In this page you can find Class 8 English Extra Questions and Class 8 English Poorvi Chapter 11 Harvest Hymn Extra Questions and Answers will make your practice complete.
Harvest Hymn Extra Question Answer
Harvest Hymn Class 8 Extra Question Answer
Harvest Hymn Very Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Why is Surya linked with both the lotus and the harvest in the poem?
Answer:
Surya, the Sun God, is linked with both the lotus and the harvest because he represents the life-giving sunlight that helps the lotus bloom and the crops to ripen. His energy sustains all living things, making him central to both natural beauty and agricultural success.
Question 2.
Mention one poetic device used in the line “Queen of the gourd-flower, queen of the harvest.”
Answer:
The line uses the poetic device of repetition for emphasis and also employs metaphor by personifying the Earth as a regal figure-a queen-who nurtures flowers and crops alike.
Question 3.
What does the use of cymbals, flutes and drums during the villagers’ prayers suggest about their rituals?
Answer:
The use of musical instruments like cymbals, flutes and drums suggests that the villagers’ rituals are joyful and celebratory rather than solemn. It reflects a vibrant, emotional connection to nature and a sense of communal gratitude.
Question 4.
Which deity is associated with water and rainfall in the poem?
Answer:
The deity associated with water and rainfall in the poem is Varuna, who is praised as the lord of the rainbow and the ocean and is believed to bring rain to nourish the land.
Question 5.
What does the line “We bring thee our lives and our labours for tribute” reveal about the villagers’ bellef system?
Answer:
This line reveals that the villagers consider their daily work and efforts as sacred offerings. For them, labour is not separate from spirituality but a form of worship and devotion to the divine.
Question 6.
Identify one way in which the poem blends nature with divinity.
Answer:
The poem blends nature with divinity by addressing elements like the Sun (Surya), rain (Varuna) and Earth as gods and goddesses, showing that the forces of nature are revered as divine beings.
Question 7.
Is the poem focused only on asking for blessings? Justify your answer briefly.
Answer:
No, the poem is not only focused on asking for blessings; it also expresses deep gratitude for what the villagers have already received. It celebrates the harmony between human effort and nature’s gifts.
Question 8.
How does the final stanza unite the themes of the entire poem?
Answer:
The final stanza unites the themes of the poem by bringing together all voices-men and women-in praise of the supreme spirit (Om). This symbolises collective devotion, unity and the cosmic connection between humans and nature.
Question 9.
Why do both men and women have separate verses before joining in the final stanza?
Answer:
The separate verses for men and women reflect their individual roles in society and religious practice. However, their uniting in the final stanza emphasises shared values, gratitude and spiritual unity.
Question 10.
What is the significance of offering ‘the gold of our fields and the gold of our fruit’?
Answer:
This phrase signifies that the villagers are offering the best of their harvest-the most valuable parts-as a tribute to the divine. It highlights both material wealth and spiritual devotion, showing that their gifts are meaningful and heartfelt.
Harvest Hymn Short Questions and Answers
Question 1.
How does the poet use nature imagery to show the connection between the people and the divine?
Answer:
The poet personifies elements of nature-Surya, Varuna and Prithvi-as deities, showing deep respect for their life-giving powers. Crops, rain, flowers and sunlight are described with reverence, indicating the people’s belief that divinity lives in nature. This reflects a harmonious relationship between human life and the environment.
Question 2.
In what ways does the poem highlight the role of gratitude in the villagers’ lives?
Answer:
Gratitude is shown through offerings, music and heartfelt praise. The villagers do not merely ask for blessings; they thank the gods for their labour’s success and nature’s kindness. Their tribute includes garlands, songs and even their daily efforts, revealing a sincere and celebratory expression of thanks.
Question 3.
Explain the significance of using both male and female voices in the structure of the poem.
Answer:
The inclusion of both male and female voices shows balance and equality in devotion. Each group praises different aspects of nature-Sun, rain and Earth-highlighting diverse yet complementary roles in sustaining life. This structure reinforces a strong community bond and shared responsibility in spiritual and agricultural life.
