Students, in this post, ‘The Road Not Taken Question Answer’, I’ll provide you answers for the Thinking about the Poem questions of class 9 NCERT English Beehive poem The Road Not Taken.
The Road Not Taken Thinking About the Poem Answers
I. Understanding the Poem
Q.1. Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?
Ans. The traveller finds himself in a yellow wood (a forest in autumn) where two roads diverge. His problem is that he cannot travel both roads and has to choose only one, not knowing where each will lead.
Q.2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you:
(i) a yellow wood
Ans. It refers to a forest during the autumn season, when leaves turn yellow. Symbolically, it means a stage of maturity or change in life.
(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear
Ans. This means the road looked less used and was covered with grass, so it appeared to need more travellers. Symbolically, it suggests an uncommon or unconventional choice.
(iii) the passing there
Ans. This refers to people who had travelled that road before. Symbolically, it indicates how common or popular the choice was.
(iv) leaves no step had trodden black
Ans. This means the leaves on the road were fresh and had not been crushed by footsteps, suggesting no one had walked there that morning. Symbolically, it means a fresh opportunity.
(v) how way leads on to way
Ans. This means one choice leads to another, and as life progresses, it becomes difficult to return to the original point and try a different path.
Q.3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them:
(i) in stanzas two and three?
Ans. At first, the poet says one road was grassy and seemed less travelled, but later he admits that both were actually about the same and equally covered with fresh leaves.
(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?
Ans. Yes. In the last two lines, the poet says he took the road less travelled by, which made all the difference. This suggests that he chooses to view his decision as unique and significant, even if the roads were similar.
Q.4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)
Ans. The last two lines mean that the poet’s choice had a major impact on his life. He does not clearly express regret; instead, he accepts his choice with a sigh that may show mixed emotions, perhaps pride in choosing differently, but also curiosity about what the other path might have offered.
II. Thinking and Sharing
Q.1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?
Ans. Student can write their own answer accordingly. One model answer is given below:
(Model Answer)
Yes, I have had to make difficult choices, like choosing between two subjects or activities. In future, I will also face such choices, like selecting a career. I will make my decision based on my interest, ability, and long-term benefits rather than following what others do.
Q.2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?
Ans. Student can write their own answer accordingly. One model answer is given below:
(Model Answer)
Sometimes I do think about what might have happened if I had chosen differently, but I usually accept the reality because I believe every choice teaches us something and shapes our future.
Read Also: Summary of The Road Not Taken