A Requiem Question Answer | BOSEM Class 10 English

A Requiem Question Answer | BOSEM Class 10 HSLC

If you are preparing for the BOSEM Class 10 HSLC examination, this page provides simplified and exam-oriented A Requiem question answers from the Additional English poetry section. Written by William Shakespeare, this poem presents death not as something frightening, but as a peaceful and natural end to human life.

In this post, you will find carefully explained answers, a clear summary of the poem, and important extra questions designed especially for HSLC preparation. The explanations are written in a calm, academic tone so that students can easily understand the central theme and write accurate answers in the examination.

These solutions are prepared keeping BOSEM marking patterns in mind, helping students score better in their Class 10 HSLC English paper.

Chapter Summary

A Requiem by William Shakespeare

“A Requiem” is a thoughtful and reflective poem in which William Shakespeare presents death not as something fearful, but as a natural and peaceful end to human life. The poem encourages readers to understand that death is unavoidable and universal. No matter how powerful, wealthy, or important a person may be, everyone must ultimately face death.

The poet explains that after death, a person is free from all worldly troubles. There is no more suffering from harsh weather, physical pain, criticism, jealousy, or the anger of powerful people. Life is full of struggles, hardships, and emotional burdens. However, death brings relief from all these difficulties and offers eternal rest.

Shakespeare also emphasizes that death removes all differences among human beings. Kings, rulers, servants, rich, poor, strong, and weak — all are equal in death. In this way, death becomes the great equalizer.

The title “A Requiem” is appropriate because the poem itself sounds like a prayer for the peaceful rest of the soul. The tone is calm, serious, and philosophical. Instead of creating fear, the poem provides comfort and encourages acceptance of life’s final truth.

Textual Comprehension Questions

Q1. Death spells freedom from all mortal fears. What are the specific fears referred to by Shakespeare in the poem?

Answer: In the poem, Shakespeare explains that death frees a person from many earthly fears. These include the harsh cold winds of winter, lightning and thunder during storms, and the uncontrollable forces of nature. He also mentions fears such as hatred from enemies, the anger of powerful rulers, physical pain, and even the fear of losing hair due to illness or old age. According to the poet, once a person dies, all these fears and sufferings come to an end.

Q2. Death is the ultimate level for all differences in human society. Discuss how the poem proves this belief.

Answer: The poem shows that death treats everyone equally. It does not matter whether a person is rich or poor, king or servant, strong or weak. Death does not recognize social status, wealth, or power. Even kings, who command armies and hold authority, must eventually face death. Similarly, ordinary people also share the same fate. In this way, Shakespeare proves that death removes all differences among human beings and brings everyone to the same final level.

Q3. Discuss the central theme conveyed by the poem.

Answer: The central theme of the poem is the peaceful acceptance of death. Shakespeare suggests that death is not something to fear but something that brings rest and freedom from worldly troubles. Life is full of struggles, pain, illness, jealousy, hatred, and suffering. However, death ends all these burdens. The poet encourages us to understand that death is a natural and unavoidable part of life, and instead of fearing it, we should see it as eternal rest.

Q4. Do you think the title of the poem is apt? Why?

Answer: Yes, the title of the poem is appropriate. A “requiem” is a prayer or song for the dead. In this poem, Shakespeare reflects on death and describes it as a peaceful release from suffering. The poem carries a serious and thoughtful tone, suitable for remembering the dead. Since it discusses death calmly and respectfully, the title perfectly matches the theme and mood of the poem.

Q5. Explain:

(a) “Fear not slander, censure rash”

Answer: In this line, the poet advises the reader not to be afraid of criticism or harsh judgment from others. In life, people often face false accusations or unfair blame. However, once a person dies, they are free from such criticism. The line emphasizes that death removes the pain caused by negative opinions and harsh words.

(b) “Fear no more the frown of the great”

Answer: This line means that after death, a person no longer has to fear the anger or displeasure of powerful people. In life, individuals may worry about upsetting those in authority, such as rulers or influential persons. But death ends such fears. No one remains under anyone’s power after death.

Q1. Why does the poet say, “Fear no more the heat o’ the sun”?

Answer:

The poet says this to show that death frees a person from physical discomfort and suffering. The heat of the sun represents the hardships and struggles of daily life. Once a person dies, they no longer feel pain, exhaustion, or any physical discomfort. Death gives relief from all such troubles.

Q2. What picture of the world does the poet depict in the poem?

