{"id":2736,"date":"2019-06-08T03:42:51","date_gmt":"2019-06-08T03:42:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onlinefreenotes.com\/?p=2736"},"modified":"2026-01-05T09:26:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T09:26:18","slug":"old-folks-laugh-by-maya-angelou","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/old-folks-laugh-by-maya-angelou\/","title":{"rendered":"Old Folks Laugh: NBSE Class 10 Alternative English notes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Here you\u2019ll find a short summary of&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nbsenagaland.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NBSE&nbsp;<\/a>Class 10 alternative English chapter \u2018Old Folks Laugh\u2019 by Maya Angelou and questions and answers. However, these notes should be used only for references. These materials should be modified\/changed as per the needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n  <style>\r\n    .notice {\r\n      background: yellow;       \/* simple yellow background *\/\r\n      text-align: center;       \/* centre alignment *\/\r\n      padding: 12px 16px;\r\n      margin: 20px auto;\r\n      width: fit-content;       \/* shrink to text and centre via auto margins *\/\r\n      font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n  <div class=\"notice\">\r\n    If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<nav id=\"toc\" class=\"toc-box\"><\/nav>\r\n<style>\r\n.toc-box{\r\n  border:1px solid #e5e7eb;\r\n  border-radius:8px;\r\n  background:#fff;\r\n  margin:20px 0;\r\n  font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif\r\n}\r\n.toc-header{\r\n  padding:10px 14px;\r\n  font-size:16px;\r\n  font-weight:600;\r\n  border-bottom:1px solid #eef2f7;\r\n  background:#f8fafc\r\n}\r\n.toc-content{\r\n  padding:12px 18px\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Base list *\/\r\n.toc-content ul{\r\n  margin:0 25px;\r\n  padding-left:0;\r\n  list-style:none\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* Level-based bullets *\/\r\n.toc-content li{\r\n  position:relative;\r\n  margin:6px 0;\r\n  margin-left:6px;\r\n  line-height:1.5;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* H2 bullet \u25cf *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-2{\r\n  list-style:disc;\r\n\t\r\n}\r\n\r\n\/* H3 bullet \u25cb *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-3{\r\n  margin-left:26px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n\r\n\/* H4+ bullet \u2013 *\/\r\n.toc-content li.level-4{\r\n  margin-left:46px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n.toc-content li.level-5,\r\n.toc-content li.level-6{\r\n  margin-left:66px;\r\n\tlist-style:disc;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.toc-content a{\r\n  text-decoration:none;\r\n  color:#000\r\n}\r\n.toc-content a:hover{\r\n  text-decoration:underline\r\n}\r\n\r\nhtml{scroll-behavior:smooth}\r\nh1[id],h2[id],h3[id],h4[id],h5[id],h6[id]{\r\n  scroll-margin-top:110px\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function () {\r\n\r\n  const toc = document.getElementById('toc');\r\n  if (!toc) return;\r\n\r\n  \/* MAIN CONTENT ONLY *\/\r\n  const content = document.querySelector('#pdf-content');\r\n\r\n  \/* EXCLUDE AREAS *\/\r\n  const excludeSelectors = `\r\n    .author, .byline, .entry-meta, .post-meta,\r\n    #comments, .comments-area, .comment-respond,\r\n    .comment-form, .comment-list,\r\n    .login, .login-required,\r\n    .sidebar, aside, footer, nav,\r\n    .widget, .widgets\r\n  `;\r\n\r\n  \/* TEXT TO IGNORE *\/\r\n  const ignoreText = [\r\n    'leave a comment',\r\n    'cancel reply',\r\n    'login required',\r\n    'get notes',\r\n    'ron\\'e dutta',\r\n    'comments'\r\n  ];\r\n\r\n  \r\nconst headings = [...content.querySelectorAll('h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6')]\r\n  .filter(h => !excludeSelectors || !h.closest(excludeSelectors))\r\n  .filter(h => {\r\n    const txt = h.textContent.trim().toLowerCase();\r\n    return txt.length > 0 && !ignoreText.some(t => txt.includes(t));\r\n  });\r\n\r\n\/\/alert(content);\r\n  if (!headings.length) {\r\n    toc.style.display = 'none';\r\n    return;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  \/* UNIQUE IDs *\/\r\n  const used = {};\r\n  const slug = t => t.toLowerCase().trim()\r\n    .replace(\/[^a-z0-9\\s-]\/g, '')\r\n    .replace(\/\\s+\/g, '-');\r\n\r\n  headings.forEach(h => {\r\n    if (!h.id) {\r\n      let base = slug(h.textContent) || 'section';\r\n      used[base] = (used[base] || 0) + 1;\r\n      h.id = used[base] > 1 ? base + '-' + used[base] : base;\r\n    }\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  \/* BUILD TOC *\/\r\n  const ul = document.createElement('ul');\r\n\r\n  headings.forEach(h => {\r\n    const level = parseInt(h.tagName.substring(1));\r\n    if (level < 2) return; \/\/ skip H1 like your reference site\r\n\r\n    const li = document.createElement('li');\r\n    li.className = 'level-' + level;\r\n\r\n    const a = document.createElement('a');\r\n    a.href = '#' + h.id;\r\n    a.textContent = h.textContent.trim();\r\n\r\n    li.appendChild(a);\r\n    ul.appendChild(li);\r\n  });\r\n\r\n  toc.innerHTML = `\r\n    <div class=\"toc-header\">Table of Contents<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"toc-content\"><\/div>\r\n  `;\r\n  