2.4. Please Listen! - My English Coursebook - Std 9 - Marathi and Semi-English Medium - Maharashtra Board

Section 1: Chapter Information / पाठ परिचय

मराठी टीप: हा पाठ MSBSHSE मार्गदर्शक तत्त्वांनुसार शालेय परीक्षेत येतो. ही एक अतिशय सुंदर कविता आहे, ज्यामध्ये किशोरवयीन मुलांच्या भावना आणि मोठ्यांकडून फक्त 'ऐकून घेण्याची' अपेक्षा व्यक्त केली आहे.

Section 2: About the Poet / कवी परिचय

The poem "Please Listen!" is written by an anonymous poet, simply credited as 'Author Unknown'. Despite the lack of a specific identity, the poet represents the universal, authentic voice of teenagers or young adults seeking empathy, understanding, and validation from their parents or elders. The writing style is highly conversational, direct, and written in free verse, which perfectly captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of a person who just wants to be heard without being judged or immediately advised.  

मराठी टीप: या कवितेचे कवी अज्ञात (Unknown) आहेत. ही कविता म्हणजे किशोरवयीन मुलांच्या मनातील भावना आणि मोठ्यांकडून असलेल्या त्यांच्या अपेक्षांचे प्रामाणिक प्रतिनिधित्व करते. कवितेची भाषा अत्यंत सोपी आणि संवादात्मक आहे.  

Exam Tip: Poet introduction may be asked as part of Poem Appreciation (5 marks) or as a short answer (2 marks).

Section 3: Full Text / पूर्ण कविता

Stanza 1:

Stanza 2:

Stanza 3:

Stanza 4:

Section 4: Stanza-wise Meaning / कडव्यांचा अर्थ  

Stanza 1:  

English Meaning: The speaker expresses frustration when they ask someone simply to listen, but instead receive unwanted advice, invalidation of their feelings, or immediate attempts to solve their problems. To the speaker, these reactions feel like their feelings are being trampled on and that the listener has failed them.

मराठी अर्थ: जेव्हा वक्ता कोणालातरी फक्त आपले म्हणणे ऐकून घेण्याची विनंती करतो, पण समोरचा व्यक्ती न मागता सल्ला देऊ लागतो किंवा समस्या सोडवण्याचा प्रयत्न करतो, तेव्हा वक्त्याला असे वाटते की त्याच्या भावना पायदळी तुडवल्या जात आहेत. Exam Tip: Expect a short answer question on why the speaker feels "failed" by the listener.  

Stanza 2:  

English Meaning: The poet clearly states that all they want is for the other person to just hear them without talking or doing anything. Advice is easily available everywhere (like in newspaper columns), and the speaker reminds the listener that while they might be discouraged, they are certainly not helpless and can handle their own life.

मराठी अर्थ: वक्त्याला फक्त आपले म्हणणे शांतपणे ऐकून घ्यावे असे वाटते. वर्तमानपत्रातही अगदी स्वस्तात सल्ले मिळतात (advice is cheap). वक्ता निराश असू शकतो, पण तो असहाय्य (helpless) नक्कीच नाही. Exam Tip: Questions on the phrase "Advice is cheap" are very common in the exam.  

Stanza 3:

English Meaning: Doing things for the speaker that they should do themselves only makes them feel inadequate and fearful. However, if the listener simply accepts the speaker's irrational feelings, the speaker can stop arguing and start figuring out the root cause of those feelings on their own.

मराठी अर्थ: जी कामे आपण स्वतः करू शकतो ती कामे जेव्हा दुसरी व्यक्ती करते, तेव्हा आपल्यातील भीती आणि अपुरेपणा (inadequacy) वाढतो. जर आपल्या भावनांना (जरी त्या अतार्किक असल्या तरी) समोरच्याने स्वीकारले, तर आपल्याला त्या भावनांमागचे खरे कारण स्वतःच शोधता येते. Exam Tip: Focus on the vocabulary words like 'inadequacy' and 'irrational' for MCQ or Fill-in-the-blanks.  

Stanza 4:

English Meaning: The speaker compares a good listener to God, noting that prayer works because God is silent; He just listens and lets people solve their own problems. Finally, the speaker requests the listener to just hear them out, promising that when it is their turn to speak, the speaker will gladly listen back.

मराठी अर्थ: देवाची प्रार्थना केल्यावर आपल्याला बरे वाटते, कारण देव मूक (mute) असतो. तो सल्ला न देता फक्त आपले ऐकून घेतो. शेवटी वक्ता म्हणतो की, "आधी माझे ऐकून घ्या, मग तुमची वेळ आल्यावर मी नक्की तुमचे ऐकेन". Exam Tip: Often asked as a 2-mark question: Why does prayer work for some people?  

