3.4 Leisure - Std 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: William Henry Davies

Genre: Reflective / Lyric Poem

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem Leisure by William Henry Davies emphasizes the importance of slowing down and appreciating nature. The poet laments that modern life, filled with stress and worries, leaves no time to enjoy simple natural beauties. People are too busy to stand and admire trees, animals like cows and sheep, or watch squirrels hiding nuts. They fail to notice streams that sparkle like stars in daylight or observe the dance and smile of beauty in nature. According to the poet, such a life without leisure and appreciation of nature is “a poor life.” The poem urges readers to pause, reflect, and connect with the natural world, reminding us that true happiness comes not from constant busyness but from noticing life’s simple wonders.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea of the poem is that a life full of care and work but without leisure to appreciate nature is empty and poor. The poet stresses the value of pausing to admire beauty and live meaningfully.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Personification – “No time to turn at Beauty’s glance” – Beauty is personified as a lady.

   
   

2. Simile – “Streams full of stars, like skies at night” – Streams are compared to skies.

   
   

3. Alliteration – “stand and stare” – Repetition of ‘s’ sound.

   
   

4. Metaphor – “Enrich that smile her eyes began” – Nature’s beauty compared to a smiling maiden.

   
   

5. Interrogation – “What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?” – A rhetorical question stressing lack of leisure.

   
   

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is aa bb cc dd ee ff.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Why does the poet call our life ‘poor’?

   The poet calls life poor because it is filled only with worries and work, leaving no time for leisure. A life without appreciation of nature and beauty is empty. The richness of life lies in pausing and enjoying small wonders, not just in duties.

   
   

2. Do you think the poem relates to modern life? Why?

   The poem relates strongly to modern life because people today are always busy with jobs, technology, and responsibilities. They rarely stop to admire nature or enjoy leisure. The message is timeless as it warns against losing happiness in busyness.

   
   

3. What beauty of nature appeals to you most?

   The beauty of nature that appeals most to me is the sight of stars shining in the night sky. Their calm light brings peace and wonder. Watching such scenes makes life meaningful and refreshing.

   
   

4. What inspired the poet to write this poem?

   The poet was inspired by the busy and mechanical lives of people who ignored nature. He noticed how simple beauties like trees, streams, and animals went unseen. This neglect of nature led him to stress the need for leisure.

   
   

5. How can leisure enrich our life?

   Leisure can enrich our life by giving us peace, joy, and appreciation of beauty. It refreshes the mind and brings balance to work. By observing nature, one learns patience and happiness. Leisure thus makes life truly valuable.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The poet says that life full of worries but no leisure is poor.

   → True

   
   

2. Cows and sheep are mentioned standing beneath boughs.

   → True

   
   

3. Squirrels are shown building nests in the poem.

   → False (They are hiding nuts in grass.)

   
   

4. The streams sparkle like stars in daylight.

   → True

   
   

5. The poet praises a busy life as the richest life.

   → False (He calls it a poor life.)

   
   

Probable Exam Questions (5)

1. What is the main complaint of the poet in the poem Leisure?

   The poet complains that people live busy lives filled with worries and duties. They have no time to admire nature’s beauty. Such a life, according to him, is poor and meaningless.

   
   

2. What natural scenes are described in the poem?

   The poet describes trees with boughs, cows and sheep standing still, squirrels hiding nuts, and streams shining like stars. He also mentions the beauty of nature dancing and smiling. These images highlight simple joys we often miss.

   
   

3. Why does the poet use rhetorical questions in the poem?

   The poet uses rhetorical questions to emphasize his point. He is not expecting answers but stressing that modern life lacks leisure. This style makes readers reflect deeply on their own busy lives.

   
   

4. How does the poet describe Beauty in the poem?

   The poet personifies Beauty as a maiden who dances and smiles. This symbolizes the charm of nature and its ability to enrich life. By ignoring beauty, people miss true joy.

   
   

5. What moral does the poem teach?

   The poem teaches that leisure and appreciation of nature are essential for a rich life. Work without time for reflection makes life empty. True happiness lies in balancing duties with moments of calm and observation.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

Leisure by W.H. Davies is a reflective lyric that criticizes the hurried lifestyle of modern people. Through rhetorical questions, it stresses the emptiness of a life without leisure. Vivid imagery, like streams shining like stars and squirrels hiding nuts, creates lasting pictures of nature. The rhyme scheme adds musical quality, while personification makes nature lively. The poem’s central message—that leisure is essential for happiness—makes it universally relevant. It inspires readers to pause, admire, and live life more meaningfully.

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