Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

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Class 12 Alternative English Chapter 9 The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

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The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk

POETRY

TEXTUAL QUESTIONS ANSWERS

A. Answer These Questions in one or Two Words.

1. Who was Alexander Selkirk? 

Ans. Alexander Selkirk was a sailor from Fife, Scotland. He ran away from home at the age of nineteen to be left alone on a deserted and uninhabited island in Chile following a feud with a young captain.

2. What kind of an island was Selkirk marooned on? 

Ans. Selkirk was marooned on, all alone on the deserted island and immediately had to fight for his survival. He remained on the island’s shoreline living on lobster until a herd of sea lions took residence on the beach for mating season, forcing Selkirk inland. This move helped the sailor discover the island’s wealth of natural resources.

3. Does Selkirk regret his decision of living in solitude? 

Ans. Yes, Selkirk eventually regrets his decision of living in solitude.

4. For how many years was Selkirk stranded on the island? 

Ans. For over four years, Selkirk was stranded on the deserted island. 

5. Name one poetic device used in the poem.

Ans. Imagery is one of the poetic devices used in the poem.

B. Answer questions in a few words each.

1. What is the significance of the island in the poem?

Ans. The island in the poem represents the setting of Alexander Selkirk’s isolation and solitude, where he is the sole master and ruler. The poem “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” reflects on the life of Alexander Selkirk, a sailor from Fife, Scotland who ran away from home at the age of nineteen to be left alone on a deserted and uninhabited island in Chile following a feud with a young captain. This tale has played an inspirational role in the lives of many writers who had been influenced by Alexander Selkirk to undertake adventure to arouse their creative imagination.

2. What is the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem? 

Ans. The emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem fluctuates between initial happiness at his solitary rule, desperation for human company, and eventual acceptance and contentment with his situation. Selkirk was filled with regret and frustration for his decision of staying in the island.

3. What do you understand by the words ‘sweet music of speech?

Ans. The phrase “sweet music of speech” refers to the joy and comfort derived from human conversation and communication. Stuck in the deserted island and striving for survival, Selkirk longs to hear the “sweet music of speech” for there was no one he could talk to. He reflected on the point that the island had never before seen the presence of human beings because he found that even the beasts look at him “with indifference”. He longs for “Society, Friendship and Love” which are solely humanly affairs.

5. What elements of nature does the speaker think of using while trying to connect with civilisation?

Ans. The speaker in the poem thinks of using the elements of nature such as winds and birds to convey messages and receive news from civilization while in isolation on the island. From wild turnips and pink peppercorns to feral goats, Selkirk was able to live off the land and began to soothe his loneliness and melancholy. He succeeded in domesticating the island’s wild cats, who would then fight off any rats that tried to attack him whilst he slept. He hunted the goats, using them for food and milk, and the skills his shoemaker father taught him enabled Selkirk to fashion clothes from the animals’ skins. As his life progressed on the island, Selkirk built two huts from the pepper trees and used one for cooking and eating and the other for sleeping and reading his Bible. The speaker says that he imagined how he could have escaped if he had wings like the Dove. Although he is surrounded by nature and animals, he does not find comfort in them. He cannot converse with animals; they have become so used to him that they observe him with “indifference.” Out of frustration he asked the wind to convey his message to his dear ones about how he missed them. He further requests the winds to convey his message of loneliness to his friends whom he might never see again.

C. Answer these Questions briefly in your own words: 

1. What message did Selkirk want to convey to his friends?

Ans. Selkirk wanted to let his friends know that he thought of them and intended to send them after him. He wanted a connection to the outside world and reassurance that he still had friends, even though he would never see them again. He hoped that his friends would remember him and send him their kind wishes, as it would comfort and console him in his isolated and lonely surroundings.

