Chapter 3: Keeping Quiet – Class 12 English Flamingo NCERT Solutions

Class 12 English Flamingo Poem 3 Keeping Quiet

Think it out

Question 1. What will counting upto twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

The poet suggests that people should stop all activity and remain silent for a few moments. This pause will allow us to reflect, understand ourselves better, and make thoughtful decisions that shape our future positively.

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

No, the poet does not promote complete inactivity or death. He emphasizes that life involves purposeful action. What he proposes is a temporary pause—a break from destructive behavior and the constant race for gain—to encourage peace and introspection.

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

The ‘sadness’ refers to humanity’s blind involvement in harmful activities like war and the relentless pursuit of progress at the cost of peace. We are so busy trying to conquer and control that we ignore the beauty of being alive and connected.

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

The poet uses the example of the earth. Though it appears still and lifeless in winter, life continues beneath. When spring arrives, everything comes back to life. This shows that stillness does not mean death—it can be a pause before renewal and growth.

Try this out

Question 1. Choose a quiet corner and keep still physically and mentally for about five minutes. Do you feel any change in your state of mind?

If life is a long struggle, tension and suffering are inevitable parts of it. Most people are caught in a mad race for pleasure, power, and praise, but this often leads only to pain and restlessness. No material comfort or entertainment can bring lasting peace. However, quiet meditation or a few moments of stillness—just five minutes a day—can help reduce stress and calm the mind. It allows us to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves, bringing mental clarity and emotional balance.

Keeping Quiet Extra Questions and Answers

Short Answer Type

Question 1: ‘Life is what it is all about;’ How is keeping quiet related to life?

Keeping quiet is not about total inactivity or death. Instead, it refers to a moment of stillness and reflection. By pausing our daily routines and introspecting, we can become more aware of our actions. This self-awareness enriches life and gives it deeper meaning.

Question 2: Why does one feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting to twelve and keeping quiet?

We are so used to constant activity and noise that even a brief moment of complete silence and stillness feels unusual. This unfamiliar experience is what the poet calls ‘a sudden strangeness.’ It gives us a new perspective on life and our surroundings.

Question 3: How will ‘keeping quiet’ protect our environment?

Keeping quiet promotes introspection and global brotherhood. If people pause and reflect, they may refrain from harmful activities like wars and exploitation of nature. This temporary stillness can lead to sustainable practices and the protection of the environment.

Question 4: What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Counting to twelve and remaining still allows us a brief moment to step back from our routines and think deeply about our actions. This can help us reconsider harmful behavior, foster mutual understanding, and promote peace and unity.

Question 5: What symbol from nature does the poet invoke that there can be life under apparent stillness?

The poet uses the example of Earth, which appears still and lifeless during winter but is actually alive beneath the surface. When spring arrives, life blooms again. This metaphor suggests that silence and stillness can also lead to regeneration and growth.

Question 6: What will possibly be the effect of keeping quiet? Or How, according to Neruda, can keeping quiet change our attitude to life?

Keeping quiet will encourage self-reflection, making us more aware of our actions and their consequences. It may help us abandon violent or selfish behaviors, leading to a more peaceful and thoughtful way of life.

Question 7: Which is the exotic moment that the poet refers to in ‘Keeping Quiet’?

The exotic moment is when everyone on Earth remains silent and still, even if for a short time. In that moment, there would be no rush, no noise, and no violence. It would be a moment of true peace and shared humanity.

Question 8: What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’? Or What is the sadness that the poet refers to in the poem?

The sadness refers to our lack of understanding of ourselves. In the pursuit of progress and material success, we forget to reflect on our actions. This leads to harm, conflict, and inner emptiness, which results in a profound sense of sadness.

Question 9: Which images in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ show that the poet condemns violence?

The poet uses the image of fishermen not harming whales and the image of soldiers refusing to engage in war to show his condemnation of violence. He also mentions that wars leave behind no survivors to celebrate victory, highlighting the futility and destruction of violent actions.

Question 10: What are the different kinds of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Neruda’s attitude towards these wars?

The poem refers to ‘green wars’ (against nature), ‘wars with gas’, and ‘wars with fire’ (modern destructive wars). Neruda strongly rejects all forms of war. He believes they cause irreversible damage and bring no real victory, as there are no survivors left to enjoy the outcome.

Question 11: How can suspension of activities help?

Suspending activities allows people to pause and reflect on their behavior. This introspection can help them become aware of their destructive actions and encourage them to find peaceful and meaningful ways to live and coexist harmoniously.

