NCERT Solutions Class 12 English Chapter 2 Kaleidoscope Poetry Poems by Milton

Question 1. Why was the poet pitted the fight of Time against the ‘lazy leaden-stepping hours’ and the heavy Plummets pace’?
Answer: John Milton represents Time as a covetous, jealous entity, daring it to hasten its stride and conclude its course. Despite Time's self-important and menacing posture, the poet mockingly contrasts its perceived dominance with descriptors like "lazy leaden-stepping hours" and the sluggish descent of a clock's metal weight (the plummet). This irony reveals that Time's progression is actually slow and encumbered, restricted to consuming only superficial, corrupt, and transient things of the mortal world. By placing these sluggish, leaden movements in opposition to Time's prideful claims, the author underscores that Time lacks any real authority over the divine or the everlasting. The core message of this contrast is that whatever is lost to Time was fundamentally devoid of value, rendering any triumph it claims completely hollow.
In simple words: The poet challenges Time to run fast, but mockingly compares its speed to slow, heavy clock weights. This shows that despite its proud threats, Time moves slowly and can only destroy temporary, worthless things, leaving the truly holy things completely untouched.

Exam Tip: Focus on Milton's use of irony when contrasting Time's boastful, destructive nature with its actually sluggish, limited pace.

Question 2. What are the things associated with the temporal and what are associated with the eternal?
Answer: The poet establishes a sharp division between the transience of the earthly world and the permanence of the spiritual realm. Under the domain of the temporal, Milton places everything that is fragile, superficial, and corruptible - including false aspirations, material waste, physical baseness, along with the chaotic forces of Death and Chance. Conversely, the eternal realm contains unchanging and indestructible realities that exist far beyond the reaches of decay. These include high virtues like Truth, Peace, and Love, boundless spiritual joy, the glorious Throne of God, and human souls adorned with stars. By making this distinction, Milton asserts that Time's destructive power is strictly confined to the impure and transient, while everything that is genuinely good and sacred remains protected in everlasting glory.

In simple words: The temporal includes temporary, corruptible things like material possessions, physical decay, and death. The eternal includes permanent, divine realities like truth, love, peace, and human souls reaching God's throne.

Exam Tip: Use a table to present the differences clearly. Highlight that temporal things are mortal and corrupt, whereas eternal things are divine and indestructible.

Question 3. What guides human souls towards divinity? Who is the final winner in the race against them?
Answer: According to Milton, it is the touch of divine grace and heavenly guidance that steers the human spirit upward, leading it away from transient concerns toward the supreme Throne of God. Once the spirit is entirely purified of earthly baseness, it becomes beautifully "attired with stars," taking its place in a state of everlasting joy.
In this relentless contest against mortality, the ultimate victor is the human soul that remains aligned with God. As the timeline of the universe runs its course, Time will eventually exhaust itself, consumed by its own greed. Meanwhile, the righteous spirit achieves a triumphant victory, rising above the grasp of Death, Chance, and Time. The poem concludes with a powerful celebration of this spiritual victory, asserting that the immortal soul, rather than Time, holds the final authority.
In simple words: God's divine grace and heavenly guidance lead human souls toward the divine. In the race against Time, the ultimate winner is the human soul, which triumphs over death and decay, while Time eventually destroys itself through its own greed.

Exam Tip: Explicitly name "divine grace / heavenly guidance" as the guiding force, and declare the "immortal human soul" as the ultimate victor in the conflict against Time.

On Shakespear. 1630 - Understanding the Poem

Question 1. Why does Milton feel it is not necessary to put up a monument in stone for shakespeare?
Answer: Milton contends that a legendary writer like Shakespeare does not require a physical monument - whether it be an elaborate tomb, a grand pyramid, or piled stones - because his own literary creations serve as a far superior and more enduring memorial. His plays and sonnets have constructed a perpetual monument within the hearts and imaginations of readers across successive generations. While physical structures made of marble and stone are built by human hands and will eventually crumble, the artistic immortality Shakespeare achieved remains everlasting. His authentic monument is the profound sense of awe and admiration he continues to spark in those who read his works, an intellectual legacy that can never be destroyed by Time.
In simple words: The poet believes Shakespeare doesn't need a physical stone monument or pyramid because his own brilliant writings serve as a permanent memorial. Stone structures eventually crumble, but Shakespeare's poetry lives forever in the hearts and minds of his readers.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrast between physical, perishable monuments (stone, marble, pyramids) and the everlasting "intellectual monument" created in the minds of readers.