toc.querySelector('.toc-content').appendChild(ul);\r\n\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Summary\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The poem is a tribute to the positive attitude that elderly people develop towards life. It is a realistic image of them laughing aloud without worrying about how they look when they laugh. Now they do not care what people think of them though there was a time when they did. They do have their troubles when they knit their brow with worry and put on a false, bright smile to cover their anxiety. But when they remember happy times, they laugh with no restraint, with no pretence of maintaining an appearance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As they guffaw, their bellies shake like a jingling tambourine. Soon, the spit\/drool dribbles from the sides of their mouths and their heads shake on their stiff necks. Their laughter is infectious as if they are ridding the world of care. They have known hard times and happy times and remember both. Their laughter is a sign of their triumph over sadness. Now they look forward to releasing in death and willingly forgive life for the state they are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"I_Choose_the_Correct_option\"><strong>Choose the Correct option<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Which of the following words describes the frailty of old folks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: b. wobble<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Which line from the poem indicates that old folks are not self-conscious?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: b. When old folks laugh, they free the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What is the meaning of the word &#8216;promise&#8217; in the poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: d. Death is inevitable<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. What is the purpose of the full stop used in the lines winding the lines between their brows. Old folk allow their bellies to jiggle&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: d. To show that the old folks&#8217; days of caring about what other people think are over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Why does the poet describe death as &#8216;dear&#8217;?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: a. Death is a relief from the problems that come with old age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"II_Explain_with_reference_to_context\"><strong>Explain with reference to context<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. <em>Saliva glistens in<br><\/em><\/strong><em><strong>the corners of their mouths,<br>their heads wobble<br>on brittle necks, but<br>their laps<br>are filled with memories<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>a. Who is being addressed in this poem?<br>b. What is the attitude of old people when they laugh?<br>c. What does the poet mean by their laps are filled with memories?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: a. Old people are addressed in this poem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b. When old people laugh, they don&#8217;t care about what the world will think about the way they laugh. They just are real and uncontrolled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>c. By their laps are filled with memories, the poet meant that the old people treasure all the memories they lived carefully and close to them like a child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. <\/strong><em><strong>When old folks laugh, they consider the promise<br>of dear painless death, and generously<br>forgive life for happening<br>to them.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>a. What makes the old people want to forgive life?<br>b. Why do they think about death?<br>c. What quality of old people does the poet talk about in these lines?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: a. The promise of a painless death makes the old people forgive life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>b. They think about death because they have lived their lives with all the hardships that life had to offer and now that they are old and feeble and content, they think of death as an escape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>c. The fearlessness of the old people to face death because of the contentment of eventually growing old despite all hardships is shown in these lines. They are no more afraid of dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"III_Answer_the_question\"><strong>Answer the question<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. When and why do the old folks pretend?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The old folks pretend during times of their troubles or remembering their troubles to hide their anxieties from others. They knit their brow with worry and put on a false, bright smile to cover their anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. What kind of an impression would they make on others when they laugh loudly?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: When they laugh loudly, they leave an infectious impression on others and free the world. They teach the world how to laugh without worrying about how they look when they laugh which most of the young people cannot do as they are very much careful about maintaining a poised countenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What do we know about the old people?