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    2.3 The Worm - Std 8th - Balbharati

    • Aug 20
    • 5 min read
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    Author: Thomas Gisborne

    Genre: Reflective Poem / Nature Poem

    Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

    Board: Maharashtra State Board

    English Summary


    The poem The Worm is a moral lesson in kindness towards all living beings. The poet requests readers to step aside and not crush a helpless worm, reminding us that even the smallest creatures are God’s creation. God, the Creator of sun, moon, stars, and earth, has given life and love equally to all beings, including worms. The grassy earth, fresh air, and natural blessings are meant for them as much as for humans. The poet emphasizes that humans have no right to destroy a life they cannot create. The worm, though small and lowly, has a rightful place in nature’s balance. The poem teaches us to live and let live, respecting all creatures as part of God’s creation.


    Theme / Central Idea


    The poem conveys the message of universal brotherhood and respect for all life. Even the smallest creatures deserve care and protection, for all beings share God’s love and creation.


    Word Meanings

    Word

    Meaning

    Hasty

    Hurried, careless

    Scornful

    Filled with hatred or contempt

    Deride

    Mock or make fun of

    Thy being

    Your life or existence

    Bestow’d

    Given as a gift

    Thee / Thou

    Old words for “you”

    Lowly

    Humble, simple

    Bliss

    Joy, happiness

    Canst

    Can (old usage)

    Portion

    Share or part

    Figures of Speech (with examples)


    1. Apostrophe 

      – “Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside” 

      – The poet directly addresses the reader.


    2. Alliteration 

      – “frame thy scornful looks deride” 

      – Repetition of ‘f’ and ‘l’ sounds.


    3. Inversion

      – “Requir’d a God to form” 

      – Normal word order changed for effect.


    4. Personification 

      – The worm is given human qualities of being “helpless” and worthy of scorn.


    5. Epigram 

      – “O do not lightly take away the life thou canst not give” – A universal truth expressed in poetic form.


    Rhyme Scheme

    The poem has a regular rhyme scheme: ABAB in each stanza.


    Personal Response Questions (5)


    1. Why does the poet appeal to protect even a worm?

      The poet appeals to protect even a worm because it is also God’s creation. Though small and weak, it plays its role in nature. Destroying its life is unjust since humans cannot create life themselves. The message is to value every form of life.


    2. What lesson do you learn from the line “The life thou canst not give”?

      The line teaches that humans should not destroy life recklessly. Life is sacred and only God can create it. Since we cannot give life, we have no right to take it away. This lesson inspires humility and responsibility.


    3. Why do you think God created worms?

      God created worms to maintain balance in nature. Worms enrich the soil, help farmers, and recycle organic matter. Their small role has great ecological importance. They remind us that every creature, big or small, has a purpose.


    4. How is the poem connected to the idea ‘Live and Let Live’?

      The poem supports the idea by asking humans not to crush worms or take away lives needlessly. It reminds us that the earth belongs equally to all creatures. Respecting the right of every being ensures harmony. This reflects the principle of co-existence.


    5. What message does this poem give society?

      The poem gives society the message of compassion and respect towards all creatures. It urges us to treat every being as part of God’s family. Protecting even small creatures ensures ecological balance. The message is to live with kindness and responsibility.


    True or False (5)


    1. The poet tells us to crush the worm without pity.

      → False (He asks us to protect it.)


    2. God created the sun, moon, stars, and all creatures.

      → True


    3. The worm is shown as a useless creature in the poem.

      → False (It is given equal importance.)


    4. The poet says the worm should enjoy its short life.

      → True


    5. The poem conveys the message of respecting only humans.

      → False (It is about respecting all life.)


    Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)


    1. Why should we respect even a small worm?

      We should respect even a small worm because it is also God’s creation. The worm has a rightful place in nature. Though it looks weak, it contributes to ecological balance. Respecting it shows respect for life itself.


    2. What role do worms play in nature?

      Worms play an important role by enriching the soil and helping plants grow. They recycle waste into useful fertilizer. Farmers call them their friends for this reason. Their role proves that even tiny creatures are essential.


    3. How does the poet remind us of God’s love for all creatures?

      The poet reminds us by saying that God has bestowed His love equally on all beings. The sun, moon, stars, and earth are for worms as well as humans. This proves that God’s blessings are not limited. Every creature shares them equally.


    4. Explain the thought in the lines: “O do not lightly take away the life thou canst not give.”

      These lines mean that humans should not kill carelessly. Since we cannot create life, we have no right to destroy it. Life is sacred and must be respected. The thought teaches humility and responsibility towards creation.


    5. What general message does the poem convey to mankind?

      The poem conveys the message of compassion, humility, and respect for all life. It tells us to value even the smallest beings as part of God’s family. Protecting nature ensures balance and harmony. The poem inspires moral responsibility.


    Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph


    The Worm is a simple yet powerful poem by Thomas Gisborne that emphasizes compassion for even the smallest creatures. The poet addresses the reader directly, urging kindness and respect for life. The worm becomes a symbol of humility, showing that all beings are equally loved by God. The poem’s imagery of sun, moon, stars, and grassy earth highlights the universality of nature’s blessings. Its regular rhyme and gentle tone make it memorable. The poem is significant because it carries a timeless moral: life is sacred, and we must live with kindness and responsibility towards all creatures.



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