving deep into the lake to escape the sound. Their frantic search for silence indicates the extreme volume and intensity of his voice, affecting even underwater creatures. This reaction is exaggerated, adding humor by showing the absurd extent of his singing’s reach, as if his voice can penetrate the water and disturb creatures in their natural habitat.
2. What does this reaction from the fishes signify?
Answer: The fishes’ reaction signifies the overwhelming power of Bhisma’s voice, illustrating how far-reaching and disruptive it is. Even aquatic animals, usually unaffected by human sounds, are disturbed to the point of diving for cover. This exaggeration highlights the humor in Bhisma’s overbearing singing and reinforces the comic portrayal of his voice as an unstoppable force that impacts everyone and everything around him.
3. Why is the phrase “frantic search for silence” effective?
Answer: The phrase “frantic search for silence” is effective because it captures the desperate nature of the fishes’ escape. The word “frantic” conveys urgency, emphasizing how Bhisma’s singing has caused even underwater creatures to panic. This heightened language adds humor to the scene, as the fishes’ search for peace from a human voice seems both absurd and comic, underscoring Bhisma’s obliviousness to the disturbance he causes.
4. Explain the use of personification in these lines.
Answer: The poet personifies the fishes by attributing them with human-like emotions, as they search “frantically” for silence. This personification gives the fishes a relatable, almost humorous response to Bhisma’s singing, as if they too feel the need to escape his overpowering voice. This adds a layer of humor, showing even nature reacting to his music as if it were a disruptive force that spares no one.
5. Discuss the significance of the poet’s use of nature’s reaction to Bhisma’s singing in the poem.
Answer: The poet’s use of nature’s reaction—like the fishes diving in “frantic search for silence”—emphasizes the overwhelming power of Bhisma’s voice. This inclusion of nature as affected by his singing highlights the absurdity of his obliviousness and passion for music. By making animals and the natural world respond to him, the poet exaggerates the reach of Bhisma’s singing to a humorous extent, underscoring how an artist’s self-absorption can inadvertently cause chaos for those around him. This reaction from nature enriches the poem’s satirical and comedic tone.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 6
“The very trees collapse and shake – you hear the crash a mile hence -“
Questions
1. How does Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing affect the trees, and why is this significant?
Answer: Bhisma’s singing causes the trees to “collapse and shake,” emphasizing the intense impact of his voice. This exaggerated reaction shows how his singing disrupts even inanimate nature, highlighting the humor in the poem. The trees’ “crash a mile hence” suggests that Bhisma’s voice is so powerful it affects everything in its vicinity, underlining the poem’s comic exaggeration of the singer’s unintended chaos.
2. What is the poetic technique used in this line, and how does it enhance the humor?
Answer: The poet uses hyperbole, or deliberate exaggeration, to depict the trees collapsing from the force of Bhisma’s voice. By suggesting his singing can shake trees, Ray highlights the absurdity of Bhisma’s impact, adding humor through the image of nature itself yielding to his “powerful” music. This hyperbolic technique makes the scene feel more comical, underscoring Bhisma’s obliviousness to the havoc he creates.
3. Explain the meaning of the phrase “you hear the crash a mile hence” in this context.
Answer: The phrase “you hear the crash a mile hence” suggests that the effects of Bhisma’s singing are so far-reaching that even distant trees collapse under its force. This exaggerated phrase enhances the poem’s comic tone, as it implies that Bhisma’s voice has an almost supernatural impact. This line illustrates how the poet uses overstatement to portray Bhisma’s voice as a disruptive force that impacts nature.
4. What does the line reveal about Bhisma’s obliviousness to his surroundings?
Answer: The line underscores Bhisma’s complete obliviousness to the chaos he causes, as he continues to sing while even trees collapse. This detachment highlights his self-absorbed nature, showing that he is so wrapped up in his singing that he is unaware of its broader effects. The humor lies in this exaggerated obliviousness, as the audience and surroundings suffer while he remains blissfully engrossed in his performance.
5. Discuss the symbolic meaning of nature’s reaction to Bhisma’s singing in this extract.
Answer: Nature’s dramatic reaction symbolizes the overwhelming impact of self-centeredness in artistic expression. Bhisma’s voice causes trees to “collapse and shake,” suggesting that his relentless pursuit of self-expression affects everything around him. The collapsing trees serve as a symbol of the unintended consequences of self-absorption, where the artist’s passion disrupts balance and peace. This portrayal enhances the poem’s satirical humor, reflecting how excessive ego can have exaggerated, far-reaching effects.
Extract-Based The Power of Music Questions Answers Set 7
“Again we cry, ‘We’re going to die, oh won’t you stop your singing?'”
Questions
1. What is the tone of the line, and how does it contribute to the poem’s humor?
Answer: The tone of the line is both exaggerated and desperate, as the people feel they might “die” due to Bhisma’s singing. This melodramatic reaction adds humor by showing how his singing becomes a “threat” to their well-being. The plea, “oh won’t you stop your singing?” highlights their desperation, creating comic tension between Bhisma’s obliviousness and the people’s exaggerated fear.
