EXTRA QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS OF THE VAGABOND(New Aster Advanced Textbook)ICSE CLASS 7 ENGLISH

Introduction: “The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”.”The Vagabond” by Robert Louis Stevenson is a poignant poem that beautifully encapsulates the themes of freedom, nature, and resilience. Through the vivid imagery and philosophical reflections of the speaker, the poem explores the essence of a life lived in harmony with the natural world. In this post, we delve into the intricate details and thematic depth of “The Vagabond,” uncovering the speaker’s desires and the profound messages embedded within the verses.

SHORT QUESTIONS-“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

1. Who wrote “The Vagabond”?
   1. Robert Louis Stevenson.
2. What does the speaker in the poem desire most?
   1. The life he loves, filled with freedom and nature.
3. What does ‘lave’ refer to in the poem?
   1. The rest of the world going by.
4. What does the speaker dip in the river?
   1. Bread.
5. Where does the speaker wish to sleep?
   1. In the bush with stars to see.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

1. What does the speaker say about wealth?
   1. He seeks it not.
2. What season is mentioned as potentially bringing change?
   1. Autumn.
3. How does the speaker view the road?
   1. As the path before him he wishes to travel.
4. What is the speaker’s stance on friendship in the poem?
   1. He does not seek a friend to know him.
5. What does ‘blow fall’ metaphorically refer to?
   1. Any misfortune or hardship.
6. Which body part is mentioned as ‘blue’ due to cold?
   1. Finger.
7. What does the speaker seek from the sky?
   1. The jolly heaven above.
8. What does the speaker not yield to, according to the poem?
   1. Autumn or winter.
9. What is the speaker’s attitude towards hope?
   1. He does not seek it.
10. What does the speaker wish to be given, related to the earth?
    1. The face of earth around.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

1. What element does the speaker enjoy for viewing at night?
   1. Stars.
2. What does ‘bed in the bush’ imply about the speaker’s lifestyle?
   1. A preference for sleeping outdoors in nature.
3. How does the speaker describe his feelings about the road?
   1. He cherishes the road before him.
4. What aspect of nature does the speaker not mind enduring?
   1. The cold of autumn and winter.
5. Which season is associated with silencing the bird on tree?
   1. Autumn.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

1. What signifies the speaker’s resilience to changing seasons?
   1. His refusal to yield to autumn or winter.
2. What is the speaker’s desire regarding the sky and road?
   1. All he seeks is the heaven above and the road below.
3. How does the speaker relate to the fireside?
   1. As a warm haven.
4. What does ‘white as meal’ refer to in the poem?
   1. The frosty field.
5. What emotion does the speaker express towards love?
   1. Indifference; he does not seek it.
6. What represents the speaker’s acceptance of life’s unpredictability?
   1. Let the blow fall soon or late.
7. What does the speaker imply by wanting the ‘byway nigh’ him?
   1. A preference for less traveled, more intimate paths.
8. How does the poem define the speaker’s view on material possessions?
   1. He shows no interest in them.
9. What season could ‘biting the blue finger’ metaphorically represent?
   1. Winter.
10. What does ‘not to autumn will I yield’ signify about the speaker’s character?
    1. A strong resolve and determination to continue despite challenges.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

ALSO READ –FULL ANALYSIS OF THE VAGABOND (New Aster Advanced Textbook)ICSE CLASS 7 ENGLISH

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS-“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Extract 1:

“Give to me the life I love, Let the lave go by me, Give the jolly heaven above, And the byway nigh me.”

Question 1 (3 marks): How does the extract express the speaker’s desires?
Answer: This extract from “The Vagabond” encapsulates the speaker’s yearning for a life of freedom and simplicity, closely intertwined with nature. The repetition of “Give to me” emphasizes his longing for a specific kind of existence—one that is not stationary but filled with joy (“jolly heaven above”) and adventure (“byway nigh me”). The phrase “Let the lave go by me” suggests his indifference to the conventional or materialistic aspects of life, highlighting a deliberate choice to live differently, valuing personal fulfillment and the natural world over societal expectations.

Question 2 (3 marks): What does “Let the lave go by me” imply about the speaker’s view on society?
Answer: “Let the lave go by me” signifies the speaker’s deliberate disengagement from the mainstream flow of society. It reflects a conscious decision to forego the rest of the world’s pursuits and pressures (“the lave”) in favor of a life that he finds personally fulfilling. This line underscores a sense of contentment with being an outsider to societal norms and a preference for a more transient, freer lifestyle. It showcases the speaker’s prioritization of freedom and personal satisfaction over societal validation or material success.