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: Through the poem <em>Old Folks Laugh<\/em> by Maya Angelou, we know that old people have a positive attitude. They laugh aloud without worrying about how they look when they laugh. They do not care what people think of them though there was a time when they did. They do have their troubles when they knit their brow with worry and put on a false, bright smile to cover their anxiety. But when they remember happy times, they laugh with no restraint, with no pretence of maintaining an appearance. They have known hard times and happy times and remember both. Their laughter is a sign of their triumph over sadness. They look forward to dying and willingly forgive life for the state they are in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Thinknbsp;andnbsp;answer\"><strong>Think&nbsp;and&nbsp;answer<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.&nbsp;Can&nbsp;you&nbsp;give&nbsp;a&nbsp;reason&nbsp;why&nbsp;the&nbsp;poet&nbsp;has&nbsp;used&nbsp;run-on&nbsp;lines?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;The poet has used run-on lines to create a sense of flow and continuity, mirroring the continuous and unrestrained nature of the old folks&#8217; laughter. It also reflects the stream of consciousness style, allowing readers to experience the thoughts and emotions of the poem in a more natural and fluid way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.&nbsp;Explain&nbsp;how&nbsp;laughter&nbsp;has&nbsp;been&nbsp;used&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;metaphor&nbsp;for&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;poem.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;Laughter, in the poem, symbolises freedom from societal expectations and self-consciousness. The old folks, unburdened by the need to conform, laugh without restraint, showcasing a liberation of spirit and a release from the constraints of their younger years. Their laughter represents a freedom to be themselves fully and authentically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.&nbsp;Do&nbsp;you&nbsp;find&nbsp;the&nbsp;reference&nbsp;to&nbsp;death&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;last&nbsp;few&nbsp;lines&nbsp;sudden?&nbsp;Why&nbsp;do&nbsp;you&nbsp;think&nbsp;the&nbsp;poet&nbsp;has&nbsp;talked&nbsp;about&nbsp;death&nbsp;here?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;The&nbsp;reference&nbsp;to&nbsp;death&nbsp;might&nbsp;seem&nbsp;sudden,&nbsp;but&nbsp;it&nbsp;serves&nbsp;to&nbsp;highlight&nbsp;the&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&#8217;&nbsp;acceptance&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;mortality.&nbsp;Their&nbsp;laughter&nbsp;signifies&nbsp;not&nbsp;a&nbsp;fear&nbsp;of&nbsp;death&nbsp;but&nbsp;a&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;acknowledgment&nbsp;of&nbsp;it&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;natural&nbsp;part&nbsp;of&nbsp;life.&nbsp;The&nbsp;poet&nbsp;has&nbsp;talked&nbsp;about&nbsp;death&nbsp;to&nbsp;emphasise&nbsp;the&nbsp;wisdom&nbsp;and&nbsp;perspective&nbsp;that&nbsp;come&nbsp;with&nbsp;age,&nbsp;where&nbsp;death&nbsp;is&nbsp;seen&nbsp;not&nbsp;as&nbsp;an&nbsp;end&nbsp;but&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;transition&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;release&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;trials&nbsp;of&nbsp;life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"IV_Going_beyond\"><strong>Going beyond<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What is the main idea portrayed in the poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The poem <em>Old Folks Laugh<\/em> by Maya Angelou is a tribute to the positive attitude that elderly people develop towards life. It is a realistic image of them laughing aloud without worrying about how they look when they laugh.  They do not care what people think of them though there was a time when they did. They do have their troubles when they knit their brow with worry and put on a false, bright smile to cover their anxiety. But when they remember happy times, they laugh with no restraint, with no pretence of maintaining an appearance. They have known hard times and happy times and remember both. Their laughter is a sign of their triumph over sadness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Extra_MCQs\"><strong>Extra MCQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.&nbsp;What&nbsp;physical&nbsp;characteristic&nbsp;of&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&nbsp;does&nbsp;the&nbsp;poem&nbsp;initially&nbsp;contrast&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;laughter?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;Wrinkled&nbsp;brows<br>B.&nbsp;Jiggling&nbsp;bellies<br>C.&nbsp;Wobbly&nbsp;heads<br>D.&nbsp;Brittle&nbsp;necks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;A.&nbsp;Wrinkled&nbsp;brows<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2.&nbsp;How&nbsp;do&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&#8217;&nbsp;hollers&nbsp;differ&nbsp;from&nbsp;their&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;behavior?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are&nbsp;louder.<br>B.