NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poem 2 Poems by Milton

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Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 Question Answer

Answer:
Milton personifies Time as a greedy, envious force and challenges it to run its race quickly. However, by comparing its movement to “lazy leaden-stepping hours” and the slow, heavy pace of a plummet (the lead weight in a clock), he is being ironic. Time may feel all-powerful and threatening, but its pace is ultimately slow and heavy – it can only consume what is false, vain and mortal. The poet uses this contrast to show that despite Time’s boastful nature, it has very little real power over things that are truly divine and eternal. The imagery emphasizes that what Time destroys is worthless anyway, so its victory is meaningless.

Answer:

Milton clearly believes that Time can only devour what is impure and corrupt. Everything that is “sincerely good and perfectly divine” lies completely beyond Time’s reach and shines forever in eternity.

Answer:
According to Milton, it is the “heavenly guided soul” – that is, divine guidance or God’s grace – that leads human souls upward toward the supreme Throne of God. Once the soul is cleansed of all earthly grossness, it becomes “attired with stars” and sits triumphantly in eternal bliss.

The final winner in the race against Time is the human soul guided by God. At the end, Time itself is consumed by its own greediness, while the righteous soul triumphs over Death, Chance and Time together. The poem ends on a note of victory – the soul, not Time, has the last word.

Answer:
Milton argues that Shakespeare does not need a grand physical monument – no “piled stones,” no pyramid, no elaborate tomb – because he has already built himself a far greater and more lasting monument through his own writing. His works have created a “live-long Monument” in the hearts and minds of readers across generations. A stone structure crumbles with time, but the immortality that Shakespeare has achieved through his poetry and plays is everlasting. Physical memorials are built by human hands and are therefore perishable; Shakespeare’s true memorial is the wonder and astonishment he has inspired in every reader and that can never be destroyed.

Answer:
The phrase “weak witness of thy name” refers to the physical monuments – the tombs, pyramids and piled stones – that people might build to honor Shakespeare’s memory. Milton calls these a “weak witness” because stone and marble are poor, inadequate testimonies to Shakespeare’s greatness. They can only bear silent, lifeless witness to his name, whereas his actual works speak loudly and powerfully across centuries. In Milton’s view, relying on such material structures to preserve a poet’s fame is a sign of weakness, not strength – Shakespeare’s genius is so vast that no physical structure can truly represent it.

Answer:
Milton describes Shakespeare’s influence through several powerful images. He calls him the “dear son of memory” and the “great heir of Fame” – suggesting that Shakespeare inherited the entire tradition of great poetry and carried it forward magnificently. His verses (“easie numbers”) flow so naturally that they put other poets to shame. His lines are described as “Delphic” – like the oracular pronouncements of the Oracle at Delphi – meaning they carry profound, almost prophetic wisdom that leaves a deep impression on every reader’s heart.
Milton says that Shakespeare’s writing so completely takes over the reader’s imagination (“bereaving our fancy of itself”) that readers are left awestruck and mentally overwhelmed – turned to marble by the sheer force of his genius. This depth of impact makes Shakespeare an eternal source of inspiration for every poet and writer who comes after him.

Answer:
The greatest tribute that posterity has given Shakespeare, according to Milton, is not any physical monument but the immortality he lives within the hearts and minds of readers. Every reader who picks up his “unvalued Book” (a book beyond all price) is so deeply moved that they are struck into a kind of astonished stillness – made “marble with too much conceiving”. This overwhelming emotional and intellectual impact is Shakespeare’s true tomb and monument.
Milton concludes with a striking irony: Shakespeare lies “sepulchered in such pomp” – entombed so magnificently in the wonder of his readers’ minds – that even kings would wish to die for such a glorious burial. This is the highest tribute posterity can offer: that his memory is enshrined not in cold stone, but in the living admiration of every age.

Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 English to Hindi Translation.

John Milton began writing poetry at the age of ten. After finishing his formal education at Cambridge, he read almost everything available in Latin, Greek, Italian and English. He was appointed Latin Secretary where he worked so hard that eyestrain, from years of late night reading, caused him to become totally blind at the age of forty- five. In the final years of his life he wrote (through dictation) Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained.
Hindi Translationजॉन मिल्टन ने दस वर्ष की आयु में ही कविता लिखना शुरू कर दिया था। कैम्ब्रिज में अपनी औपचारिक शिक्षा पूरी करने के बाद उन्होंने लैटिन, ग्रीक, इटालियन और अंग्रेज़ी में उपलब्ध लगभग हर पुस्तक पढ़ डाली। उन्हें लैटिन सचिव नियुक्त किया गया, जहाँ उन्होंने इतनी मेहनत की कि वर्षों तक रात देर तक पढ़ने के कारण उनकी आँखों पर बहुत बुरा प्रभाव पड़ा और पैंतालीस वर्ष की आयु में वे पूरी तरह अंधे हो गए। अपने जीवन के अंतिम वर्षों में उन्होंने बोलकर अपनी महान कृतियाँ Paradise Lost और Paradise Regained लिखवाईं।

