2.5. Nose versus Eyes - Class 11 - English Yuvakbharati

Mar 19
4 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Author: William Cowper | Genre: Poetry (Humorous Allegory)

1. Comprehensive Glossary

Word	Meaning (English)	Meaning (Hindi)
Spectacles	A pair of glasses used to correct vision	चश्मा
Dispute	A disagreement, argument, or debate	विवाद / झगड़ा
Strife	Angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues	कलह / संघर्ष
Jurisprudence	The theory or philosophy of law	विधिशास्त्र
Wig	A covering for the head made of real or artificial hair, worn by judges	विग (नकली बालों का टोप)
Baron	A member of the lowest order of the British nobility (here, the Judge)	बैरन (न्यायाधीश)
Discern	Distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses	पहचानना / अंतर करना
Verdict	A decision on a disputed issue in a civil or criminal case	निर्णय / फैसला
Decreed	Formally stated or ordered	आदेश दिया
Solemn	Formal and dignified	गंभीर
Argument	A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others	तर्क
Counsel	A barrister or other legal adviser conducting a case	वकील / सलाहकार
Affidavit	A written statement confirmed by oath for use as evidence	शपथ पत्र
Consent	Permission for something to happen	सहमति
Stay Order	A court order to stop a judicial proceeding	स्थगन आदेश

2. Introduction & Summary

Ice Breakers:

Discuss the different adjectives used to describe sensory organs, such as "sharp" or "pointed" for a nose, and "beautiful" or "discerning" for eyes.
Reflect on legal terminology used in court, such as "Affidavit," "Verdict," and "Contempt of Court," and how they function in a trial.

Summary (200 Words):

"Nose versus Eyes" is a satirical and humorous poem by William Cowper, an 18th-century English poet. The poem uses an imaginary dispute between the Nose and the Eyes over the ownership of a pair of spectacles to mock the legal profession. The Tongue acts as the lawyer for the Nose, arguing with "learning and wit" that since the spectacles are designed with a "straddle" to fit the ridge of the nose, they clearly belong to it.

The Ear presides as the Chief Baron (Judge), wearing a professional wig to show his "discernment". Despite the fact that spectacles are meant for seeing, the court ignores the perspective of the Eyes. The Judge eventually delivers a "grave, solemn" verdict: whenever the Nose puts its spectacles on, the Eyes must be shut. This absurd conclusion highlights the poet's view that legal arguments can sometimes be logical in form but completely lacking in common sense.

4. HSC Board Activity Sheet Pattern (Poetry Section)

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

About the Poem / Poet / Title: Written by William Cowper, a poet known for his descriptions of everyday life and Nature. The title "Nose versus Eyes" frames the poem as a legal case, using sensory organs as characters to create a satirical allegory.
The Theme: The theme is the absurdity of some legal proceedings and the irony of justice. It mocks how legal logic can lead to a verdict that is fundamentally nonsensical.
Poetic Style: The poem follows a structured, rhythmic style that mimics the formal language of a courtroom. Cowper uses humor and personification to give life to the various body parts involved in the "trial".
Figures of Speech:
1. Personification: The Nose, Eyes, Tongue, and Ear are all given human roles (litigants, lawyer, and judge).
2. Inversion: "Between Nose and Eyes a strange contest arose," where the word order is changed for poetic effect.
3. Metaphor: The "straddle" of the spectacles is used as a metaphorical proof of ownership for the Nose.
Message / Values / Morals: The poem warns us that "blind" adherence to technical logic without considering the actual purpose of a thing can lead to injustice. It values common sense over hollow "professionalism".
Your Opinion: In my opinion, the poem is a brilliant piece of satire. It is funny to see the Tongue arguing for the Nose so skillfully while completely ignoring that Eyes are the ones who actually use spectacles.

Part B: Poetic Creativity (2 Marks)

Topic 1: The Discerning Eye ->
A window to the world so wide,
With secrets that they try to hide.
They catch the light of stars above,
And mirror back a heart of love.
Topic 2: The Silent Judge ->
He sits within his powder'd wig,
With matters small and matters big.
He listens to the tongue's sharp play,
To decide the ending of the day.
Topic 3: Justice is Blind ->
The scales are tilted to and fro,
By winds that only lawyers blow.
A verdict reached with solemn face,
That leaves the truth in a dark place.
Topic 4: The Spectacles' Tale ->
Two circles made of glass and gold,
With stories that are never told.
Bridging the gap on a sturdy face,
Finding a home in a resting place.
Topic 5: Sensory Harmony ->
The nose to smell, the eyes to see,
A perfect human symphony.
When organs fight for what they own,
The seeds of folly are surely sown.

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