Class 10 Unit 8: Reading II: Climbing

 

Reading II: Climbing

About the Poet

Amy Lowell was an American poet born in 1874 in Massachusetts. She was a leading figure in the Imagist movement, which focused on clear, sharp imagery and free verse. Lowell wrote many poems that explored beauty, emotion, and the inner self through vivid language. She published several collections and even won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1926, after her death. Her poetry often broke traditional rules and helped shape modern American literature.

Summary of the Poem

In Climbing, Amy Lowell describes the difficult journey of climbing a steep hill or mountain, using it as a symbol for life’s struggles and personal growth. In the first stanza, she talks about the tough path filled with stones and obstacles. Each step feels hard and tiring, showing how challenging life can be. In the second stanza, she reflects on how progress can feel slow. Even though the goal seems near, it stays far away. She expresses frustration, yet she keeps going, which shows determination.

In the third stanza, she describes the exhaustion and desire to give up. Her body aches, and the climb feels endless. But she pushes herself, knowing that stopping would mean failure. In the final stanza, she finally reaches the top. The view is beautiful and peaceful. She feels joy and satisfaction, realizing that all the pain was worth it. The climb becomes a symbol of victory, inner strength, and the rewards that come after hard effort. The poem teaches us to keep going through difficult times because the end can bring peace and happiness.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS6f9Wh7zyQ 

Vocabulary

1.     stair /steə/ noun - a step in a set of steps

2.     spire /spaɪə/ noun - a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building

3.     turret /ˈtʌrɪt/ noun - a small tower on top of a larger tower or at the corner of a building

4.     glint /ɡlɪnt/ noun - a small flash of light

5.     dome /dəʊm/ noun - a rounded vault forming the roof of a building

6.     bough /baʊ/ noun - a main branch of a tree

7.     marvelous /ˈmɑːvələs/ adjective - causing great wonder; extraordinary

8.     pinnacles /ˈpɪnəkəlz/ noun - the highest or most successful points

A.   Find the words from the text above that have the following meanings.

a.      a small flash of light especially a reflected one: glints

b.     the main branch of a tree: bough

c.      a little tower of a building or a castle: turret

d.     a set of steps leading from one floor of the building to another: stair

e.      causing great wonder; extraordinary: marvelous

B.    Choose the correct answer. (Answers only)

a.      What does the speaker view from the branch of the tree? the town

b.     What aids the speaker to go up and up?  the branches on the tree

c.      What does the speaker compare the glow of a dome with? Seafoam

d.     Which of the following statements is true? The speaker is sure to get to the top of the tree now.

e.      Which of the following statements carries the message of the poem?

We should not give up in the middle of any situation or goal.

C.    Answer these questions.

a.      Why does the speaker want to climb on the tree?

The speaker wants to climb on the tree to see the town.

b.     What things are signing brightly when he viewed from above?

A turret and dome are signing brightly when he is viewed from above.

c.      Is it the first time that the speaker has climbed up the tree? How do you know?

No, it is not the first time the speaker has climbed up the tree. She used to stop in every climb but today she is sure to reach the top.  

d.     Make a list of words from the poem that describe the light or brightness.

The words that describe the light or brightness are shining, gleam, glint, sparkling, bright, glittering, and flash.

e.      What do the sky and the earth symbolize in the poem?

The sky symbolizes the ultimate destination whereas the earth signifies the starting point of the journey. 

D.   'The more determined you are, the better opportunity you will achieve in life and obtain what you want in life.' Do you agree with this statement? Discuss.

I agree with the statement, "The more determined you are, the better opportunity you will achieve in life and obtain what you want in life." Determination is a key factor in achieving success and realizing one's goals. It fuels perseverance and resilience, qualities that are essential when facing challenges and setbacks. Determined individuals are more likely to stay focused on their objectives, continuously putting in the effort required to overcome obstacles and reach their desired outcomes.

Determination drives individuals to push beyond their comfort zones, seek out opportunities, and take calculated risks. It fosters an active mindset, encouraging people to set clear goals and devise strategic plans to achieve them. This active approach increases the likelihood of encountering and seizing opportunities that might otherwise be missed. Additionally, determination helps maintain motivation and discipline, ensuring consistent progress toward one's goals.

In conclusion, determination plays a crucial role in achieving better opportunities and obtaining what one wants in life. It equips individuals with the perseverance, focus, and proactive mindset necessary to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment.

 

Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed8Pilj6nlI

***

Click for next Lesson: https://limbuchandrabahadur.blogspot.com/2025/07/class-10-english-unit-8-grammar-ii.html