Learn the full summary, line-by-line meaning, paraphrase, analysis, theme, and key ideas of the poem “Contemplation by John Carpenter. Includes 20 short questions with answers, 10 long questions with answers, and 10 MCQs with answers.
Table of Contents
Text of the Poem Contemplation by John Carpenter
Contemplation
For days and days I’ve climbed a tree
A dappled yellow tree
And gazed abroad at many things
I’ve always wished to see.I see the green and gentle fields
All bounded in with hedge
And shining rivers swimming through
The rushes on the edge,
And little sheep who play all day
I watch them as they run,
While far away the roofs of town
Are shining in the sun.I think it’s very nice to sit
So high and look so far —-
How very large the world can be!
How many things there are!
Line-by-Line Meaning in Bangla
Here’s a translation or meaning of each line in Bangla (approximate, simple words).
Line 1: For days and days I’ve climbed a tree
Bangla Meaning: দিনের পর দিন আমি একটি গাছে চড়েছি।
Paraphrase: The poet says he has spent many days climbing the same tree again and again.
Analysis: This line shows the speaker’s habit of climbing a tree regularly. It introduces the idea that he enjoys nature and wants to see the world from above.
Line 2: A dappled yellow tree
Bangla Meaning: একটি হলুদ ছোপছোপ গাছ।
Paraphrase: The tree has yellow, patchy spots, perhaps from sunlight or leaves.
Analysis: The description gives us a visual image. “Dappled” adds beauty and natural charm, suggesting the tree is lively and colorful.
Line 3: And gazed abroad at many things
Bangla Meaning: আমি দূরে তাকিয়ে অনেক কিছু দেখেছি।
Paraphrase: The poet looks out far from the tree and observes many sights.
Analysis: The word “gazed abroad” shows deep observation, not just quick looking. It reflects contemplation (deep thought).
Line 4: I’ve always wished to see.
Bangla Meaning: যা দেখতে আমি সবসময় ইচ্ছা করতাম।
Paraphrase: He is finally able to see the things he has long desired to see.
Analysis: This line expresses fulfillment of a dream — the joy of experiencing what he has always wanted.
Line 5: I see the green and gentle fields
Bangla Meaning: আমি সবুজ এবং কোমল মাঠ দেখতে পাই।
Paraphrase: From the tree, he sees soft, green fields stretching around.
Analysis: Shows the peaceful, fertile countryside. “Gentle” adds calmness and beauty to nature.
Line 6: All bounded in with hedge
Bangla Meaning: যা চারপাশে বেড়া বা ঝোপ দিয়ে ঘেরা।
Paraphrase: The fields are surrounded by hedges like natural fences.
Analysis: Suggests order, protection, and rural life, where fields are neatly enclosed.
Line 7: And shining rivers swimming through
Bangla Meaning: আর ঝলমলে নদী বয়ে যাচ্ছে।
Paraphrase: Bright rivers flow through the landscape.
Analysis: The rivers are described as “shining,” giving the image of sunlight reflecting on water, symbolizing beauty and life.
Line 8: The rushes on the edge,
Bangla Meaning: যার পাড়ে লম্বা ঘাস (রাশ) রয়েছে।
Paraphrase: At the riverbanks, tall grasses grow.
Analysis: Adds detail and realism to the scene. It shows the richness of nature’s smaller elements.
Line 9: And little sheep who play all day
Bangla Meaning: আর ছোট ভেড়াগুলো সারাদিন খেলছে।
Paraphrase: The speaker sees sheep happily playing in the fields.
Analysis: Represents innocence and simple joy of rural life. It makes the picture lively.
Line 10: I watch them as they run,
Bangla Meaning: আমি তাদের দেখি যখন তারা দৌড়ায়।
Paraphrase: He enjoys watching the sheep run about.
Analysis: The speaker is not only looking but enjoying nature’s movement and life. It shows his patience and peaceful mood.
Line 11: While far away the roofs of town
Bangla Meaning: দূরে শহরের ছাদগুলো।
Paraphrase: From far away, he notices the rooftops of the town.
Analysis: Brings contrast — near (fields, sheep) vs. far (town). The poem mixes nature and human civilization.
Line 12: Are shining in the sun.
Bangla Meaning: সূর্যের আলোয় ঝলমল করছে।
Paraphrase: The sunlight makes the town roofs glow brightly.
Analysis: Sunlight connects both nature and human settlement, showing unity in beauty.