Section 5: Poetic Devices / काव्यात्मक उपकरणे

मराठी टीप: Figures of Speech हे Poem Appreciation मध्ये विचारले जातात. किमान 3 सांगणे आवश्यक आहे.

Section 6: Central Theme and Values / केंद्रीय भाव आणि मूल्ये

6A. Theme Table / विषय सारणी

6B. Values / मूल्ये

• Active Listening (उत्तम श्रोता बनणे): We must learn to listen with empathy rather than jumping in with unasked advice.  

• Respecting Boundaries (मर्यादांचा आदर): Doing things for others that they can do themselves contributes to their inadequacy.  

• Patience (संयम): Waiting for one's turn to speak and letting others figure out their own problems.  

6C. Central Message / केंद्रीय संदेश

The central message is that true listening requires patience, silence, and acceptance; giving unsolicited advice or trying to fix someone's problems often makes them feel helpless and unheard.

मराठी टीप: खऱ्या अर्थाने ऐकणे म्हणजे न मागता सल्ला देणे नव्हे. समोरच्या व्यक्तीला फक्त आपले म्हणणे मांडायचे असते, तिला आपण समजून घ्यावे हाच या कवितेचा संदेश आहे.  

Section 7: Poem Appreciation / कविता कौतुक

Model Poem Appreciation (5 Marks)

The poem 'Please Listen!' is written by an anonymous poet ('Author Unknown').  

The title is a direct, emotional plea from the speaker, indicating a strong desire to simply be heard and understood by someone close to them.

The poem is written in free verse.

RHYME SCHEME: The poem is written in free verse and does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme or regular rhythm. The length of the lines varies, giving it a natural, conversational tone.  

FIGURES OF SPEECH:

1. The poet uses Repetition in the lines 'When I ask you to listen to me'. This phrase is repeated at the beginning of several stanzas to emphasize the speaker's deep frustration and desperate plea.  

2. The poet uses Metaphor in the line 'you are trampling on my feelings'. It indirectly compares ignoring someone's emotions to violently crushing something underfoot.  

3. The poet uses Alliteration in the line 'that I feel what I feel'. The repetition of the consonant sound 'f' creates a poetic effect.  

THEME: The central theme of the poem is the profound importance of active listening and empathy. The poet explains that when people share their problems, they don't always want cheap advice or immediate solutions; they simply want their feelings to be acknowledged and accepted so they can work things out for themselves.  

FAVOURITE LINES: My favourite lines from the poem are: "Perhaps that's why prayer works, sometimes, for some people-because God is mute," I like these lines because they present a very unique and comforting perspective on prayer. It shows that sometimes silence and a listening ear are more powerful and healing than the best advice.  

मराठी टीप — कविता कौतुक कसे लिहावे:

Rhyme Scheme: या कवितेत यमक जुळत नाही, ती 'Free verse' (मुक्तछंद) मध्ये आहे असे लिहा.

Figures of Speech: निदान 3 — नाव + ओळ + परिणाम (उदा. Repetition, Metaphor).

Favourite Lines: 2-3 ओळी + का आवडल्या ते 2-3 वाक्यांत.

Section 8: Extract-Based Questions / उताऱ्यावर आधारित प्रश्न

Extract 1

Q.(A)(i) State True or False: (2 marks)

1. The speaker is very happy when they receive advice. — False

2. The speaker wants their problems to be solved immediately. — False

3. Telling someone why they shouldn't feel a certain way is compared to trampling on their feelings. — True

4. The speaker feels failed when the listener tries to do something to solve the problem. — True

     

मराठी टीप: उताऱ्यातील माहितीवरूनच उत्तर द्या. वक्त्याला सल्ला नको आहे आणि कोणी त्याची समस्या सोडवावी असेही त्याला वाटत नाही.  

Q.(A)(ii) Choose the correct alternative: (2 marks)

1. When the listener starts giving advice, they have ________. (a) done exactly what was asked (b) not done what the speaker asked (c) made the speaker laugh (d) understood the speaker completely Answer: (b)  

2. 'Trampling' in the poem refers to ________. (a) dancing happily (b) walking slowly (c) crushing or ignoring someone's emotions (d) listening carefully Answer: (c)  

Q.(B)(i) Answer in 2-3 sentences: (2 marks) Why does the speaker feel that the listener has failed them?

Answer: The speaker feels failed because instead of simply listening, the listener feels obligated to "do something" to solve the problem. The speaker does not want solutions; they just want a patient ear, and the listener's attempt to fix things completely ignores the speaker's actual request.