Question 3 (3 marks): Explain the significance of “jolly heaven above” in the extract.
Answer: “Jolly heaven above” conveys the speaker’s deep appreciation for the natural world and its capacity to provide joy and comfort. This phrase personifies the sky as a companionable presence, symbolizing optimism and the endless possibilities that nature offers.

It highlights the speaker’s belief in finding happiness and contentment in the simple, elemental aspects of life. The adjective “jolly” adds a light-hearted, cheerful quality to his perspective, suggesting that his desired lifestyle—close to nature—is not just a preference but a source of genuine happiness.

Question 4 (3 marks): What does the speaker mean by “And the byway nigh me”?
Answer: By expressing a desire for “the byway nigh me,” the speaker is voicing a preference for less traveled paths, both literally and metaphorically.

The “byway” represents an alternative route to the mainstream or conventional life, signifying the speaker’s choice of a unique, perhaps challenging, but more fulfilling path. This line illustrates the speaker’s adventurous spirit and his desire to explore the unknown or overlooked places of the world. It underscores a deliberate distancing from societal norms and a celebration of individuality and personal freedom.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Question 5 (4 marks): How does this extract reflect the central themes of the poem?
Answer: The extract beautifully encapsulates the central themes of “The Vagabond”: the quest for freedom, a profound connection with nature, and an intentional rejection of societal norms and material wealth. The speaker’s desires—”the life I love,” the “jolly heaven above,” and the “byway nigh me”—highlight a deep yearning for a life filled with natural beauty, joy, and the liberty to choose his own path.

His willingness to “Let the lave go by me” reinforces the theme of eschewing conventional life and material pursuits in favor of a simpler, more meaningful existence that is in harmony with the natural world. This extract serves as a manifesto of the speaker’s values and aspirations, summarizing the poem’s exploration of freedom, individuality, and the intrinsic rewards of a life less ordinary.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Extract 2: “The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

“Bed in the bush with stars to see, Bread I dip in the river— There’s the life for a man like me, There’s the life forever.”

Question 6 (3 marks): Describe the significance of “Bed in the bush with stars to see” in portraying the speaker’s lifestyle.
Answer: “Bed in the bush with stars to see” vividly illustrates the speaker’s profound connection with nature and his preference for a minimalist, outdoor life. This imagery suggests a lifestyle that is starkly different from urban or conventional living, where the vastness of the sky and the beauty of the stars at night are cherished over material comfort.

It symbolizes the speaker’s desire for freedom, his willingness to embrace the simplicity of life, and his appreciation for the natural world’s beauty. This line portrays a serene, peaceful existence that aligns with the speaker’s values and his quest for a life filled with genuine, unadulterated experiences.

Question 7 (3 marks): How does “Bread I dip in the river” reflect the speaker’s attitude towards sustenance and life?
Answer: “Bread I dip in the river” reflects the speaker’s simplistic and naturalistic approach to life, emphasizing minimalism and a direct connection with nature for sustenance. This act symbolizes not just the act of eating but a deeper philosophy of living with what nature provides, without excess or luxury.

It showcases a contentment with the basics of life, finding joy and satisfaction in simple, everyday actions. This attitude towards sustenance echoes the broader theme of the poem—the celebration of a life unburdened by materialism, where direct experiences with nature are valued over artificial comforts and conveniences.

Question 8 (3 marks): Analyze the repetition of “There’s the life” in this extract.
Answer: The repetition of “There’s the life” in this extract serves several purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes the speaker’s conviction in his chosen lifestyle, reinforcing its importance and value to him. This repetition acts as a refrain, underlining the desirability and fulfillment found in living close to nature, with simplicity and freedom.

It also creates a rhythmic structure that mirrors the speaker’s steady, unwavering commitment to his ideals. By repeating this phrase, the speaker is affirming that this way of life—not just a fleeting desire but a lasting preference—is the ultimate form of existence for him.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Question 9 (3 marks): What does the phrase “There’s the life forever” suggest about the speaker’s future intentions?
Answer: “There’s the life forever” suggests a strong, lifelong commitment to the lifestyle the speaker has chosen. It indicates that the speaker does not view his affinity for nature and simplicity as a temporary phase but as a permanent, enduring way of life.

