Miracles Summary, Explanation, Difficult Words | JKBOSE Class 10 English Poem 2

by | Oct 3, 2024 | General | 0 comments

 

Miracles Summary

 

Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Miracles Summary, Lesson Explanation with difficult word meanings from Tulip Book

 

Miracles– Are you looking for Summary and Lesson Explanation for Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English Poem 2 Miracles from Tulip Book. Get notes, summary of the Lesson followed by line by line explanation of the lesson along with the meanings of difficult words.

 

Miracles Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 10 English 

Walt Whitman 

Miracles Introduction

The poem “Miracles” by Walt Whitman tells us about how everything in life is a miracle. He doesn’t think miracles are rare or unusual; instead, he believes they happen all the time, everywhere. Whether it’s walking in the city, standing under trees, watching the sunset, or seeing the stars, Whitman sees these everyday things as miracles. He finds wonder in nature, people, and all the simple moments of life. The poem encourages us to appreciate everything around us because, to Whitman, life is full of miracles in every small detail.
 

 

Theme of the Poem Miracles

The theme of “Miracles” by Walt Whitman revolves around celebration of everyday life as miraculous. Whitman expresses that miracles are not just rare, extraordinary events but are present in every aspect of the world around us. He finds wonder in nature, human interactions, and even the most ordinary moments, encouraging us to see the beauty and magic in the simple things we often overlook. The poem talks about themes of appreciation, connectedness, and the idea that life itself is a continuous miracle.
 

 

Miracles Summary

The poem “Miracles” by Walt Whitman talks about the belief that miracles are everywhere and in everything around us. He starts by questioning why people only focus on big, rare miracles. Instead, he feels that he sees miracles all the time in ordinary things. Whitman describes various scenes from everyday life and nature that he considers miraculous. He mentions walking through the streets of Manhattan, looking at the sky, or walking barefoot on the beach. He also talks about standing under trees, having conversations with loved ones, sitting at a dinner table, or observing people in a car. Each of these experiences, for Whitman, holds a sense of wonder and amazement. He continues by describing natural wonders like bees busy around a hive, animals in the fields, the beauty of a sunset, and the delicate curve of the new moon. Whitman finds these moments, along with every hour of day and night and every piece of space, to be full of miracles.

The poem conveys that everything, from the smallest detail to the grandest view, is filled with wonder. Whitman sees the sea and its components, like fish and waves, as ongoing miracles. He ends by asking, “What stranger miracles are there?” suggesting that these everyday experiences are just as miraculous as any extraordinary event.
 

 

Miracles Summary in Hindi

वॉल्ट व्हिटमैन की कविता “चमत्कार” इस ​​विश्वास के बारे में बात करती है कि चमत्कार हर जगह और हमारे आस-पास की हर चीज़ में हैं। वह इस सवाल से शुरुआत करते हैं कि लोग केवल बड़े, दुर्लभ चमत्कारों पर ही ध्यान क्यों केंद्रित करते हैं। इसके बजाय, उसे लगता है कि वह हर समय सामान्य चीज़ों में चमत्कार देखता है। व्हिटमैन रोजमर्रा की जिंदगी और प्रकृति के विभिन्न दृश्यों का वर्णन करते हैं जिन्हें वह चमत्कारी मानते हैं। उन्होंने मैनहट्टन की सड़कों पर चलने, आकाश की ओर देखने, या समुद्र तट पर नंगे पैर चलने का उल्लेख किया है। वह पेड़ों के नीचे खड़े होने, प्रियजनों के साथ बातचीत करने, खाने की मेज पर बैठने या कार में लोगों को देखने के बारे में भी बात करता है। व्हिटमैन के लिए इनमें से प्रत्येक अनुभव, आश्चर्य और आश्चर्य की भावना रखता है। वह प्राकृतिक आश्चर्यों जैसे छत्ते के आसपास व्यस्त मधुमक्खियाँ, खेतों में जानवर, सूर्यास्त की सुंदरता और अमावस्या की नाजुक वक्रता का वर्णन करते हुए आगे बढ़ता है। व्हिटमैन इन क्षणों को, दिन और रात के हर घंटे और अंतरिक्ष के हर हिस्से के साथ, चमत्कारों से भरा हुआ पाते हैं।

कविता बताती है कि सबसे छोटे विवरण से लेकर सबसे भव्य दृश्य तक, सब कुछ आश्चर्य से भरा है। व्हिटमैन समुद्र और उसके घटकों, जैसे मछली और लहरें, को निरंतर चमत्कार के रूप में देखता है। वह यह पूछकर समाप्त करता है, “वहाँ कौन से अजीब चमत्कार हैं?” यह सुझाव देते हुए कि ये रोजमर्रा के अनुभव किसी भी असाधारण घटना की तरह ही चमत्कारी हैं।
 

 

Miracles Poem Explanation

 

Poem: 

Why, who makes much of a miracle?

