3.1 The Plate of Gold - Std 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: James Henry Leigh Hunt

Genre: Narrative Poem / Moral Allegory

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem The Plate of Gold is a narrative verse that highlights true love for God through service to humanity. One day, a miraculous plate of gold fell in the temple of Benares with the inscription that it would belong to the person who loved God most. Priests invited claimants from all walks of life—nobles, scholars, monks, and holy men. Each narrated his good deeds and sacrifices, but when given the plate, it turned to lead, showing their love was false or self-seeking. This went on for two years. Finally, a poor peasant, unaware of the contest, entered the temple after comforting a blind, suffering beggar outside. When the priest gave him the plate, it shone brighter than ever. God declared him the true lover of mankind and hence of God. The poem teaches that sincere compassion is greater than showy acts.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem teaches that true love for God is reflected in love and service to fellow beings. Selfless compassion is valued above wealth, rituals, or fame.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Inversion – “There fell in great Benares’ temple-court a wondrous plate of gold” – Normal word order is changed.

   
   

2. Metaphor – The plate of gold symbolizes God’s recognition of true devotion.

   
   

3. Alliteration – “So far another twelve month sat the priests and judged” – Repetition of ‘s’ sound.

   
   

4. Climax – The story builds suspense as many claimants fail before the peasant succeeds.

   
   

5. Irony – Rich and holy men failed, while a poor peasant received the gift.

Rhyme Scheme

The poem is a narrative poem in free verse, not following a fixed rhyme scheme.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What is the message of the poem The Plate of Gold?

   The poem conveys that true devotion to God lies in serving humanity. Outward rituals and fame cannot replace genuine compassion. The message inspires us to live with humility and kindness. It tells us that love for mankind is love for God.

   
   

2. Why did the plate turn to lead when others touched it?

   The plate turned to lead because their deeds were selfish or done for show. God’s gift could not be claimed by pride or pretence. This proves that only sincere love and compassion are accepted by God. It teaches us that honesty in actions matters most.

   
   

3. Why was the peasant chosen by God?

   The peasant was chosen because he truly cared for the suffering beggar outside the temple. His compassion was natural and selfless, without expecting any reward. His action reflected genuine love for mankind. God valued his simple kindness above all rituals.

   
   

4. What lesson do you learn from the beggars outside the temple?

   The beggars outside the temple show that true service to God is in helping the needy. Many gave them alms but ignored their pain. This shows that charity without compassion is meaningless. The beggars remind us to help with love, not just money.

   
   

5. How does this poem inspire you in your daily life?

   The poem inspires me to value sincerity and compassion in everyday life. It teaches me that small acts of kindness are greater than showy deeds. Serving others selflessly is the true form of worship. It motivates me to live with empathy and humility.

True or False (5)

1. The golden plate fell from heaven in the temple of Benares. → True

   
   

2. The first claimant kept the plate successfully. → False (It turned to lead.)

   
   

3. The beggars outside the temple were helped with love and care. → False (They received coins but no compassion.)

   
   

4. The peasant comforted a blind, suffering beggar. → True

   
   

5. The plate finally shone brighter than before in the peasant’s hands. → True

Probable Exam Questions (5)

1. What does the plate of gold symbolize in the poem?

   The plate of gold symbolizes God’s approval and recognition of true devotion. It is a test to find out who loves God most. The changing of gold to lead shows falsehood, while its shine for the peasant shows sincerity.

   
   

2. How were the claimants tested for the gift of God?

   The claimants were asked to narrate their good deeds before priests. Those who claimed to love God most were given the plate. But when they touched it, it turned to lead. This tested whether their love was true or false.

   
   

3. Why did the gifts and deeds of nobles and priests fail?

   Their deeds failed because they were done for pride, name, and recognition. They gave charity but without genuine compassion. The poem shows that service without love is empty. Hence, Heaven rejected their claims.

   
   

4. What qualities of the peasant made him deserving of the plate?

   The peasant was humble, kind, and compassionate. He helped the blind beggar out of pure love. He did not seek recognition or reward. His sincerity reflected the highest devotion to God. These qualities made him deserving.

   
   

5. What moral lesson does the poem leave for mankind?

   The poem leaves the lesson that “Service to man is service to God.” True love for God is proved by helping fellow beings with kindness. Compassion is the greatest virtue, and God rewards it above all rituals or wealth.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Plate of Gold by Leigh Hunt is a narrative poem with a strong moral message. The poem narrates the story of a heavenly gift meant for one who truly loves God. Through suspense and irony, it shows how outwardly religious or wealthy people failed, while a humble peasant succeeded. The imagery of beggars and the transformation of the plate create a powerful effect. Its moral, that selfless love for fellow beings is the highest form of devotion, makes it timeless. The poem is memorable for its simplicity, humanity, and message of true spirituality.

About BhashaLab

BhashaLab is a dynamic platform dedicated to the exploration and mastery of languages - operating both online and offline. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), we offer language education that emphasizes measurable learning outcomes and recognized, transferable credits.

We offer:

1. NEP alligned offline language courses for degree colleges - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

2. NEP alligned offline language courses for schools - English, Sanskrit, Marathi and Hindi

3. Std VIII, IX and X - English and Sanskrit Curriculum Tuitions - All boards

4. International English Olympiad Tuitions - All classes

5. Basic and Advanced English Grammar - Offline and Online - Class 3 and above

6. English Communication Skills for working professionals, adults and students - Offline and Online

Contact: +91 86577 20901, +91 97021 12044

Mail: info@bhashalab.com

Website: www.bhashalab.com