0% found this document useful (0 votes)
22 views

QUESTIONS FOR MID TERM

The document contains a series of questions and answers related to various philosophical, literary, and historical topics, including the nature of liberty, Einstein's views on materialism and war, and the significance of beauty in human life as expressed by Keats. It also discusses the challenges faced by Pakistan's leadership post-independence, the biblical story of Samson, and Shakespeare's depiction of the stages of life. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of struggle, hope, and the enduring impact of beauty and memory.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
22 views

QUESTIONS FOR MID TERM

The document contains a series of questions and answers related to various philosophical, literary, and historical topics, including the nature of liberty, Einstein's views on materialism and war, and the significance of beauty in human life as expressed by Keats. It also discusses the challenges faced by Pakistan's leadership post-independence, the biblical story of Samson, and Shakespeare's depiction of the stages of life. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of struggle, hope, and the enduring impact of beauty and memory.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

QUESTIONS FOR MID TERM

1. What is meant by ‘Liberty does not descend upon a people; a people must raise

1
themselves to it. It is a fruit that must be earned before it can be enjoyed’?

This statement means that liberty is not something handed down to a people as a gift. It is an
achievement that comes through hard work, sacrifice, and collective effort. True freedom requires
individuals and societies to fight for their rights and take responsibility for maintaining them. If
liberty is given without struggle, it cannot be truly valued or sustained. The metaphor of liberty as
a fruit implies that it grows from seeds of perseverance and dedication. Only when a people have
worked for their freedom can they truly enjoy and protect it.

2. What is Albert Einstein's attitude to property, outward success, and luxury?

Einstein had a dismissive attitude toward material possessions and the pursuit of outward success.
He believed these things were shallow and often distracted individuals from meaningful pursuits.
In his view, simplicity in life was preferable to luxury, as it allowed for greater focus on intellectual
and moral development. He saw property and success as sources of greed and competition, which
could harm society. Einstein valued inner growth and the pursuit of knowledge over wealth or
fame. His philosophy promoted living modestly and prioritizing the betterment of humanity.

3. What does Liaquat Ali Khan imply when he says that ‘our administrative
machinery had to be built up from scratch’?

Liaquat Ali Khan implies that Pakistan faced enormous challenges in establishing its government
and institutions after independence. The country inherited no functional administrative structure,
requiring leaders to start from the very basics. This included creating offices, training personnel,
and forming policies to govern the new state effectively. The lack of resources and experienced
staff made the task even more daunting. Despite these difficulties, Pakistan's leadership
demonstrated resilience and dedication to overcome these hurdles. His statement reflects the
monumental effort required to lay the foundation for a functioning nation.

4. What does Einstein think of Human Liberty?

Einstein held human liberty in the highest regard, considering it essential for personal and societal
growth. He believed liberty enabled individuals to think freely, explore ideas, and make
meaningful contributions to humanity. However, he also warned that liberty could be threatened
by authoritarianism, materialism, and the misuse of power. For Einstein, true liberty was tied to
moral responsibility and the pursuit of justice. He saw freedom as a fragile gift that must be
protected through vigilance and collective effort. Einstein's views on liberty emphasized its role in
fostering creativity, progress, and dignity.

5. What key distinctions does Liaquat Ali Khan highlight between Muslim and
Hindu beliefs and attitudes?

Liaquat Ali Khan pointed out significant differences in the religious philosophies and cultural
practices of Muslims and Hindus. Muslims believe in the oneness of God, and their way of life is
QUESTIONS FOR MID TERM
guided by the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hindus, in contrast,

2
follow a polytheistic faith with a diverse range of customs and rituals. These differences also
influence their social systems and governance styles, creating distinct worldviews. Liaquat Ali
Khan emphasized that these ideological differences were a driving factor in the demand for a
separate state. His statement reflects the cultural and religious diversity that shaped the creation of
Pakistan.

