Page 96 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

William Blake (1757–1827) was an English poet, painter and printmaker. He wrote the
famous book of poetry Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Though not very famous when he
lived, Blake became a major influence on many poets of the twentieth century.

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the poem, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.
1. The poem mentions the sounds of glee that the children make as they play. The birds in the
sky and the bells far away add to this merriment.
 What are some sounds or noises that you hear every day? Try to think of sounds that
are not produced by a machine or any other device.
 Which sounds do you find pleasing? Other than music, list at least three distinct
sounds that make you happy.

2. The spring day mentioned in the poem is spent out in the open in a lush, green space. The
young and the old make the most of this space and the time they spend there.

 Can you think of a space where you and the elders in your family would enjoy
spending time? What activities can you all enjoy together?

 Where would you like to spend your ideal day? What would your day consist of?

B Understand

B1 Complete the following sentences.
1. When the sun rises, it . . .

2. The merry bells ring to . . .
3. Old John and his friends . . .

4. In the line, ‘Does laugh away care,’ ‘care’ means . . .
5. When it becomes evening . . .

B2 Answer these questions.

1. What do the skylark and the thrush do?
2. What do old John and his friends say?
3. Explain the reference to birds in the last stanza.

4. In our country where do you think we can see similar scenes of children playing and old
people reminiscing their childhood days?

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