Solved Essay Type Question of 10 Marks: ‘To the Indian Who Died in Africa’ by T.S. Eliot

Posted in Free ICSE English Resources Blog on 14.07.2010

Linked to Blog given in ‘write-better-speak-better’ on 14.07.2010

Q. State briefly the theme of the poem.

The poem contains a number of themes and layers of thoughts so characteristic of a poet like Eliot’s stature.

That pursuing actions in one’s life with absolute detachment without any concern for the fruits of one’s labour is the main theme of this rather complex poem. Eliot, who was an extraordinary poet as well as a scholar, seems to be inspired by the sayings of the Bhagavad-Gita while choosing this theme. The soldiers’ sense of duty made him willingly go to Africa where some of them laid down their lives with this philosophy in their heart. As a result, the foreign land where they died in the course of performing their duty becomes their home and the country of their birth becomes an alien land. Their sublime action would bring its own reward though they would not know it.

Again the canon of Selfless Action or Nishkam Karma is another thematic element of the poem. It is in the spirit of selfless action that the soldiers go wherever his duty demands him to be. Some of them get killed abroad far away from their home but their self-sacrifice not only render them immortal in the memory of their people but also make their souls face the day of ‘The Last Judgement’ (The Old Testament) with their heads held high.

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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Appropriate Words: Prepositions and Adverbs

Please study the following sentences paying special attention to the appropriate words which are underlined. Please remember that in certain cases, these appropriate words are more closely related to usage than to grammar and it is only these fitting words which add punch to the expressions.

1. The moneylender has fortunately written off the poor man’s debt. (cancelled)

2. The politician’s fiery speech worked up the rustic audience. (excited)

3. The technician is working at a new project. (trying to innovate)

4. Enraged by his son’s shameful act, the father had walked/of the house though he came back after a few days to be in control once again. (left)

5. The star player of the Spanish football team was injured and so didn’t turn up for practice. (appeared)

6. His mentor (guru) turned against him because of his unsteady habits. (became hostile)

7. My boss works very hard but it tells upon his health. (affect)

8. The pupil who has been neglecting her studies, was told off by the Headmistress. (rebuked)

9. She could not help taking his unkind remarks to heart and fell crying. (grieved)

10. Ulysses never failed to take on the challenges that came his way. (face)

11. It is not a good practice to take everyone to confidence in every matter. (trust)

12. Take heart and try again. (be encouraged)

13. The villagers initially took the robbers for

policemen because they were wearing khaki uniforms. (regarded as)

14. Sons and daughters often take after their parents. (resemble)

15. A true friend should stand by his buddy in times of difficulties. (support)

16. The abbreviation CV stands for curriculum vitae. (represents)

17. Be up and doing and always be prepared to stand against injustice. (resist)

18. Some of the audience who were standing up shut out our view. (blocked)

19. The head of the committee set down the points raised by some members. (recorded)

20. He always sets about his tasks after careful planning.

The same lesson and other paper I and II solved lessons are available at

Write Better Speak Better

and at

ICSE and ISC English India