Question 12: Do you think that the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

No, the poet does not promote total inactivity or death. He clearly states that he has “no truck with death.” His message is to pause destructive behavior, not life itself. He emphasizes peaceful, thoughtful living—not idleness or lifelessness.

Question 13: According to the poet, what is it that human beings can learn from nature?

Human beings can learn that apparent stillness does not mean lifelessness. Like the Earth, which appears still in winter but supports life beneath, humans can embrace stillness to rejuvenate and reconnect with their inner selves without becoming inactive.

Question 14: What does the title of the poem suggest to you? What do you think the poem is about?

The title “Keeping Quiet” suggests the value of silence and pause. The poem emphasizes the need for introspection and reflection. By keeping quiet, individuals and nations can break free from destructive habits, foster peace, and rediscover their humanity.

Question 15: Bring out the underlying message and appeal of Pablo Neruda’s poem ‘Keeping Quiet’. Why does he call upon all the people to keep quiet?

‘Keeping Quiet’ conveys a powerful message of peace, introspection, and unity. Neruda urges all people to pause their busy lives, observe silence, and reflect on their actions. This temporary stillness would help people understand the damage they cause through wars, environmental destruction, and blind progress. He appeals for a break—not from life, but from the aggressive and selfish pursuits that alienate us from one another. This moment of stillness can foster mutual understanding and a deeper appreciation of life. However, the poet clarifies that he is not advocating total inactivity or death; life must go on, but with more awareness and compassion.

Question 16: Elucidate and bring out what Pablo Neruda wants to convey through the following: (i) Life is what it is about. (ii) As when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.

(i) The poet emphasizes that life should be lived meaningfully. He does not encourage death or complete stillness, but rather a pause for introspection. Life is meant to be cherished, and taking time to reflect helps us live more harmoniously. (ii) The poet draws from nature to highlight that even when everything appears still or lifeless, like during winter, life continues beneath the surface. Similarly, human silence and stillness can give birth to fresh understanding and renewed purpose.

Question 17: According to Pablo Neruda, what is it that human beings can learn from Nature?

Human beings can learn the value of calmness, balance, and patience from nature. Nature grows and renews itself quietly and steadily without greed or comparison. Neruda suggests that we, too, should grow where we are, be content with what we have, and avoid unnecessary conflict or competition with others.

Long Answer Type

Question 1: Analyse the importance of the dramatic count to twelve in ‘Keeping Quiet.’

The poet begins with a symbolic suggestion to count to twelve, which represents the hours on a clock and stands for time, completeness, and universality. This dramatic pause before silence is meant to give all people a shared moment to stop and reflect. It becomes a universal call for peace, where everyone, regardless of background or occupation, joins in a collective stillness. This moment of counting serves as a gateway to self-awareness and introspection, encouraging individuals to evaluate their actions and adopt a more peaceful, unified approach to life. It’s a spiritual and symbolic act, not merely a count, but a conscious transition into reflection.

Question 2: How is the poet’s appeal for keeping quiet different from absolute sluggishness?

Pablo Neruda’s appeal is not for inaction or laziness, but for a meaningful pause in our daily lives to foster introspection. Unlike sluggishness, which implies a lack of purpose or energy, the poet’s call is for a deliberate, thoughtful stillness. He wants us to stop destructive behaviors—not to halt life entirely. This stillness is meant to encourage better understanding of ourselves and others, leading to renewed energy, peace, and compassion. Therefore, the poet’s silence is active and transformative, not passive or escapist.

Question 3: Analyse the poetic devices that the poet adopts in the poem.

Pablo Neruda uses a range of poetic devices to reinforce the poem’s themes of peace, reflection, and unity:

• Symbolism: The number “twelve” symbolizes time and completeness, indicating a universal moment for pause.
• Repetition: Phrases like “let’s not speak” and “let’s stop for one second” emphasize the significance of silence and unity.
• Alliteration: Phrases such as “hurt hands” use repeated consonant sounds to create rhythm and highlight the suffering caused by human actions.
• Metaphor: “Clean clothes” metaphorically suggest a fresh start or moral cleansing, encouraging a move away from violence.
• Synecdoche: The word “brothers” is used to represent all of humanity, emphasizing inclusivity and togetherness.

These devices enrich the poem’s emotional and philosophical depth, making the message more impactful and memorable.

Keeping Quiet Extra Questions Extract Based Type

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stanza:

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.

