NCERT Solutions
for Class 12 English Flamingo

Chapter 2 Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda

Updated
Syllabus for 2024-2025 Exams 

Q.1 What will counting up to twelve and
keeping still help us achieve?

Answer:
Counting up to twelve and keeping still will help us achieve a moment of
introspection and reflection. It allows people to pause their constant
activity, both physical and mental, and reflect on their actions and the impact
they have on the world. This moment of silence will foster a sense of unity and
mutual understanding among human beings, as they step back from the chaos of
their daily lives and focus on the bigger picture.

Q.2 Do you think the poet advocates total
inactivity and death?

Answer:
No, the poet does not advocate total inactivity or death. In fact, he clarifies
that his message should not be confused with total inactivity. The poet
emphasizes that life is about living and understanding ourselves, not about
embracing death. His call for stillness is a temporary pause for reflection,
not a cessation of life. He wants people to stop being so preoccupied with
constant activity and to take a moment to reflect on their lives and the world
around them.

Q.3 What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet
refers to in the poem?

Answer:
The ‘sadness’ referred to in the poem is the sadness of humans’ failure to
understand themselves and their environment. It stems from the endless rush and
focus on material success, which leads people to neglect self-reflection and
deeper understanding. This sadness is also related to the harm people cause to
themselves and others through wars, environmental destruction, and the
inability to connect meaningfully with life and nature. The poet believes that
taking a moment to keep still can interrupt this cycle of sadness and help
people reconnect with themselves and the world.

Q.4 What symbol from Nature does the poet
invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

Answer:
The poet invokes the symbol of the Earth to convey that there can be life under
apparent stillness. He refers to how everything on Earth seems dead during
certain periods, such as winter, but later proves to be alive when spring
arrives. This example from Nature illustrates the idea that stillness is not
the end of life but can be a temporary state that leads to renewal and
regeneration.