Question 2. What does the ‘weak witness of thy name’ refer to?
Answer: This specific phrase refers to the physical, material structures - such as tombs, pyramids, and columns of piled stones - that society traditionally builds to preserve the memory of a great figure. Milton classifies these stone structures as "weak witnesses" because material objects are poor, lifeless, and wholly inadequate representations of Shakespeare's artistic genius. Such physical memorials stand silent and static, whereas his actual literature continues to speak with immense power and vitality across the centuries. In the poet's view, relying on perishable, cold structures to maintain an author's legacy fails to capture the true magnitude of his intellectual contribution.
In simple words: The "weak witness" refers to physical tombs, pyramids, and stone monuments. The poet calls them weak because cold stone is a poor, lifeless way to honor Shakespeare, whose actual plays and poems speak directly and powerfully to readers.

Exam Tip: Explain why physical monuments are considered "weak" - they are material, silent, and subject to decay, unlike the living, loud voice of Shakespeare's literature.

Question 3. How does Milton describe Shakespeare as the source of inspiration for all succeeding generations of poets?
Answer: The poet illustrates Shakespeare's immense influence through several highly vivid and reverent images. He addresses him as the "dear son of memory" and the "great heir of Fame," implying that he inherited the entire legacy of classical literature and carried it forward with magnificent grace. His verses flow so effortlessly and naturally that they expose the labored struggles of other poets. Milton describes his lines as "Delphic," evoking the mystical wisdom of the Oracle of Delphi to suggest his words carry a near-prophetic depth that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. This writing completely takes over the reader's imagination, leaving them mentally overwhelmed and metaphorically "turned to marble" by the sheer power of his creative genius, establishing him as an eternal fountain of inspiration for all future writers.
In simple words: The poet calls Shakespeare the "dear son of memory" and "great heir of Fame," showing that his natural, beautifully flowing verses outshine all other poets. His wise, "Delphic" lines completely capture our imagination, leaving readers awestruck and forever inspired.

Exam Tip: Mention specific key literary terms used by Milton, such as "Delphic" lines, "dear son of memory," and the idea of readers being "turned to marble" by his genius.

Question 4. What is the best tribute that posterity has bestowed on Shakespeare?
Answer: According to Milton, the highest tribute that future generations have offered Shakespeare is not a physical monument, but the living immortality he enjoys within the hearts and minds of his readers. Anyone who opens his priceless book is so deeply moved that they are struck into a state of awed silence - described as being made "marble with too much conceiving." This profound intellectual and emotional impact serves as his true, everlasting monument. The poem ends with a striking irony: Shakespeare rests so grandly entombed within the wonder of his readers' minds that even the most powerful kings would envy such a glorious and magnificent burial.
In simple words: The best tribute to Shakespeare is the everlasting life his works have in the minds of his readers. The deep wonder and silent awe experienced by anyone reading his plays is a monument so grand that even kings would wish for such a burial.

Exam Tip: Highlight the paradox at the end of the poem: his true "tomb" is the intellectual wonder of his readers' minds, which is far grander than any royal sepulcher.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Who is the poet of On Time?
Answer: This deeply spiritual poem was composed by the great English poet, John Milton.
In simple words: The poem "On Time" was written by the famous English poet John Milton.

Exam Tip: Make sure to spell the poet's name correctly (John Milton) as it is fundamental for very short answers.

Question 2. How does the poet describe Time?
Answer: The author portrays Time as a jealous and highly avaricious force that seeks to consume everything.
In simple words: The poet describes Time as a greedy, jealous force that devours worldly things.

Exam Tip: Focus on the exact terms "envious" and "greedy" to describe Milton's personification of Time.

Question 3. What do the “lazy leaden-stepping hours” symbolize?
Answer: This phrase serves as a symbol for the sluggish, heavy, and monotonous progression of time.
In simple words: It represents how slowly and heavily time seems to move in the physical world.

