To Youth by Sarojini Naidu – Line by Line Explanation

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Explanations of the poem "To Youth"
English | Class 8 | SEBA Board

Poem: To Youth | Sarojini Naidu

Edunes Online Education

Board: SEBA
Class: 8, School: DBS Lumding
Subject: English

Poem: To Youth

line 1: O YOUTH, sweet comrade Youth, wouldst thou be gone?
line 2: Long have we dwelt together, thou and I;
line 3: Together drunk on many alien dawn,
line 4: And plucked the fruit of many an alien sky.
line 5: Ah. fickle friend. must I, who yesterday
line 6: Dreamed forwards to long, undimmed ecstasy,
line 7: Backward to transient pleasure and to thee?
line 8: I give thee back thy false, ephemeral vow;
line 9: But, O beloved comrade, ere we part,
line 10: Upon my mournful eyelids and my brow
line 11: Kiss me who hold thine image in my heart.

🌸 Poem: “To Youth” – Sarojini Naidu

📌 Setting
The poet is growing old and realizing that youth is leaving her.
🎯 Theme
The poem explores:

1. Acceptance of old age
2. Nostalgia (sweet remembrance of the past)
3. Realisation that youth is temporary

🎭 Tone
The tone is nostalgic and emotional — like saying goodbye to a dear friend.

1️⃣ Line-by-Line Meaning (Simple Explanation)

Line 1:
“O YOUTH, sweet comrade Youth, wouldst thou be gone?”
The poet talks to Youth as if it is her close friend.
She asks sadly, “Are you leaving me?”
👉 She feels that her young days are ending.

Line 2:
“Long have we dwelt together, thou and I;”
She says she and Youth have lived together for a long time.
👉 She has enjoyed being young for many years

Line 3:
“Together drunk on many alien dawn,”
They have enjoyed many new mornings together.
👉 “Drunk” means deeply enjoying life.
👉 “Alien dawn” means unfamiliar or new beginnings.

Line 5:
“Ah, fickle friend, must I, who yesterday”
She calls Youth a “fickle friend” (someone who does not stay).
👉 “Fickle friend” means someone who changes quickly and does not remain faithful.
👉 She feels Youth is unfaithful because it is leaving her.

Line 6:
“Dreamed forwards to long, undimmed ecstasy,”
Earlier, she dreamed of a long, happy future.
👉 “Dreamed forwards” means she once looked ahead with hope.
👉 “Undimmed ecstasy” means happiness that never fades.

Line 7:
“Backward to transient pleasure and to thee?”
Now she must only look back at short-lived happiness.
👉 “Backward” means looking into the past.
👉 “Transient pleasure” means temporary joy that does not last long.

Line 8:
“I give thee back thy false, ephemeral vow;”
She returns Youth’s promise because it did not last.
👉 “Ephemeral vow” means a promise that lasted only for a short time.
👉 She realizes Youth’s promise of lasting happiness was not true.

Line 9:
“But, O beloved comrade, ere we part,”
Before they separate, she speaks lovingly to Youth.
👉 “Beloved comrade” means dear and close friend.
👉 “Ere” means before.

Line 10:
“Upon my mournful eyelids and my brow”
She feels sad and tired as Youth is leaving.
👉 “Mournful eyelids” show sadness and emotional pain.
👉 “Brow” means forehead.

Line 11:
“Kiss me who hold thine image in my heart.”
She asks Youth for one last goodbye kiss.
👉 “Thine image” means the memory of Youth.
👉 Even though Youth is leaving, she will always keep its memory in her heart.

2️⃣ Difficult Words and Meanings

Word	Meaning
Comrade	Close friend or companion
Wouldst thou	Old English for “Would you”
Dwelt	Lived
Alien	Foreign, unfamiliar
Dawn	Morning / beginning
Plucked	Picked
Fickle	Changing quickly, not faithful
Undimmed	Not faded
Ecstasy	Great happiness
Backward	Looking back
Transient	Temporary
Ephemeral	Lasting for a short time
Vow	Promise
Ere	Before
Mournful	Sad
Brow	Forehead
Thine	Yours

phase of life

3️⃣ How to Think & Visualise (Feynman Technique Method)

The Feynman Technique means:

1. Understand simply
2. Explain in your own words
3. Imagine clearly
4. Connect emotionally

Let’s apply it.

🎬 Step 2: Create a Movie in Your Mind

Visualise:

🌅 Early morning sunlight
🌈 Young girl running freely
🍎 Plucking fruits from trees
🌍 Exploring new places
😊 Laughing without worry

Now imagine:

🍂 Autumn leaves falling
🌆 Evening sky
😔 Slow walking
💭 Remembering old days

👉 This contrast between morning and evening shows the journey from youth to old age.
👉 The changing scenes help you feel the emotion of the poem deeply.

❤️ Step 3: Ask Yourself Simple Questions

Ask yourself:

❓ Is youth permanent? ❌
❓ Does everyone grow old? ✅
❓ Can memories stay forever? ✅

👉 The poem teaches a powerful truth:

“Youth leaves the body,
But it stays in the heart.”

