1.1 Past, Present, Future - Std 7th - Balbharati

Author: Emily Brontë

Genre: Reflective / Lyric Poem

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem Past, Present, Future by Emily Brontë describes time in three stages through a dialogue with a child. The past is compared to an autumn evening, soft but mournful, showing that it was pleasant but is gone forever. The present is compared to a green spray with a young bird sitting on it, gathering strength to fly. It represents preparation and hope. The future is described as a mighty sea beneath a cloudless sun, dazzling and stretching into infinity. It represents endless possibilities and excitement. Through nature’s images, the poet conveys that while the past is gone and the present is preparation, the future holds limitless opportunities.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea of the poem is the passage of time—past, present, and future—seen through natural imagery. It teaches us to accept the past, live actively in the present, and look forward with hope to the future.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Simile – “The past is like an autumn evening” – comparison using like.

   
   

2. Metaphor – “The present is a green and flowery spray” – present compared to a spray.

   
   

3. Metaphor – “The future is a sea beneath a cloudless sun” – future compared to an endless sea.

   
   

4. Personification – Time is spoken of as if it can be described by a child.

   
   

5. Imagery – Vivid pictures of autumn evening, bird on spray, and mighty sea appeal to the senses.

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is abab in each stanza.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you learn about the past from the poem?

   The poem shows the past as a soft and pleasant autumn evening, but one that has ended. It teaches us that while past experiences may be sweet, they cannot be regained. We should accept them as memories.

   
   

2. How is the present described in the poem?

   The present is described as a green spray with a bird gathering strength to fly. It represents preparation, growth, and energy. The image tells us that the present is the time to work and get ready for the future.

   
   

3. What feelings does the poet associate with the future?

   The poet associates the future with hope, excitement, and limitless opportunities. The image of a vast sea beneath a cloudless sun shows brightness and infinity. It makes us feel optimistic about what lies ahead.

   
   

4. Which image in the poem appeals to you the most? Why?

   The image of the young bird on a spray appeals the most because it symbolises energy and potential. It shows how we must gather courage and prepare before taking flight in life. It is simple yet powerful.

   
   

5. What lesson do you take from this poem?

   The lesson is that we must respect time. The past should be remembered, the present should be used wisely, and the future should be faced with hope. Each stage of time has beauty and meaning.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The past is described as a bright spring morning. → False (It is an autumn evening.)

2. The present is compared to a green spray with a bird. → True

3. The future is shown as a mighty sea beneath the sun. → True

4. The poet believes that the past will return again. → False (It is gone forever.)

5. The poem uses images from nature to describe time. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. How does the poet describe the past?

   The poet describes the past as an autumn evening—soft, mild, but mournful. It symbolises that the past, though pleasant, is gone and cannot return.

   
   

2. What does the bird on the spray symbolise in the poem?

   The bird on the spray symbolises the present moment. It gathers strength to fly, just as the present is the time to prepare for the future.

   
   

3. How is the future represented in the poem?

   The future is represented as a mighty, dazzling sea beneath a cloudless sun. It symbolises hope, opportunities, and endless possibilities stretching into infinity.

   
   

4. What images from nature are used in the poem to describe time?

   The poet uses three images: autumn evening for the past, green spray with a bird for the present, and a dazzling sea for the future. These natural images explain time vividly.

   
   

5. What message does the poem give us about life?

   The poem teaches that time is precious and must be valued. The past is memory, the present is preparation, and the future is full of promise. Together, they give meaning to life.

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Past, Present, Future by Emily Brontë is a simple yet profound poem that explains time using natural imagery. The autumn evening, young bird, and dazzling sea create strong pictures that make the idea clear. The rhyme scheme adds music, while metaphors make the message powerful. The poem teaches us to respect time: to accept the past, use the present for growth, and face the future with hope. It remains memorable because of its imagery and universal message.

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