Keeping Quiet Long Answer Type Question | Assumption, Creativity & Critical Thinking Based | Class 12  Flamingo

This page offers Keeping Quiet  long answer type question for Class 12  from the book Flamingo . We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Keeping Quiet  long answer type question

Keeping Quiet Long Answer Type Question

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.

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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.

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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.

6. Why does the poet emphasise the need to stop and reflect in our busy lives, as shown in the poem Keeping Quiet? How does this idea help in reducing stress and improving mental health? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: Pablo Neruda believes that in our busy lives, we often forget to think about our actions. He emphasises the need to stop and reflect so we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.

When we constantly move without taking breaks, we become tired and stressed. Pausing to reflect helps us slow down, relax, and clear our minds. This idea is important for mental health because it gives us time to process our thoughts and emotions.

By taking moments of silence, we can reduce stress, avoid making hasty decisions, and feel more balanced. It helps us live more peacefully and calmly.

7. What is the significance of the poet asking everyone to stop “for one second” in the poem Keeping Quiet? How can even a short pause impact our actions and thoughts? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet asks everyone to stop for “one second” to show that even a brief pause can make a big difference. In that short moment of stillness, we can reflect on what we are doing and why.

This can help us change our thoughts and actions for the better. A short pause can stop us from reacting impulsively and give us time to think carefully. It can also help us connect with others and see things from a different perspective.

By pausing for even a second, we can avoid mistakes, reduce conflict, and make more thoughtful decisions in our lives.

8. How does the poet’s message of self-awareness and introspection in the poem Keeping Quiet connect to today’s world? How can we apply it in modern times? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: In today’s fast-paced world, people often don’t take the time to think deeply about their actions or the effect they have on others. Pablo Neruda’s message of self-awareness and introspection encourages us to pause and reflect.

In modern times, we can apply this by taking regular breaks from our busy lives to think about our goals, relationships, and the impact we have on the environment. By becoming more aware of ourselves and our actions, we can improve our mental well-being, build stronger relationships, and take better care of the world around us.

This helps us lead more meaningful and responsible lives.

9. The poet says, “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go” in the poem Keeping Quiet. What is the significance of this statement, and how does it conclude the poem’s message? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: When Pablo Neruda says, “Now I’ll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go,” he is leaving the responsibility of silence and reflection to the readers. It means that the poet has shared his message, and now it’s up to us to practise what he suggests.

The statement concludes the poem by showing that change starts with us. The poet has guided us, but we must choose to follow his advice of pausing, reflecting, and creating peace. It reminds us that moments of silence can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of ourselves and others.

10. How can the poet’s idea of “clean clothes” in the poem Keeping Quiet represent a fresh start or change in behaviour? How can this be applied to overcoming negative habits or thoughts? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet uses the idea of “clean clothes” as a symbol for a fresh start or new way of thinking. Just like wearing clean clothes can make us feel refreshed, changing our behaviour can make us feel renewed.

This can be applied to overcoming negative habits or thoughts by taking a moment to reflect and decide to let go of harmful actions. By pausing and thinking, we can choose to start fresh, leaving behind things that hurt us or others.

Clean clothes represent a simple but powerful way to show that change is possible, and by making small changes, we can live better lives.

11. Why does the poet believe that silence can bring peace to the world, as seen in the poem Keeping Quiet, even though silence doesn’t change situations directly? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet believes that silence creates a moment for people to reflect on their actions. Silence might not change situations immediately, but it gives everyone time to think before reacting. In a moment of quiet, people can understand their mistakes, avoid anger, and control impulsive decisions.

This can reduce conflicts, both small and large. When people stay silent and calm, they are more likely to approach problems peacefully. Silence also helps us to listen to others better, which can solve misunderstandings.

The poet assumes that if everyone takes this time to pause, it can lead to a more peaceful and understanding world. Even though silence is brief, its effect on our thoughts and actions can be powerful.

12. The poet uses the image of fishermen harming whales in the poem Keeping Quiet. Why do you think he chose this image, and what might it symbolise about human behaviour? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet chose the image of fishermen unintentionally harming whales to show how people harm nature without realising it. Fishermen are focused on their work, but in the process, they hurt the whales.

