3.4 The Will to Win - Class 10 - Kumarbharati

Aug 9
4 min read

Poet: Berton Braley

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Genre: Inspirational / Motivational Poem

Summary

The poem conveys that to achieve success, one must possess an unshakable will to win. The poet describes the qualities needed – working day and night, sacrificing comfort, and focusing all thoughts and efforts towards the goal. Challenges like poverty, sickness, pain, or opposition should not stop a determined person. The poet emphasises persistence, courage, faith, hope, and wisdom in the pursuit of one’s aim. If these qualities are combined with faith in God, success is certain.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is that determination, hard work, and persistence are the keys to success. Sacrifice and focus, along with mental strength and the blessings of God, help one overcome any obstacles.

Word Meanings

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Scheme	Plan of action
Fret	Worry or feel anxious
Sagacity	Wisdom and good judgement
Pertinacity	Firm determination
Famished	Extremely hungry
Gaunt	Very thin due to hunger or illness
Grim	Serious or unyielding
Besiege	Surround or press on all sides
Beset	Trouble or threaten persistently

Figures of Speech

Line from Poem	Figure of Speech	Explanation
“If you gladly sweat for, fret for and plan for it”	Tautology	Similar ideas (sweat, fret, plan) expressed in different ways.
“With all of your capacity, strength and sagacity”	Climax	Ideas arranged in ascending order of importance.
“Neither cold nor poverty, famished nor gaunt”	Antithesis	Contrasting ideas like cold and poverty presented together.
“Besiege and beset it”	Alliteration	Repetition of the ‘b’ sound.
“If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it”	Repetition	The word ‘for it’ is repeated for emphasis.

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive:

If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it.

→ Infinitive: to go out – expresses purpose.

Q2. Change to indirect speech:

The poet said, “With the help of God you’ll get it.”

→ The poet said that with the help of God we would get it.

Q3. Identify the modal:

You’ll get it.

→ Modal: will – expresses certainty.

Q4. Rewrite in present continuous tense:

They worked day and night for it.

→ They are working day and night for it.

Q5. Frame a Wh-question:

The poet advises us to have pertinacity.

→ What does the poet advise us to have?

Personal Response Questions

Q1. Why is will-power important in achieving success?

→ Will-power is important because it helps a person stay focused and determined, even when facing challenges. It drives individuals to keep working towards their goals without giving up, making success more attainable.

Q2. How can obstacles like poverty or illness be overcome according to the poem?→ Obstacles like poverty or illness can be overcome through persistence, courage, and faith. The poet believes that determination and strong will can push a person forward despite hardships.

Q3. Which line from the poem inspires you the most and why?

→ The line “With the help of God you’ll get it” inspires me the most because it combines human effort with divine faith. It reminds us that success requires both determination and blessings.

True or False

The poet advises avoiding hard work to save energy. → False
The poem says that fear of opposition must be removed. → True
The poet believes God plays no role in success. → False

Probable Board Questions

Q1. According to the poet, what should one be ready to sacrifice for success?

→ According to the poet, one should be ready to sacrifice time, peace, and sleep for the sake of the goal. Success demands complete dedication and willingness to give up comfort.

Q2. What qualities are essential for achieving any goal in life?

→ The essential qualities include hard work, persistence, courage, hope, faith, and wisdom. These help an individual face difficulties and remain focused until the goal is achieved.

Q3. How does the poet describe the attitude towards opposition?

→ The poet advises losing all fear of opposition. Instead of being discouraged by it, one should face it with determination and treat it as a challenge to overcome.

Q4. How does faith in God contribute to success according to the poet?

→ Faith in God, according to the poet, provides strength and confidence during struggles. It assures the person that with divine support, success is certain.

Appreciation of the Poem

The Will to Win by Berton Braley is an inspiring poem written in free verse. It emphasises that success is the result of hard work, sacrifice, and persistent effort. The repetition of the word “if” at the beginning of lines creates a rhythmic and motivating tone. The poet uses figures of speech like Climax, Tautology, and Alliteration to enhance the message. The language is simple yet powerful, making the message clear for all readers. The poem appeals to me because it motivates us to work hard and keep our faith alive in the journey to success.

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