Line 13: I think it’s very nice to sit
Bangla Meaning: আমি মনে করি বসে থাকা খুবই আনন্দদায়ক।
Paraphrase: The speaker feels happy sitting in the tree.
Analysis: Shows contentment, peace, and appreciation for simple moments.
Line 14: So high and look so far —-
Bangla Meaning: এত উঁচুতে বসে এত দূর দেখা।
Paraphrase: Sitting at a great height allows him to see far away.
Analysis: The height gives perspective. It symbolizes looking at life from a broader view.
Line 15: How very large the world can be!
Bangla Meaning: পৃথিবী কত বড় হতে পারে!
Paraphrase: The speaker is amazed at how huge the world looks from above.
Analysis: Expresses wonder and realization — the world is vast and full of possibilities.
Line 16: How many things there are!
Bangla Meaning: এখানে কত কিছু আছে!
Paraphrase: He is surprised at the countless things in the world.
Analysis: The poem ends with awe and admiration. It teaches us to appreciate the richness of life when we take time to observe.
Paraphrase
Here is the poem put into simpler prose:
For many days the speaker has been climbing up into a tree — a yellow-spotted tree. From there he looks out over a wide area and sees many things he has always wanted to see. He sees green gentle fields, bounded by hedges. He sees shining rivers flowing through, and the rushes growing along the edges of water. He observes little sheep playing all day, watching them as they run. In the distance, the town’s rooftops are shining in the sun. The speaker thinks it is a very pleasant thing to sit so high up and look so far away. He is struck by how large the world is, and how many beautiful things there are to see.
Analysis
Here are some points of analysis: what the poet is doing, how, what literary devices, what feelings, etc.
- Title “Contemplation”
The title means thinking deeply, observing, reflecting. The poem is about reflection, standing back and seeing the beauty of the world. - Speaker’s point of view
First person (“I”) — the speaker climbs and sees. That gives personal feeling and helps reader imagine being up there. - Imagery
Strong visual images: “green and gentle fields”, “shining rivers”, “roofs of town shining in the sun”. Also the “dappled yellow tree” image. Helps the reader see what the poet sees. - Sense of distance & height
The speaker is up high, looking far. That height gives perspective. Being far allows him to see many things at once. - Contrast
Between what is near (fields, sheep, hedge, rushes) and what is far (town, roofs). Also between quiet, gentle natural beauty and bright sunlit town. - Tone
Calm, reflective, peaceful, full of wonder. The poet enjoys watching and is amazed by the large world. - Theme of wonder / appreciation
The poem is celebrating the beauty of the natural world, the joy in observing, and the idea that the world is big and full of many things. - Structure & Flow
The poem starts with the action of climbing, moves to what the speaker sees, and ends with reflection. This progression from doing → observing → thinking.
Summary
Here’s a short summary in easy words:
The poem “Contemplation” by John Carpenter tells about a person who climbs a yellow-spotted tree for many days. From there, he looks out at the countryside: fields, rivers, rushes, hedges, and sheep playing. He sees the roofs of a distant town shining in the sunlight. The speaker feels happy and peaceful sitting high up and looking far. He realizes how large the world is, and how many beautiful and wonderful things there are to see.
Main Theme / Ideas
Joy in simple things: Fields, rivers, sheep, roofs — simple natural and common elements — yet they bring joy when one takes the time to look.
Wonder and admiration for nature: The poem shows that nature is beautiful, varied, peaceful, and inspiring.
Perspective and reflection: By climbing up (physically higher) the speaker gains a broader view, both literally and figuratively.
Realization of the world’s vastness: Seeing far away, seeing many things, the speaker feels the world is large and full of possibilities.
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✨ 20 Short Questions and Answers
- Q: Who wrote the poem Contemplation?
A: John Carpenter. - Q: What is the central theme of the poem?
A: The value of inner peace, reflection, and spiritual connection with nature. - Q: What does the poet contemplate in the poem?
A: The beauty of nature, life’s meaning, and spiritual truths. - Q: Which human quality is highlighted in the poem?
A: The power of thought and reflection. - Q: What role does silence play in the poem?
A: Silence helps the poet to reflect deeply. - Q: What kind of imagery does the poet use?
A: Natural and spiritual imagery. - Q: What feeling does contemplation bring to the poet?
A: Calmness and peace. - Q: What does the poem suggest about human life?
A: Life becomes meaningful through reflection and understanding. - Q: Why is nature important in the poem?
A: Nature inspires thought and spiritual growth. - Q: What is the poet’s attitude toward worldly desires?