This image can symbolise how humans, in their daily activities, often damage the environment or hurt others without thinking about the consequences. It represents how humans are sometimes careless or unaware of the harm they cause. The poet wants us to stop and reflect on our actions, like the fishermen need to reflect on theirs.

He assumes that by pausing and thinking, we can become more mindful and avoid damaging the environment or others unintentionally. This example teaches us the importance of awareness in everything we do.

13. How can a moment of silence help people reconnect with nature, as suggested in the poem Keeping Quiet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: A moment of silence allows people to pause and reflect on their relationship with nature. In our busy lives, we often ignore the environment around us. Silence gives us time to notice the beauty of nature and reflect on how our actions affect it. The poet assumes that when we stay quiet, we can become more aware of the harm we cause to the Earth, like pollution or deforestation.

This awareness can inspire us to take better care of nature. Silence also helps us feel more connected to the world around us, understanding that we are a part of it. Through quiet reflection, people may feel a greater responsibility to protect the environment and live in harmony with nature.

14. Why do you think the poet links silence with life and not death in the poem Keeping Quiet, even though silence often represents the absence of activity? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: Though silence is often associated with death or inactivity, the poet links it to life. He assumes that silence is not just about doing nothing but about taking time to reflect and grow. In silence, we can find deeper meanings, understand our emotions, and gain insights into life.

The poet sees silence as a way to stop and think, which can lead to new beginnings or fresh perspectives. Even when the Earth seems silent in winter, life is still present beneath the surface, waiting to bloom in spring. In the same way, silence in human life is a time for renewal, not emptiness. By pausing and being quiet, we can find inner strength and better understand our purpose.

15. Why does the poet believe that small actions, like keeping still for a few moments, can make a big difference in people’s lives, as shown in the poem Keeping Quiet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet believes that small actions, like staying still for a few moments, can lead to big changes because they create time for reflection. Even a short pause helps us think more clearly about our actions and decisions.

In our busy lives, we rarely stop to reflect, and this makes us rush into things without thinking. When we pause, we become more mindful and aware of what we are doing. The poet assumes that by taking these small breaks, we can avoid making mistakes, reduce stress, and improve our focus.

These small moments of stillness can also help us understand others better and connect with them. In the long run, these tiny pauses can lead to more thoughtful, peaceful, and balanced lives.

16. How can silence be a tool for personal growth and self-awareness in today’s fast-paced world, as suggested in the poem Keeping Quiet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: Silence gives us time to reflect, which is essential in today’s fast-paced world where distractions are constant. By pausing for a moment, we can think about our actions and how they affect us and others.

Silence helps us understand our emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. It allows us to consider our goals and whether we are on the right path. When we take a break from the rush of life, we gain clarity about our thoughts and behaviour.

This reflection leads to self-awareness, which is the foundation for personal growth. In silence, we can set new intentions, learn from past mistakes, and improve our overall well-being. Practising silence daily can lead to more thoughtful decisions and a clearer understanding of ourselves.

17. What values does the poet promote by urging people to pause and reflect, rather than act impulsively, as seen in the poem Keeping Quiet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet promotes values such as patience, mindfulness, and thoughtfulness by urging people to pause and reflect. When we take time to stop and think before acting, we are less likely to make impulsive decisions that we may regret. Reflecting allows us to understand our emotions and the impact of our actions on others.

This leads to more peaceful and considerate behaviour. In society, these values help create harmony, as people become more empathetic and understanding. Thoughtful actions reduce conflicts and encourage better relationships.

The poet’s message reminds us that rushing through life often leads to mistakes, but by practising patience and reflection, we can live more meaningful and connected lives.

18. How can the poet’s message about silence and reflection in the poem Keeping Quiet help in resolving conflicts? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet’s message about silence and reflection can be a powerful tool in resolving conflicts. Often, conflicts arise from misunderstandings, impulsive reactions, or failure to listen. By staying silent and reflecting before responding, people have time to calm down and think about their emotions and perspectives.