This phrase conveys a sense of finality and resolution, underscoring the speaker’s determination to continue living in harmony with nature, regardless of societal norms or expectations. It highlights the speaker’s belief in the timeless appeal and fulfillment derived from such a life, suggesting that his connection with nature is not just a source of momentary happiness but a lifelong pursuit.

Question 10 (4 marks): How does this extract contribute to the poem’s overall portrayal of the vagabond lifestyle?
Answer: This extract is pivotal in illustrating the quintessence of the vagabond lifestyle celebrated throughout the poem. The vivid imagery of sleeping under the stars and finding sustenance directly from nature (dipping bread in the river) encapsulates a life of profound simplicity and direct engagement with the natural world. It highlights the poem’s central theme of finding joy and fulfillment in a life unencumbered by material wealth or societal expectations.

Moreover, the speaker’s declaration of this as “the life forever” emphasizes a deep, enduring commitment to these ideals, reinforcing the poem’s portrayal of the vagabond lifestyle not just as a series of actions, but as a deeply held philosophy. This extract, therefore, enriches the poem’s narrative by detailing the day-to-day realities and the spiritual sustenance derived from a life in close communion with nature, underpinning the speaker’s unwavering dedication to freedom, simplicity, and the natural world.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Extract 3:

“Let the blow fall soon or late, Let what will be o’er me; Give the face of earth around, And the road before me.”

Question 11 (3 marks): What does the phrase “Let the blow fall soon or late” reveal about the speaker’s attitude towards adversity?
Answer: The phrase “Let the blow fall soon or late” reveals the speaker’s acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity. It signifies a readiness to confront challenges, regardless of their timing or severity. This attitude reflects a profound sense of equanimity and strength, showcasing the speaker’s willingness to accept life’s unpredictable nature without fear or hesitation.

It embodies a stoic acceptance that hardships are part of the journey, indicating that the speaker values his freedom and lifestyle choice over the comfort and safety that might come from a more conventional life. This acceptance of adversity reinforces the thematic essence of embracing life’s journey with all its uncertainties.

Question 12 (3 marks): How does “Give the face of earth around, And the road before me” contribute to the theme of freedom in the poem?
Answer: “Give the face of earth around, And the road before me” contributes significantly to the theme of freedom by emphasizing the speaker’s desire for open spaces and the liberty to explore. The “face of earth around” symbolizes the vast, unbounded natural world, a source of endless possibility and beauty, while “the road before me” represents the speaker’s journey through life, filled with freedom of choice and movement.

This imagery underscores the value placed on personal autonomy and the natural environment as essential components of the speaker’s identity and happiness. It highlights the intrinsic link between physical freedom to roam and the psychological freedom derived from living in harmony with nature’s rhythms and landscapes.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Question 13 (3 marks): Explain the significance of the speaker’s desire for the road before him.
Answer: The speaker’s desire for “the road before me” symbolizes his yearning for ongoing adventure, exploration, and the continuous pursuit of personal freedom. This road is not just a physical path but a metaphor for life’s journey, filled with unknowns, challenges, and beauty.

It signifies a forward-moving life, embracing change and new experiences over stagnation or security. The road ahead is a canvas for the speaker’s vagabond existence, where each turn offers opportunities for growth, discovery, and the embodiment of true freedom. This desire for the road underscores the speaker’s commitment to a life led on his own terms, valuing the journey itself over any destination.

Question 14 (3 marks): Analyze the repetition of “Let” at the beginning of each line in this extract.
Answer: The repetition of “Let” at the beginning of each line serves as an invocation or a plea, underscoring the speaker’s acceptance of and desire for the unfolding of life in its natural, unadulterated form. This rhetorical device reinforces the speaker’s willingness to embrace life’s experiences as they come, whether they are challenges (“Let the blow fall”) or opportunities for exploration (“Give the face of earth around, And the road before me”).

It conveys a sense of surrender to the forces of nature and fate, highlighting the speaker’s philosophical approach to life—one of openness, resilience, and a deep-seated belief in the value of personal freedom and the inherent beauty of the natural world.

Question 15 (4 marks): How does this extract reflect the speaker’s philosophical approach to life and challenges?
Answer: This extract mirrors the speaker’s stoic and philosophical approach to life, particularly his resilience in the face of challenges and his embrace of freedom. By stating “Let the blow fall soon or late,” the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of hardships but expresses a readiness to face them with equanimity. This attitude reflects a profound acceptance of life’s uncertainties, a cornerstone of the speaker’s philosophy.

