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A Lecture Upon the Shadow (John Donne)

CBSE · Class 12 · English

Flashcards for A Lecture Upon the Shadow (John Donne) — CBSE Class 12 English. Quick Q&A cards covering key concepts, definitions, and formulas.

61 questions24 flashcards5 concepts

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24 Flashcards
Card 1Author and style

Who is John Donne in literary history?

Answer

John Donne is a metaphysical poet. He is known for vivid language, startling imagery, and direct utterance. His poetry is intellectual and witty rather than mainly emotional.

Card 2Metaphysical poetry

What does metaphysical poetry try to do at its best?

Answer

It tries to startle the reader into seeing and knowing something that had not been properly noticed or thought about before. The poem uses unusual imagery to make love seem fresh and thought-provoking

Card 3Central image

What is the central image in A Lecture Upon the Shadow?

Answer

The central image is the shadow. The poem uses shadows to explain the changing nature of love and the difference between hiding love from others and deceiving oneself and one’s beloved.

Card 4Title and tone

Why does the speaker call the poem a lecture?

Answer

The word lecture gives the poem the form of a serious lesson or argument. It shows that the speaker is not only expressing feeling but also reasoning about love in a thoughtful way.

Card 5Shadow symbolism

What do the shadows before noon represent?

Answer

The shadows before noon represent disguises and concealment from others. They show love that is still careful and hidden from the outside world.

Card 6Shadow symbolism

What do the shadows after noon represent?

Answer

The shadows after noon represent self-deception between lovers. These shadows work upon the lovers themselves and blind their own eyes.

Card 7Poem action

What happens during the three hours mentioned in the poem?

Answer

The speaker and the beloved walk together for three hours, and during that time two shadows are produced along with them. This simple walk becomes a way to discuss love philosophically.

Card 8Symbolism

What does noon symbolize in the poem?

Answer

Noon symbolizes clarity and truth. At noon, the shadows are trodden underfoot and all things are reduced to brave clearness, showing a moment when concealment disappears.

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A Lecture Upon the Shadow (John Donne) covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
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