Question 4.
How does the tone of the poem shift in the final stanza? What effect does this create?
Answer:
The final stanza shifts from individual voices to a unified voice that praises the supreme power. The tone becomes more solemn and all-encompassing, suggesting a deeper, universal reverence. This creates a sense of cosmic unity and strengthens the poem’s spiritual impact.
Question 5.
What does the line “Thou art the Seed and the Scythe of our harvests” symbolise?
Answer:
It symbolises that the divine presence is involved in both creation and completion-planting and harvesting. This duality reflects the belief that every stage of life and labour is under divine influence. It also suggests that joy and hardship are both part of a sacred cycle.
Question 6.
What values are reflected in the villagers’ offerings to the gods?
Answer:
The villagers offer not just material gifts like garlands and harvests, but also their songs, labour and devotion. This reflects values such as gratitude, humility, community spirit and reverence for nature. Their offerings are symbolic of a life lived in harmony with the earth and guided by shared moral responsibility.
Question 7.
Why is the earth referred to as both ‘queen’ and ‘mother’ in the poem?
Answer:
The earth is called ‘queen’ to highlight her dignity, beauty and abundance and ‘mother’ to reflect her nurturing, life-giving qualities. These titles elevate Prithvi to a sacred status, combining respect with emotional closeness. It suggests that the earth deserves both loyalty and love from those she sustains.
Question 8.
How does the poem blend spiritual and agricultural life?
Answer:
The poem intertwines farming activities with religious worship, portraying harvest as both physical labour and sacred ritual. Gods are thanked for sunlight, rain and soil, which shows that every stage of farming is seen as a divine collaboration. This blend reflects a culture where livelihood and spirituality are deeply connected.
Question 9.
What role does music play in the poem’s expression of devotion?
Answer:
Music is used as a joyful and ceremonial form of worship, with cymbals, flutes and drums accompanying the villagers’ tributes. It adds rhythm and energy to their prayers, transforming gratitude into a collective celebration. This musical offering reinforces the sincerity and cultural richness of their devotion.
Question 10.
Why do the villagers address Om as ‘ineffable’ and ‘eternal’?
Answer:
Calling Om ‘ineffable’ suggests that the supreme power is beyond description or understanding, while ‘eternal’ conveys its timeless presence. These words show deep reverence and recognition of the divine as both mysterious and everlasting. It elevates the final stanza, uniting all worship under one universal spirit.
Harvest Hymn Long Questions and Answers
Question 1.
Discuss how Sarojini Naidu’s poem connects human life with nature and the divine.
Answer:
Sarojini Naidu’s poem beautifully links human existence with the forces of nature and divine power. The poem personifies natural elements like the Sun (Surya), water (Varuna) and Earth (Prithvi) as gods and goddesses, emphasising their importance in the villagers’ lives. By addressing them with respect and devotion, the poem shows how humans depend on nature’s bounty for survival.
The offerings of harvest produce, songs and labour reveal a deep gratitude and recognition that these natural forces are sacred and life-giving. The final stanza expands this relationship to a cosmic level by praising Om, the eternal spirit that governs all life. Through this, Naidu suggests that human effort and nature’s generosity are part of a larger, spiritual cycle, where everything is interconnected and deserving of reverence.
Question 2.
Explain the role of gratitude and community in the poem, supporting your answer with examples.
Answer:
Gratitude and community are central themes in the poem. The villagers express thankfulness not only for the harvest but also for the ongoing support of natural elements that make farming possible. This gratitude is shown through songs, garlands and musical instruments like cymbals and drums, which create a joyful atmosphere of worship.
The poem gives voice to both men and women, showing that the entire community shares in these rituals. For example, the men praise Surya and Varuna, while the women honour Prithvi. The coming together of all voices in the final stanza highlights the unity of the people in their devotion to the supreme power, Om. This shared reverence strengthens social bonds and reflects the harmony between human beings, nature and spirituality.