Answer: The poet presents the world as a place filled with difficulties and suffering. Life includes pain, illness, jealousy, fear, and constant struggles. People face criticism, natural disasters, and the pressure of authority. Because life is full of challenges, the poet suggests that death provides peace and freedom from these burdens.

Q3. Although the poet writes of death as not to fear, what is your feeling?

Answer: While the poet presents death as peaceful and comforting, many people naturally feel fear or sadness when thinking about death. It is difficult to accept separation from loved ones. However, the poem teaches us to see death from a philosophical perspective — as a natural and inevitable part of life. Personally, one may still feel emotional about death, but the poem helps us understand it more calmly.

Additional Important Questions with Answers

(For BOSEM Class 10 HSLC Examination)

Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 Marks)

Q1. What does the word “Requiem” mean?

Answer: A requiem is a prayer or hymn offered for the peaceful rest of the soul of a dead person.

Q2. Why does the poet ask people not to fear death?

Answer: The poet asks people not to fear death because it frees them from pain, suffering, criticism, and all worldly troubles. Death brings peace and eternal rest.

Q3. Who is the author of the poem A Requiem?

Answer: The poem A Requiem is written by William Shakespeare.

Q4. What does “heat o’ the sun” symbolize?

Answer: The phrase “heat o’ the sun” symbolizes the hardships, struggles, and physical discomforts of daily life.

Q5. What does death free humans from, according to the poem?

Answer: According to the poem, death frees humans from fear, jealousy, illness, harsh weather, criticism, social differences, and all kinds of worldly suffering.

Short Answer Questions (3–4 Marks)

Q1. How does Shakespeare describe death as peaceful?

Answer: Shakespeare describes death as peaceful by showing that it ends all pain and suffering. He explains that after death, a person no longer fears criticism, harsh weather, powerful rulers, or illness. Death brings calmness and eternal rest.

Q2. Explain how death removes all social differences.

Answer: The poet explains that death treats everyone equally. It does not matter whether a person is rich or poor, king or servant. All human beings must face death. In this way, death removes all social and economic differences.

Q3. What kinds of worldly troubles are mentioned in the poem?

Answer: The poem mentions several worldly troubles, such as harsh weather, physical pain, jealousy, criticism, hatred, illness, and the anger of powerful people. These represent the struggles of human life.

Q4. Why does the poet advise people not to fear criticism?

Answer: The poet advises people not to fear criticism because such negative judgments are temporary. After death, a person is no longer affected by slander or harsh opinions. Death ends all emotional pain caused by criticism.

Q5. How does the poem present life as temporary?

Answer: The poem shows that life is temporary by emphasizing that every person must eventually die. Power, wealth, beauty, and strength do not last forever. Death is the final and unavoidable truth of human existence.

Long Answer Questions (5–6 Marks)

Q1. Discuss the theme of equality in death as presented in the poem.

Answer: The poem strongly presents death as the great equalizer. Shakespeare explains that death does not recognize social status, wealth, or authority. Kings, rulers, and powerful leaders must face death just like ordinary people. Rich and poor, strong and weak — all share the same fate. Through this idea, the poet shows that death removes all differences and treats everyone equally. This theme highlights the universal nature of death.

Q2. “Death is the ultimate truth of human life.” Explain with reference to the poem.

Answer: In the poem, Shakespeare makes it clear that death is unavoidable. No matter how powerful or successful a person may be, death cannot be escaped. Life is temporary and filled with struggles. Death marks the end of these worldly experiences. By presenting death calmly and peacefully, the poet emphasizes that it is the final truth of human existence.

Q3. How does Shakespeare change our perspective about death?

Answer: Shakespeare changes our perspective by presenting death as something natural and peaceful rather than frightening. Instead of describing it as painful, he shows it as freedom from suffering and emotional burden. This approach encourages readers to accept death as a part of life.

Q4. Justify the title A Requiem with suitable examples from the poem.

Answer: The title A Requiem is appropriate because the poem sounds like a prayer for the dead. It speaks gently about death and emphasizes eternal rest and freedom from suffering. The repeated advice to “fear no more” gives comfort and reassurance. Therefore, the poem truly reflects the meaning of a requiem — a peaceful tribute to the departed soul.

Extract-Based Practice

“Fear no more the heat o’ the sun”

Q1. Who speaks this line?
Answer: The line is spoken by the poet as a comforting message to the departed soul.

Q2. What does “heat o’ the sun” refer to?
Answer: It refers to the struggles, hardships, and discomforts of life.

Q3. What message does this line convey?
Answer: The line conveys that death frees a person from physical and emotional suffering, bringing peace and rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)