Fly envious Time, till thou run out thy race,
Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours,
Whose speed is but the heavy Plummets pace;
Hindi Translationहे ईर्ष्यालु समय! भागते रहो जब तक तुम्हारी दौड़ खत्म न हो,
उन आलसी, भारी कदमों वाले घंटों को बुलाओ,
जिनकी गति केवल भारी सीसे जैसी धीमी है।

And glut thy self with what thy womb devours,
Which is no more than what is false and vain,
And merely mortal dross;
Hindi Translationऔर उन चीज़ों से अपना पेट भरो जो तुम्हारा गर्भ निगल जाता है,
जो कुछ भी नहीं बस झूठी, व्यर्थ,
और नश्वर संसार की तुच्छ वस्तुएँ हैं।

So little is our loss,
So little is thy gain.
For when as each thing bad thou hast entomb’d,
And last of all, thy greedy self consum’d,
Hindi Translationइसलिए हमारा नुकसान बहुत थोड़ा है,
और तुम्हारा लाभ भी बहुत कम।
क्योंकि जब तुम हर बुरी वस्तु को दफना दोगे,
और अंत में स्वयं अपने लालच में नष्ट हो जाओगे,

Then long Eternity shall greet our bliss
With an individual kiss;
And Joy shall overtake us as a flood,
Hindi Translationतब अनंत काल हमारे आनंद का स्वागत करेगा
एक अद्वितीय और अनोखे आलिंगन के साथ,
और खुशी हमें एक बाढ़ की तरह घेर लेगी।

When every thing that is sincerely good
And perfectly divine,
With Truth, and Peace, and Love shall ever shine
About the supreme Throne
Hindi Translationजब हर वह वस्तु जो सच्ची भलाई से भरी है,
और पूर्ण रूप से दिव्य है,
सत्य, शांति और प्रेम के साथ सदा चमकती रहेगी,
उस सर्वोच्च सिंहासन के चारों ओर।

Of him, t’whose happy-making sight alone,
When once our heav’nly guided soul shall clime,
Then all this Earthy grossnes quit,
Hindi Translationउस परम सत्ता के दर्शन मात्र से जो सच्चा सुख देती है,
जब हमारी स्वर्ग द्वारा निर्देशित आत्मा वहाँ पहुँचेगी,
तब हम इस पृथ्वी की सारी स्थूलता और मलिनता को छोड़ देंगे।

Attir’d with Stars, we shall for ever sit,
Triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee O Time.
Hindi Translationसितारों से सुसज्जित होकर हम सदैव विराजमान रहेंगे,
मृत्यु, भाग्य और तुम — हे समय — पर सदा के लिए विजय पाते हुए।
अर्थात इस कविता में मिल्टन समय को ललकारते हैं कि वह नश्वर और झूठी चीज़ों को भले ही नष्ट कर दे, परन्तु सत्य, प्रेम और दिव्यता पर उसका कोई वश नहीं। अंत में आत्मा मृत्यु और समय दोनों पर विजय प्राप्त करती है।

Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 Summary in English and Hindi.

On Time
In On Time, Milton personifies Time as an envious, greedy creature and commands it to run out its race. He argues that Time can only devour what is false, vain, and mortal – things of little real value. So what Time takes from us is no great loss, and what it gains is equally insignificant. Once Time has consumed all evil things and finally destroys itself, Eternity will greet the righteous soul with joy and bliss. The soul, guided by divine light, will shed its earthly impurities, be adorned with stars and sit triumphant over Death, Chance, and Time forever. Milton’s central message is that time is powerless against the truly good and divine.
Summary in Hindiइस कविता में मिल्टन समय को एक ईर्ष्यालु और लालची शक्ति के रूप में चित्रित करते हैं और उसे चुनौती देते हैं। वे कहते हैं कि समय केवल उन्हीं चीज़ों को नष्ट कर सकता है जो झूठी, व्यर्थ और नश्वर हैं। इसलिए समय के जाने से हमारी कोई बड़ी हानि नहीं होती और समय को भी कुछ विशेष प्राप्त नहीं होता। जब समय सभी बुरी चीज़ों को निगल लेगा और अंततः खुद को भी नष्ट कर लेगा, तब अनंत काल आत्मा का स्वागत करेगा। आत्मा सांसारिक अशुद्धियों को त्यागकर सितारों से सजी हुई परमेश्वर के सिंहासन के निकट बैठेगी और मृत्यु, संयोग और समय पर विजय प्राप्त करेगी। मिल्टन का मुख्य संदेश है कि सत्य, शांति और दिव्यता पर समय का कोई अधिकार नहीं है।

