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Laugh and Be Merry: MBOSE Class 11 Alternative English notes
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDFs, and guides for the poem Laugh and Be Merry MBOSE Class 11 Alternative English textbook Imprints, written by John Masefield, which is part of the syllabus for students studying under the board. These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The poem “Laugh and Be Merry” by John Masefield celebrates the joy of living, emphasizing that life should be embraced with laughter and happiness despite its challenges. The poet conveys that life is brief, comparing it to a short thread, urging people to cherish their time. He suggests facing difficulties boldly and contributing positively to the world. Humanity is described as part of an ongoing “proud pageant,” highlighting the grandeur of human existence.
Masefield portrays life as God’s creation, filled with joy and vitality. He uses metaphors like “the strong red wine of His mirth” to depict the divine spirit infused in the earth, stars, and sky. This wine symbolizes the joy and energy of life that humans are encouraged to absorb. The poet also refers to nature’s beauty—the vast sky and the rhythm of stars—as reminders of life’s magnificence.
The poem invites people to live life as if they were guests in “a beautiful inn,” which metaphorically represents the world. This imagery suggests that life is temporary and precious, like a stay in a lovely place. The “dancing” and “lilt of the music” symbolize life’s joys, which will eventually end, just as life does. Thus, the poet encourages living fully until “the game is played.”
Masefield employs a confident and persuasive tone, repeatedly urging readers to “laugh and be merry.” The repetition of “laugh” serves to reinforce the message that happiness and togetherness are essential to life. The poem also acknowledges the fleeting nature of time, suggesting that one should enjoy life while it lasts.
Through its metaphors and imagery, the poem reminds us to find joy in small moments, work with purpose, and cherish our shared humanity. It presents a vision of life as a journey meant to be celebrated rather than endured.
Line-by-line summary
Laugh and be merry: remember, better the world with a song,
The poet starts by encouraging us to laugh and be happy. He says singing and staying joyful can make the world a better place.
Better the world with a blow in the teeth of a wrong.
The poet also tells us to stand up against anything wrong in the world and work to fix it, even if it’s challenging.
Laugh, for the time is brief, a thread the length of a span.
Life is short, like a small thread. This is why we should spend our time laughing and enjoying it.
Laugh and be proud to belong to the old proud pageant of man.
The poet reminds us to feel proud to be part of the long history of humanity, which is like a great, ongoing story.
Laugh and be merry: remember, in olden time,
The poet asks us to think back to the old days, reminding us that people always found reasons to be happy.
God made Heaven and Earth for joy He took in a rhyme,
He explains that God created the world out of joy, with care and harmony, like putting together a beautiful poem.
Made them, and filled them full with the strong red wine of His mirth,
The poet uses “strong red wine” to describe the happiness and life that God poured into the world.
The splendid joy of the stars; the joy of the earth.
The stars in the sky and the earth itself are examples of the joy and beauty in the world.
So we must laugh and drink from the deep blue cup of the sky,
The poet urges us to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the sky, which represents the wonders of nature.
Join the jubilant song of the great stars sweeping by,
He asks us to feel the same happiness and energy as the stars moving across the sky.
Laugh, and battle, and work, and drink of the wine outpoured.
The poet encourages us to enjoy life while also working hard and facing its challenges.
In the dear green earth, the sign of the joy of the Lord.
The earth is a gift from God, full of beauty and a reminder of His happiness.
Laugh and be merry together, like brothers akin,
The poet wants us to stay united, like brothers and sisters who care for one another.
Guesting awhile in the rooms of a beautiful inn,
Life is compared to a short stay in a lovely inn, meaning life is temporary and precious.
Glad till the dancing stops, and the lilt of the music ends.
Life is like a happy dance or song, and we should stay joyful until it naturally comes to an end.
Laugh till the game is played; and be you merry, my friends.
Finally, the poet says we should keep laughing and enjoying life as if it were a game, making the most of every moment.
Textbook solutions
Answer these questions briefly
Stanza 1
1. Which line suggests the best way to enjoy life?
Answer: “Better the world with a song.”