As to me I know of nothing else but miracles;

Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,

Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,

Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of the water

 

Word Meanings:

make much of (v): to greatly admire, get excited about

As to me (v): a way of saying ‘if you ask me…’

miracle (n): an action or event that is impossible according to the ordinary laws of nature, believed to be done by God or by any supernatural force 

the streets of Manhattan (n): Manhattan Island is one of the busiest and most crowded parts of the New York City

dart (v): to make a sudden quick movement

wade (v): to walk through water

 

Explanation: In this passage, Walt Whitman is saying that he thinks everything is a miracle. He questions why people only think of miracles as rare or special events. To him, miracles are everywhere in daily life. He gives examples of everyday situations where he feels a sense of wonder. Whether he’s walking through the busy streets of Manhattan, looking up at the sky from the rooftops, or feeling the sand and water on his bare feet at the beach, he sees these ordinary moments as miraculous. Whitman is trying to show that miracles are not just big, extraordinary things but are found in the simple, everyday experiences of life.

Poem: 

Or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with anyone I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,

 

Word Meanings:

woods (n): forest 

 

Explanation: In this part of the poem, Walt Whitman talks about finding miracles in everyday moments. He feels amazed by simple things like standing under trees, talking with people he loves, eating dinner with others, or even just watching strangers travelling in a car. Whitman believes that these ordinary experiences are special and full of wonder, showing that miracles are everywhere in our daily lives, not just in big or unusual events.

Poem: 

Or watch honeybees busy around the hive on a summer forenoon,

Or animals feeding in the fields,

Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so quiet and bright,

Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring:

 

Word Meanings:

wonderfulness (adj.): very good; excellent

hive (n): a structure where bees live, either built by people or made by the bees themselves

forenoon (n): the morning 

exquisite (adj.): very beautiful and delicate

 

Explanation: The poet describes more everyday scenes that he finds miraculous. He talks about watching honeybees working around their hive on a summer morning, seeing animals eating in the fields, and admiring the beauty of a sunset and the stars shining brightly. He also mentions the delicate curve of the new moon in spring. For Whitman, these natural wonders and peaceful moments are all examples of miracles. He sees beauty and amazement in these simple, everyday sights, reinforcing his belief that miracles are all around us.

Poem : 

These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles,

The whole referring: yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same.

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracles:

The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them.

What stranger miracles are there?

 

Word Meanings:

referring (v): closely connected

interior (n): the interior of the earth

cubic (n): used in units of volume to show when the length of something has been multiplied by its width and height

swarms (n): a large number of people or things 

continual (n): having no interruptions 

 

Explanation: The poet is saying that he sees miracles everywhere in life. He believes that everything, whether it’s the hours of the day and night, every tiny part of space, or every piece of the earth, is filled with wonder. He even considers the sea to be full of miracles, like the fish, rocks, waves, and ships. Whitman is asking if there could be any miracle more amazing than these simple, everyday things, suggesting that he finds the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life.
 

 

JKBOSE Class 10 English Poem 2 Miracles Figures of Speech

 

  1. Metaphor: It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between objects that are different in nature.
  • “Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.”- Here, Whitman compares the interior world (perhaps both physical and emotional) to a space filled with miracles, suggesting a profound connection.

 

  1. Imagery: Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. 
  • “The exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring.”

Whitman uses strong visual imagery to evoke a sense of wonder and beauty, painting a detailed picture of the moon.

 

  1. Repetition: Repetition is a literary device in which a word or phrase is used multiple times to create rhythm or emphasize a word or phrase.
  •  “Every cubic inch of space is a miracle, Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same.”- Whitman repeatedly uses the word “miracle” throughout the poem, reinforcing the idea that everything in life is miraculous.

 

  1. Parallelism: Parallelism is a literary device in which parts of the sentence are grammatically the same, or are similar in construction. 
  • “Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan, Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky.” – Whitman uses parallel structures to emphasize the different ways he encounters miracles in daily life.

 

  1. Personification: Personification is the representation of an abstract quality or idea in the form of a person, creature, etc., as in art and literature.
  • “The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them.”- Whitman personifies natural elements, giving the “motion of the waves” an almost human-like quality.
  1. Anaphora: The repetition of a word at the start of consecutive lines to emphasis on similarity.
  • Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same.