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are&nbsp;more&nbsp;controlled.<br>C.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are&nbsp;more&nbsp;expressive&nbsp;and&nbsp;unrestrained.<br>D.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are&nbsp;quieter&nbsp;and&nbsp;more&nbsp;subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;C.&nbsp;They&nbsp;are&nbsp;more&nbsp;expressive&nbsp;and&nbsp;unrestrained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3.&nbsp;What&nbsp;simile&nbsp;is&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;describe&nbsp;the&nbsp;movement&nbsp;of&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&#8217;&nbsp;bellies&nbsp;when&nbsp;they&nbsp;laugh?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;a&nbsp;gentle&nbsp;breeze<br>B.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;slow&nbsp;tambourines<br>C.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;ocean&nbsp;waves<br>D.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;rumbling&nbsp;thunder<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;B.&nbsp;Like&nbsp;slow&nbsp;tambourines<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4.&nbsp;What&nbsp;do&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&nbsp;possess&nbsp;a&nbsp;deep&nbsp;understanding&nbsp;of,&nbsp;according&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;The&nbsp;future<br>B.&nbsp;The&nbsp;present&nbsp;moment<br>C.&nbsp;Both&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;and&nbsp;worst&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;past<br>D.&nbsp;The&nbsp;secrets&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;universe<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;C.&nbsp;Both&nbsp;the&nbsp;best&nbsp;and&nbsp;worst&nbsp;of&nbsp;their&nbsp;past<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.&nbsp;Despite&nbsp;their&nbsp;physical&nbsp;fragility,&nbsp;what&nbsp;fills&nbsp;the&nbsp;laps&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;Regrets<br>B.&nbsp;Fears<br>C.&nbsp;Memories<br>D.&nbsp;Treasures<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;C.&nbsp;Memories<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6.&nbsp;What&nbsp;does&nbsp;the&nbsp;laughter&nbsp;of&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&nbsp;allow&nbsp;them&nbsp;to&nbsp;contemplate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;The&nbsp;burdens&nbsp;of&nbsp;life<br>B.&nbsp;The&nbsp;inevitability&nbsp;of&nbsp;death<br>C.&nbsp;The&nbsp;joys&nbsp;of&nbsp;youth<br>D.&nbsp;The&nbsp;mistakes&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;past<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;B.&nbsp;The&nbsp;inevitability&nbsp;of&nbsp;death<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7.&nbsp;How&nbsp;do&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&nbsp;approach&nbsp;the&nbsp;concept&nbsp;of&nbsp;death&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;With&nbsp;fear&nbsp;and&nbsp;resistance<br>B.&nbsp;With&nbsp;anger&nbsp;and&nbsp;resentment<br>C.&nbsp;With&nbsp;acceptance&nbsp;and&nbsp;forgiveness<br>D.&nbsp;With&nbsp;longing&nbsp;and&nbsp;anticipation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;C.&nbsp;With&nbsp;acceptance&nbsp;and&nbsp;forgiveness<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8.&nbsp;What&nbsp;does&nbsp;the&nbsp;phrase&nbsp;&#8220;dear&nbsp;painless&nbsp;death&#8221;&nbsp;suggest&nbsp;about&nbsp;the&nbsp;old&nbsp;folks&#8217;&nbsp;perspective&nbsp;on&nbsp;dying?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;They&nbsp;view&nbsp;death&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;punishment.<br>B.&nbsp;They&nbsp;view&nbsp;death&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;release&nbsp;from&nbsp;suffering.<br>C.&nbsp;They&nbsp;view&nbsp;death&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;mystery.<br>D.&nbsp;They&nbsp;view&nbsp;death&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;B.&nbsp;They&nbsp;view&nbsp;death&nbsp;as&nbsp;a&nbsp;release&nbsp;from&nbsp;suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9.&nbsp;What&nbsp;overall&nbsp;message&nbsp;does&nbsp;the&nbsp;poem&nbsp;convey&nbsp;about&nbsp;aging&nbsp;and&nbsp;laughter?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A.&nbsp;Aging&nbsp;brings&nbsp;only&nbsp;sorrow&nbsp;and&nbsp;regret.<br>B.&nbsp;Laughter&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;sign&nbsp;of&nbsp;immaturity&nbsp;and&nbsp;foolishness.<br>C.&nbsp;Aging&nbsp;can&nbsp;bring&nbsp;wisdom,&nbsp;acceptance,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;unique&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;joy.<br>D.&nbsp;Laughter&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;way&nbsp;to&nbsp;escape&nbsp;the&nbsp;realities&nbsp;of&nbsp;life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>:&nbsp;C.&nbsp;Aging&nbsp;can&nbsp;bring&nbsp;wisdom,&nbsp;acceptance,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;unique&nbsp;kind&nbsp;of&nbsp;joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Extra_questions_and_answers\"><strong>Extra questions and answers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. What contrast does the poem draw between the past and present behavior of old folks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer:<\/strong> The poem contrasts the old folks&#8217; past behavior of worrying and concealing their emotions with their present state of unrestrained laughter and acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How does the poem portray the physical appearance of old folks when they laugh?