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Revision Notes

Once Upon a Time — Revision Notes

NIOS · Class 10 · English

Once Upon a Time revision notes for NIOS Class 10 English: 4 topics in quick points. Part of the NIOS Class 10 English syllabus.

44 questions29 flashcards5 concepts

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A comparison chart illustrating the contrast between genuine, heartfelt interactions of the past and the superficial, insincere interactions of modern times, as described in the poem.
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Key Topics to Revise

1

1. Chapter Overview and Central Idea

  • The poem is written by Gabriel Okara.
  • It is a satirical poem on modern society.
  • The poem contrasts two periods: the innocent past and the artificial present.
2

2. Stanza-wise Summary and Meaning

  • Stanzas 1, 2, and 3 form Part 1 of the poem.
  • In Stanza 1, people used to laugh with their hearts and eyes, but now they laugh only with their teeth.
  • The phrase 'ice-block-cold eyes' shows emotionless and unfriendly behaviour.
3

3. Literary Devices and Poetic Techniques

  • The poem uses irony through the phrase 'Once upon a time'.
  • It uses metaphor in phrases like 'wear many faces like dresses'.
  • It uses simile in 'like a fixed portrait smile' and 'like a snake's bare fangs'.
4

4. Themes and Message

  • The main theme is loss of innocence in adult life.
  • Another theme is the difference between genuine and false relationships.
  • The poem shows how people become formal, polite, and emotionally distant.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

The poem shows that people onceModern people are shown as smilingThe father stands for the modernSatire uses humourThe father says he has learned

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Once Upon a Time for NIOS Class 10 English?
Key topics in Once Upon a Time include Chapter Overview and Central Idea, Stanza-wise Summary and Meaning, Literary Devices and Poetic Techniques, Themes and Message. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the NIOS Class 10 board exam.
How should I revise Once Upon a Time for the NIOS Class 10 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 44 practice questions on Once Upon a Time. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for Once Upon a Time

All NIOS Class 10 English Revision Notes

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