Here are Extra Question Answers of the Poem Keeping Quiet . This question bank includes everything you need to master Keeping Quiet .This is updated as per 2024- 25 pattern. Go through to gain deep understanding and achieve a great score in exam of Class 12 English.

Poem Introduction-

Here is the introduction for Poem’ Keeping Quiet Class 12. (Extra Question)

Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda is a thought-provoking poem that talks about the importance of silence and reflection. The poet urges people to pause their busy lives, stop speaking, and stay still for a moment.

By doing this, we can connect with ourselves and others, realising the value of peace. The poet highlights how constant movement and mindless actions, like wars and harming nature, only lead to destruction.

He suggests that, like the Earth, which seems dead but later proves to be alive, humans can also find renewal and understanding through quiet moments. This poem is a reminder that silence and stillness can bring inner peace and harmony to the world.

Theme of the poem ‘Keeping Quiet ’: The main theme of the poem is the importance of silence, stillness, and self-reflection. The poet believes that by pausing our activities and thinking deeply, we can find peace, unity, and understanding.

Moral of the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’: The poem teaches us that silence and self-reflection are essential for personal growth and peace in the world. It shows how stopping harmful actions and living in harmony with nature and others can lead to a better life.

Progress of Thoughts: The poet asks everyone to pause and stay quiet. This silence can bring unity and understanding. He highlights the harm caused by wars and nature’s destruction and suggests that pausing can lead to positive change. Finally, he compares this stillness to the Earth, which seems dead but comes alive again.

Imagery and Symbols in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’: The poet uses images like fishermen not harming whales, people looking at their hurt hands, and the Earth being alive after seeming dead to symbolise the power of stillness and reflection.

Message of the poem ‘Keeping Quiet ’: The poet’s message is simple: by pausing and reflecting, we can improve our lives and understand each other better, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

Main theme  of “Keeping Quiet ” in Short

The theme of the poem is the power of silence and reflection.

Keeping Quiet Theme Justification-

Let’s see how this theme is applicable to the poem – “Keeping Quiet”.

The theme of silence and reflection is shown through the poet, Pablo Neruda, who urges people to pause, be still, and think about their actions. He believes that by staying silent, we can better understand ourselves, avoid harm, and create peace in the world.

List of Keeping Quiet  Theme-

Let’s see some more themes appropriately applicable on the poem “Keeping Quiet”.

1. Silence and Reflection  
2. Peace and Unity  
3. Environmental Awareness 

 Short Summary of ” Keeping Quiet ” (Extra Questions)

In the poem Keeping Quiet, the poet Pablo Neruda asks everyone to stop and be silent for a moment, counting to twelve. He believes this quiet time will bring peace and help people understand each other better.

The poet imagines that during this silence, people will stop harming nature and fighting wars. He does not want us to stop living, but to pause and reflect. By being still, we can learn from nature that even after quietness, life continues and renews.

Word Meanings of ” Keeping Quiet -(Extra Questions)

Hard Words : Keeping Quiet Page No.- 92

Still = motionless, quiet (स्थिर), Exotic = unusual, strange (विचित्र), Rush = hurry, haste (जल्दबाज़ी), Engines = machines, motors (इंजन), Together = united, collectively (साथ में),

Strangeness = unfamiliarity, oddity (अजीबता), Fishermen = anglers, catchers (मछुआरे), Harm = hurt, injure (चोट पहुंचाना), Hurt = pained, injured (दर्द में)

Extract Based Questions of ” Keeping Quiet -(Extra Questions)

Keeping Quiet Extract Based MCQ questions- 1

Now we will count to twelve
And we will all keep still.
For once on the face of the Earth
Let’s not speak in any language,
Let’s stop for one second,
And not move our arms so much.

1.Question:Why does the poet ask us to keep still and not speak in any language? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The poet asks us to keep still and not speak so we can experience peace. This silence will help us reflect on ourselves and connect with others. It is a way to pause and think about life without distractions.

2.Question:None of the following terms can be applied to the statement — “For once on the face of the Earth, let’s not speak in any language”:  

(a) A request – asking people to remain silent  
(b) A metaphor – comparing silence to unity  
(c) An order – commanding people to stop speaking  
(d) An observation – noticing how silence could bring peace

Answer: False   

Reason: A metaphor- The line uses silence as a metaphor for unity, suggesting that by not speaking, people can come together in peace and understanding. 