On Shakespear
In On Shakespear, Milton argues that Shakespeare needs no physical monument – no pile of stones or grand pyramid – to preserve his memory. Shakespeare has built a far greater and more lasting monument through his own writing. His words have left such a deep impression on every reader’s heart and mind that readers themselves become his living memorial. Milton says Shakespeare’s verses flow so naturally and effortlessly that they put to shame all poets who labour hard over their craft. His works are so profound that they leave readers utterly amazed – as if turned to marble with wonder. Even kings would envy such a tomb.
Summary in Hindiइस कविता में मिल्टन शेक्सपियर को श्रद्धांजलि देते हैं और कहते हैं कि शेक्सपियर को पत्थर की समाधि या भव्य पिरामिड की कोई आवश्यकता नहीं है। शेक्सपियर ने अपनी अमर रचनाओं के माध्यम से पाठकों के हृदय में एक जीवंत स्मारक बना लिया है। उनकी कविताएँ इतनी सहज और गहरी हैं कि पाठक उन्हें पढ़कर आश्चर्यचकित रह जाते हैं — मानो पत्थर बन गए हों। मिल्टन कहते हैं कि ऐसी महान रचनाएँ ही सच्ची अमरता हैं, जिसे देखकर राजा भी ऐसी समाधि के लिए तरसेंगे।

Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 Very Short Answer Type Questions with Explanation.

1. Who is the poet of On Time?
   Answer:
   John Milton.
2. How does the poet describe Time?
   Answer:
   The poet describes Time as envious and greedy.
3. What do the “lazy leaden-stepping hours” symbolize?
   Answer:
   They symbolize the slow passage of time.
4. What does Time devour?
   Answer:
   Time devours all mortal and worldly things.
5. What kind of things are called “false and vain”?
   Answer:
   Material and temporary worldly things.
6. What will Time eventually consume?
   Answer:
   Time will eventually consume itself.
7. What will greet human beings after Time ends?
   Answer:
   Eternity will greet them with bliss.
8. Name any two eternal qualities mentioned in the poem.
   Answer:
   Truth and Love.
9. What shall shine forever in Eternity?
   Answer:
   Truth, Peace and Love shall shine forever.
10. Who guides the human soul?
    Answer:
    Divine or heavenly guidance.
11. What will the soul leave behind?
    Answer:
    Earthly grossness and worldly limitations.
12. What will humans be “attired” with?
    Answer:
    They will be attired with stars.
13. Over what will humans triumph?
    Answer:
    Death, Chance and Time.
14. What is a “Plummet”?
    Answer:
    A lead weight used in the mechanism of a clock.
15. What is the central theme of the poem?
    Answer:
    The victory of Eternity over Time.

Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 Short Answer Type Questions with Explanation.

1. How does Milton personify Time in the poem?
   Answer:
   Milton personifies Time as a living being that races through life, devouring everything in its path. He describes Time as envious and greedy because it destroys worldly things. However, the poet believes that Time’s power is limited to mortal existence and cannot affect eternal truths.
2. Why does the poet call Time “envious” and “greedy”?
   Answer:
   The poet calls Time envious because it destroys everything beautiful and valuable in the world. It is greedy because it continuously consumes all earthly things. Yet, Time only destroys temporary and material possessions, not eternal values such as Truth, Peace, and Love.
3. Explain the significance of “lazy leaden-stepping hours.”
   Answer:
   The phrase refers to the slow movement of time as experienced by human beings. The word “leaden” suggests heaviness and dullness. Milton contrasts the rapid flight of Time with these slow-moving hours to highlight the different ways in which time is perceived.
4. What does the poet mean by “So little is our loss, So little is thy gain”?
   Answer:
   The poet means that Time gains very little by destroying worldly things because such things are temporary and insignificant. Human beings do not suffer a great loss because their true spiritual existence belongs to Eternity and remains untouched by Time.
5. How does the poem distinguish between mortal and eternal things?
   Answer:
   The poem presents mortal things as false, vain and temporary. These include material possessions and earthly pleasures. Eternal things include Truth, Peace, Love and the soul’s union with God. Unlike mortal things, eternal values cannot be destroyed by Time.
6. Describe the role of Truth, Peace, and Love in the poem.
   Answer:
   Truth, Peace, and Love represent divine and eternal values. Milton believes that these qualities will shine forever in Eternity. They symbolize spiritual perfection and the ultimate happiness that awaits human souls after the end of Time.
7. What vision of Eternity does Milton present?
   Answer:
   Milton presents Eternity as a realm of everlasting joy, bliss, and divine presence. In Eternity, the soul is free from earthly limitations and experiences perfect happiness. Truth, Peace and Love reign forever and there is no suffering or death.
8. How does the poet express his faith in divine salvation?
   Answer:
   The poet expresses faith in the belief that the human soul is guided by heavenly forces toward God. After leaving behind earthly existence, the soul reaches the divine throne and enjoys eternal happiness. This reflects Milton’s strong Christian faith.
9. Explain the symbolic meaning of “Attir’d with Stars.”
   Answer:
   The phrase symbolizes spiritual glory, immortality, and heavenly reward. The stars suggest purity, brightness, and closeness to God. Milton uses this image to show the soul’s transformation after attaining eternal life.
10. Why does Milton believe that Time cannot achieve ultimate victory?
    Answer:
    Milton believes that Time can only destroy temporary and earthly things. Eternal values such as Truth, Love, Peace and the immortal soul remain beyond its reach. Therefore, Eternity ultimately defeats Time and secures lasting happiness for humanity.

Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Poetry Chapter 2 Long Answer Type Questions with Explanation.

Answer:
In On Time, John Milton presents Time as a powerful force that destroys everything in the material world. He personifies Time as greedy and envious because it consumes all earthly things. However, the poet does not fear Time because he believes that its power is limited.
According to Milton, Time can only destroy things that are false, vain and mortal. Material possessions, worldly pleasures and human life itself are temporary. In contrast, spiritual values such as Truth, Peace, and Love are eternal and remain untouched by Time.
The poet imagines a future when Time will itself come to an end. After Time has consumed everything, it will finally consume itself. Then Eternity will begin. Human souls, guided by divine grace, will rise towards God and experience everlasting bliss.
Milton concludes that Eternity is the true victor. While Time governs the physical world, it cannot defeat the immortal soul or eternal values. Thus, the poem celebrates the ultimate triumph of Eternity over Time.

Answer:
Milton portrays Time as a powerful yet ultimately limited force. He addresses Time directly and describes it as envious, greedy and destructive. Time continually moves forward, consuming everything that belongs to the material world.
The poet compares Time to a devouring force that swallows all mortal things. However, he also suggests that Time’s achievements are insignificant because it destroys only temporary objects. Spiritual realities remain beyond its control.
Throughout the poem, Milton challenges the authority of Time. He argues that eternal values such as Truth, Peace, and Love cannot be harmed by Time. Human souls, guided by divine power, will eventually escape Time’s influence and enter Eternity.
At the end of the poem, Time itself is defeated. It consumes its own existence and disappears. Therefore, Milton presents Time as powerful in the earthly realm but powerless before God, Eternity and the immortal soul.

Answer:
On Time reflects Milton’s deep Christian faith and spiritual philosophy. The poem explores the relationship between temporary earthly life and eternal divine existence. Milton believes that human life on earth is only a small part of a greater spiritual journey.
The poem teaches that worldly possessions and pleasures are temporary. Time destroys all material things, proving that earthly life is not permanent. However, the human soul is immortal and destined for a higher existence.
Milton emphasizes the importance of divine guidance. He believes that God leads human souls towards salvation and eternal happiness. Truth, Peace, and Love are presented as divine qualities that endure forever.
The poet also expresses hope in life after death. He imagines souls reaching God’s throne and experiencing eternal joy. Through these ideas, Milton conveys a message of faith, spiritual victory and the superiority of eternal values over material concerns.

Answer:
In On Time, Milton argues that Time can destroy only worldly and material things. Physical objects, human achievements and earthly pleasures eventually disappear. However, spiritual values remain forever.
The poet specifically mentions Truth, Peace and Love as eternal qualities. These virtues are divine in nature and cannot be affected by Time. Even when all mortal things perish, these values continue to shine in Eternity.
Truth represents wisdom and reality, Peace symbolizes harmony, and Love signifies compassion and divine grace. Together, they form the foundation of spiritual perfection. Milton believes that these qualities belong to God’s eternal kingdom.
The poem suggests that human beings should focus on these lasting values rather than temporary worldly concerns. Through this message, Milton highlights the indestructible nature of Truth, Peace and Love.

Answer:
On Time is one of Milton’s finest spiritual poems. It deals with the universal themes of Time, mortality, eternity and divine salvation. The poem reflects the poet’s strong religious faith and philosophical outlook.
Milton personifies Time as a greedy force that destroys everything temporary. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, he presents the struggle between Time and Eternity. The poem’s central message is that spiritual values are stronger than temporal power.
The imagery of Eternity, stars, divine bliss and the heavenly throne creates a sense of spiritual grandeur. The poem is rich in symbolism, with Time representing mortality and Eternity representing immortality.
Milton’s optimistic vision inspires readers to look beyond material life and focus on lasting spiritual values. The poem ends on a note of triumph, showing humanity overcoming Death, Chance and Time itself. For these reasons, On Time remains a profound and uplifting spiritual poem.