Furthermore, his request for “the face of earth around, And the road before me” emphasizes his desire to remain connected with the natural world and to continue his journey, regardless of what life throws at him. This approach not only underscores the value he places on personal freedom and the experiential richness of the vagabond lifestyle but also highlights a deep-seated belief in navigating life’s challenges with courage, openness, and an unwavering commitment to his chosen path.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Extract 4: “The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

“Wealth I seek not, hope nor love, Nor a friend to know me; All I seek, the heaven above, And the road below me.”

Question 16 (3 marks): What does the speaker’s rejection of wealth, hope, and love suggest about his values?
Answer: The speaker’s explicit rejection of wealth, hope, and love, alongside the desire for no friend to know him, underscores a profound valuation of independence and simplicity over societal conventions and material desires. This stance reveals a deep commitment to a life unencumbered by the attachments and responsibilities that typically define human relationships and success.

The speaker places paramount importance on the freedom and peace found in solitude and the natural world (“the heaven above, And the road below me”). By valuing these over traditional markers of happiness and success, the speaker articulates a distinct philosophical perspective that cherishes autonomy, the beauty of the natural world, and the journey of life itself as the ultimate sources of fulfillment.

Question 17 (3 marks): Analyze how the speaker views the concept of friendship in the poem.
Answer: In the poem, the speaker’s approach to friendship is markedly unconventional. By stating “Nor a friend to know me,” he expresses a preference for solitude and anonymity over the companionship and recognition that friendships typically provide. This perspective is not rooted in misanthropy but in a profound sense of self-sufficiency and a desire for an unencumbered existence.

The speaker values the liberty and tranquility of his vagabond life, where his connections are not to people but to nature and the road he travels. This stance highlights a philosophical belief in the sufficiency of self and the natural world for true contentment and understanding, challenging conventional societal values that place importance on social bonds and recognition.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Question 18 (3 marks): How does “All I seek, the heaven above, And the road below me” encapsulate the speaker’s desires?
Answer: This line succinctly encapsulates the speaker’s ultimate desires, highlighting a life that is deeply connected to the natural world and his own sense of freedom. “The heaven above” symbolizes a spiritual or existential fulfillment derived from the beauty and vastness of the natural world, while “the road below me” represents his physical journey and the freedom to explore the world at his own pace and direction.

This duality of desires—both spiritual and tangible—underscores the speaker’s aspiration for a life that is both grounded in the reality of the natural world and elevated by a sense of wonder and autonomy. It reflects a minimalist but richly textured perspective on life, where the essence of existence is found in the journey itself and in the simple, unbounded pleasures of the world.

Question 19 (3 marks): What does the speaker’s disinterest in wealth, hope, and love reveal about his perception of happiness?
Answer: The speaker’s disinterest in wealth, hope, and love reveals a distinctive perception of happiness that diverges from conventional societal norms. By eschewing these commonly sought-after aspects of life, the speaker suggests that true happiness is not found in material wealth, the anticipation of future joys (hope), or even the emotional connections that come with love and friendship.

Instead, his perception of happiness is rooted in the freedom to live autonomously, the direct and unmediated experience of the natural world, and the journey of life itself. This stance challenges traditional metrics of success and fulfillment, proposing a more introspective and experiential approach to happiness that prioritizes personal freedom, nature’s beauty, and the open road.

Question 20 (4 marks): How does the extract contribute to the poem’s exploration of individuality and freedom?
Answer: This extract is central to the poem’s exploration of individuality and freedom, highlighting the speaker’s profound commitment to a life defined by personal autonomy and a deep connection with nature, rather than societal expectations or conventional relationships. The explicit rejection of wealth, hope, love, and even friendship underscores a radical embrace of individuality, where personal values and desires dictate the course of one’s life.

By prioritizing “the heaven above and the road below me,” the speaker elevates the principles of freedom and self-determination above all else, presenting a compelling portrait of a life lived on one’s own terms. This perspective not only challenges conventional notions of success and fulfillment but also celebrates the intrinsic value of personal experience and the natural world as sources of true freedom and individuality. The extract, therefore, enriches the poem’s thematic fabric by articulating a clear, compelling vision of what it means to live freely and authentically, untethered by societal norms.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Extract 5:

“Or let autumn fall on me Where afield I linger, Silencing the bird on tree, Biting the blue finger.”

