Edunes Online Education
Poem: I had a dove, and the sweet Dove Died
English | Class 8 | SEBA Board
Edunes Online Education
Poet: John Keats
1️⃣ Line-by-Line Meaning of the poem :
"I had a dove, and the sweet Dove Died"
The speaker had a pet dove, but it has died.
He thinks the bird died because it was sad.
He wonders why it was sad — then reveals its feet were tied.
He himself tied the dove gently with silk thread.
He speaks lovingly to the bird and questions its death.
He feels abandoned and heartbroken.
Earlier, the dove lived freely in the forest.
He wishes it had stayed with him instead of dying.
He treated it kindly and fed it.
He doesn’t understand why it could not be happy with him like it was in nature.
2️⃣ Difficult Words & Phrases
| Dove ⇒ | A gentle white bird symbolizing love and peace |
| Grieving ⇒ | Feeling deep sadness |
| Silken thread ⇒ | Soft silk string |
| My own hand’s weaving ⇒ | Made by the speaker himself |
| Oft ⇒ | Often |
| Liv’d ⇒ | Lived |
| Pretty thing ⇒ | A loving way of addressing the bird |
| Green trees ⇒ | Symbol of freedom and natural life |
3️⃣ Feynman Technique: How to Think & Visualize This Poem
Let’s break it in simple brain-friendly steps:No. Even if you feed it and kiss it, it wants freedom.
The dove did not die from lack of food.
It died because its freedom was taken.
🟢 Section A: Short Answer Questions (1-2 Marks Each)
2. What does the “silken thread” symbolize in the poem?
3. How does the poet show his love for the dove?
4. Why does the poet repeatedly ask questions after the dove’s death?
5. What contrast does the poet create between the “forest tree” and living with him?
6. Identify the central theme of the poem and explain it briefly.
7. How does the poem highlight the idea of selfish love?
8. What do the “green trees” symbolize in the poem?
🟢 Section B: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)
Discuss this statement with reference to the poem.
2. The poet loved the dove deeply, yet he was responsible for its death.
Explain how the poem presents this irony.
3. Discuss the theme of freedom and captivity in the poem.
How does the poet convey that love without freedom leads to suffering?
4. Analyze the emotional journey of the poet from affection to regret.
5. If the dove could speak, what might it say about its life with the poet?
Write your answer in about 120–150 words.
(Creative & experiential competency – NEP style)
The poem teaches a moral lesson relevant even today.Explain the message of the poem with suitable references.
🟢 Section C: Case-Based / Competency-Based Question (NEP Pattern)
Read the extract and answer the questions:“I had a dove, and the sweet dove died,
And I have thought it died of grieving;
Its feet were tied
With a silken thread of my own hand's weaving.”
2. What does the phrase “my own hand’s weaving” suggest about the poet’s role? (2 marks)
3. What human weakness is highlighted in these lines? (2 marks)