2. How does this line reflect the people’s feelings toward Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing?
Answer: This line reflects the people’s desperation and frustration with Bhisma’s relentless singing. They feel it’s unbearable, to the point where they melodramatically exclaim that they “might die.” Their plea to stop singing shows how disruptive and overwhelming his performance is to those around him. This line captures the poem’s humor, showing how Bhisma’s intensity turns his “art” into a nightmare for others.
3. What role does exaggeration play in this line?
Answer: Exaggeration plays a key role in enhancing the humor of the line. By suggesting that Bhisma’s singing could be life-threatening, the poet makes his effect seem absurdly powerful. This extreme reaction emphasizes the people’s misery and Bhisma’s obliviousness, creating a comical contrast between his enthusiasm and their exaggerated plea for relief. Exaggeration here adds to the satirical tone of the poem.
4. Analyze the contrast between Bhisma’s intent and the people’s reaction in this line.
Answer: Bhisma’s intent is likely sincere, as he’s focused on his singing, but the people’s reaction is one of desperate exhaustion. This contrast between his artistic pursuit and their exaggerated response highlights the gap between his perception of his music and its actual effect. This difference adds humor, showing how his passion inadvertently becomes torture for others, underscoring the satire on unchecked enthusiasm in art.
5. Explain how this line serves to critique self-absorbed artists.
Answer: This line critiques self-absorbed artists by showing the impact of unchecked passion on others. Bhisma’s singing, intended as a display of talent, becomes a torment, revealing the pitfalls of self-indulgent art. His obliviousness to the misery he causes reflects how artists focused solely on their craft can lose sight of their audience’s needs. This line humorously critiques artists who, consumed by their own work, inadvertently alienate or harm those around them.
Extract-Based Questions Answers Set 8
“But Bhisma’s soared beyond our reach, howe’er we plead and grumble;”
Questions
1. What does it mean that Bhisma has “soared beyond our reach”?
Answer: This phrase implies that Bhisma is so consumed by his singing that he’s oblivious to the reactions of those around him. He’s “beyond reach” in his own artistic world, ignoring the “pleas and grumbles” of his audience. This detachment adds humor, as it exaggerates his lack of awareness, showing him as completely absorbed in his music, heedless of its disruptive effects.
2. How does the poet use metaphor in this line?
Answer: The poet uses the metaphor of “soaring beyond reach” to depict Bhisma as transcending the concerns of the real world. This metaphor illustrates his self-absorption and disconnection from others, suggesting he is on a different “level” due to his obsession with singing. This figurative language enhances the comic portrayal of Bhisma as an artist oblivious to his surroundings, exaggerating his dedication to his art.
3. What does this line imply about Bhisma’s relationship with his audience?
Answer: This line implies that Bhisma is disconnected from his audience, showing little concern for their responses. His “soaring” indicates he is unreachable in his artistic passion, indifferent to the discomfort he causes. This detachment humorously critiques the gap between artists and audiences when self-absorption overtakes empathy, portraying Bhisma as an artist lost in his own world.
4. Describe the emotional impact of Bhisma’s singing on the people around him.
Answer: Bhisma’s singing creates frustration and desperation among the people, who “plead and grumble” in vain. His lack of response heightens their misery, as they feel unheard and powerless to escape. This emotional impact adds to the poem’s humor, as the audience’s exaggerated reactions emphasize Bhisma’s obliviousness, painting a comic picture of the gulf between performer and audience.
5. Discuss how this line portrays Bhisma as a caricature of a self-absorbed artist.
Answer: This line portrays Bhisma as a caricature of the self-absorbed artist who has “soared beyond reach,” completely detached from reality. By focusing solely on his singing, he becomes oblivious to the discomfort he causes, embodying the stereotype of an artist consumed by his own work. This exaggerated portrayal critiques those who prioritize their art over empathy, showing how self-centeredness can create a comic, exaggerated sense of disconnect with reality.
Extract-Based Questions Answers Set 9
“The welkin weeps to hear his screech, and mighty mansions tumble.”
Questions
1. What does the phrase “the welkin weeps” mean, and how does it contribute to the poem’s humor?
Answer: “The welkin weeps” is a poetic way of saying that the sky, or heavens, is sorrowful. In the poem, this phrase humorously suggests that even the heavens cannot endure Bhisma’s singing. This exaggeration adds to the absurdity of Bhisma’s impact, portraying his voice as so unbearable that even the skies “weep,” enhancing the comic image of nature itself lamenting his relentless performance.
2. How does the image of “mighty mansions tumble” depict the effect of Bhisma’s singing?
Answer: The image of “mighty mansions tumble” emphasizes the exaggerated impact of Bhisma’s singing, suggesting it’s powerful enough to bring down large buildings. This hyperbole highlights the poet’s humor by creating a vivid and impossible scenario where his voice disrupts not only people and animals but also architecture. It underlines the humorous chaos his singing brings.
