BSc BA ADP English Notes Poem New Year Resolutions (Elizabeth Sewell) Important Questions

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Question 1: What new year resolutions does Elizabeth Sewell make in her poem New Year Resolutions?

Answer: The poetess does not welcome the new year in a traditional manner. She has a firm belief that life must be spent consciously and with a sense of responsibility. She resolves that she will analyze her own mind and soul in order to find out her past follies and short-comings.

Firstly, the poetess resolves that she will remain silent. She will think over her past wrongs. The long hours of silence will help her in cleaning her inner self. She wants to commence the new year in a better and realistic manner. 

She has no intention to repeat the mistakes she did last year. She is determined and resolute to correct and improve her self every day. Secondly, the poetess resolves that she will think about her identity.

She will think twice a day who she really is? What are her responsibilities in this world? Thirdly, the poetess pledges that she will decide to face the reality of her life. She will think over her shortcomings and blunders with a cool mind.

She decides to feel ashamed of her mistakes that were done before. She will never desire to remain in a dream world. She will face the bitter reality of life with a stout heart. In this way, she will welcome the new year with new zeal and zest.

Question 2: Discuss the literary qualities of the poem New Year Resolutions

Answer: The poem is a criticism of those people who lead their lives without aims. They do not make plans for the future. The poem is a satire on the lazy people. They do not want to face the reality of this world.

The poet expresses her views that are based on the resolutions of the poetess. Through her resolutions and decisions, The poetess wants to convey the moral message of the poem. 

She says that human beings should live their lives according to the set rules. They must analyze their past and make good plans for a better future. The language of the poem is simple but impressive. The word Purgation is a medical term.

It means cleaning a wound from a germ. But poetess has used this term for cleansing the human shortcomings which are also like germs. The poem is based on realistic subject matter.

According to the poetess, life must spend consciously and with a sense of discipline. In this poem, Reality has been personified with a solace companion. The Potess sleeps in the company of reality. The poem is serious with a realistic theme

Question 3: What is the moral or central idea of the poem?

Answer: New Year Resolutions is a thought-provoking poem. In this poem, the poetess gives us an important message. She believes that life is temporary but we should spend life doing productive works. She says that we must take stock of our past life. 

We must analyze our weaknesses at the beginning of the new year. Self-examination will help us to correct ourselves. The poem criticizes that people are lazy and have no aims or goals in their lives. They are not decisive by nature.

They do not make decisions for the future. They do not want to face the reality of this world. They do not make aims and resolution in their lives. This poem presents a philosophical lesson. The poetess urges us to examine our past deeds.

It advises us to be always ready to correct ourselves. We must face the bitter things in a sincere manner. We must work for the betterment of our country and fellow beings.

We must analyze our deeds twice in a day. We must accept the harsh realities of life with a smiling face. We should not be discouraged after facing difficult situations in our life. We must welcome the new year with a stout heart.