2. How does Selkirk reflect upon the flight of the mind? 

Ans. Selkirk reflects on the flight of the mind with awe and wonder. He compares the speed of thought to that of any physical being, exceeding even the speed of a storm or the swift-winged arrow of light. Selkirk recognizes the mind’s power to transcend time and space, as he can instantly bring himself back to his homeland in his thoughts. However, he also acknowledges the bittersweet nature of the recollection, as it quickly brings him back to the reality of his dismal situation.

3. What is Selkirk’s view about solitude?

Ans. Selkirk’s attitude towards loneliness develops throughout the poem. Initially, he enjoys solitude, feeling like a king whose rights are not disputed. However, as time passes, he begins to feel the heavy burden of isolation and longs for the company of other humans. He finds the lack of human contact sad and begins to value the importance of society, friendship and love. Selkirk realizes that solitude can become intolerable if it continues for too long, and that human connection is essential to one’s well-being and happiness. 

4. How is mercy seen by Selkirk?

Ans. Selkirk sees kindness as a comforting and uplifting force that can bring grace even in the face of suffering. He believes that kindness has the power to reconcile a person to their circumstances and bring solace in their suffering. Selkirk is comforted by the idea that kindness is present everywhere, even in the desolate place in which he finds himself. He sees kindness as an encouraging and optimistic concept that gives meaning to his hardships. It is through the lens of kindness that Selkirk glimpses hope and resilience, allowing him to accept his situation and find some degree of peace in his solitude.

S.L. No.	CONTENTS
Chapter 1	A Cup of Tea
Chapter 2	The voyage
Chapter 3	The Verger
Chapter 4	The Martyr’s Corner
Chapter 5	Bina Kutir
Chapter 6	Ozymandius Of Egypt
Chapter 7	Because I Could Not Stop For Death
Chapter 8	Strange Meeting
Chapter 9	The Solitude Of Alexander Selkirk
Chapter 10	The Lake Isle Of Innisfree
Chapter 11	Night Of The Scorpion

D. Answer these questions in detail. 

1. Discuss the significance of the title ‘The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk’ in relation to the poem’s themes and content.

Ans. The title “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” has significance in relation to the themes and content of the poem. The word “solitude” refers to the state of being alone or isolated, and it directly reflects the experience of Alexander Selkirk, who was marooned on a remote island for a long period of time. The title sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that it will delve into the feelings, thoughts, and challenges associated with solitude. The poem explores the various dimensions of solitude, highlighting its impact on Selkirk’s psyche and his relationship with the natural world. It reflects on the initial sense of power and dominion that Selkirk feels as the sole ruler of his surroundings, but also the subsequent despair and longing for human companionship. The title encapsulates Selkirk’s experience of isolation and emphasizes the central theme of the poem: the profound effects of solitude on an individual’s emotional and psychological state.

2. How does the poem the theme of isolation and loneliness? Give examples from the poem to support your answer.

Ans. The theme of isolation and loneliness is the central focus of the poem “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk”. The poem vividly portrays Selkirk’s feelings of alienation and his longing for human connection. 

Here are a few examples from the poem that highlight this theme: 

1. In the first stanza, Selkirk expresses his dominion over the island, claiming to be the “monarch of all I survey.” While this initially seems to empower, it quickly reveals his isolated state, as there is no one to challenge his authority. 

2. Selkirk’s yearning for companionship becomes evident in the second stanza. He questions the sages who have praised solitude, stating that he would rather face the alarms and dangers of society than remain in his desolate place.

3. Selkirk’s isolation from humanity is emphasized in the third stanza. He remarks that he is out of reach of any human contact and starts at the sound of his own voice, highlighting the absence of communication and interaction with others.

4. The fourth stanza describes Selkirk’s encounter with the animals on the island. While they are indifferent to his presence, their “tameness” shocks him because they are so unacquainted with human beings. This reinforces his sense of loneliness and estrangement from his fellow humans.

5. The fifth stanza expresses Selkirk’s yearning for society, friendship, and love. He longs for the wings of a dove to reunite with those human connections and find solace in the wisdom of age and the energy of youth.