👉 Life changes, but memories remain.

🧠 Step 4: Explain in Simple Words (Practice)

Try saying this in your own words:

“This poem is about a woman who is becoming old. She talks to her youth like a close friend. She feels sad because youth is leaving her. But she accepts it and keeps its memories in her heart.”

👉 If you can explain it simply, you truly understand the poem.
👉 Simple explanation means clear thinking.

🌟 Core Message for Students

✨ Youth is beautiful but temporary.
⏳ Time never stops.
🌸 We must enjoy the present.
💖 Memories are our treasure.

👉 The poem teaches us to accept change with maturity and grace.

NEP-oriented questions for

📘 Board: SEBA
📗 Class: 8
📖 Subject: English
🌸 Poem: "To Youth" by Sarojini Naidu

These questions are designed according to "NEP 2020 approach" — focusing on:

1. Critical thinking
2. Emotional understanding
3. Value-based learning
4. Creative expression
5. Conceptual clarity

✍️ A. Short Answer Questions (2 Marks Each)

1. Why does the poet call Youth a “sweet comrade”?
2. What does the phrase “alien dawn” suggest in the poem?
3. Why does the poet call Youth a “fickle friend”?
4. What is meant by “undimmed ecstasy”?
5. What does the poet mean by “transient pleasure”?
6. Why does the poet say she gives back Youth’s “ephemeral vow”?
7. What emotion is expressed in the line “Upon my mournful eyelids and my brow”?
8. How does the poet show that Youth is temporary?
9. What message does the poem give about growing old?
10. How does the poet personify Youth in the poem?

📘 B. Long Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

1. Explain how the poet expresses nostalgia in the poem.
   Support your answer with examples from the poem.
2. “Youth is beautiful but temporary.”
   Discuss this statement with reference to the poem.
3. How does the poet accept the reality of old age?
   Explain with suitable lines from the poem.
4. Describe the relationship between the poet and Youth as shown in the poem.
5. What are the major themes of the poem? Explain in detail.
6. How does Sarojini Naidu use imagery to create emotional effect in the poem?
7. Compare the poet’s feelings at the beginning and at the end of the poem.

🌟 C. Competency-Based / NEP Reflective Questions

(For deeper thinking and classroom discussion)

1. If Youth were a real person, what kind of friend would it be? Why?
2. Do you think growing old is something to fear? Give reasons.
3. Write a short paragraph imagining you are saying goodbye to your childhood.
4. What is more important — Youth or Wisdom? Justify your answer.

Answers are structured with:
✔ Key Point
✔ Explanation
✔ Textual reference (where needed)
✔ Value/interpretation (for higher marks)

✍️ A. Short Answer Questions (2 Marks Each)

1. Why does the poet call Youth a “sweet comrade”? (2 Marks)

Answer:

The poet calls Youth a “sweet comrade” because she considers it her close companion. Youth has been with her for a long time and has shared many joyful experiences. The word “comrade” shows friendship and closeness. This reflects her emotional attachment to her younger days.

Marking Scheme:
1 mark – Meaning of “sweet comrade”
1 mark – Explanation of emotional bond

2. Why does the poet call Youth a “fickle friend”? (2 Marks)

Answer:

The poet calls Youth a “fickle friend” because it does not stay forever. Youth leaves as a person grows old. The word “fickle” shows that youth is temporary and unreliable.

Marking Scheme:
1 mark – Meaning of “fickle”
1 mark – Explanation that youth is temporary

3. What is meant by “undimmed ecstasy”? (2 Marks)

Answer:

“Undimmed ecstasy” means happiness that does not fade. The poet once believed her joy and excitement would last forever. It shows her hopeful dreams during youth.

Marking Scheme:
1 mark – Meaning of the phrase
1 mark – Connection to youth dreams

4. What does the poet mean by “transient pleasure”? (2 Marks)

Answer:

“Transient pleasure” means temporary happiness. The poet realizes that the joy of youth does not last forever. It fades with time.

Marking Scheme:
1 mark – Meaning of “transient”
1 mark – Explanation related to youth

5. How does the poet show that Youth is temporary?

Answer:

The poet shows Youth is temporary by calling it “fickle” and “ephemeral.” She says she gives back its “ephemeral vow,” meaning its promise did not last. These words clearly show that youth does not remain forever.

Marking Scheme:
1 mark – Mention of words “fickle” / “ephemeral”
1 mark – Explanation of temporary nature
1 mark – Proper textual reference

📘 B. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the theme of nostalgia in the poem.

Answer:

The poem expresses nostalgia, which means remembering the past with longing. The poet talks to Youth as if it were her close friend. She recalls the happy days they spent together. Phrases like “alien dawn” and “undimmed ecstasy” show the excitement and joy of youth.

However, she realizes that youth is temporary. She calls it a “fickle friend” and an “ephemeral vow.” Though she feels sad, she accepts that youth must leave. At the end, she says she will keep its image in her heart. This shows that memories remain even when youth fades.