Question 21 (3 marks): How does the imagery of autumn contribute to the poem’s themes?
Answer: The imagery of autumn in this extract contributes significantly to the themes of change, resilience, and the transient beauty of nature within the poem. Autumn, with its connotations of transition and decay, symbolizes the inevitable changes and challenges life presents.

The phrase “Or let autumn fall on me” suggests the speaker’s readiness to face these changes head-on, embodying a resilience that aligns with the broader theme of enduring life’s vicissitudes with grace. Additionally, autumn’s effect on the environment—”Silencing the bird on tree, Biting the blue finger”—highlights the intimate connection between the speaker and the natural world, further underscoring the theme of finding beauty and meaning in the natural cycle of life and decay.

Question 22 (3 marks): What does “Silencing the bird on tree” symbolize in the context of the poem?
Answer: In the context of the poem, “Silencing the bird on tree” symbolizes the quieting of external noise and distractions, allowing for a deeper introspection and connection with the natural world. This imagery can also be interpreted as representing the changes and challenges that life presents (akin to the seasonal shift to autumn) and the speaker’s acceptance of these changes as part of the natural cycle.

It reflects a moment of stillness and change, emphasizing the poem’s themes of adaptability and the embrace of life’s transient nature. This line, therefore, enriches the poem’s exploration of a life lived in harmony with the rhythms of nature, highlighting the speaker’s capacity to find peace and significance in the quiet, transformative moments of existence.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Question 23 (3 marks): Explain the metaphorical significance of “Biting the blue finger” in the poem.
Answer: “Biting the blue finger” metaphorically signifies the harshness and challenges of life, likened to the cold bite of autumn and winter that turns fingers blue. This imagery reflects the physical and existential challenges the speaker is willing to endure to live according to his values.

It symbolizes the pain and hardship that can accompany the pursuit of a life outside societal norms but also emphasizes the speaker’s resilience and acceptance of discomfort as part of his journey. This line illustrates the speaker’s determination to embrace life’s difficulties, viewing them not as obstacles but as integral to the experience of living fully and authentically in tune with nature’s cycles.

Question 24 (3 marks): How does the speaker’s attitude toward autumn reflect his broader philosophical outlook?
Answer: The speaker’s welcoming attitude toward autumn, despite its challenges (“Silencing the bird on tree, Biting the blue finger”), reflects a broader philosophical outlook that embraces life’s impermanence and adversities as essential components of existence. This outlook demonstrates a deep acceptance of and resilience in the face of change, underscoring a belief in the intrinsic value of all life’s experiences.

Autumn’s arrival, with its beauty and harshness, symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing each moment, regardless of its difficulty. The speaker’s perspective celebrates the beauty of transience, suggesting a life lived in harmony with the natural world’s rhythms and an acceptance of life’s inevitable ebbs and flows.

Question 25 (4 marks): How does this extract encapsulate the essence of the vagabond lifestyle as portrayed in the poem?
Answer: This extract perfectly encapsulates the essence of the vagabond lifestyle through its vivid imagery of embracing the natural world, including its challenges and changes. The willingness to “let autumn fall on me” reflects a profound connection to and acceptance of the natural cycles, underscoring a life lived in close communion with nature’s rhythms. The imagery of “Silencing the bird on tree, Biting the blue finger” portrays the inevitable hardships and the beauty found in the simplicity and rawness of the vagabond life.

This lifestyle is marked by resilience, a deep appreciation for the transient beauty of the world, and an unwavering commitment to personal freedom and the journey itself, rather than the destination. The extract, therefore, not only highlights the physical aspects of the vagabond lifestyle but also delves into the philosophical underpinnings that make this way of life both challenging and deeply rewarding, embodying a holistic embrace of life’s journey with all its vicissitudes.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”

Conclusion: “The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”.In “The Vagabond” by Robert Louis Stevenson, the speaker’s yearning for a life of simplicity and freedom is eloquently expressed through vivid imagery and philosophical musings. The poem’s exploration of nature, resilience, and individuality offers profound insights into the human desire for a life unburdened by societal constraints. Through this analysis, we gain a deeper appreciation for Stevenson’s masterful portrayal of the vagabond lifestyle and its enduring appeal.

“The Vagabond by Robert Louis Stevenson”