3.Question:The information in the extract suggests that the poet is asking us to experience a moment of _____.

Answer:Peace / Silence / Reflection / Stillness / Unity / Calm or any other similar response

4.Question: How does the poet suggest that silence and stillness can benefit people?  (Answer in around 10 words)

Answer: Silence and stillness help people reflect on their lives and connect with others more deeply.

Extract from Keeping Quiet – 2

Without rush, without engines,
We would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
Fishermen in the cold sea
Would not harm whales
And the man gathering salt
Would look at his hurt hands.

1.Question:Why does the poet imagine fishermen and the salt gatherer stopping their work? Answer in about 40 words.

Answer: The poet imagines the fishermen and the salt gatherer stopping to think about their actions. Fishermen might stop harming whales, and the salt gatherer would notice his injured hands. Pausing can lead to more compassion and awareness of one’s impact.

2.Question:None of the following terms can be applied to the statement — “The man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.”  

(a) An observation – noticing the man’s suffering  
(b) A metaphor – comparing the man’s hands to his struggles  
(c) A suggestion – offering an idea to pause and reflect  
(d) A hyperbole – exaggerating the man’s pain

Answer:False  

Reason:A metaphor-The hurt hands symbolise the man’s struggles, not just his physical pain.

3.Question:The passage suggests that the poet wants us to experience a moment of _____.

Answer:Compassion / Awareness / Reflection / Unity / Understanding / Empathy or any other similar response

4.Question: What does the poet imply by referring to fishermen and the man gathering salt?(Answer in around 10 words)

Answer: The poet implies that pausing allows people to recognise the harm they cause to nature and themselves.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)- of  ” Keeping Quiet ”

1. What does the poet suggest we can achieve by keeping still in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?  

(a) Wealth                                             
(b) Success  
(c) Peace                                                
(d) Fame  

Answer:Peace  
Reason: The poet believes that stillness and silence bring inner peace and unity.

2. Why does the poet ask us to stop speaking for a moment  in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?  

(a) To experience isolation                 
(b) To reflect on our actions  
(c) To enjoy nature’s beauty               
(d) To avoid responsibilities  

Answer:To reflect on our actions  
Reason: The poet advocates silence to encourage self-reflection and understanding.

3. How does the poet view silence in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?

(a) As a punishment                                   
(b) As a time for sadness  
(c) As a way to connect with others           
(d) As a way to control people  

Answer: As a way to connect with others  
Reason: The poet believes silence can create a moment of unity and togetherness.

4. According to the poet, what can people learn from nature in the poem “Keeping Quiet”?

(a) How to rush through life                 
(b) The beauty of language  
(c) The cycle of life and renewal          
(d) The power of wealth  

Answer:The cycle of life and renewal  
Reason: The poet refers to how the Earth seems dead but later shows life, symbolising renewal.

5. What does the poet mean by “victory with no survivors” in the poem “Keeping Quiet”? 

(a) A peaceful solution  
(b) A war that has only one winner  
(c) A pointless conflict that leaves everyone harmed  
(d) A victorious army with no deaths  

Answer:A pointless conflict that leaves everyone harmed  
Reason: The poet criticises war by showing that even victory can be destructive.

Short Answer Type Important Questions

1. Why does the poet ask us to count to twelve and keep still in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poet wants us to pause and reflect. By staying quiet, we can think deeply and feel connected to others. It’s a way to find peace and understanding within ourselves and the world.

2. How does the poet suggest we can create a moment of togetherness in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poet suggests that if everyone stops what they are doing and stays silent, it will create a moment where we all feel connected. This moment of stillness brings peace and unity, without the rush of everyday life.

3. What does the poet mean by “green wars” and “wars with gas and fire”in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:“Green wars” refer to the harm we cause to nature. “Wars with gas and fire” represent violent conflicts between people. The poet is against all forms of destruction, whether it’s harming the environment or each other.

4. Why does the poet mention fishermen and the man gathering salt in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poet uses these examples to show how we are often too busy with our work to notice its effects. If they stopped for a moment, fishermen might see how they hurt whales, and the salt gatherer could notice his injured hands.

5. How can silence help us understand ourselves better in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:Silence gives us time to think deeply. By being quiet, we can understand our feelings, thoughts, and actions better. It helps us realise things we may not notice in the rush of life.