3. Identify and explain the literary devices used in “the welkin weeps” and “mighty mansions tumble.”
Answer: The phrase “the welkin weeps” uses personification, attributing human emotions to the sky, while “mighty mansions tumble” is an example of hyperbole, or extreme exaggeration. These devices enhance the poem’s humor by emphasizing Bhisma’s exaggerated influence, creating a surreal scene where even nature and structures react to his singing, adding comic absurdity to his obliviousness.
4. What does the reaction of the welkin and mansions imply about Bhisma’s character?
Answer: The reactions of the “weeping” welkin and “tumbling” mansions imply that Bhisma’s character is so absorbed in his singing that he’s oblivious to the chaos he causes. His singing affects even the heavens and mighty structures, yet he remains indifferent, emphasizing his self-centeredness. This obliviousness is a source of humor, as he fails to realize the havoc his passion creates.
5. Discuss how the line serves as a critique of unchecked artistic self-expression.
Answer: This line critiques unchecked artistic self-expression by showing Bhisma’s singing as so powerful that it figuratively brings down the heavens and buildings. His passion, unchecked by awareness or empathy, turns destructive, symbolizing how self-absorbed creativity can harm rather than uplift. The exaggerated impact serves as a humorous warning about the dangers of ignoring one’s surroundings and audience in the pursuit of personal expression.
Extract-Based Questions Answers Set 10
“But now there comes a billy goat, a most sagacious fellow.”
Questions
1. Who is the “sagacious fellow,” and what role does he play in the poem?
Answer: The “sagacious fellow” refers to the billy goat, who plays the role of the unlikely hero in the poem. Despite Bhisma’s uncontested singing spree, the billy goat’s intervention brings an end to his disruptive performance. This character adds humor as he’s depicted as a wise figure who accomplishes what people and nature could not, providing relief from Bhisma’s overwhelming singing.
2. How does the description of the billy goat as “sagacious” add to the humor of the poem?
Answer: Describing the billy goat as “sagacious,” or wise, humorously elevates an ordinary animal to a position of intelligence, contrasting the ridiculous chaos caused by Bhisma’s singing. This word choice adds humor by presenting the goat as a calm, discerning hero who can solve a problem that others could not. The humor lies in the absurdity of an animal displaying wisdom that humans and nature lacked.
3. Explain the significance of the billy goat’s arrival in the poem’s narrative.
Answer: The billy goat’s arrival marks a turning point in the poem, as he brings an end to Bhisma’s relentless singing. His presence is significant because it introduces a humorous solution to the problem, as an unlikely animal hero saves the day. This unexpected twist highlights the poem’s satirical tone, emphasizing how sometimes the simplest solutions come from the least expected sources.
4. How does the billy goat’s reaction to Bhisma’s singing differ from that of other characters?
Answer: Unlike other characters who are helpless against Bhisma’s singing, the billy goat actively confronts it. While people and animals flee or suffer, the goat charges forward, providing a direct and humorous response to the chaos. This reaction contrasts with others’ passivity, showcasing the goat’s bravery and humorously presenting him as a hero who can withstand and silence the disruptive force.
5. Analyze the symbolic role of the billy goat in the poem.
Answer: The billy goat symbolizes the power of simple, direct action against overwhelming self-indulgence. As an unlikely hero, he embodies wisdom and practicality, contrasting with Bhisma’s oblivious, exaggerated artistry. The goat’s intervention serves as a critique of excessive ego in art, humorously suggesting that sometimes only a grounded, straightforward approach can bring balance and silence chaos.
FAQs on The Power of Music with Answers
1. What do you mean by the golden gift of silence?
Ans: The “golden gift of silence” refers to the relief and peace that everyone experiences when Bhisma Lochan Sharma finally stops singing. His loud, unpleasant voice had caused chaos, distressing humans, animals, and even nature. When he is silenced by the billy goat, this silence is seen as a precious and much-needed gift. It ends the noise and chaos, restoring calm and tranquility to everyone affected by his singing.
2. What is the theme of the poem “The Power of Music” by Sukumar Ray?
Ans: The theme of The Power of Music is the humorous portrayal of how music, when poorly sung, can cause disturbance rather than harmony. Sukumar Ray uses satire to show how Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s loud, unpleasant singing negatively impacts everyone around him, from people to animals and even nature itself. The poem highlights that music, though powerful, should also be mindful and pleasant to truly uplift others.
3. What kind of person was Bhisma Lochan Sharma?
Ans: Bhisma Lochan Sharma is portrayed as a passionate but oblivious person. He sings loudly and with full dedication, completely unaware of how his voice disrupts everyone and everything around him. Bhisma is indifferent to the distress his singing causes to people, animals, and nature. He appears to lack self-awareness, ignoring all the pleas for him to stop, driven solely by his enthusiasm for singing without regard for others.
4. In what way are you affected when you read about the fate of humans, animals, and even non-living things impacted by the unpleasant voice of the singer?
Ans: Reading about the widespread impact of Bhisma’s singing evokes a sense of humor and surprise, as the exaggerated reactions of people, animals, and even nature are comically absurd. The poem humorously illustrates how unpleasant sounds can create chaos, affecting everyone and everything in unusual ways. It also brings awareness to the importance of considering how one’s actions can unintentionally disturb others, making readers reflect on the power of noise and harmony.