Explanation:

In this stanza, the poet appeals to all people on Earth to pause for a brief moment. Counting to twelve symbolizes a short, universal pause, possibly relating to the twelve hours of a clock or the months in a year. By asking everyone to keep still, stop speaking, and refrain from physical activity, the poet suggests a collective moment of introspection. He emphasizes silence across all languages and cultures, highlighting a call for unity, peace, and reflection. The phrase “not move our arms so much” metaphorically refers to ceasing all aggressive or harmful actions. This moment of stillness is meant to help us break away from chaos and violence.

Question 1: Name the poem and the poet.

The poem is Keeping Quiet, and the poet is Pablo Neruda.

Question 2: How long does the poet want to stay still?

The poet urges everyone to count up to twelve and remain still for one second.

Question 3: What does he hope to achieve by keeping quiet?

The poet hopes that by keeping quiet, people will have the opportunity to reflect and introspect, leading to a sense of togetherness and peace. This moment of silence can foster understanding, unity, and a break from harmful actions and conflicts.

Question 4: What does the poet mean by ‘not move our arms’ so much?

The poet wants us to reduce unnecessary physical activity, which often includes violence and aggressive actions. By asking people not to move their arms so much, he metaphorically urges a halt to all destructive behavior, encouraging calm, peace, and non-violence.

II. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stanza:

“It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.”

Explanation:

In this stanza, the poet imagines a rare and beautiful moment — an “exotic” pause from the usual fast-paced, machine-driven life. The absence of rushing and mechanical noise symbolizes peace and calm. This moment of stillness would bring people together in unity, regardless of race, nationality, or language. The phrase “a sudden strangeness” refers to the unfamiliar yet profound silence and unity that people are not used to, but which could lead to deeper understanding and connection.

Question 1: What would be an ‘exotic’ moment? Why?

The ‘exotic’ moment refers to the moment of stillness and quietness. It is called exotic because it will be an unusual and refreshing experience. In this moment, there will be no noise or chaos, only peace and unity among people across the world.

Question 2: How would we feel at that moment?

At that moment, we would feel a sense of unity and peace. The quietness and stillness would create an atmosphere of togetherness, allowing people to connect beyond language and noise, and experience shared calm and understanding.

Question 3: Point out the words from the extract which mean:

exciting: exotic machines: engines at once: sudden

III. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stanza:

“Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.”

Explanation:

In this stanza, the poet presents examples of human activities that harm both nature and ourselves. Fishermen, who typically hunt whales, would stop their violent act, thus allowing marine life to thrive. Similarly, the salt-gatherer, usually focused only on labor, would pause and reflect on his own suffering — symbolized by his wounded hands. The poet is highlighting how introspection during moments of stillness can lead to compassion, self-awareness, and non-violence — both toward nature and oneself.

IV. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stanza:

“Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their brothers,
in the shade, doing nothing.”

Question 1: Name the different kinds of war mentioned in the above lines. What does the poet mean by ‘Green wars’?

The different kinds of wars mentioned include ‘green wars,’ wars with poisonous gases, and wars with firearms. ‘Green wars’ refer to wars against nature, where humans exploit and harm the environment, such as deforestation and pollution, in their quest for power and progress.

Question 2: Explain ‘victory with no survivors’.

This phrase reflects the futility of war. The poet means that even if one side claims victory, the devastation is so immense that no one remains to enjoy or celebrate it. In such wars, the destruction is complete, leaving only loss and death behind.

Question 3: What does the poet want the warmongers to do?

The poet urges the warmongers to abandon their violent ways and embrace peace. By saying “put on clean clothes,” he suggests a fresh start—symbolizing purity and transformation. He wishes for them to live in harmony with others, enjoying peaceful moments “in the shade, doing nothing.”

V. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

Stanza

“What I want should not be
confused with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.”

Question 1: What should not be confused with ‘total inactivity’?

Stillness and quietness should not be confused with total inactivity. The poet is advocating for a brief pause to reflect on life and actions, not promoting idleness or lifelessness.

Question 2: What is ‘life’ about?

Life is about living with awareness, reflecting on our actions, and engaging in meaningful, purposeful activity. It involves conscious living, not mechanical or thoughtless routines.

Question 3: Why does the poet say “I want no truck with death”?

The poet emphasizes that he is not suggesting death or escape from life. His message is about momentary stillness for self-reflection, not abandoning life or its responsibilities.

Question 4: What does the poet not want himself to be?

The poet does not want to be seen as someone who encourages complete inactivity or withdrawal from life. He promotes a brief, thoughtful pause—not a lifeless or passive existence.

VI. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

“If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.”

Question 1: Who does ‘we’ refer to in the above lines?

The term ‘we’ refers to human beings, who are constantly engaged in activities and progress, often without stopping to reflect or introspect.

Question 2: Why does the poet want us to ‘do nothing’ for once?

