Soft Storm by Prof. Dr. Abhi Subedi Summary and Exercise | Class 12 English Notes | NEB

Before Reading

a. Have you ever grown sad or happy observing things around you?

Yes, I have often felt both happiness and sadness while observing the world around me. Natural beauty, kindness, and harmony make me happy, whereas suffering, injustice, and cruelty make me sad.

b. Point out three things you are not happy about within your surroundings.

The three things that make me unhappy are environmental pollution, immoral or unethical human behavior, and the gradual decline of human values such as compassion and honesty.

👉 View All Chapter Notes of Class 12 English

Understanding the Text

a. When does the speaker grow soft? Enlist the occasions when he grows soft.

The speaker grows soft when he witnesses pain, suffering, beauty, and compassion amidst violence and chaos. He grows soft on the following occasions:

• When the violent storm begins to calm

• When the sky turns colorful like crocuses

• When the moon slides down the sky

• When homeless children in Thamel cry with hunger

• When he returns from violent conflicts

• When he sees blood‑stained symbols of human suffering

b. What do you understand by ‘this seamless city’?

“This seamless city” refers to an ideal city without divisions, discrimination, or boundaries. It symbolizes a harmonious society where people live united without social, economic, or cultural separation.

c. Describe the poor children portrayed in the poem.

The poem portrays homeless children in Thamel crying due to hunger and neglect. They symbolize extreme poverty, helplessness, and the failure of society to protect its most vulnerable members.

d. What do you understand by ‘the unwedded gardens of history’?

“The unwedded gardens of history” refers to the untouched, pure, and harmonious past before violence, exploitation, and destruction caused by human greed and conflict.

e. Why was the forlorn child wailing?

The forlorn child was wailing because he was separated from his mother amid violence and historical turmoil. He represents innocent victims suffering due to wars and social chaos.

f. What do you understand by ‘soft storm’?

A “soft storm” is a paradoxical expression symbolizing gentle emotions such as love, compassion, and hope emerging within violent and chaotic times. It reflects emotional sensitivity amid harsh realities.

g. Why does the speaker call our time ‘mad time’?

The speaker calls the present age a “mad time” because it is dominated by violence, irrationality, wars, injustice, and loss of moral values, where humanity often behaves senselessly.

h. What does the speaker want to do in ‘hard times’?

In hard times, the speaker wants to remain compassionate, hopeful, and humane. He wishes to face difficulties with emotional strength rather than fear or withdrawal.

Reference to the Context

a. Why does the poet use anomalous expressions like ‘soft storm’ and ‘soft gale’?

By using such paradoxical expressions, the poet creates emotional depth and contrast. These expressions highlight the coexistence of love and violence, hope and destruction, making the poem more powerful and thought‑provoking.

b. What is the speaker’s attitude towards the time described in the poem?

The speaker’s attitude is critical yet hopeful. Although he condemns violence and suffering, he believes that love, compassion, and humanity can still prevail.

c. What is the speaker like? Is he a rebel? Why?

Yes, the speaker can be considered a rebel because he refuses to accept violence, injustice, and moral decay as normal. He challenges cruelty through empathy and human values rather than physical resistance.

d. Explain the stanza in your own words.

The stanza expresses the speaker’s emotional pain after witnessing bloodshed and human suffering. The blood‑stained shirt symbolizes violence and death, while the “earth’s ears” suggest that history listens silently to human cruelty. The speaker becomes soft, filled with compassion and sorrow, realizing the tragic consequences of violence throughout human history.

Reference Beyond the Text

a. Essay: Dissatisfaction with Social, Cultural, Economic, and Political Issues in Nepal

Nepal, a country known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is deeply rooted in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that have shaped its social and cultural identity over centuries. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the terraced farmlands of the Terai, Nepal’s natural and cultural wealth is undeniable. Yet, despite this richness, the nation continues to grapple with a wide range of social, economic, cultural, and political challenges that hinder its progress.

On the social front, issues such as widespread poverty, high unemployment rates, gender inequality, illiteracy, human trafficking, and violence against women remain persistent. These problems not only affect individual lives but also disrupt the social fabric and development potential of the country. Cultural challenges include the erosion of traditional values due to modernization, marginalization of minority groups, and a widening gap between urban and rural communities.

Economically, Nepal faces structural weaknesses such as low industrial growth, overreliance on remittances from foreign employment, limited infrastructure development, and unequal distribution of resources. These factors contribute to persistent economic vulnerability and slow improvement in living standards for many citizens. Politically, frequent changes in government, weak institutional governance, corruption, and lack of accountability have hindered national development, preventing the establishment of long-term policies that could address social and economic issues effectively.

Despite Nepal’s enormous potential in tourism, agriculture, and hydropower, poor leadership and corruption have slowed progress, leaving many citizens disillusioned. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach: a strong political will to implement reforms, increased social awareness, access to quality education, ethical and transparent leadership, and inclusive policies that ensure equitable development. Only through such comprehensive measures can Nepal move towards becoming a just, prosperous, and socially harmonious nation.

b. Speech: Vision of a Rebel for Social Change

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our society is the reflection of our collective actions, values, and responsibilities. However, we are currently confronted with a variety of social evils that undermine the fundamental principles of justice, equality, and human dignity. Corruption, discrimination, poverty, illiteracy, and systemic injustice are not just isolated problems—they are interconnected issues that erode the trust, unity, and potential of our nation. Remaining passive or silent in the face of these challenges only strengthens these evils.

As a rebel for positive change, I believe that true transformation begins within ourselves and spreads through collective action. Education, moral courage, and awareness are the tools we must wield. We must reject all forms of discrimination, empower women and marginalized communities, and create opportunities for the underprivileged. Leaders must be held accountable for their actions, and citizens must actively participate in shaping policies that promote fairness and progress.

Progress in science, technology, literacy, and social awareness is essential, but it must be accompanied by ethical behavior, social responsibility, and a commitment to justice. Change is not the duty of one person—it is the responsibility of every citizen who dreams of a better, more equitable society.

Let us unite with determination, vision, and courage. Together, we can build a society where equality, justice, and humanity are not mere ideals but lived realities. Let us be the agents of change, the voices of the voiceless, and the builders of a Nepal that thrives on fairness, compassion, and opportunity for all.

Thank you.