Silence allows for better communication because it gives space to listen and understand the other person’s point of view. Reflection helps us recognize our role in the conflict and think of solutions that are peaceful and fair.

The poet suggests that silence fosters patience, empathy, and understanding, which are essential values for resolving disputes. When both sides pause and reflect, they can approach the conflict with clearer minds and a willingness to compromise.

19. What responsibility does the poem Keeping Quiet suggest we have toward nature, and how can this influence our actions? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poem suggests that we have a responsibility to protect and care for nature. By reflecting on our actions, we can become aware of the harm we cause to the environment, often without realising it. The poet uses examples like fishermen harming whales to show how our daily activities can damage nature.

This message encourages us to take better care of the Earth by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and making environmentally-friendly choices. Reflection helps us understand that nature is fragile and needs our protection.

By taking responsibility for our impact, we can change our habits, like using less plastic, saving energy, and planting trees. These small actions, inspired by the poem’s message, contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world.

20. How does the poet’s suggestion of “keeping still” in the poem Keeping Quiet challenge the modern idea of progress and constant productivity? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, the poet challenges the modern belief that progress comes from constant work and productivity. He suggests that being still and silent allows us to reflect on our actions and avoid mistakes. Instead of rushing forward, the poet encourages us to slow down and think carefully.

This contrasts with the idea that staying busy always leads to success. He believes true progress comes from understanding ourselves and our surroundings, which happens when we pause and reflect. Taking time to be still helps us reduce stress and make better, thoughtful decisions.

21. What does the poet mean when he says “victory with no survivors” in the poem Keeping Quiet? How can this idea be applied to conflicts in real life? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: In ‘Keeping Quiet’, when the poet says “victory with no survivors,” he criticises the destructive nature of wars and conflicts. Even if one side wins, both sides suffer, making the victory meaningless. This idea can be applied to real-life conflicts, whether between individuals or nations.

Winning an argument may damage relationships, leaving emotional scars. In wars, even the winning side experiences loss and grief. The poet suggests that true victory comes from understanding and empathy, not fighting.

By staying silent and reflecting, we can prevent conflicts and see the value of peace over destructive victories.

22. How does the poet’s call for silence in the poem Keeping Quiet contrast with the noise of everyday life, and what impact do you think this has on mental health? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet’s call for silence stands in sharp contrast to the constant noise of everyday life, where we are surrounded by distractions like technology, social media, and work stress. This nonstop noise can overwhelm our minds, leading to anxiety and mental exhaustion.

The poet suggests that moments of silence and stillness can help us escape from this chaos and find peace. Silence allows us to reflect on our thoughts and emotions, giving our minds a break from the overload of information.

This can greatly improve mental health by reducing stress, promoting calmness, and helping us focus on what truly matters. The poet’s message is that silence is a powerful tool for mental clarity, balance, and emotional well-being in a noisy world.

23. How does the poet suggest we deal with the sadness of “never understanding ourselves” through silence in the poem Keeping Quiet? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: The poet suggests that the sadness of “never understanding ourselves” can be reduced by embracing silence and reflection. In our busy lives, we rarely take time to think about our feelings and who we are.

This can cause sadness and confusion. The poet believes that by staying quiet, we can explore our inner thoughts and gain self-understanding. Silence allows us to connect with our emotions and ask important questions about our values and purpose. Through quiet reflection, we can find clarity and reduce the sadness that comes from feeling lost.

24. What role do you think empathy plays in the poet’s vision of a peaceful world in the poem Keeping Quiet, and how can silence enhance empathy? (120 to 150 words)

Answer: In the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’, empathy plays a key role in creating a peaceful world. The poet believes that silence helps people understand their own feelings, which makes them more aware of others’ emotions.

By pausing and reflecting, we can better understand the struggles and perspectives of those around us. Silence allows us to listen and empathise, helping avoid conflicts. The poet suggests that when we reflect in silence, we act with more compassion and understanding.

This builds stronger relationships and better communication, leading to a more peaceful world where people treat each other kindly.