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The poem depicts the physical aspects of aging, such as saliva glistening at the corners of their mouths and heads wobbling on brittle necks, emphasizing the unselfconscious nature of their laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. What does the laughter of old folks symbolize in the poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The laughter of old folks symbolizes freedom, liberation from societal expectations, and a release from the worries and anxieties of their younger years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. What is the significance of the memories that fill the laps of the old folks?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The memories represent the richness of their life experiences, encompassing both joy and sorrow, and contribute to their wisdom and acceptance of life&#8217;s journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. How does the poem describe the old folks&#8217; attitude towards death?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The poem portrays death as a &#8220;dear painless&#8221; release, suggesting that the old folks approach it with acceptance and forgiveness, viewing it as a natural part of life&#8217;s cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. How does the poet&#8217;s use of imagery contribute to the overall theme of the poem?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The vivid imagery, such as &#8220;bellies jiggle like slow tambourines&#8221; and &#8220;heads wobble on brittle necks,&#8221; creates a realistic portrayal of aging and emphasizes the unselfconscious nature of the old folks&#8217; laughter. This imagery reinforces the theme of liberation and acceptance that comes with age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. Explain the significance of the line &#8220;When old folks laugh, they free the world.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: This line suggests that the laughter of old folks has a transformative effect, not just on themselves but on the world around them. Their laughter represents a release from negativity, inspiring others to embrace joy and let go of inhibitions. It signifies a sharing of wisdom and a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. What is the poet&#8217;s message about the relationship between aging and happiness?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: The poem challenges the stereotype that aging is synonymous with decline and unhappiness. Instead, it suggests that aging can bring wisdom, acceptance, and a unique kind of joy that comes from a life well-lived. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the perspective and resilience of older generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. Discuss how the poem &#8220;Old Folks Laugh&#8221; celebrates the human spirit and offers a perspective on aging that challenges societal norms.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Answer<\/strong>: &#8220;Old Folks Laugh&#8221; celebrates the human spirit by showcasing the resilience and joy that can be found in old age. The poem challenges the societal norm that often associates aging with decline and negativity. Instead, it portrays old folks as individuals who have gained wisdom and acceptance through their life experiences, allowing them to laugh freely and authentically. Their laughter becomes a symbol of liberation from societal expectations and a celebration of the human spirit&#8217;s ability to find joy and meaning in life&#8217;s later stages. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the unique perspectives and contributions of older generations and to challenge ageist stereotypes that limit our understanding of aging and its potential for fulfillment and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here you\u2019ll find a short summary of&nbsp;NBSE&nbsp;Class 10 alternative English chapter \u2018Old Folks Laugh\u2019 by Maya Angelou and questions and answers. However, these notes should be used only for references. These materials should be modified\/changed as per the needs. Summary The poem is a tribute to the positive attitude that elderly people develop towards life.&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/old-folks-laugh-by-maya-angelou\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Old Folks Laugh: NBSE Class 10 Alternative English notes<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1044,"featured_media":5698,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-notes","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1044"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2736"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33274,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2736\/revisions\/33274"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2736"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2736"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mockupbw.site\/2025\/onlinefreenotes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2736"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}