Exam Tip: State that this phrase captures the slow and sluggish subjective experience of time for human beings on earth.

Question 4. What does Time devour?
Answer: Time consumes everything that is transient, physical, and subject to decay in the mortal world.
In simple words: Time destroys only temporary, worldly, and mortal things.

Exam Tip: Specify that Time is limited to destroying only "mortal dross" or worldly possessions, and has no power over spiritual things.

Question 5. What kind of things are called “false and vain”?
Answer: The phrase refers to temporary material possessions, worldly pleasures, and superficial human concerns.
In simple words: It refers to temporary, worldly things that do not have any real, lasting spiritual value.

Exam Tip: Underline that "false and vain" refers to temporary, material, and superficial earthly pursuits.

Question 6. What will Time eventually consume?
Answer: At the end of the material universe, Time will exhaust its own existence and be destroyed.
In simple words: When everything mortal is gone, Time will eventually destroy itself.

Exam Tip: Note the paradox that Time's ultimate greed leads to its own self-destruction once there is nothing left to consume.

Question 7. What will greet human beings after Time ends?
Answer: Once Time is finished, human souls will be welcomed into an everlasting state of divine happiness.
In simple words: Eternity will welcome human souls with endless, divine joy.

Exam Tip: Use the keyword "Eternity" to define the state of everlasting bliss that follows the end of physical Time.

Question 8. Name any two eternal qualities mentioned in the poem.
Answer: Two of the everlasting values highlighted in the text are Truth and Love.
In simple words: Two everlasting qualities mentioned in the poem are Truth and Love.

Exam Tip: Explicitly mention any two of the three main values (Truth, Peace, and Love) mentioned by Milton.

Question 9. What shall shine forever in Eternity?
Answer: High spiritual virtues like Truth, Peace, and Love will remain radiant throughout eternity.
In simple words: Divine qualities like Truth, Peace, and Love will shine forever beyond the reach of Time.

Exam Tip: Highlight that these three virtues form the foundational, indestructible elements of the spiritual world.

Question 10. Who guides the human soul?
Answer: The human soul is led toward the divine realm by heavenly grace or spiritual direction.
In simple words: The human soul is guided by divine or heavenly grace.

Exam Tip: Use the phrase "divine guidance" or "heavenly forces" to explain what leads the soul upward.

Question 11. What will the soul leave behind?
Answer: Upon entering the eternal realm, the soul sheds all physical impurities and mortal restrictions.
In simple words: The soul leaves behind all physical impurities and temporary worldly limitations.

Exam Tip: Mention "earthly grossness" or "mortal dross" as the physical weight the soul sheds when rising.

Question 12. What will humans be “attired” with?
Answer: The purified souls will be beautifully adorned or clothed in starlight.
In simple words: Purified human souls will be clothed or adorned with stars.

Exam Tip: Explain that being "attired with stars" symbolizes the soul's spiritual glory and closeness to God.

Question 13. Over what will humans triumph?
Answer: The righteous soul ultimately achieves a magnificent victory over Death, Chance, and Time.
In simple words: Righteous human souls will triumph over Death, Chance, and Time.

Exam Tip: Name all three forces - Death, Chance, and Time - to show a complete reading of the poem's final lines.

Question 14. What is a “Plummet”?
Answer: It refers to a heavy lead weight historically used to drive the gears of mechanical clocks.
In simple words: A plummet is a heavy lead weight used in the machinery of old clocks.

Exam Tip: Explain its functional role as a weight in a clock to clarify the poem's mechanical imagery.

Question 15. What is the central theme of the poem?
Answer: The core theme of the work is the ultimate, glorious triumph of the eternal realm over mortal Time.
In simple words: The main theme is how the eternal spiritual world ultimately defeats temporary mortal Time.

Exam Tip: Summarize the theme as "the victory of Eternity over Time" for a precise and high-scoring answer.

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. How does Milton personify Time in the poem?
Answer: The poet represents Time as a living, hungry force that hastens through existence, consuming everything in its way. He depicts this entity as jealous and highly covetous, as its primary action is the destruction of physical things. Despite this menacing portrayal, Milton emphasizes that Time's authority is strictly confined to the transient, material world, remaining entirely powerless against spiritual values.
In simple words: Milton describes Time as a hungry, greedy monster that eats up everything on earth. However, its power is limited because it can only destroy temporary, physical things and cannot touch eternal truths.

