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    2.4. Have you Earned your Tomorrow - Class 12 - English Yuvakbharati

    • Mar 1
    • 4 min read

    Updated: Mar 6

     Author: Edgar Guest | Genre: Poetry


    1. Comprehensive Glossary

    Word

    Meaning (English)

    Meaning (Hindi)

    Cheerful

    Noticeably happy and optimistic


    हंसमुख / प्रसन्न

    Churlish

    Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way


    अशिष्ट / रूखा

    Throng

    A large, densely packed crowd of people


    भीड़

    Grateful

    Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness


    आभारी / कृतज्ञ

    Utter

    Complete; absolute


    पूर्ण / बोलना

    Dread

    Anticipate with great apprehension or fear


    डर / भय

    Vanished

    Disappeared suddenly and completely


    गायब हो गया

    Selfish

    Lacking consideration for others


    स्वार्थी

    Deed

    An action that is performed intentionally


    कार्य / कर्म

    Kindly

    In a kind manner


    दयालुता से

    Passed

    Moved in a specified direction


    गुज़रा

    Greeting

    A polite word or sign of welcome


    अभिवादन

    Wasted

    Used or expended carelessly


    व्यर्थ

    Improved

    Having become better in quality


    सुधरा हुआ

    Contented

    Willing to accept something; satisfied


    संतुष्ट

    2. Introduction & Summary

    Ice Breakers:

    1. Discuss different ways to help others, such as donating clothes, teaching a skill, or simply offering a kind word to someone in distress.


    2. Reflect on the proverb: "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today" and how it applies to doing good deeds.


    Summary: "Have you Earned your Tomorrow" is an inspirational poem by Edgar Guest, known as the "people’s poet" for his simple and optimistic style. The poem functions as a series of self-reflective questions posed to the reader. The speaker asks whether we have done anything today to improve the life of another human being.


    The poem contrasts selfish, hurried interactions with meaningful, kind encounters. It questions if we were "churlish" in the crowd or if we left a "trail of kindness". The central theme is that our future—our "tomorrow"—is earned through the good deeds we perform today. It suggests that God may only grant us another day if we have used the current one to be of service to others. Ultimately, it encourages readers to live each day so that they can look back and know they made a positive difference.


    4. HSC Board Activity Sheet Pattern (Poetry Section)


    Part A: Appreciation of Poem (Q3-B Pattern)

    • About the Poem / Poet / Title: The poem is written by Edgar Guest, an American writer celebrated for his simple, relatable style. The title "Have you Earned your Tomorrow" is a provocative question that immediately sets the instructional and moral tone of the piece.


    • The Theme: The central theme is the importance of daily kindness and social responsibility. It posits that a person's "tomorrow" is a reward from God for helpfulness shown to others today.


    • Poetic Style: The poem is written in a simple, direct style with an optimistic tone. It relies heavily on Interrogation (rhetorical questions) to engage the reader's conscience.


    • Figures of Speech:

      1. Alliteration: "Was a greeting gay," where the 'g' sound is repeated for musical effect.


      2. Interrogation: "Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the poet's point.


      3. Synecdoche: "Did you waste the day, or lose it," where 'day' represents the opportunities and actions within that time.


    • Message / Values / Morals: The message is that one's life is measured by the happiness they bring to others. It values selflessness, small acts of kindness, and the continuous effort to be a "better" person each day.


    • Your Opinion: In my opinion, the poem is a powerful reminder that in our busy lives, we often forget the human element. Its simple language makes its profound moral lesson accessible to everyone.


    Part B: Poetic Creativity (2 Marks)

    • Topic 1: A Kind Word -> A word of hope, a gentle smile, Can help a soul for many a mile. It costs us nothing, yet gives so much, To heal a heart with a kindly touch.


    • Topic 2: Helping a Stranger -> In the middle of the busy throng, Help a brother find where he belongs. A heavy load is lightened fast, When selfless love is shared at last.


    • Topic 3: My Future Goal -> I'll plant a seed of peace today, To watch it bloom along my way. To earn my rest when sun descends, And be a blessing to my friends.


    • Topic 4: Good Deeds -> The sun goes down, the day is through, Ask yourself, "What did I do?" Did I leave a light or leave a blur? Did I help a heart to gently stir?


    • Topic 5: Earning Tomorrow -> God watches how we spend our hours, If we use our will and all our powers. To lift a spirit, to right a wrong, And make the weak feel brave and strong.


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