Where The Mind Is Without Fear Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the central idea of the poem ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’?
The central idea is the poet’s vision of a truly free and enlightened India, where people live without fear, education is accessible, and society is united without divisions.
The poem reflects Tagore’s dream of an ideal nation built on unity, truth, knowledge, hard work, and spiritual freedom.
Who is the speaker in the poem?
The speaker is the poet, Rabindranath Tagore, addressing God in a prayer for his country.
What does the poet mean by ‘where the mind is without fear’?
It refers to a place where people live with freedom, dignity, and no fear of oppression or injustice.
What kind of knowledge does the poet want to be free?
The poet wants education and knowledge to be freely accessible to all, without restrictions or discrimination.
What are ‘narrow domestic walls’?
They refer to divisions in society based on caste, religion, language, or region that separate people.
What does ‘tireless striving’ refer to?
It refers to continuous and dedicated efforts by people to improve themselves and their nation.
What is meant by ‘dead habit’?
‘Dead habit’ refers to outdated, rigid customs and traditions that prevent progress and rational thinking.
What does the poet want God to do for his country?
He prays to God to awaken his country into a ‘heaven of freedom’ where people think freely and live with dignity.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is hopeful, prayerful, and patriotic.
Explain the poet’s vision of freedom in the poem.
Tagore defines true freedom as freedom of thought, speech, knowledge, and human dignity, wishing for a land free from narrow prejudices and where truth is spoken sincerely.
He imagines a place where logical reasoning prevails over outdated traditions.
What does the poet mean by ‘Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit’?
This metaphor expresses concern that rational thinking can be overwhelmed by outdated traditions, comparing reason to a stream and old customs to a desert.
How does the poem reflect Rabindranath Tagore’s patriotism?
The poem expresses Tagore’s love for his country, revealing his desire for an India free from fear, ignorance, and division, emphasizing both political and spiritual freedom.
What poetic device is used in the line ‘Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way’?
Metaphor is used to compare reason to a clear stream and outdated traditions to a dreary desert.
What does the repetition of the word ‘Where’ signify in the poem?
It emphasizes the qualities the poet wishes for his country and gives the poem a rhythmic, prayer-like flow.
What does ‘tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection’ illustrate?
It personifies striving, suggesting a constant effort to reach excellence.
What does ‘heaven of freedom’ symbolize?
‘Heaven of freedom’ symbolizes an ideal state of the nation, free from fear, ignorance, and division.
What is the significance of imagery in the poem?
Imagery creates vivid mental pictures that enhance understanding and emotional impact.
Is the tone of the poem optimistic or pessimistic?
The tone is optimistic and hopeful.