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

  • Or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with anyone I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,
 

 

Exercise

 

  1. The usual view of a miracle is that it seldom happens. What does Walt Whitman think about miracles?

Ans. Walt Whitman believes that miracles are not rare or extraordinary events. Instead, he views every aspect of life—whether natural, human, or urban—as a miracle. To him, everything around us, from walking the streets to observing the moon, is a miracle in its own right. He sees miracles in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, emphasizing that all experiences are worthy of wonder and appreciation.

 

  1. When you read the poem, you notice that some ‘miracles’ are from nature; others are connected with people and city-life. Make lists of these. Notice how Whitman moves from one to another.

Ans. (a). Miracles from Nature:

  • Walking along the beach with naked feet
  • Standing under trees in the woods
  • Watching honey bees around the hive
  • Animals feeding in the fields
  • The wonderfulness of the sundown
  • The stars shining quietly and brightly
  • The delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring
  • The sea, fish swimming, and waves

 

(b). Miracles Connected with People and City Life:

  • Walking the streets of Manhattan
  • Sitting at a table at dinner with loved ones
  • Talking with someone he loves
  • Looking at strangers riding in the subway car

 

Whitman effortlessly moves between natural elements like trees, the moon, and bees to urban experiences such as walking the streets of Manhattan or sitting at dinner. He does not place nature above city life but treats both as sources of miraculous experiences, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life.

 

  1. What do the lines about Manhattan and the subway car tell us about Whitman’s feelings for the people?

Ans. The lines about Manhattan and the subway car show that Whitman holds deep affection and admiration for people in all settings, whether he knows them personally or they are strangers. His view of strangers on the subway as part of the miracles of life reflects his belief that human connections, even in fleeting moments, are extraordinary. He feels a sense of unity and wonder in shared human experiences, no matter how mundane they may seem.

 

  1. Have you ever come across a miracle in your life? If yes, write an account of it in 150 words.

Or

Are you waiting for a miracle to happen in your life? Write about your feelings in 150 words.

 

Ans. An Account of a Miracle in My Life 

One of the greatest miracles I’ve experienced in life is witnessing the birth of my younger sibling. Although it’s a natural process, the act of life entering the world felt miraculous. The joy, love, and hope that surrounded the room were palpable, and I realized how fragile and yet powerful life is. The miracle was not just in the birth itself but also in the connection it created between family members. Seeing my parents’ joy and holding my sibling for the first time felt like a moment suspended in time, as though everything around me had stopped for that single instance of pure, overwhelming awe. This experience taught me that miracles are not always grand events; they can be found in the beauty of life itself.

 

Learning about the Poetic Device/s

 

  • What are the images used by the poet?

Ans. Whitman uses vivid and varied imagery throughout the poem to evoke the sense of wonder he feels about life. Some of the notable images include:

  1. Natural imagery: The moon, honey bees, animals feeding, the sundown, stars shining, and the motion of the waves in the sea.
  2. Urban imagery: Walking the streets of Manhattan, looking over the roofs of houses, and observing strangers in a subway car.
  3. Human relationships: Talking to loved ones, sitting at the dinner table with others, and connecting with people in everyday moments.

These images create a sense of harmony between nature, city life, and human interaction, reinforcing Whitman’s theme that everything is a miracle.

 

  • Is there any rhyme scheme in the poem?

Ans. No, there is no rhyme scheme in the poem. Whitman uses free verse, which is characterized by a lack of regular meter and rhyme. This allows him to express his thoughts in a natural, flowing manner, much like a conversation or reflection, without being constrained by traditional poetic forms. The free verse structure enhances the universality of his message, as it mirrors the boundless and spontaneous nature of the miracles he describes.
 

 

Extra Questions

Multiple Choice Questions 

  1. What is the central theme of the poem?
    (A) Love
    (B) Miracles
    (C) Nature
    (D) Time

 

  1. Which of the following is considered a miracle in the poem?
    (A) Walking in the streets of Manhattan
    (B) Climbing mountains
    (C) Flying in the sky
    (D) Traveling by car

 

  1. In the poem, what does Whitman call a miracle in the first extract?
    (A) The roofs of houses
    (B) The water
    (C) The streets of Manhattan
    (D) The sky

 

  1. What activity is described in the second extract?
    (A) Walking in the woods
    (B) Talking with a loved one
    (C) Sitting at dinner
    (D) All of the above

 

  1. What natural phenomenon is mentioned in the third extract?
    (A) Rain
    (B) A new moon
    (C) Snowfall
    (D) Wind

 

  1. How does Whitman describe the sea in the fourth extract?
    (A) As a mystery
    (B) As a miracle
    (C) As an adventure
    (D) As dangerous

 

  1. Which of these is NOT mentioned in the poem as a miracle?
    (A) The sundown
    (B) Animals feeding
    (C) Mountains
    (D) Stars shining

 

  1. How does Whitman feel about every cubic inch of space?
    (A) He finds it ordinary
    (B) He finds it miraculous
    (C) He ignores it
    (D) He finds it small

 

  1. What literary device is predominantly used in the poem to convey the idea of miracles?
    (A) Simile
    (B) Personification
    (C) Repetition
    (D) Metaphor

 

  1. What is Whitman’s final question in the poem?
    (A) What causes miracles?
    (B) What stranger miracles are there?
    (C) How do miracles happen?
    (D) Where do miracles come from?