Question 3.
Analyse the use of symbolism and imagery in the poem and how they contribute to its meaning.
Answer:
Symbolism and imagery are skillfully used throughout the poem to enrich its meaning. The sun is symbolised as ‘lord of the lotus’ and ‘lord of the harvest’, representing energy, light and growth. Rain and dewfall, given by Varuna, symbolise nourishment and mercy, essential for a successful crop. Earth, as ‘queen of the gourd-flower’, stands for fertility and abundance. These images create a vivid picture of rural life deeply tied to natural cycles.
The poem also uses musical instruments-cymbals, flutes and drums-as symbols of celebration and community spirit. Together, these symbols emphasise the sacredness of nature and the interconnectedness of life, reinforcing the poem’s message that humans must respect and honour the forces that sustain them.
Question 4.
What is the significance of the final stanza in uniting the poem’s themes?
Answer:
The final stanza is significant because it brings together the various voices and themes expressed earlier in the poem into a unified whole. After the men and women offer their separate praises to Surya, Varuna and Prithvi, the poem culminates with all voices addressing Om, the eternal, ineffable spirit. This shift from specific deities to a universal divine power highlights the idea of cosmic unity, where all life, labour and blessings are connected through a single source.
It suggests that despite individual roles and diverse expressions of worship, there is a fundamental oneness in spirituality. This stanza deepens the poem’s message of respect for nature, gratitude and communal harmony by placing them within the context of a greater, all-encompassing divine presence.
Question 5.
Describe how the poem reflects traditional Indian beliefs about nature and spirituality.
Answer:
The poem reflects traditional Indian beliefs by portraying nature as sacred and closely linked to spirituality. In Indian culture, natural elements like the Sun, rain and Earth are often personified as gods and goddesses who nurture and sustain life. The poem echoes this belief by addressing Surya, Varuna and Prithvi with reverence, acknowledging their roles in the cycle of agriculture and life. The villagers’ offerings and prayers show a deep respect for these forces, highlighting the idea that humans are caretakers of the Earth, not its masters.
The poem’s conclusion with Om, a central symbol in Hinduism, reinforces the spiritual philosophy of unity, where all living beings and natural phenomena are expressions of a single divine reality. This integration of nature and spirituality is a core aspect of Indian tradition, reflected beautifully in Naidu’s verse.
Harvest Hymn Competency Based Questions
Question 1.
Imagine you are part of the village community. Write a short paragraph describing how you would participate in the thanksgiving ritual described in the poem.
Answer:
If I were part of the village, I would happily join the thanksgiving ritual by preparing offerings from our harvest, such as ripe fruits and fresh grains, to present as a tribute to the gods. I would take part in singing songs praising Surya, Varuna and Prithvi, celebrating their gifts of sunlight, rain and fertile earth. I would also play musical instruments like cymbals or drums along with other villagers to create a joyful atmosphere. This ritual would help me feel connected to nature, my community and the divine powers that support our lives. It would be a moment of sharing thanks and hope for a good future harvest.
Question 2.
Create a short dialogue between two villagers discussing the importance of one of the deities praised in the poem and how their lives depend on this deity.
Answer:
Villager 1 “Have you noticed how without Surya’s bright sunlight, our crops wouldn’t grow well this season?”
Villager 2 “Yes, Surya gives us the energy and warmth needed for the seeds to sprout and flourish.”
Villager 1 “That’s why every year we bring our best fruits and grains as offerings to him.”
Villager 2 “Absolutely. Without his blessings, our harvest would fail and our village would suffer. We owe him everything.”
This dialogue shows the villagers’ awareness of how essential the sun god is for their farming life and their respect through offerings.
Grammar and Writing
I. Choose the correct synonym for the underlined word in each sentence. Also, underline the clue phrase that helped you infer the meaning.
Question 1.
The queen was benevolent to the villagers and often helped them in times of need.
Synonym: …………
Clue phrase: …………
Answer:
Synonym: kind
Clue phrase: helped them in times of need
Question 2.