2. How does the poet suggest one should face a wrong?
Answer: By giving it “a blow in the teeth.”
3. How does the poet refer to humanity?
Answer: As “the old proud pageant of man.”
Stanza 2
1. What does the use of the word ‘rhyme’ suggest about the nature of joy and sorrow?
Answer: It suggests that joy and sorrow are interwoven like verses in a rhyme, forming a harmonious part of life.
2. What does the poet consider God’s ingredients of joy?
Answer: “The strong red wine of His mirth” and “the splendid joy of the stars and the earth.”
Stanza 3
1. What aspects of nature does the poet use to suggest the largesse of life and joy?
Answer: The poet mentions “the deep blue cup of the sky” and “the great stars sweeping by.”
2. What are the tasks the poet alludes to as having been set by the Lord?
Answer: Laughing, battling, working, and drinking of life’s joys.
Stanza 4
1. What aspect of life does the poet refer to when he says ‘brothers akin’?
Answer: The shared humanity and fellowship among people.
2. What do the expressions ‘guesting’ and ‘a beautiful inn’ refer to? Do they actually refer just to a party?
Answer: They refer to the temporary nature of life, comparing life to a transient stay at a beautiful inn, rather than just a party.
3. How does the poet signify the end of life?
Answer: By mentioning “till the dancing stops, and the lilt of the music ends,” symbolizing the conclusion of life’s joyous activities.
4. What does the poet think is the best way to live life?
Answer: To laugh and be merry, embracing joy and togetherness.
Answer these questions in detail
1. How does the poet draw out the essence of the various aspects of life in this poem? What according to him is the best way to live life?
Answer: The poet draws out the essence of life by emphasizing joy, unity, and a sense of purpose. He uses vivid imagery, like “the strong red wine of His mirth,” to symbolize the vitality and spirit of life that God infused into creation. Through the metaphor of life as a “beautiful inn,” he suggests life is temporary yet full of beauty and camaraderie. The poet considers laughter, merriment, and pride in belonging to the human pageant as the best ways to live life. He advocates embracing life’s challenges and joys with a spirit of unity and celebration, making every moment meaningful.
2. Notice the repeated use of the word ‘laugh’ in the poem. The poem is written in the imperative mood, where the poet confidently proclaims that the reader should ‘Laugh and be merry.’ Is the poet successful in creating this mood? Substantiate with examples.
Answer: Yes, the poet is successful in creating the imperative mood. The repeated use of “laugh” sets a commanding yet uplifting tone, urging readers to embrace joy and resilience. For instance, lines like “Laugh, for the time is brief” and “Laugh and be proud to belong” reinforce the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing happiness. The imperative mood encourages action, making the poem motivational. Additionally, the vibrant imagery, such as “the deep blue cup of the sky,” deepens this mood, painting a vivid picture of life’s beauty and inviting the reader to participate joyfully.
3. There are repeated references to the swift passage of time and the briefness and transience of human life in the poem. Pick out some of these allusions. How should we face the swift passage of time?
Answer: References to the fleeting nature of life include “for the time is brief, a thread the length of a span” and “Glad till the dancing stops, and the lilt of the music ends.” These lines highlight life’s ephemeral quality, likening it to a brief thread or a temporary celebration. The poet suggests we face this transience by laughing, working, and embracing joy, as seen in “Laugh and battle, and work, and drink of the wine outpoured.” By living fully and with purpose, we make the most of the limited time we have, turning life’s brevity into a call for celebration and meaningful engagement.
Appreciating form and language
Alliteration
Alliteration, as you have learnt, is the use of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words in a sentence, especially in poetry.
This literary device is often used in poetry to enhance its melodic quality. Some examples from this poem are: ‘proud pageant’ and ‘filled them full’.
Identify two more alliterations in the poem and explain their meaning in context.
Answer: Two examples of alliteration in the poem:
- “Splendid joy of the stars”: Highlights the grandeur and joy of the universe.
- “Deep blue cup of the sky”: Evokes the vastness and vitality of nature.