Exam Tip: Use terms like "personification" and "temporal limits" to explain how Milton restricts Time's destructive power to the mortal plane.

Question 2. Why does the poet call Time “envious” and “greedy”?
Answer: Milton labels Time as jealous because it actively targets and dismantles all physical beauty and human creations. It is described as covetous due to its unyielding appetite for consuming earthly things. However, this greed is ultimately futile, as Time can only destroy transient, material assets, leaving sacred qualities like Truth, Peace, and Love completely untouched.
In simple words: Time is called envious because it hates and destroys worldly beauty. It is greedy because it devours all material things, yet it can never destroy lasting values like Truth, Peace, and Love.

Exam Tip: Clarify that Time's greed is limited; it can only consume "mortal dross" but has no power over spiritual values.

Question 3. Explain the significance of “lazy leaden-stepping hours.”
Answer: This specific expression describes the sluggish, heavy, and monotonous passage of time as perceived by mortals in their daily lives. The adjective "leaden" evokes a sense of dullness and physical weight. By contrasting Time's proud, urgent race with these slow-moving hours, the poet highlights the discrepancy between how Time views its own power and how sluggishly its passage is actually felt.
In simple words: This phrase describes how slow, heavy, and dull time feels to humans. The poet contrasts this sluggish pace with Time's proud, racing nature to show how slow it actually is.

Exam Tip: Focus on the contrast between the subjective experience of slow "leaden" time and Time's proud, objective race.

Question 4. What does the poet mean by “So little is our loss, So little is thy gain”?
Answer: The author suggests that Time's destructive victories are actually insignificant, as it only consumes transient and worthless material things. Consequently, humanity suffers no real loss, because our true spiritual essence is immortal, destined for the eternal realm where Time has no authority.
In simple words: Since Time can only destroy temporary, worthless things, its gains are tiny. Humans do not lose anything important because our real spiritual souls belong to eternity and cannot be harmed.

Exam Tip: Explain that the "loss" is minor because material things are transient, while the "gain" of Time is trivial because it cannot destroy the soul.

Question 5. How does the poem distinguish between mortal and eternal things?
Answer: The piece characterizes mortal entities as deceitful, superficial, and highly transient, consisting of earthly assets and physical pleasures. On the other hand, eternal realities consist of divine virtues like Truth, Peace, and Love, along with the soul's eventual union with God. While physical things are easily consumed, spiritual values remain entirely beyond the reach of decay.
In simple words: Mortal things are temporary, worldly, and false, like physical pleasures and wealth. Eternal things are permanent, like Truth, Love, and the soul's connection with God, which can never be destroyed.

Exam Tip: Clearly separate physical, temporary assets (mortal) from divine, everlasting virtues (eternal) in your response.

Question 6. Describe the role of Truth, Peace, and Love in the poem.
Answer: These three qualities represent the ultimate, indestructible values of the spiritual world. Milton asserts that these virtues will shine with undiminished brightness in the eternal realm. They serve as symbols of spiritual perfection and the complete, lasting joy that welcomes human souls once physical Time has ended.
In simple words: Truth, Peace, and Love are everlasting divine values. They will shine forever in eternity, representing the spiritual perfection and joy that wait for us after Time ends.

Exam Tip: Frame these three virtues as "divine pillars" that form the very foundation of the eternal kingdom, remaining immune to physical decay.

Question 7. What vision of Eternity does Milton present?
Answer: The poet depicts the eternal realm as a glorious state of everlasting happiness, peace, and close proximity to God. Within this spiritual world, the human soul is completely freed from physical limits and pain. High values like Truth, Peace, and Love reign forever, and there is no room for grief, decay, or death.
In simple words: Milton describes Eternity as a beautiful place of endless joy and peace. There, the soul is free from all earthly pain and physical limits, living forever close to God.

Exam Tip: Describe his vision of Eternity as a place of absolute perfection, characterized by "divine bliss" and the total absence of physical suffering.

