Summary:
“Breathes There the Man”, also known as “Patriotism”, is a famous excerpt from Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805). It is a patriotic poem that emphasizes the deep connection between a person and their homeland.
The poem expresses disdain for those who lack love for their country, stating that such people lead meaningless lives and are quickly forgotten after death. It highlights themes of patriotism, honor, and national pride, portraying love for one’s homeland as a defining characteristic of a noble and worthy individual.
Scott’s powerful imagery and emotional tone encourage readers to value their national identity and heritage. The poem remains an inspiring call for patriotism and loyalty to one’s country.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Breathes There the Man?
A) William Wordsworth
B) Lord Byron
C) Sir Walter Scott
D) John Keats
Answer: C) Sir Walter Scott - In which poem does Breathes There the Man appear?
A) Marmion
B) The Lay of the Last Minstrel
C) Ivanhoe
D) The Lady of the Lake
Answer: B) The Lay of the Last Minstrel - What is the main theme of the poem?
A) Love and romance
B) Patriotism and national pride
C) Revenge and hatred
D) Wealth and greed
Answer: B) Patriotism and national pride
Breathes There the Man - What does the poem say about a man who lacks love for his country?
A) He is forgotten after death
B) He becomes a great leader
C) He gains wealth but loses respect
D) He is blessed with happiness
Answer: A) He is forgotten after death - What poetic device is used in Breathes There the Man?
A) Satire
B) Metaphor and imagery
C) Free verse
D) Haiku
Answer: B) Metaphor and imagery - What does the poem suggest happens to unpatriotic people?
A) They are honored by their country
B) They die without leaving a legacy
C) They live happily in foreign lands
D) They become great poets
Answer: B) They die without leaving a legacy - What is the poem’s tone?
A) Sarcastic and humorous
B) Solemn and inspiring
C) Fearful and mysterious
D) Lighthearted and cheerful
Answer: B) Solemn and inspiring - What does Scott emphasize as a person’s true identity?
A) Their social status
B) Their wealth
C) Their love for their homeland
D) Their education
Answer: C) Their love for their homeland - How does the poem view material wealth?
A) As more important than patriotism
B) As meaningless without love for one’s country
C) As a symbol of greatness
D) As the key to happiness
Answer: B) As meaningless without love for one’s country - What is the message of Breathes There the Man?
A) A person’s worth is determined by their love for their nation
B) People should leave their country for a better life
C) Wealth is the most important goal in life
D) Poetry has no connection to nationalism
Answer: A) A person’s worth is determined by their love for their nation
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Breathes There the Man |
| Author | Sir Walter Scott |
| Year Published | 1805 |
| Part of | The Lay of the Last Minstrel |
| Main Themes | Patriotism, national pride, identity |
| Literary Devices | Imagery, metaphor, rhetorical question |
| Message | Love for one’s homeland is essential for a meaningful life |
Summary:
“Breathes There the Man”, also known as “Patriotism”, is a famous excerpt from Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lay of the Last Minstrel (1805). It is a patriotic poem that emphasizes the deep connection between a person and their homeland.
The poem expresses disdain for those who lack love for their country, stating that such people lead meaningless lives and are quickly forgotten after death. It highlights themes of patriotism, honor, and national pride, portraying love for one’s homeland as a defining characteristic of a noble and worthy individual.
Scott’s powerful imagery and emotional tone encourage readers to value their national identity and heritage. The poem remains an inspiring call for patriotism and loyalty to one’s country.
MCQs:
- Who wrote Breathes There the Man?
A) William Wordsworth
B) Lord Byron
C) Sir Walter Scott
D) John Keats
Answer: C) Sir Walter Scott - In which poem does Breathes There the Man appear?
A) Marmion
B) The Lay of the Last Minstrel
C) Ivanhoe
D) The Lady of the Lake
Answer: B) The Lay of the Last Minstrel - What is the main theme of the poem?
A) Love and romance
B) Patriotism and national pride
C) Revenge and hatred
D) Wealth and greed
Answer: B) Patriotism and national prideBreathes There the Man - What does the poem say about a man who lacks love for his country?
A) He is forgotten after death
B) He becomes a great leader
C) He gains wealth but loses respect
D) He is blessed with happiness
Answer: A) He is forgotten after death - What poetic device is used in Breathes There the Man?
A) Satire
B) Metaphor and imagery
C) Free verse
D) Haiku
Answer: B) Metaphor and imagery - What does the poem suggest happens to unpatriotic people?
A) They are honored by their country
B) They die without leaving a legacy
C) They live happily in foreign lands
D) They become great poets
Answer: B) They die without leaving a legacy - What is the poem’s tone?
A) Sarcastic and humorous
B) Solemn and inspiring
C) Fearful and mysterious
D) Lighthearted and cheerful
Answer: B) Solemn and inspiring - What does Scott emphasize as a person’s true identity?
A) Their social status
B) Their wealth
C) Their love for their homeland
D) Their education
Answer: C) Their love for their homeland - How does the poem view material wealth?
A) As more important than patriotism
B) As meaningless without love for one’s country
C) As a symbol of greatness
D) As the key to happiness
Answer: B) As meaningless without love for one’s country - What is the message of Breathes There the Man?
A) A person’s worth is determined by their love for their nation
B) People should leave their country for a better life
C) Wealth is the most important goal in life
D) Poetry has no connection to nationalism
Answer: A) A person’s worth is determined by their love for their nation
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Breathes There the Man |
| Author | Sir Walter Scott |
| Year Published | 1805 |
| Part of | The Lay of the Last Minstrel |
| Main Themes | Patriotism, national pride, identity |
| Literary Devices | Imagery, metaphor, rhetorical question |
| Message | Love for one’s homeland is essential for a meaningful life |