Imagery
Imagery is the use of words and phrases to create an image or a mental picture in the reader’s mind.
Some instances of imagery in the poem are ‘filled them full with the strong red wine of His mirth’ and ‘So we must laugh and drink from the deep blue cup of the sky’.
Here ‘wine’ symbolises the spirit of life that animates the Earth, when God created it. God pours life into the Earth, the stars and the sky. We should imbibe this spirit of life from the beautiful natural wonders that surround us.
Identify one more instance of the use of the image of wine in the poem and explain its meaning in context.
Answer: Another instance of imagery in the poem is “In the dear green earth, the sign of the joy of the Lord.” This line evokes a vivid image of the lush, vibrant earth as a testament to God’s joy and creation. The “green earth” symbolizes life, growth, and the divine spirit present in nature, encouraging us to cherish and celebrate life’s abundance.
Simile
A simile is a figure of speech where different things are compared to one another, with the help of the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
An example of a simile in the poem is ‘Laugh and be merry together, like brothers akin,/Guesting awhile in the rooms of a beautiful inn’.
How would you describe life? Write a simile to describe how you view life.
Example: ‘Life is like a song because….’or ‘Life is like a game of football because….’
Answer: Life is like a river because it flows continuously, sometimes calm and sometimes turbulent, carving its path through obstacles and nourishing everything it touches.
Discussion
What according to you is the best way to face the many challenges that life throws at you? Discuss in class.
Answer: The best way to face life’s challenges is with resilience, optimism, and a sense of community. Embrace difficulties as opportunities to grow, maintain a positive outlook even in tough times, and seek support from friends and family. Laughter, gratitude, and persistence can help you navigate struggles while finding meaning and joy along the way.
Extras
Additional questions and answers
1. Who is the poet of “Laugh and Be Merry”?
Answer: John Masefield.
2. What is the primary message of the poem?
Answer: The poem encourages people to embrace joy, laughter, and the beauty of life, despite its brevity and challenges. It promotes a collective spirit of happiness and resilience in the face of adversity.
3. What does the word “mirth” mean in the context of the poem?
Answer: In the context of the poem, “mirth” refers to gaiety or joy, reflecting the divine happiness that God infused into the creation of the world.
4. What does the poet refer to as “a thread the length of a span”?
Answer: This phrase metaphorically describes the brief and fragile nature of human life, likening it to a short thread that can easily be measured and is finite.
5. What does the poet mean by “the old proud pageant of man”?
Answer: The phrase refers to the long and dignified history of humanity, seen as a grand and noble procession that continues through time.
6. What does the phrase “the deep blue cup of the sky” symbolise?
Answer: The “deep blue cup of the sky” symbolises the vastness and abundance of nature’s beauty and joy, which humanity is encouraged to drink from and enjoy.
7. What is the “beautiful inn” a metaphor for?
Answer: The “beautiful inn” is a metaphor for life on Earth, portraying it as a temporary but pleasant place where humans are guests for a short time.
8. What is the significance of the phrase “a blow in the teeth of a wrong”?
Answer: This phrase signifies the importance of confronting injustice and adversity with determination and resilience, using laughter and joy as tools of resistance.
9. Why does the poet repeatedly use the imperative mood with phrases like “Laugh and be merry”?
Answer: The imperative mood is used to convey a sense of urgency and confidence, encouraging readers to actively choose joy and positivity as a way of life.
10. In what ways does the poem highlight the transience of life?
Answer: The poem highlights life’s transience by describing it as brief (“a thread the length of a span”) and temporary (“guesting awhile in the rooms of a beautiful inn”). These images remind readers of the fleeting nature of human existence and the need to cherish every moment.
11. How does the use of imagery enhance the central theme of the poem?
Answer: The poem’s vivid imagery, such as “the strong red wine of His mirth” and “the deep blue cup of the sky,” enriches the theme by illustrating life’s joys and beauty. These images evoke a sense of abundance and encourage readers to immerse themselves in the wonders of life and nature.
