NCERT Solution for Class 8 Poem : The Road Not Taken
Thinking about the Poem
I. 1. Where does the traveller find himself ? What problem does he face ?
Answer :
The traveller finds himself at a point where two roads diverge. His problem is to decide on which road he should walk.
2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you.
(i) a yellow wood
(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear
(iii) the passing there
(iv) leaves no step had trodden black
(v) how way leads on to way
Answers :
(i) A forest in the autumn season
(ii) The road was grassy because it was a less travelled road. It wanted people to move on it.
(iii) It implies walking on the road.
(iv) It means leaves had not been crushed under the feet of travellers.
(v) How one road leads to another ?
3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
(i) in stanzas two and three ?
(ii) in the last two lines of the poem ?
Answers :
(i) There is no difference between the roads in stanzas two and three.
(ii) In the last two lines of the poem the poet tells that the road he opted for is less travelled.
4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean ? (Looking back , does the poet regret his choice or accept it ?)
Answer :
The last two lines of the poem reflect the courage to accept the challenge and take the right decisions in life. The poet decided to take the path that was less travelled by the other because he wanted to do something different in his life.
No, the poet doesn't seem to regret his choice.
II. 1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make) ? How will you make the choice (for what reasons) ?
Answer :
No, till now I have never been presented with such a situation. There are various major instances in our life too that present us with a choice and decisions are to be made. In such instances, we should be guided by our hearts and make the best possible decisions.
In my case after completing my general education, I will have to decide upon the profession I wish to continue. I will have multiple options before me. I will try to choose a path that gives me satisfaction and mental peace. Like the poet in the poem, I would love to choose a challenging and unexplored path in my life.
2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality ?
Answer :
I always believe in taking time and thinking about all the possible consequences before planning. Some decisions can change our life forever and hence we should go with what our heart desires. We should not try our best to not do things and take actions to satisfy others. We should give preference to our desires and wishes and work hard for them. Therefore, I believe in sticking to my deceisions and being accountable for them.