मराठी टीप: ऐकणाऱ्याने समस्या सोडवण्याचा प्रयत्न केल्यास वक्त्याला निराश वाटते, कारण त्याला केवळ आपले म्हणणे ऐकून घ्यावे असे वाटत असते.  

Q.(B)(ii) Answer in 3-4 sentences (Personal Response): (2 marks)

What do you usually do when a friend shares their problems with you?

Answer: When a friend shares their problems with me, I usually try to listen to them patiently without interrupting. I realize that they often just need to vent their emotions and feel supported. Only if they explicitly ask for my opinion or help do I offer any advice.

मराठी टीप: मित्र-मैत्रिणीने अडचण सांगितल्यावर तुम्ही काय करता? स्वतःचे मत इंग्रजीत सोप्या वाक्यांत लिहा (उदा. मी शांतपणे ऐकून घेतो/घेते).

Extract 2

Q.(A)(i) State True or False: (2 marks)  

1. Accepting irrational feelings prevents the speaker from finding answers. — False  

2. The speaker wants to stop trying to convince the listener. — True  

3. According to the poet, God gives the best advice during prayer. — False  

4. Irrational feelings make sense when we understand their root cause. — True  

मराठी टीप: कवितेनुसार देव मूक (mute) आहे आणि तो कोणताही सल्ला देत नाही. त्यामुळे तिसरे विधान चुकीचे आहे.  

Q.(A)(ii) Choose the correct alternative: (2 marks)

1. When irrational feelings are accepted as a simple fact, the speaker can ________. (a) start crying (b) stop trying to convince the listener (c) ask for more advice (d) get very angry Answer: (b)  

2. The poet suggests that God is ________. (a) angry (b) talkative (c) mute and just listens (d) full of advice Answer: (c)  

Q.(B)(i) Answer in 2-3 sentences: (2 marks)

Why does prayer work for some people, according to the poet?

Answer: According to the poet, prayer works for some people because God is mute; He does not interrupt, give advice, or try to fix things. God simply listens patiently, which allows the person praying to process their emotions and work things out for themselves. मराठी टीप: कवीच्या मते प्रार्थना का कामी येते? कारण देव शांतपणे फक्त आपले ऐकून घेतो, कोणताही सल्ला देत नाही, ज्यामुळे आपल्याला स्वतःचा मार्ग स्वतः शोधता येतो.  

Q.(B)(ii) Answer in 3-4 sentences (Personal Response): (2 marks)

Do you think all feelings, even irrational ones, should be respected? Why?

Answer: Yes, I believe all feelings should be respected, even if they seem completely irrational to others. Emotions are natural human reactions, and dismissing them only creates frustration. Respecting them gives the person a safe space to calm down and logically understand why they are feeling that way, just as the poet mentions. मराठी टीप: अतार्किक (irrational) भावनांचाही आदर का करावा? कारण भावना नैसर्गिक असतात आणि त्यांना समजून घेतल्यावरच त्यामागचे खरे कारण शोधता येते. (स्वमत).  

Section 9: Short Answer Questions / लघु उत्तरे

(2-3 marks · 3-5 sentences)

Q1. Why does the speaker say "Advice is cheap"?

Answer: The speaker says "Advice is cheap" because unsolicited opinions and solutions are extremely easy to get. The poet points out that for just 20 cents, one can buy a newspaper and read advice columns from experts like Dear Abby and Billy Graham. What is truly rare and valuable, however, is a person willing to just sit and actively listen without judging.

मराठी टीप: सल्ला स्वस्त का आहे? कारण वर्तमानपत्रात अगदी कमी पैशांत भरपूर सल्ले मिळतात. न मागता सल्ला देणे सोपे असते, पण शांतपणे ऐकून घेणारे क्वचितच मिळतात.  

Q2. How does the listener's attempt to "do something" affect the speaker?

Answer: When the listener tries to do something for the speaker that the speaker can and needs to do for themselves, it negatively affects the speaker. It makes them feel helpless and strips away their confidence. Ultimately, such unasked help only contributes to the speaker's feelings of fear and inadequacy.

मराठी टीप: ऐकणाऱ्याने काम स्वतः केल्यास वक्त्यावर काय परिणाम होतो? वक्त्याची स्वतःची कामे दुसऱ्याने केल्यास त्याच्यात भीती आणि अपुरेपणाची (inadequacy) भावना वाढते.  

Q3. What happens when the listener simply accepts the speaker's irrational feelings?

Answer: When the listener accepts the speaker's feelings as a simple fact, regardless of how irrational they are, the speaker no longer feels the need to argue or defend themselves. They can stop trying to convince the listener and focus their energy on understanding what is causing those irrational feelings in the first place.