A: He avoids them and values inner peace. - Q: What does contemplation lead to, according to the poet?
A: Wisdom and self-realization. - Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: Calm, thoughtful, and spiritual. - Q: What does the poet compare human life with?
A: The eternal truths found in nature. - Q: What lesson can students learn from the poem?
A: To take time for self-reflection and avoid materialism. - Q: Which quality of mind is emphasized?
A: Patience and depth of thought. - Q: How does contemplation help the poet connect with God?
A: Through silence and reflection, he feels God’s presence. - Q: What does the poem teach about material wealth?
A: It is less important than spiritual wealth. - Q: What is the best way to understand life, according to the poem?
A: Through contemplation and reflection. - Q: How does contemplation affect emotions?
A: It reduces restlessness and increases peace. - Q: What kind of lifestyle does the poet prefer?
A: A simple, peaceful, and reflective life.
🖋️ 10 Long Questions and Answers
- Q: Explain the theme of Contemplation by John Carpenter.
A: The poem highlights the importance of self-reflection, silence, and inner peace. It shows how contemplation helps humans connect with nature, God, and themselves. The poet suggests that true wisdom and happiness come from reflection rather than material wealth. - Q: How does the poet describe the role of silence in contemplation?
A: Silence is presented as a companion to contemplation. It helps the poet to detach from worldly noise and discover inner truths. In silence, the soul finds peace and communicates with God. - Q: Why does the poet reject worldly desires?
A: The poet believes that wealth, fame, and material possessions are temporary and cannot bring true happiness. Instead, he values spiritual reflection, which provides eternal peace and wisdom. - Q: Discuss the poet’s use of nature in the poem.
A: Nature is described as a teacher and guide. Its calmness, beauty, and vastness inspire the poet to think deeply about life and spirituality. Nature reflects eternal truths and reminds humans of God’s presence. - Q: What lesson does the poem give to students?
A: The poem teaches students to balance studies and life with self-reflection. Instead of chasing only material success, they should also focus on inner growth, patience, and peace. - Q: How is the poem spiritual in tone?
A: The poet connects contemplation with God. Through silence, he feels divine presence. The poem suggests that real happiness lies in spiritual connection, not worldly pleasures. - Q: What effect does contemplation have on the human mind?
A: Contemplation brings clarity, wisdom, and peace. It reduces stress, removes negative thoughts, and makes a person calm and thoughtful. - Q: What does John Carpenter say about time and contemplation?
A: He suggests that spending time in reflection is valuable. Instead of wasting time on material desires, one should use it for self-discovery and spiritual growth. - Q: Compare the poet’s idea of material wealth and spiritual wealth.
A: Material wealth brings temporary joy but fades quickly. Spiritual wealth, gained through contemplation, brings eternal happiness, wisdom, and peace of mind. - Q: Why is the poem suitable for young learners?
A: It teaches moral values, patience, and inner peace. At a young age, students can learn to value reflection over material desires, shaping them into wise and balanced individuals.
✅ 10 MCQ Questions and Answers
Q: What is more valuable than wealth according to the poet?
a) Power
b) Contemplation
c) Fame
d) Competition
Answer: b) Contemplation
Q: Who is the poet of Contemplation?
a) William Wordsworth
b) John Carpenter
c) John Keats
d) Robert Frost
Answer: b) John Carpenter
Q: What is the main theme of the poem?
a) Wealth and fame
b) War and peace
c) Reflection and spirituality
d) Adventure and bravery
Answer: c) Reflection and spirituality
Q: What does the poet value most?
a) Money
b) Silence and thought
c) Power
d) Fame
Answer: b) Silence and thought
Q: Which quality does contemplation give?
a) Anger
b) Wisdom
c) Fear
d) Confusion
Answer: b) Wisdom
Q: How does contemplation affect emotions?
a) Makes them restless
b) Creates peace
c) Causes fear
d) Brings jealousy
Answer: b) Creates peace
Q: What role does nature play in the poem?
a) A teacher of reflection
b) A destroyer of peace
c) A symbol of wealth
d) A place of noise
Answer: a) A teacher of reflection
Q: What does the poet reject in life?
a) Silence
b) Reflection
c) Worldly desires
d) Nature
Answer: c) Worldly desires
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
a) Angry
b) Calm and spiritual
c) Sad and hopeless
d) Joyful and playful
Answer: b) Calm and spiritual
Q: What lesson does the poem teach?
a) To earn money
b) To reflect and find peace
c) To fight wars
d) To seek adventure
Answer: b) To reflect and find peace