 

Answers:

  1. (B) Miracles
  2. (A) Walking in the streets of Manhattan
  3. (C) The streets of Manhattan
  4. (D) All of the above
  5. (B) A new moon
  6. (B) As a miracle
  7. (C) Mountains
  8. (B) He finds it miraculous
  9. (C) Repetition
  10. (B) What stranger miracles are there?

 

 

Extract- Based Questions

  1. “Why, who makes much of a miracle?

As to me I know of nothing else but miracles;

Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,

Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,

Or wade with naked feet along the beach just in the edge of the water”

 

  1. What locations does Whitman describe in this extract?

Ans. Whitman describes the streets of Manhattan, the rooftops of houses, and the edge of the water at the beach.

 

  1. What action does Whitman perform when he looks at the rooftops of houses?

Ans. He darts his sight toward the sky over the rooftops.

 

  1. How does Whitman experience the water at the beach?

Ans. He wades with his naked feet on the edge of the water.

 

  1. What is the significance of the ordinary actions described in the extract?

Ans. Whitman finds these ordinary actions, like walking or looking at rooftops, to be miraculous events.

 

  1. How does Whitman’s perception of Manhattan challenge conventional ideas of miracles?

Ans. Instead of viewing miracles as rare occurrences, Whitman sees miracles in everyday urban life.

 

  1. “Or stand under trees in the woods,

Or talk by day with anyone I love,

Or sit at table at dinner with the rest,

Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car”

 

  1. What activities are described in this extract? 

Ans. Whitman describes standing under trees, talking with loved ones, sitting at dinner, and looking at strangers in the car.

 

  1. What does Whitman imply about conversations with loved ones?

Ans. He considers them miraculous and filled with meaning.

 

  1. What everyday human interaction does Whitman mention in the car?

Ans. He mentions looking at strangers sitting opposite him in the car.

 

  1. How does Whitman view dining with others?

Ans. He views sitting at the dinner table with others as a miracle.

 

  1. What connection does Whitman make between nature and human relationships in this extract?

Ans. He sees both interactions with nature and human relationships as equally miraculous.

 

  1. “Or watch honey bees busy around the hive on a summer forenoon,

Or animals feeding in the fields,

Or the wonderfulness of the sundown, or of stars shining so quiet and bright,

Or the exquisite delicate thin curve of the new moon in spring”

 

  1. What natural scenes does Whitman describe in this extract?

Ans. He describes honey bees around a hive, animals feeding, the sundown, the stars, and the new moon in spring.

 

  1. How does Whitman describe the bees’ activity around the hive?

Ans. He watches them being busy around the hive on a summer forenoon.

 

  1. What does Whitman admire about the sundown and the stars?

Ans. He admires their quiet brightness and considers them miracles.

 

  1. What season is associated with the new moon in this extract?

Ans. The new moon is associated with spring.

 

  1. What does Whitman’s focus on these natural elements suggest about his view of the world?

Ans. He views all aspects of nature, no matter how small, as miracles worthy of appreciation.

 

  1. “These with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles,

The whole referring: yet each distinct and in its place.

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread the same.

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

To me the sea is a continual miracles:

The fishes that swim, the rocks, the motion of the waves, the ships with men in them.

What stranger miracles are there?”

 

  1. How does Whitman view each individual experience in life?

Ans. He views each individual experience as a distinct miracle in its own place.

 

  1. What does Whitman say about time in this extract?

Ans. He says that every hour, whether it is light or dark, is a miracle.

 

  1. How does Whitman describe the surface of the earth?

Ans. He describes it as being spread with miracles in every square yard.

 

  1. What does Whitman think about the sea?

Ans. He believes the sea is a continuous miracle, with its fish, rocks, waves, and ships.

 

  1. Identify the figure of speech used-

Every cubic inch of space is a miracle,

Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread the same.

Every foot of the interior swarms with the same.

Ans. The Figure of speech used in Anaphora – when the consecutive lines start with the same word, here ‘every’.

 

 

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