Summary:
“The Solitary Reaper” by William Wordsworth is a lyric poem that describes a beautiful yet melancholic scene of a young woman singing while she reaps grain in the Scottish Highlands. The poet, captivated by the sweetness of her song, compares it to the melodies of a nightingale and a cuckoo, stating that her voice surpasses them in beauty. Although he does not understand the language of her song, he feels its deep emotional power. The song lingers in his memory even after he has left, emphasizing the lasting impact of art and nature’s simple moments. The poem explores themes of solitude, nature, and the transcendental power of music.
MCQs:
- Who is the poet of The Solitary Reaper?
A) John Keats
B) William Wordsworth
C) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
D) Lord Byron
Answer: B) William Wordsworth - Where is the solitary reaper singing?
A) In a marketplace
B) In the Scottish Highlands
C) Near the River Thames
D) Inside a church
Answer: B) In the Scottish Highlands - What does the poet compare the reaper’s song to?
A) The roar of the ocean
B) The nightingale’s and cuckoo’s songs
C) The sound of church bells
D) The cry of a lost child
Answer: B) The nightingale’s and cuckoo’s songs
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Solitary Reaper |
| Poet | William Wordsworth |
| Year Written | 1805 |
| Year Published | 1807 |
| Poem Type | Lyric Poem |
| Themes | The power of music, solitude, nature’s beauty |
| Rhyme Scheme | ABCB |
| Tone | Melancholic yet appreciative |
| Key Imagery | A solitary woman singing in the fields, the Highland scenery |
| Literary Devices | Imagery, alliteration, metaphor, symbolism |
4. What is the solitary reaper doing in the poem?
A) Dancing in the fields
B) Singing while harvesting grain
C) Sleeping under a tree
D) Writing poetry in a diary
Answer: B) Singing while harvesting grain
5. What effect does the reaper’s song have on the poet?
A) It makes him feel sad and lonely
B) It fills him with joy and admiration
C) It makes him want to leave the place
D) It reminds him of his own struggles
Answer: B) It fills him with joy and admiration
6. How does the poet describe the reaper’s song?
A) Louder than city noises
B) Harsher than a crow’s cry
C) More beautiful than the nightingale’s and cuckoo’s songs
D) Similar to a battle cry
Answer: C) More beautiful than the nightingale’s and cuckoo’s songs
7. What does the poet say about the meaning of the song?
A) He understands every word
B) He does not know the language but feels its emotion
C) It is written in Latin
D) It tells the history of Scotland
Answer: B) He does not know the language but feels its emotion
8. What is a major theme of the poem?
A) The power of art and music
B) The dangers of solitude
C) The importance of war
D) The need for education
Answer: A) The power of art and music
9. What happens to the song in the poet’s mind?
A) He forgets it immediately
B) It stays in his heart even after he leaves
C) It fades into silence
D) It makes him dislike other music
Answer: B) It stays in his heart even after he leaves
10 .What is the tone of the poem?
A) Harsh and critical
B) Lighthearted and humorous
C) Melancholic yet appreciative
D) Angry and frustrated
Answer: C) Melancholic yet appreciative
