1.3. The Pilgrim - Std 8th - Balbharati

Author: Anonymous

Genre: Inspirational / Reflective Poem

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem The Pilgrim describes the noble act of an old man who crossed a dangerous chasm safely at twilight. Though he had no need to return, he stayed back to build a bridge. A fellow pilgrim was puzzled, questioning the need for such hard work since the old man would never pass that way again. The old man explained that a young traveler would soon follow the same path. What was safe for him might be a pitfall for the youth. Therefore, he built the bridge not for himself but for the one who would come after him. The poem conveys a timeless lesson that wise and experienced people should help the younger generation by removing obstacles and making their journey easier.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem highlights the value of selflessness and guidance. It teaches that one generation must help the next by sharing wisdom and reducing difficulties. True greatness lies in thinking of others and building a path for them to succeed.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech

1. Interrogation (Rhetorical Question) 

   – “Why build ye here at even tide?” 

   – A question asked for effect, not for an actual answer.

2. Inversion

    – “Up came the sun” 

   – Normal word order is changed for poetic effect.

   
   

3. Tautology 

   – “Joy and cheer”

    – Repetition of the same idea in different words.

   
   

4. Metaphor 

   – The entire poem is metaphorical; the chasm represents life’s problems.

   
   

5. Personification

    – The chasm is shown as if it can cause fear and danger.

   
   

Rhyme Scheme

• Stanza 1: AABCCBB

• Stanza 2: AABCCBB (similar to first)

• Stanza 3: AABCCBB (follows the same pattern)

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why do you think the old pilgrim built the bridge?

   The old pilgrim built the bridge out of selflessness and concern for others. He had already crossed safely, yet he thought of the young traveler who might face danger. His action shows deep wisdom and kindness. It inspires us to use our experience for helping others in life.

   
   

2. What qualities of the old pilgrim do you admire?

   The qualities of the old pilgrim that I admire are his wisdom, generosity, and foresight. He thought beyond his own needs and acted for the safety of others. Such selflessness is rare and valuable. His character teaches us the importance of responsibility towards the younger generation.

   
   

3. Have you ever received guidance that helped you?

   Guidance from elders has often helped me to avoid mistakes and succeed. Their experience provided me with shortcuts and safe methods. This support gave me confidence in difficult times. Just as the old pilgrim built a bridge, good guidance creates bridges in our own lives.

   
   

4. What lesson does this poem give to society?

   The lesson this poem gives to society is that those with knowledge must guide those who are inexperienced. When older people build paths of safety and opportunity, the entire community progresses. Without such help, each generation would struggle alone. The poem stresses the importance of shared responsibility.

   
   

5. Do you think youngsters should value the advice of elders? Why?

   Youngsters should value the advice of elders because it comes from experience and real-life learning. Elders can foresee problems that the young cannot. Their advice acts like a bridge across difficulties. Respecting their guidance saves time, effort, and suffering, making life easier and more successful.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The old pilgrim built a bridge before crossing the chasm.

   → False (He built it after crossing.)

   
   

2. The fellow pilgrim thought the bridge was a waste of time.

   → True

   
   

3. The old pilgrim built the bridge for himself.

   → False (He built it for the youth who would follow.)

   
   

4. The poem is metaphorical and symbolic in nature.

   → True

   
   

5. The young pilgrim was already present when the bridge was being built.

   → False (He was expected to come later.)

   
   

Probable Exam Questions

1. Why did the fellow pilgrim question the old man’s action?

   The fellow pilgrim questioned the old man because he had already crossed the chasm safely. To him, building a bridge seemed unnecessary and a waste of effort. He could not understand why someone would work for a path he would never use again. His question reflects a narrow way of thinking.

   
   

2. What reason did the old pilgrim give for building the bridge?The old pilgrim explained that a young traveler would follow the same path. The chasm, which was safe for him, might be dangerous for the inexperienced youth. He built the bridge not for himself but for the one who would come after him. His answer shows foresight and compassion.

   
   

3. What does the chasm in the poem represent?The chasm in the poem represents the difficulties, dangers, and pitfalls of life. It is a metaphor for the challenges that every generation must face. While the experienced may cross safely, the inexperienced may suffer. The bridge therefore represents guidance and support to overcome these struggles.

   
   

4. What message does the poem give to youngsters?The poem gives youngsters the message that they should value the efforts of elders. The bridges built by elders are in the form of advice, education, and traditions. Respecting these efforts helps the young to progress without repeating old mistakes. The message is that wisdom must be carried forward.

   
   

5. How is the poem an example of selfless service?

   The poem is an example of selfless service because the old pilgrim worked for someone else’s benefit. He knew he would not return, yet he spent his time building a bridge. His action was not for gain but for the safety of a stranger. Such service shows true humanity and greatness.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The poem The Pilgrim is a thoughtful and symbolic piece that praises selfless service. Through the act of the old pilgrim, the poet shows how experience should be used to guide the younger generation. The chasm becomes a metaphor for life’s dangers, and the bridge symbolizes wisdom and help. The fellow pilgrim represents ordinary thinking, while the old man represents higher wisdom. The poem is memorable because of its simple language and deep message. It inspires us to be responsible and to contribute to the progress of others, even if we do not benefit personally.

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