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1. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent stillness?

The poet wants to prove that there can be life under apparent stillness. The poet invokes the earth as a living symbol to prove his point. The earth never attains total inactivity. Nature remains at work even under apparent stillness. It keeps earth alive. This idea is beautifully illustrated by the following lines:

"as when everything seems dead

and later proves be alive."

2. Under the apparent stillness there is life. Justify this statement giving an example from the poem 'Keeping Quiet'.

Neruda does not equate stillness with total inactivity. He believes that under this apparent stillness this is life. We can learn it from the earth. When everything seems dead, the earth still remains alive. The earth is never dead. The life on earth goes on as usual under the apparent stillness.

3. What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?

Man's sadness is formed out of his own actions and thinking. It is quite ironical that man who understands so much fails to understand himself and his action. Rash actions prove harmful and disastrous. His rush and hurry causes trouble. Man is the creator of all disasters. He is always threatening himself with death because of his thoughts and actions. This is the tragedy of his life.

4. Why does Pablo Neruda urge us to keep still?

Stillness is essential for calm reflection and quiet introspection. We hear the voice of conscience in moments of silence. The poet is convinced that most of human ills and miseries are caused by man's hurry and rush to do things. The poet wishes that we may withdraw from our undesirable actions and keep still for a moment.

5. Why do men become sad? How can this sadness be overcome?

Men fail to understand themselves. They are always threatening themselves with death. When they realise their failure to understand themselves they become sad or helpless. Fear of death also makes them sad. Only a 'huge silence' can interrupt this sadness. Such silence will do them good.

6. How might a huge silence interrupt the sadness of men?

Men never understand themselves. Nor are they ever sure of their actions. They face another tragedy. Due to their own actions, they are threatening themselves with death. This realisation makes them helpless and sad. Only a huge (long) silence might interrupt this sadness and do them some good.

7. Why shouldn't we "speak in any language" and "not move our arms so much"?

People of the world speak in different languages. They indulge in unnecessary debates and disputes. Most of these arguments lead to destructive wars. The poet urges people to stop speaking in any language. They must speak through their hearts. So far men have moved their arms only to harm others. Therefore, the poet wants that they should not move their arms so much. Let these arms rest for once. Let a feeling of mutual understanding be created among human beings.

8. Pablo Neruda says:

"we would all be together

in a sudden strangeness."

When can we experience such a moment? Why will that be an exotic moment?

Non-stop activity, unnecessary rush and noise has made our lives unpleasant and full of misery, pain and troubles. We must stop rushing, hurrying, worrying and running. Even the noise of engines and machines must stop for once. Then all of us will enjoy the sudden strangeness of that moment. It will be a unique moment. In that exotic or fascinating moment we shall feel totally relaxed, physically as well as mentally.

9. How does the poet distinguish 'stillness' from `total inactivity'"? Why does Neruda say, 'I want no truck with death'?

Pablo Neruda is in favour of stillness or silence. We remain still and quiet for sometime. On the other hand total inactivity is a permanent suspension of work. It is just like death. 'Stillness' should not be confused with 'total inactivity'. Life goes on as usual. There can't be anything like total inactivity. The poet refuses to associate with death or deal with it.

10. Justify the title `Keeping Quiet'.

The title of the poem is quite appropriate and logical. It suggests the necessity of quiet introspection. The people of the world are overactive and always on the move. Their activities have caused untold troubles and sufferings. Keeping quiet will do them a lot of good. It will save this from many harmful and violent activities. Moreover, it will help in reflecting over the fate of man and help in creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings.

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