Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
Extract 1: He flung himself down in low despair, As grieved as man could be; And after a while he pondered there, "I'll give it all up," said he.
Now just at that moment a spider dropped, With its silken, filmy clue;
Select the phrase which shows the physical expression of the King's emotional state.
The phrase 'flung himself down' shows the physical expression of the King's emotional state of despair and hopelessness.
Why does the poet use the word 'low' before despair?
The poet uses the word 'low' before despair to emphasize the depth and intensity of King Bruce's hopelessness. 'Low despair' suggests a state of complete dejection and depression, where the King has lost all hope and feels utterly defeated after his repeated failures.
Choose the correct option to complete the sentence. In the line, 'And after a while he pondered there', the word 'pondered' means _____. A. paused B. thought C. noticed D. rested
B
Choose the correct option from the words given in the brackets. The phrase 'silken filmy clue' creates an image of something that is _____ (long and light/very delicate and soft).
very delicate and soft
Explanation
(i) The phrase 'flung himself down' is a physical action that reflects the King's inner emotional state of despair. The act of throwing himself down shows his complete dejection and loss of hope. (ii) The word 'low' intensifies the meaning of 'despair,' indicating the lowest point of hopelessness. It shows that the King was in a deeply depressed emotional state, at the bottom of his spirits, making his eventual recovery through inspiration even more significant. (iii) The word 'pondered' means to think deeply or carefully about something. In this context, King Bruce was thinking deeply about his failures and his decision to give up. Option B 'thought' is the correct meaning. (iv) The phrase 'silken filmy clue' describes the spider's thread. 'Silken' suggests smoothness and softness, while 'filmy' suggests something thin and delicate. Together, they create an image of something very delicate and soft, like a fine spider's web thread.