The charity organisation was generous in giving food and clothes to the poor.
Synonym: …………
Clue phrase : …………
Answer:
Synonym: giving
Clue phrase: giving food and clothes to the poor
Question 3.
After losing his job, he found comfort in the support of his friends.
Synonym: …………
Clue phrase: …………
Answer:
Synonym: relief
Clue phrase: comfort in the support of his friends
Question 4.
The sunrise filled the sky with bright glow and warmth.
Synonym: …………
Clue phrase: …………
Answer:
Synonym: light
Clue phrase: bright glow and warmth
Question 5.
The poet felt overwhelmed with joy at the sight of the beautiful landscape.
Synonym: …………
Clue phrase: …………
Answer:
Synonym: delighted
Clue phrase: overwhelmed with joy at the sight of the beautiful landscape
II. Match the Archaic words with their Modern meanings.
Answer:
| Archaic words | Modern meanings |
| 1. morrow 2. hither 3. betwixt 4. yonder 5. quoth |
(i) The next day (ii) Toward here (iii) In between (iv) At a distance (v) Said or spoke |
III. Draft a Slogan
Your school wants to encourage students to save water and protect this precious resource. Write a catchy slogan for the school notice board that motivates everyone to conserve water.
Guidelines
- Focus on the importance of water conservation
- Use simple and clear language
- Be concise and impactful
Answer:
“Save Every Drop, Secure Our Future!”
Harvest Hymn Extra Questions for Practice
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which natural element is praised by the men’s voices in the poem?
(a) Earth
(b) Rain and Sun
(c) Wind
(d) Fire
Question 2.
What does the poem mainly celebrate?
(a) War and victory
(b) Nature’s bounty and divine blessings
(c) The life of villagers
(d) Festivals
Question 3.
Who is called the ‘Queen of the gourd-flower’ in the poem?
(a) Surya
(b) Prithvi
(c) Varuna
(d) 0m
Question 4.
The phrase ‘ineffable 0m’ in the poem means
(a) a small sound
(b) a divine sound beyond description
(c) a loud noise
(d) a musical instrument
Question 5.
The villagers offer songs and garlands as a sign of
(a) celebration of victory
(b) gratitude and respect
(c) request for rain
(d) invitation to guests
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
The men praise ………… the lord of the harvest and the morn.
Question 2.
………… is called the ‘sweet and omnipotent mother’ in the women’s voices.
Question 3.
The poem ends with all voices praising the ………… of the Universe.
Question 4.
The villagers bring songs and ………… as offerings to the deities.
Question 5.
Varuna is praised as the sender of ………… and dewfall.
State True or False
Question 1.
The poem separates the voices of men and women to show different aspects of nature.
Question 2.
The villagers only thank the sun god in the poem.
Question 3.
The earth is praised as a nurturing mother in the poem.
Question 4.
The poem uses musical instruments like cymbals and drums in its descriptions.
Question 5.
The final stanza focuses on a specific god, ignoring others.
Very Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Name one gift that the villagers offer to the gods.
Question 2.
Who is praised as the ‘lord of the rainbow’?
Question 3.
What does ‘bounty’ mean in the context of the poem?
Question 4.
Which natural element is associated with Varuna?
Question 5.
What feeling do the villagers express through their songs?
Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
How do the villagers show their respect for nature in the poem?
Question 2.
Why do men and women praise different natural forces in the poem?
Question 3.
What is the significance of the garlands in the poem?
Question 4.
Explain the meaning of the phrase ‘lord of the harvest’.
Question 5.
How does the poem create a sense of community?
Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1.
Discuss how Sarojini Naidu uses nature to connect with spirituality in the poem. Provide examples.
Question 2.
Explain the role of different voices in the poem and how they contribute to its overall message.
Question 3.
Describe the importance of the final stanza in uniting the different parts of the poem.
Question 4.
Analyse how the poem uses imagery and musical elements to celebrate the harvest.
Question 5.
Reflect on the poem’s message about the relationship between humans and the environment.