Answers

Comprehension Questions

1. Who is the main character of the poem, and what is he known for?

   • The main character of the poem is Bhisma Lochan Sharma, known for his tuneless and relentless singing that causes chaos wherever it is heard.

2. Describe the reactions of the people and animals to Bhisma Lochan Sharma's singing.

   • The people are dazed, amazed, and panicked, pleading with him to stop. Animals such as horses flee, bullock-carts overturn, fish dive frantically for silence, trees collapse and shake, and birds turn turtle while flying.

3. What geographical regions are mentioned in the poem where Bhisma's singing can be heard?

   • Bhisma's singing can be heard from Delhi down to Burma.

4. How do the bullock-carts and horses react to Bhisma's singing?

   • The bullock-carts are overturned, and horses line the roadside, indicating a panicked reaction to the singing.

5. What impact does Bhisma's singing have on the fish and trees?

   • The fishes dive below the lake in a frantic search for silence, and the trees collapse and shake, with the sound of crashing heard from a mile away.

6. How do the birds in the sky react to the singing?

   • The birds turn turtle while they are winging, indicating that they are so disturbed by the singing that they flip over in the air.

7. What is the final reaction of the people to Bhisma's singing, as described in the poem?

   • The people cry out in desperation, believing they are going to die and pleading for Bhisma to stop singing.

8. Who or what ultimately stops Bhisma Lochan Sharma’s singing, and how?

   • A billy goat, described as a most sagacious fellow, ultimately stops Bhisma's singing by charging at him with a bellow, leading to Bhisma granting the world the golden gift of silence.

Analytical Questions

1. What literary devices does Sukumar Ray use to describe the impact of Bhisma's singing? Provide examples from the text.

   • Ray uses hyperbole ("The people, dazed, retire amazed," "The fishes dived below the lake in frantic search for silence"), personification ("The very trees collapse and shake"), and imagery ("You catch his strain on hill and plain from Delhi down to Burma").

2. How does the poet use exaggeration to create a humorous effect in the poem?

   • The poet exaggerates the effects of Bhisma's singing to a ridiculous extent, describing animals overturning, fish diving, and trees collapsing, which creates a humorous and absurd scenario.

3. What might Bhisma Lochan Sharma symbolize in the context of early 20th-century colonial India?

   • Bhisma Lochan Sharma might symbolize individuals or authorities who are oblivious to the harm they cause, persisting in their actions despite public distress, much like the colonial administrators who were indifferent to the suffering of the colonized people.

4. Discuss the role of the billy goat in the poem. What does it represent, and why is its intervention significant?

   • The billy goat represents common sense, natural justice, or a force of nature that intervenes to restore order. Its intervention is significant as it brings an end to the chaos caused by Bhisma's singing, symbolizing the eventual triumph of reason and sanity over madness.

5. What themes can be identified in the poem, and how are they conveyed through the narrative and characters?

   • Themes include the impact of art (even bad art) on society, persistence and obliviousness, and the restoration of order. These are conveyed through the exaggerated reactions to Bhisma's singing and the eventual intervention of the billy goat.

Interpretative Questions

1. Why do you think Sukumar Ray chose to use a humorous approach to critique societal issues?

   • Ray likely chose humor to make his critique more palatable and engaging, using absurdity and satire to highlight serious issues in a way that could bypass censorship and reach a wider audience.

2. How does the poem reflect the societal and administrative conditions of colonial India?

   • The poem reflects the societal and administrative conditions of colonial India by showcasing a character whose actions cause widespread distress, similar to the way colonial policies affected the local population. The exaggerated reactions and eventual intervention symbolize the public's suffering and the need for change.

3. What does the poem suggest about the relationship between art and society?

   • The poem suggests that art, even in its worst form, has a significant impact on society. It can cause distress and chaos, highlighting the responsibility of artists to consider the effects of their work.

4. In what ways does Bhisma's persistence reflect a broader commentary on human behavior?

   • Bhisma's persistence despite the negative reactions reflects a broader commentary on how some individuals or authorities continue harmful actions out of ignorance or stubbornness, without regard for the consequences.

5. How does the poem balance its humorous tone with its underlying critical message?

   • The poem balances humor with critique by using exaggerated, absurd scenarios to highlight serious issues, making the reader laugh while also reflecting on the deeper message about the impact of actions on society.

Creative Questions

1. Imagine you are one of the people or animals hearing Bhisma Lochan Sharma's singing. Write a short diary entry expressing your thoughts and feelings.

   • Diary Entry: "Dear Diary, Today was another dreadful day of enduring Bhisma Lochan Sharma's singing. His voice, though well-meaning, is a calamity. The moment he started, my ears began to ache, and the chaos that followed was indescribable. Bullock-carts overturned, horses fled, and I saw fish diving deep into the lake as if seeking refuge. Even the trees seemed to shiver in agony. We begged him to stop, but our pleas were in vain. It feels like we might not survive another day of this torment. I pray for silence, for relief, for anything to save us from this sonic assault."

2. Create an alternative ending for the poem where Bhisma Lochan Sharma realizes the impact of his singing. How does he change his ways?

   • Alternative Ending: "Bhisma Lochan Sharma continued to sing until he noticed the havoc around him. The overturned bullock-carts, the fleeing horses, and the collapsing trees made him pause. Realizing the distress he was causing, Bhisma stopped and looked around in horror. 'What have I done?' he thought. He decided to take singing lessons to improve his skills. Over time, his voice transformed, bringing joy instead of chaos. The people and animals now gathered to listen, their faces lighting up with happiness. Bhisma Lochan Sharma had found his true calling in spreading cheer with his melodious tunes."

3. Draw a comic strip illustrating the key events of the poem, highlighting the reactions of the different characters.

   • (This requires an artistic rendering. You can sketch the comic strip on paper, capturing scenes such as Bhisma singing, people and animals reacting in panic, the billy goat charging, and the final peaceful silence.)

4. Write a short poem from the perspective of the billy goat, describing its thoughts and actions as it confronts Bhisma Lochan Sharma.

   • Billy Goat's Poem: "In the field, I heard the wail, A sound that made the strongest pale. Bhisma sang with all his might, Turning day to dreadful night. Trees did tremble, fish did dive, Birds upended, struggling to survive. 'Enough!' I thought, 'This must be stopped, Before more souls in fear are dropped.' With a bellow, I charged ahead, To silence the chaos and end the dread. Bhisma saw me, eyes opened wide, And finally, he stepped aside. Peace returned, calm and sweet, Thanks to my decisive feat."

5. Compose a letter from Bhisma Lochan Sharma to the people, explaining why he sings and responding to their reactions.

   • Letter from Bhisma Lochan Sharma:

   • "Dear Friends, I write to you with a heavy heart, having witnessed the distress my singing has caused. I sing with the purest of intentions, hoping to share my passion and uplift spirits. However, it has become clear that my efforts have had the opposite effect, bringing chaos instead of joy. I deeply regret the pain and panic my voice has caused. Moving forward, I vow to either improve my singing or find a new way to bring happiness to you all. Your well-being is important to me, and I never intended to cause harm. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I hope you will give me a chance to make amends and restore harmony in our community. Sincerely, Bhisma Lochan Sharma"