6. What stance does Einstein take regarding war?

Einstein was a vocal opponent of war and considered it a destructive force that caused immense
suffering. He condemned the glorification of militarism and the idea of war as a solution to
conflicts. While he acknowledged the need for self-defense in extreme situations, he believed
peaceful dialogue and diplomacy were preferable. Einstein supported international cooperation
and the establishment of institutions to resolve disputes without violence. He viewed war as a
failure of humanity to uphold reason and compassion. His stance reflected his commitment to
promoting peace and preventing the horrors of armed conflict.

7. What ideas has Keats expressed in the poem “Endymion” about the impact of
beauty on human life?

Keats views beauty as a powerful and enduring force that uplifts and inspires the human spirit. He
describes beauty as a source of joy that provides comfort and hope, even in times of suffering. For
Keats, beauty transcends time, offering solace to the weary and connecting individuals to eternal
truths. It acts as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, elevating human existence. The
poem emphasizes that beauty can be found in nature, art, and human emotions. Keats portrays it

8. Who was Samson, and what led to his capture by the Philistines?

Samson was a biblical figure renowned for his extraordinary strength, which came from his uncut
hair as part of his Nazirite vow. He was a judge of Israel and fought against the Philistines, their
oppressors. Samson's downfall occurred when he fell in love with Delilah, who was bribed by the
Philistines to discover the secret of his strength. Delilah betrayed him by cutting his hair while he
slept, rendering him powerless. The Philistines captured and blinded Samson, subjecting him to
humiliation. His story highlights themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in the face of adversity.

9. Discuss how not knowing the future and having hope are considered blessings
according to the poem ‘An Essay on Man.’

Alexander Pope argues that ignorance of the future is a divine blessing because it shields humans
from despair and worry. Not knowing what lies ahead allows individuals to live with hope and
strive for better outcomes. Hope serves as a motivating force, helping people endure challenges
and believe in a brighter future. Pope suggests that this balance of uncertainty and optimism
encourages humility and dependence on God's wisdom. By accepting the limitations of human
knowledge, individuals find peace and purpose. The poem portrays hope as a guiding light that
sustains life and keeps humanity resilient.
QUESTIONS FOR MID TERM
10. What parallels does Wordsworth draw between the song of the solitary reaper

3
and the songs of two different birds?

Wordsworth compares the solitary reaper's song to the nightingale's and the cuckoo's melodies,
both symbols of natural beauty. The nightingale’s song soothes weary travelers in the desert,
offering comfort and relief. Similarly, the cuckoo's call fills distant valleys with a sense of joy and
wonder. However, Wordsworth finds the reaper's song even more captivating, as it evokes mystery
and deep emotion. Her music transcends language and touches the heart, leaving a lasting
impression on the poet. The comparison emphasizes the profound connection between human
expression and the beauty of nature.

11. Summarize the seven different periods of a person's life as presented in


Shakespeare's speech.

Shakespeare's "seven ages of man" represent the different stages of life from birth to death. Infancy
is the first stage, where a person is helpless and dependent on others. Childhood follows, marked
by schooling and the innocence of youth. The lover's phase involves passionate emotions and the
pursuit of love. The soldier stage reflects ambition, bravery, and a desire for honor and recognition.
Middle age is characterized by wisdom, responsibility, and social standing, while old age brings
physical decline and nostalgia. The final stage, extreme old age, is a return to dependence,
symbolizing the full cycle of life.

12. What understanding does Shelley demonstrate about memory and loss in
‘Music, When Soft Voices Die’?

Shelley illustrates how cherished memories continue to live on even after the source of those
memories fades away. He suggests that music and beauty leave an enduring impact on the heart
and mind. The soft voices and sweet scents that vanish are preserved in the memory, offering
comfort and solace. This understanding reflects the resilience of human emotions and the power
of remembrance. Shelley portrays memory as a way to keep love and beauty alive despite the pain
of loss. The poem highlights the intertwining of joy and sorrow in the human experience.

You might also like