6. The final stanza portrays Selkirk’s bittersweet contemplation of his situation. He acknowledges that even in his isolation, there is mercy and grace, but he still longs for the friends he left behind, even if he may never see them again.

Additional Questions

1. How does “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” reflect the Romantic era of literature? 

Ans. The poem reflects the Romantic era through its emphasis on the individual’s emotional and imaginative experiences, the sublime beauty of nature, and the exploration of solitude and introspection. 

2. What is the significance of the title “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk”?

Ans. The title highlights the central theme of solitude and emphasizes Alexander Selkirk’s isolated existence on the uninhabited island, setting the tone for the poem’s exploration of his emotional and psychological journey. 

3. How does Selkirk’s perspective on his solitude change over time?

Ans. Selkirk’s perspective on his solitude evolves throughout the poem. Initially, he embraces solitude and feels a sense of power and ownership over the uninhabited island. However, as time passes, he begins to feel the weight of loneliness and yearns for human companionship. His view shifts from seeing solitude as a source of freedom to recognizing its isolating and challenging nature.

4. How does Selkirk use his surroundings to cope with his isolation?

Ans. Selkirk uses his surroundings to cope with his isolation by immersing himself in nature. He forms connections with the local wildlife and finds solace in the beauty of the island. Exploring the natural world and observing its rhythms become a source of comfort and distraction for Selkirk, helping him endure the hardships of his solitary existence.

5. How does the poem explore the theme of resilience?

Ans. The poem explores the theme of resilience through Selkirk’s ability to adapt and find strength in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of isolation, he learns to accept his circumstances and seeks solace in religion and nature. Selkirk’s resilience is seen in his ability to endure and survive, as well as in his capacity to reflect on his experiences and find moments of peace and grace amidst his hardships.

6. How does the poem portray the emotional impact of human connection and companionship?

Ans. The poem portrays the emotional impact of human connection and companionship through Selkirk’s longing for social interaction. It highlights the deep emotional need for friendship, society, and love. Selkirk’s isolation intensifies his appreciation for these relationships, and he yearns for the comfort and support they provide. The absence of human contact accentuates the emotional toll it takes on Selkirk, emphasizing the significance of companionship in the human experience. 

7. Briefly state the context of the poem “the solitude of alexander selkirk”.

Ans. William Cowper’s poem ‘The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk’ is a well-known poem. It is based on a real life story, of a privateer by the same name. Alexander was part of a ship’s crew whose duty was to fend off the Spaniards. Thus the crew and the ship spent considerable time at sea. Being a strong headed person, Alexander refused to obey his captain’s orders and continue sailing because he was sure that the ship was not in a condition to make it through the journey. As a result of their difference in opinion, Alexander found himself marooned on an uninhabited island while the ship left, without him. The poem examines his psychological state on being alone, while still hoping to be rescued.

The very first line of the poem, ‘I am monarch of all I survey’ shows just how lonely he is on the island. He is the master not of any humans, but of ‘the fowl and the brute’. He is aware of the fact that he might never be rescued and might die without having the opportunity to ‘hear the sweet music of speech’. He yearns for ‘Society, Friendship, and Love’, which to him are God’s divine gifts to mankind. He begins to cherish the normal things that people otherwise take for granted. In order to get back to the inhabited world, he is even willing to give up his human form and become a dove. The poet shows how his mind works. Selkirk goes from being happy in a moment, when he imagines himself to be in his ‘own native land’ to coming back to reality and ‘despair’ and finally accepting his fate in the end. It is a realistic poem that examines the situation from the perspectives of a human’s hopes, despair and eventually reconciliation. Alexander spent four years on the island before he was finally rescued. He did not give up and that helped him survive the difficult times. Selkirk’s story inspired many other literary works, notably Daniel Defoe’s ‘Robinson Crusoe’. (And yes, the ship that he had abandoned did indeed sink killing many of the crew.)

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