A Day summary and exercise Class 12 English Notes | NEB

Before Reading

Answer the following questions:

a. What kind of day do you like: rainy, sunny, or foggy? Why?
Ans. I like all kinds of weather because experiencing only one type of weather all the time would become monotonous and uninteresting. Variety in weather makes life more enjoyable.

b. How does the sun tell us about different stages of a day?
Ans. Just like the stages of human life—childhood, adulthood, and old age—the sun signifies different stages of a day, from its rising in the morning to its setting in the evening.

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Understanding the Text

Answer the following questions:

a. How does the poet describe the morning sun in the first stanza?
Ans. The poet describes the sunrise as a gradual process, with rays appearing like bands or ribbons. The steeples are illuminated by sunlight, and the news of the rising sun spreads quickly across the landscape.

b. What does the line "The news like squirrels ran" mean?
Ans. The line compares the rapid spread of the sunrise’s news to the quick movement of squirrels. It emphasizes how quickly information about the sun’s arrival travels.

c. What do you understand by the line "The hills untied their bonnets"?
Ans. Before sunrise, the hills are covered in darkness, clouds, or snow. When the sun rises, it touches the hills with its rays, making them look beautiful. The phrase “untied their bonnets” metaphorically describes this transformation.

d. Is the speaker watching the morning sun? Why or why not?
Ans. Yes, the speaker is observing the sunrise. She notices the changing colors of the steeples, the hills “removing their bonnets,” and listens to birds singing. These observations confirm that she is actively watching the morning sun.

e. How does the sun set?
Ans. The poet describes the sunset as the purpling of the sky until it becomes completely dark. She does not know what happens afterward, reflecting the limits of human understanding.

Reference to the Context

a. What, according to the speaker, is a day?
Ans. According to the speaker, a day begins with sunrise, when the hills appear illuminated, birds sing, and people become active. It ends with sunset, as the sky turns purple and eventually dark. The day symbolizes the cycle of life, including birth, activity, and death.

b. What purpose does the hyphen in the first line serve in the poem?
Ans. In poetry, Emily Dickinson uses hyphens to indicate pauses longer than commas or semicolons, emphasize ideas, or allow the reader to fill in gaps imaginatively. The hyphen in the first line enhances the rhythm and creates space for reflection.

c. What makes this poem lyrical and sonorous?
Ans. The poem is lyrical because the poet expresses her personal feelings about observing the sunrise. It is sonorous due to the musical quality of the language, achieved through alliteration, assonance, rhyme, and rhythm, which make the poem melodious.

d. Who are the target audience of the speaker? Why?
Ans. The immediate target audience is children, who may have missed observing the sunrise. Philosophically, the poem addresses all humanity, symbolizing life’s journey from birth to death. The beautiful imagery invites readers to reflect on the cycle of life.

e. How would adults respond to this poem?
Ans. Adults may perceive the poem philosophically, understanding the metaphor of the day as life itself, with the sunrise representing birth, daily activities symbolizing life’s experiences, and sunset representing death.

Reference Beyond the Text

a. Observe your surroundings one fine morning and write a poem based on your experience.
Ans. Here is an example poem inspired by one’s surroundings:

My Surroundings
I look at my surroundings,
The paintings and pictures,
Some are good, some are bad,
Some are happy, some are sad.

They are doing sports or dancing,
Others are singing or laughing.
I wish I could join their happiness,
Singing and dancing every day.

But I find myself empty-handed,
The only joy comes from my one true love.
The rest is a constant grief,
Yet I carry on silently, unnoticed.

(Victoria Black)

b. Write a personal essay on A Day in the School

Ans. School life is often called the golden period of a person’s life because it is a time when habits, manners, skills, and lifelong memories are formed. I am a student of class twelve at a reputed school in Kathmandu, and every day at school feels like a journey of learning, enjoyment, and personal growth.

My school day begins at 9:30 a.m. with the ringing of the morning bell, signaling the assembly. All students gather in neat rows, dressed in their uniforms, standing attentively for the prayer session. The national anthem is sung with pride and respect, creating a sense of unity among all students. After the prayer, the principal or vice-principal delivers important announcements and updates about school events, achievements, and necessary instructions for the day. This morning routine helps set a disciplined and focused tone for the rest of the day.

Classes commence immediately after the assembly, each lasting 45 minutes. Every subject is taught with care and attention by experienced teachers, who not only provide knowledge but also encourage critical thinking and active participation. Students are allowed to ask questions, share ideas, and take part in discussions, which makes learning interactive and enjoyable. Between classes, we have short breaks and a longer recess during which we go to the school canteen for refreshments or spend time on the playground. During this time, students laugh, talk, and bond with their friends, sharing small incidents, jokes, and experiences. This social interaction is an essential part of school life and teaches us teamwork, empathy, and communication skills.

Apart from academics, our school emphasizes extracurricular activities such as sports, debates, arts, and cultural programs. Participation in these activities helps develop our talents, creativity, and confidence. The teachers also encourage students to engage in community service and projects that foster responsibility and social awareness.

The school day ends in the afternoon, when students pack their bags and leave the campus. As the gates close, the once lively and noisy environment becomes quiet and serene. Walking back home, I often reflect on the lessons learned, the games played, and the moments shared with friends. Each day at school feels like a perfect blend of discipline, knowledge, creativity, and joy, making school life an unforgettable and cherished period of my life.