Question 8. How does the poet express his faith in divine salvation?
Answer: Milton conveys his deep spiritual faith by describing how the human soul is guided by heavenly grace toward God's throne. He believes that after shedding its physical, earthly existence, the soul rises to the divine presence to enjoy everlasting happiness, reflecting his solid Christian values.
In simple words: The poet shows his faith by describing how God's grace guides the human soul to heaven. After leaving the earthly world, the soul reaches God's throne to enjoy endless joy.

Exam Tip: Note the strong influence of Milton's personal Christian faith and theology on his presentation of the soul's journey.

Question 9. Explain the symbolic meaning of “Attir’d with Stars.”
Answer: This specific phrase symbolizes spiritual glory, eternal life, and the ultimate heavenly reward. The stars evoke ideas of purity, bright light, and closeness to the Creator. Milton utilizes this image to represent the soul's complete transformation upon entering the eternal realm.
In simple words: This phrase represents the soul's spiritual glory and closeness to God. The stars symbolize purity, brightness, and the beautiful reward of everlasting life.

Exam Tip: Explain that being "attired with stars" represents the soul shedding its "earthly grossness" to be clothed in celestial, pure starlight.

Question 10. Why does Milton believe that Time cannot achieve ultimate victory?
Answer: The poet is convinced that Time's power is strictly limited to the destruction of temporary, material things. Indestructible spiritual values like Truth, Peace, and Love, along with the immortal soul, exist entirely beyond its reach. Therefore, the eternal world will ultimately defeat Time, ensuring lasting joy for humanity.
In simple words: Milton believes Time cannot win because it can only destroy temporary, physical things. Everlasting values like Truth, Love, and the human soul are beyond its reach and will live on forever.

Exam Tip: Focus on the idea of "limited domain" - explain that Time's authority is absolute in the material world but completely non-existent in the spiritual world.

Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss On Time as a poem about the triumph of Eternity over Time.
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.
In simple words: The poem is about how the eternal, spiritual world ultimately defeats temporary mortal Time. Time is described as a greedy monster that eats up physical things, but it cannot touch the soul. Eventually, Time will destroy itself, and the soul will rise to enjoy endless joy in heaven.

Exam Tip: Structure your essay by discussing first the personification of Time as a mortal destroyer, then the limits of its power, and finally the transition to the eternal realm where the soul is victorious.

Question 2. Analyse the character of Time as portrayed by Milton.
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.
In simple words: Milton describes Time as a greedy, jealous monster that eats up everything on earth. However, its power is limited because it can only destroy temporary, physical things and cannot touch eternal truths. In the end, Time will destroy itself, leaving the immortal soul victorious.

Exam Tip: Analyze the paradox of Time's character: it is presented as a powerful, menacing giant in the physical world, but becomes a weak, self-destructive non-entity when compared to Eternity.

Question 3. Examine the religious and philosophical ideas presented in On Time.
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.
In simple words: The poem reflects Milton's deep Christian beliefs. It teaches that earthly wealth and pleasures are temporary and will be destroyed by Time. However, the human soul is immortal and, guided by God's grace, will reach heaven to enjoy endless joy, proving that spiritual values are superior to material ones.

Exam Tip: Discuss both the "religious" aspect (God's grace, salvation, the heavenly throne) and the "philosophical" aspect (the transience of matter vs. the permanence of spiritual values) to provide a complete answer.

Question 4. “Truth, Peace and Love are eternal and indestructible”. Explain with reference to the poem.
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.
In simple words: The poet says that while Time can destroy physical objects and earthly achievements, spiritual qualities like Truth, Peace, and Love can never be destroyed. These divine values will shine forever in heaven, and humans should focus on them instead of temporary worldly concerns.

Exam Tip: Define each of the three virtues individually (Truth as wisdom, Peace as harmony, Love as compassion) and explain how they form the eternal foundation of God's kingdom.

Question 5. Critically appreciate On Time as a spiritual poem.
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.
In simple words: This is a beautiful spiritual poem about Time, mortality, and heaven. It uses powerful imagery of stars and God's throne to show that the soul will defeat death and decay. It inspires us to look beyond temporary material things and focus on lasting spiritual values.

Exam Tip: Frame your critical appreciation around the key spiritual elements: the theme of mortality vs. immortality, the rich religious imagery, the optimistic tone, and the final triumphant conclusion.