Thus, the poem beautifully expresses the sweetness and sadness of remembering youth.

Marking Scheme (3 Marks):
1 marks – Explanation of nostalgia
1 marks – Textual references
1/2 mark – Explanation of emotional tone
1/2 mark – Clear conclusion/message

2. How does the poet accept the reality of old age? (3 Marks)

Answer:

At first, the poet feels sad that youth is leaving her. She questions it and calls it “fickle.” However, she gradually accepts reality. She says, “I give thee back thy false, ephemeral vow,” showing she understands that youth cannot stay forever.

Instead of resisting, she asks youth for a final kiss before parting. This shows maturity and acceptance. She decides to keep its memory in her heart. Thus, the poet accepts old age with grace and dignity.

Marking Scheme (3 Marks):
1 marks – Initial sadness
1 marks – Acceptance shown in lines
1/2 mark – Explanation of emotional growth
1/2 mark – Proper structure and clarity

3. Describe the relationship between the poet and Youth.

Answer:

The poet shares a deep emotional bond with Youth. She calls it her “sweet comrade” and “beloved friend.” This shows affection and closeness. Youth has been her companion in happiness, dreams, and excitement.

However, she also calls Youth “fickle,” showing disappointment. She feels betrayed because youth does not remain forever. Despite this, she does not hate it. Instead, she lovingly asks for a final farewell.

This relationship is like that between two close friends who must separate. It reflects love, sadness, memory, and acceptance. The poet’s feelings move from attachment to understanding.

Marking Scheme (3 Marks):
1 marks – Explanation of friendship
1/2 marks – Emotional bond
1/2 marks – Conflict (fickle nature)
1/2 mark – Acceptance
1/2 mark – Clear organisation and expression
🌟 NEP-Based Competency Reflection Answer (Example)

Q: Is youth more important than wisdom? (3 Marks)

Answer:

Youth brings energy, excitement, and dreams. However, it is temporary. Wisdom comes with age and experience. While youth gives happiness, wisdom gives understanding and maturity.

In the poem, the poet loses youth but gains acceptance and emotional depth. Therefore, both are important, but wisdom helps a person face life calmly.

Marking Scheme:
1 marks – Logical reasoning
1 marks – Connection to poem
1 mark – Personal insight

📝 Section A: Competency-Based MCQs

1. Why does the poet address Youth as a “sweet comrade”?

• A. Because youth is powerful
• B. Because youth is her close companion
• C. Because youth is her enemy
• D. Because youth makes her famous

Competency Tested: Understanding of personification and emotional connection.

2. The phrase “alien dawn” suggests:

A. Foreign country
B. Unpleasant morning
C. New and unfamiliar experiences
D. A dark future

Competency Tested: Contextual interpretation.

3. When the poet calls Youth a “fickle friend,” she means that youth is:

A. Loyal
B. Permanent
C. Temporary and changing
D. Dangerous

Competency Tested: Vocabulary in context.

4. “Undimmed ecstasy” refers to:

A. Fading happiness
B. Endless joy
C. Painful memory
D. Regret

Competency Tested: Meaning inference.

5. What is the tone of the poem?

A. Angry
B. Humorous
C. Nostalgic and emotional
D. Fearful

Competency Tested: Tone identification.

6. The word “ephemeral” in the poem means:

A. Permanent
B. Temporary
C. Powerful
D. Beautiful

Competency Tested: Vocabulary knowledge.

7. The poet finally accepts that youth:

A. Will stay forever
B. Can be brought back
C. Must leave as she grows old
D. Is unimportant

Competency Tested: Understanding theme.

8. The poem teaches that:

A. Growing old is useless
B. Youth is everything
C. Time cannot be stopped
D. Dreams never change

Competency Tested: Theme and message identification.

9. Which literary device is used when Youth is treated like a friend?

A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Alliteration

Competency Tested: Literary device recognition.

10. Why does the poet ask Youth for a “kiss” before parting?

A. She wants to become young again
B. She wants a final loving farewell
C. She is angry
D. She is confused

Competency Tested: Emotional interpretation.

🧠 Section B: Assertion–Reason (Higher Order Thinking)

11. Assertion (A): The poet feels sad about losing youth.
Reason (R): Youth is permanent and stays forever.

A. Both A and R are true
B. Both A and R are false
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true

Competency Tested: Logical reasoning.

12. Assertion (A): The poem reflects acceptance of change.
Reason (R): The poet gives back Youth’s “ephemeral vow.”

A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A
C. A is true but R is false
D. A is false but R is true

Competency Tested: Analytical reasoning.

🌟 Section C: Case-Based MCQ

Read the lines:
“I give thee back thy false, ephemeral vow;”"

13. What realization does the poet express here?

A. Youth betrayed her
B. Youth promised permanent happiness
C. Youth cannot last forever
D. Youth is painful

14. The emotion expressed in this line is:

A. Excitement
B. Anger
C. Acceptance with sadness
D. Fear

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