The poet wants us to ‘do nothing’ for once so that we can pause, find peace, and reflect on our actions. This stillness will allow us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

Question 3: What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

The ‘sadness’ refers to the emptiness and disconnection that arise from our constant activity and lack of self-understanding. It is the sorrow of living mechanically without reflecting on the purpose and direction of our lives.

Question 4: How can a huge silence do good to us?

A huge silence can help us disconnect from the chaos of daily life, leading to inner peace and greater self-awareness. It offers a chance to pause, reflect, and possibly correct the harmful course of our actions.

VII. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

“Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go”.

Question 1: What does the Earth teach us?

The Earth teaches us that life continues beneath the surface, even when everything appears still or lifeless. It symbolizes regeneration, resilience, and the idea that stillness can lead to renewal.

Question 2: What does the poet mean to achieve by counting up to twelve?

The poet aims to initiate a brief moment of silence and stillness through counting up to twelve. This pause is meant to allow self-reflection and help people reconsider their actions and way of life.

Question 3: What is the significance of ‘keeping quiet’?

‘Keeping quiet’ symbolizes the need for a moment of introspection and peace. It implies taking a break from harmful activities, especially those that damage the environment or lead to conflict, and focusing on understanding ourselves better.

Question 4: What is always alive when everything seems dead?

The Earth remains alive even when everything else appears dead. It reflects nature’s capacity for renewal and hidden life beneath apparent stillness.

Keeping Quiet Extra Questions Value-Based Type

Question 1: What kind of an imaginary and ideal world does the poet visualize? Answer: The poet envisions a peaceful, calm world where people live harmoniously, free from violence. He imagines a moment of silence that allows for self-reflection, where individuals shed destructive tendencies. In this ideal world, people would pause and introspect, leading to spiritual growth. The poet hopes for a world where environmental destruction ends, and humanity moves toward moral peace through unity and understanding.

Stanza I

i) Name the poem and the poet.

The poem titled Keeping Quiet is written by Pablo Neruda.

ii) Why does the poet suggest a few moments of peace and silence in the world?

The poet thinks that people running after political power, personal gain and war trophies have no time to understand their own self. When they sit still and silent, they will think on right lines.

iii) How will suspension of all activity affect all of us?

When we suspend all our activities for a while, we shall come together as one country or community. The silent stillness will unite us all.

iv) Explain: an exotic moment.

A strange and unprecedented situation that brings peace, stillness, and unity — an extraordinary pause from the usual chaos of life.

Stanza II

i) What is the poet’s suggestion or holy wish?

The poet is a pacifist, a fighter for peace in the world. He wants all people to stand silent and still for just one moment. That moment will make them thoughtful and at peace.

ii) How will a few moments of introspection affect the mood, thinking and actions of the people?

When all the people observe silence and stand still, there will be no need to save whales and other creatures. The poor salt gatherer will get a moment to see his bleeding hands. War industry will come to a standstill. People will get breathing space to go for a walk with their brothers.

iii) Explain: Victory with no survivors.

Another world war will destroy all life, all human beings and animals. The victor will find nobody to rule over. It will be a hollow, meaningless victory with no survivors to celebrate it.

Stanza III

i) What does the poet suggest and what he refutes?

The poet suggests a moment of peace and introspection. It should be totally care-free, allowing people to reflect on their actions. However, he refutes the idea of absolute idleness, as that is not his intention. He clarifies that he does not advocate for total inactivity or death.

ii) What is the essence or soul of life?

The essence of life is action. Productive work in fields, factories, and daily life is necessary to sustain and nurture life. Life must go on, but it should be guided by awareness and thoughtfulness.

iii) How can huge silence dispel sadness?

A huge, global silence can give people the opportunity to pause and reflect. This break from the constant pursuit of power and gain will help eliminate violence, tension, and warfare. It can replace sadness with calm and hope by encouraging self-awareness and unity among people.

Stanza IV

i) How does the poet interpret ‘sadness’?

The word ‘sadness’ here refers to a deep sense of depression and the fear of destruction, especially caused by wars and violence. It reflects the emotional burden of living in a world filled with unrest and conflict.

ii) What lesson can the Earth teach us?

The Earth teaches us that life continues even under apparent stillness. During winter, it may seem lifeless, but it is merely resting to renew itself. This shows that temporary inactivity can lead to regeneration and new beginnings, highlighting the eternal nature of life.

iii) Why does the poet recommend silence and temporary inactivity?

The poet recommends a short interval of silence and stillness to allow people to relax and reflect. This moment of calm can help us break away from destructive routines and inspire thoughtful actions to build a better future.