मराठी टीप: जेव्हा समोरची व्यक्ती अतार्किक भावना स्वीकारते, तेव्हा वक्ता स्वतःला सिद्ध करण्याचा प्रयत्न थांबवतो आणि त्या भावनांमागचे कारण शोधायला लागतो.  

Q4. What promise does the speaker make to the listener at the end of the poem? 

Answer: At the end of the poem, the speaker asks the listener to just wait a minute for their turn if they really want to talk. The speaker makes a firm promise that once they have been fully heard and understood, they will gladly return the favour and listen to the other person.

मराठी टीप: कवितेच्या शेवटी वक्ता काय वचन देतो? वक्ता सांगतो की जर तुम्हाला बोलायचे असेल तर थोडी वाट पाहा, माझी वेळ संपल्यावर मी नक्की तुमचे ऐकून घेईन.  

Section 10: Long Answer Questions / दीर्घ उत्तरे

(4-5 marks · 8-10 sentences)

Q1. Discuss the central theme and values highlighted in the poem "Please Listen!".

Answer: The central theme of the poem "Please Listen!" revolves around the universal human need for empathy, validation, and a non-judgmental ear. The speaker articulates a very common frustration: when people share their emotional burdens, listeners often rush to give unsolicited advice, invalidate the feelings, or try to solve the problem for them. The poem argues that such reactions make the speaker feel inadequate, fearful, and misunderstood.  

The core value promoted here is 'Active Listening'. The poet beautifully compares a good listener to a mute God who simply listens and allows the individual the mental space to figure out their own solutions. Additionally, the poem highlights the value of 'Self-Reliance'. The speaker asserts that they might be discouraged, but they are not helpless; they just need their irrational feelings to be accepted as facts. Ultimately, the poem teaches us that true emotional support comes from offering silent, patient companionship rather than cheap advice.  

मराठी टीप (दीर्घ उत्तर कसे रचावे):

1. सुरुवात: कवितेचा मुख्य विषय (Theme) सहानुभूती आणि शांतपणे ऐकून घेण्याची गरज हा आहे.  

2. मुख्य मुद्दे:

   • लोक जेव्हा प्रश्न सांगतात, तेव्हा त्यांना सल्ला नको असतो, त्यांना फक्त समजून घ्यावे अशी अपेक्षा असते.  

   • न मागता दिलेला सल्ला किंवा मदत ही माणसामध्ये अपुरेपणा (inadequacy) निर्माण करते.  

   • उत्तम श्रोता देवासारखा (mute God) शांत असावा.  

3. शेवट: खऱ्या आधारासाठी सल्ल्याची नाही, तर ऐकून घेण्याची (Active listening) आणि स्वावलंबनाची (Self-reliance) गरज असते, हे यातून स्पष्ट होते.  

Q2. What is the poet's message regarding 'irrational feelings' and how is it relevant to today's generation?

Answer: In the poem "Please Listen!", the poet conveys a profound psychological message regarding 'irrational feelings'. The poet asserts that people often experience emotions that seem completely illogical to outsiders. However, if listeners try to argue against these feelings or tell the person why they shouldn't feel that way, it feels like they are "trampling" on those emotions. The message is clear: irrational feelings begin to make sense only when they are calmly accepted, which allows the person to look behind the emotion and find the root cause on their own.  

This message is incredibly relevant to today's generation, especially teenagers and young adults. In our fast-paced modern world, everyone is quick to judge, comment, or offer instant "fixes" on social media or in real life. Teenagers often feel stressed, misunderstood, and discouraged. They don't need adults to constantly solve their problems or dismiss their anxieties as 'childish'. Instead, they need a safe, silent space where they can vent freely. By simply listening, we empower them to overcome their inadequacy and discover their own obvious answers.  

मराठी टीप (दीर्घ उत्तर मार्गदर्शन):

1. सुरुवात: अतार्किक (irrational) भावनांबद्दल कवीचा संदेश खूप महत्त्वाचा आहे. या भावनांना विरोध केल्यास माणसाला दुखावले जाते.  

2. मुख्य स्पष्टीकरण:

   • भावनांचा स्वीकार केल्यावरच माणसाला त्यामागील सत्य (root cause) शोधता येते आणि उत्तरे आपोआप मिळतात.  

   • आजच्या पिढीसाठी हा विचार खूप गरजेचा आहे, कारण आजकाल लोक लगेच न्यायनिवाडा (judge) करतात किंवा सल्ले देतात.

3. शेवट: किशोरवयीन मुलांना आज स्वतःचे प्रश्न सोडवण्यासाठी फक्त शांतपणे ऐकून घेणाऱ्या (safe, silent space) पालकांची आणि मित्रांची गरज आहे, हे यातून सिद्ध होते.  

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