4.3 The Bees - Class 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: William Shakespeare (extract)

Genre: Reflective / Allegorical Poem

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem The Bees by William Shakespeare presents honeybees as a model of discipline and organisation. The poet compares their orderly life to that of human society. Each bee performs a role: magistrate bees maintain law, merchant bees trade, soldier bees protect the hive, mason bees build, and porter bees carry loads. The emperor bee supervises the work, while lazy drones are punished. The hive is like a well-governed kingdom where everyone contributes. The poet suggests that human beings can learn unity, discipline, and responsibility from the bees. The poem beautifully conveys that harmony in work leads to collective success and prosperity.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is that bees symbolize an ideal society where everyone works with discipline and unity. The poem teaches that humans must live in an organised, responsible manner for progress.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Simile – “Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad” – comparison using like.

   
   

2. Metaphor – The hive is compared to a kingdom.

   
   

3. Personification – Bees are given human roles like magistrates, soldiers, and merchants.

   
   

4. Alliteration – “Singing masons building roofs of gold” – repetition of ‘s’ sound.

   
   

5. Onomatopoeia – “With his surly hum” – the sound imitates the bee’s hum.

   
   

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the poem is aa bb cc dd … (couplet pattern).

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What lesson do human beings learn from bees?

   Human beings learn discipline, hard work, and unity from bees. Just like bees divide their work and cooperate, humans must also contribute sincerely to society. Such harmony ensures growth and prosperity.

   
   

2. Do you agree that every member of society must do their duty? Why?

   Every member of society must do their duty because progress depends on collective effort. If some are lazy like drones, others must carry extra burden. Shared responsibility makes a community strong and successful.

   
   

3. Which role of the bees do you find most important? Why?

   The role of soldier bees is most important because they protect the hive from danger. Without security, no other work would be safe. Defence ensures the survival of the whole community.

   
   

4. What is your opinion about the punishment of the lazy drones?

   The punishment of drones shows that laziness is not tolerated in a hardworking society. Although the punishment is harsh, it reflects the importance of responsibility. It stresses that everyone must contribute to the common good.

   
   

5. How can human society become like the hive?

   Human society can become like the hive if people show discipline, honesty, and unity. Leaders must guide wisely like the emperor bee, and citizens must work sincerely. Only then can society progress in harmony.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Bees live in a disorganised manner. → False (They live in an organised way.)

   
   

2. Merchant bees venture abroad for trade. → True

   
   

3. Porter bees bring heavy burdens into the hive. → True

   
   

4. Drones are rewarded for their laziness. → False (They are punished with death.)

   
   

5. The emperor bee supervises all the work. → True

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. How does the poem compare the hive to a kingdom?

   The poem compares the hive to a kingdom where the emperor is the ruler. Magistrates, merchants, soldiers, and citizens represent different classes of society. Each one performs duties with order and discipline.

   
   

2. What roles are performed by different types of bees?

   Magistrate bees maintain law, merchant bees trade, soldier bees protect, mason bees build, porter bees carry burdens, and civilian bees knead honey. Each role contributes to the collective well-being of the hive.

   
   

3. What lesson does Shakespeare give through this poem?

   Shakespeare teaches that society should be organised like bees in a hive. Every member must work sincerely and fulfil responsibilities. Laziness leads to punishment, but unity brings prosperity.

   
   

4. What picture of discipline and order emerges in the poem?

   The poem presents a picture where every bee has a fixed duty. They work joyfully and bring results to the hive. Their discipline, teamwork, and dedication create an ideal society.

   
   

5. Why is the lazy drone punished in the poem?

   The lazy drone is punished because it contributes nothing to the hive. It enjoys benefits without working. This highlights that laziness and selfishness cannot be tolerated in a disciplined community.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Bees by Shakespeare is an allegorical poem that compares bees to a well-organised human society. Through vivid images, the poet presents bees as magistrates, merchants, soldiers, masons, and porters, all working sincerely. The emperor bee supervises, while the idle drone is punished. The poem’s language, rhythm, and personification bring the hive to life. Its moral—that unity, discipline, and hard work are essential for progress—remains timeless. It encourages readers to respect order and avoid laziness in society.

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