12. Why does the poet describe life as akin to “guesting” in a “beautiful inn”?
Answer: The metaphor reflects the idea that life is a temporary stay, much like a guest’s visit to an inn. It emphasises the fleeting nature of existence and encourages people to make the most of their time by finding joy and camaraderie.
13. Discuss the symbolic significance of “the strong red wine of His mirth.”
Answer: The “strong red wine of His mirth” symbolises the vitality and spirit of life that God imbued in the universe. It represents the divine joy and energy present in creation, urging humanity to partake in and celebrate this gift.
14. If life is likened to “guesting in a beautiful inn,” what do you think happens when the “dancing stops”?
Answer: When the “dancing stops,” it signifies the end of life or the cessation of joyous moments. It reminds readers of life’s inevitable conclusion and the importance of cherishing its joys while they last.
15. Do you think the poem’s emphasis on joy is realistic in today’s world? Why or why not?
Answer: While challenges and struggles are an inherent part of modern life, the poem’s emphasis on joy remains realistic because it suggests that joy is a choice and a way to navigate adversity. It may be difficult to sustain in all situations, but the poem advocates for an optimistic approach to life.
16. Do you agree with the poet’s assertion that laughter can improve the world? Why?
Answer: Yes, laughter can improve the world because it fosters a sense of unity, resilience, and positivity. It helps individuals cope with difficulties and can inspire collective strength to face challenges, aligning with the poet’s vision of a better world through joy.
Additional fill in the blanks
1. The poet encourages people to combat adversity by responding with ______. (anger/joy)
Answer: joy
2. According to the poet, human life is as fleeting as a ______. (span/thread)
Answer: thread
3. The phrase “beautiful inn” in the poem metaphorically represents ______. (heaven/life on Earth)
Answer: life on Earth
4. The poet refers to the vast expanse of nature’s beauty as the ______. (deep blue cup of the sky/deep green earth)
Answer: deep blue cup of the sky
5. The poet believes that life is enriched by sharing joy and laughter like ______. (strangers/family)
Answer: family
6. The “strong red wine of His mirth” symbolises the vitality and ______ of life. (serenity/spirit)
Answer: spirit
7. The poet describes the briefness of time by likening it to a ______. (thread/rope)
Answer: thread
8. According to the poet, humanity is part of the proud and ancient ______ of man. (legacy/pageant)
Answer: pageant
9. To fully experience the joy of life, the poet suggests people should join the jubilant song of the ______. (stars/ocean)
Answer: stars
10. The poem emphasises that facing wrongs requires both courage and ______. (laughter/seriousness)
Answer: laughter
11. The poet compares life to a guest’s stay, implying its ______ nature. (temporary/permanent)
Answer: temporary
12. The poet uses the image of “dancing” in the inn as a metaphor for ______. (celebration of life/work)
Answer: celebration of life
13. The poem suggests that the true essence of life is found in both joy and ______. (struggle/rest)
Answer: struggle
Additional true and false
1. The poet of “Laugh and Be Merry” is John Masefield.
Answer: True
2. The poem suggests that life is eternal and unending.
Answer: False
3. The poet encourages readers to confront wrongs with joy and determination.
Answer: True
4. “The deep blue cup of the sky” symbolises the limitations of human joy.
Answer: False
5. The phrase “the strong red wine of His mirth” refers to the vitality imbued in the Earth by God.
Answer: True
6. The poem portrays life as a permanent home, not a temporary stay.
Answer: False
7. The poet uses the term “beautiful inn” as a metaphor for life on Earth.
Answer: True
8. The poem dismisses the importance of camaraderie and shared joy.
Answer: False
9. The “old proud pageant of man” refers to humanity’s long and dignified history.
Answer: True
10. According to the poet, the song of the stars is an example of nature’s joy.
Answer: True
11. The poet believes that work and struggle are disconnected from joy.
Answer: False
12. Alliteration, such as “proud pageant,” is used to enhance the rhythmic quality of the poem.
Answer: True
13. The poem is written in a reflective and passive tone without urging any action.
Answer: False
