LUCKNOW INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL (2025 - 2026)

ENGLISH
FLAMINGO
CLASS – XII
KEEPING QUIET
BY PABLO NERUDA
THEME

The power of silence and thought as a means of comprehending and engaging with the world is the theme
of the poem “Keeping Quiet”. In order to develop a better understanding of themselves and their surroundings,
the poet emphasizes stillness and watching nature. The speaker makes the claim that one can develop a
sense of oneness with one’s surroundings and other people by remaining silent and observing. The poem
also considers how the modern world may be noisy and distracting and how spending some time to be silent
and still can be a helpful strategy for obtaining clarity and inner calm.
Rhyme scheme of the poem

The poem is written in free verse. It does not follow any rhyme scheme.

Q1- What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?
A1-If we count up to twelve and keep still, it will give us some time to analyze our deeds. It will allow us
some moments to think about the results of our activities. People in the world are involved in wars and are
also damaging the environment in order to achieve their aims. Unfortunately, this is taking all of us toward
our own end. So, we need to think in order to achieve peace and harmony.

Q2- Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?
A2- No, the poet doesn’t advocate total inactivity and death. He clarifies this in his poem that he wants all
the people to just stop for a while in order to analyze their activities and their consequences. He wants
human beings not to support war and damage to the environment.

Q3- What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?
A3- The sadness is the result of our own actions and deeds. According to the poet we all are in a hurry to
achieve various tasks in our life. This rush sometimes proves dangerous for us. As we don’t analyze our
actions, we land ourselves in a number of problems. These problems then become the reason for our
sadness as referred to in the poem.

Q4- What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent
stillness?
A4- The poet takes the example of the Earth to prove that there can be life under apparent stillness. The
earth never gets inactive. We experience the change in the seasons which brings so many different things
with it. In winter, things come to a standstill as the water bodies freeze; the trees shed their leaves, etc. But
as soon as the spring season comes, it brings with it lovely flowers, and flowing rivers, and a new life is
given to nature. So, the poet wants to convey that we should stay calm but that doesn’t mean that it will
bring total inactivity and stillness.
 Q5- In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ and chasing the next new thing, would it be fair
to think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea?
Ans. No, because of the following reasons:
1. Relevance of stillness: In a fast-paced world consumed by the pursuit of material gain and instant
gratification, Neruda's call for stillness and introspection holds significant value. It serves as a reminder
to pause, reflect, and connect with ourselves and others beyond the relentless pursuit of more.
2. Countering the cycle: Neruda's call to break the cycle of noise, chaos, and violence is a profound
message that challenges the status quo. It encourages individuals to question the incessant chase for
"more" and consider alternative paths toward unity, peace, and deeper understanding.
3. Importance of introspection: The idea of stillness and introspection has practical benefits. Taking a
moment to reflect allows individuals to gain clarity, make conscious choices, and cultivate a sense of
inner peace. It can lead to personal growth, empathy, and a more meaningful existence.
Therefore, rather than dismissing Neruda's call as fanciful, it is important to recognize its relevance and
potential to counterbalance the constant pursuit of "more" and bring about positive change on both
individual and collective levels.

Q6- The world has become a global village, and people across boundaries, nationalities, and
communities are now connected to one another.
With the advancement of technology, and the advent of social media, do you think that the task of
keeping quiet, as envisaged by Neruda, has become easier or more complicated? Justify your
stance.

Ans. With the advancement of technology and the global interconnectedness brought about by social
media, the task of keeping quiet, as envisioned by Neruda in the poem "Keeping Quiet," has become more
complicated rather than easier. Here's a justification for this stance:
1. Constant stimulation: Technology and social media provide a constant influx of information, notifications,
and distractions. The ease of access to news, updates, and virtual interactions keeps individuals
engaged and connected at all times. This constant stimulation makes it challenging to find moments of
stillness and silence.
2. Fear of missing out: Social media platforms foster a fear of missing out (FOMO) mentality, where
individuals feel compelled to be continuously connected, informed, and engaged. This fear drives the
desire for constant activity and engagement, leaving little room for quiet contemplation.
3. Shortened attention spans: The digital age has led to shorter attention spans and a preference for quick,
bite-sized content. This can make it difficult for individuals to invest the time and focus required for deep
introspection and silence.
4. Comparison and validation: Social media often promotes a culture of comparison and seeking validation
through likes, comments, and shares. This constant need for external validation can hinder the ability to
disconnect and find solace in silence.
However, it is important to note that technology and social media can also be used as tools to promote
mindfulness, self-reflection, and meaningful connections. It ultimately depends on how individuals
choose to utilize these platforms and their conscious efforts to create boundaries, prioritize stillness, and
disconnect when needed.