Write two words that describe the narrator’s tone in the sermon and quote one line from the poem that illustrates each tone.
Answer
Compassionate – “The world is bound in sorrow, yet love can heal it”; Stern – “Do not cling to wealth, for it is fleeting.”
Step-by-step solution
- Read the entire poem to get a feel of the narrator’s attitude.
- Notice moments where the narrator shows empathy towards suffering – note the word "compassionate" and its supporting line.
- Identify passages where the narrator warns firmly against attachment – note the word "stern" and its supporting line.
- Select two appropriate tone words and pair each with a line that clearly demonstrates that tone.
- Write the answer in the required format.
Common mistake: Confusing the narrator’s tone with Buddha’s voice, leading to inappropriate tone labels.
Concept tested: Tone identification
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
Related questions
- 1 In his sermon, what two analogies does the Buddha use to describe the mortality of human beings? Explain the significance of each analogy.
- 2 Analyse how the poet creates a contrast between the Buddha’s teachings and the materialistic world in "The Sermon at Benares".
- 3 Which of the following best describes the central theme of "The Sermon at Benares"?
- 4 Which literary device is employed in the line “The river of desire flows through the heart of men”?
- 5 In the line “The world is a … of shadows”, the word that best fits the blank is:
- 6 According to the sermon delivered by Buddha at Benares, how does lamenting over the death of a loved one affect a person, and how can one attain peace of mind?