6. In what way does the Earth teach us a lesson, according to the poet in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The Earth teaches us that life continues even after moments of stillness. Like winter turning into spring, silence can lead to new beginnings. The Earth’s cycles remind us that there’s life even when things seem still.

7. Why does the poet clarify that he is not advocating “total inactivity” in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poet does not want us to stop living or working. He only asks for short pauses to reflect. These moments of silence can help us live better and more peacefully, without rushing through everything.

8. How does the poem suggest we can avoid “threatening ourselves with death” in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poem suggests that we stop rushing and fighting. If we take time to reflect and be peaceful, we can live healthier, happier lives without pushing ourselves towards harm or destruction.

9. What is the significance of “clean clothes” in the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:“Clean clothes” symbolise a fresh start or change. The poet imagines a world where people stop fighting and, instead, focus on peace. Wearing clean clothes shows leaving behind violence and embracing a peaceful, calm life.

10. How does the poet view sadness in the context of the poem “Keeping Quiet” in 40 words?

Answer:The poet sees sadness as a result of rushing through life without understanding ourselves. By being silent and reflecting, we can find peace and avoid the sadness that comes from living without thought.

1. Why does the poet, Pablo Neruda, believe that silence and stillness are important for people, as seen in the poem Keeping Quiet? How can this idea be applied to our daily lives? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet believes that silence and stillness help people reflect and understand themselves. In our busy lives, we often rush without thinking. By pausing and staying quiet, we can avoid mistakes and become more peaceful.

This silence gives us a chance to understand others and build better connections. In today’s fast-paced world, moments of stillness reduce stress and help us focus on what truly matters.

By taking small breaks in our routine, we can live more mindful, calmer lives. This also improves our relationships with others, as we become more thoughtful and understanding. Neruda’s message encourages us to slow down and find balance through reflection and silence.

2. How does the poem Keeping Quiet highlight the theme of environmental responsibility? Explain how we can apply this to real-life situations. (120 to 150 words)

Answer: In the poem, Pablo Neruda talks about how humans harm nature without thinking, like fishermen harming whales or workers damaging themselves while gathering salt. The poet suggests that by pausing and reflecting on our actions, we can become more aware of the harm we cause to nature.

This message is important today because we often harm the environment through pollution, deforestation, and overuse of natural resources. By applying the poet’s message, we can take responsibility for protecting the environment.

Small steps, like reducing waste, conserving water, and caring for wildlife, can help. If we reflect on our impact, we can change our actions and save the Earth.

3. Explain how the poem Keeping Quiet promotes peace and unity among people. How does silence help in building better human relationships? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poem promotes peace by encouraging people to stop fighting and reflect. Pablo Neruda suggests that if everyone stays silent for a moment, they can realise the importance of understanding one another.

Silence helps in building better relationships because it gives us time to think before we speak or act. When we pause and reflect, we avoid reacting with anger or frustration, which can lead to conflicts.

Silence also allows us to listen more carefully to others and see things from their perspective. By promoting moments of silence and reflection, the poem teaches us how to create a peaceful and united world.

4. What does the poet mean by “wars with gas, wars with fire” and “victory with no survivors” in the poem Keeping Quiet? How does this reflect the poet’s message of non-violence? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: When Pablo Neruda talks about “wars with gas, wars with fire,” he is referring to violent conflicts that cause death and destruction. “Victory with no survivors” means that even those who win in wars suffer losses and pain.

The poet’s message is clear: violence never truly brings victory because it causes harm to everyone involved. He believes that silence and reflection can prevent violence by giving people time to think before acting. The poem reflects non-violence because it calls for peace, understanding, and unity instead of fighting.

The poet hopes that through quiet reflection, people can realise the futility of war and choose peace instead.

5. How does the poet use nature in the poem Keeping Quiet to deliver his message? What lesson does nature teach us, according to the poet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet uses nature as an example to show how silence and stillness can be powerful. He talks about how the Earth seems dead during winter, but life returns in spring. This shows that even in stillness, there is life and growth.

According to Pablo Neruda, nature teaches us that silence is not the end but a time for reflection and renewal. Just like the Earth comes back to life, we too can find new beginnings in moments of quiet.

Nature also teaches us patience and the importance of cycles. By learning from nature, we can become more peaceful and mindful in our lives.