The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov (Study question and Answers)

  The Fun They Had By Isaac Asimov   Q: How old are Margie and Tommy?   Margie was eleven years old and Tommy was thirteen years old.   Q: What did Margie write in her diary?   Margie wrote in her diary, “Today Tommy found a real book!”   Q: Had Margie ever seen a book before?   No, Margie had never seen a real book before Tommy found one.   Q: What things about the book did she find strange?   Margie found it strange that the words on the pages of the book stood still instead of moving the way they did on a screen. She was also puzzled by the idea that after reading, the book remained the same and could not be changed like the screen of their tele-books.   Q: What do you think a tele-book is?   A telebook is likely a digital book that can be read on a screen, similar to an e-book. The words can be changed and updated, unlike a printed book.   Q: Where was Margie’s school? Did she have any classmates?   Margie’s school was in her own ho

Spring by William Blake

 

It is a short lyric poem first published in William Blake’s collection of poems “Songs of Innocence” in 1789. Similar to the other poems in the collection, the poem celebrates importance of nature, childhood and innocence. The poem can be seen as part of Blake’s larger critique of the industrialization and social injustices of his time, offering an idealized vision of a world in harmony with nature.

First Stanza

In the opening stanza, Blake evokes the sounds and sights of spring. The ‘flute’ symbolizes the music of spring, which begins to play but then pauses, perhaps signifying the anticipation of the full arrival of spring. Birds, especially nightingale and lark, are joyous and sing both day and night, heralding the new season. The repetition of ‘merrily’ emphasizes the happiness and celebration associated with the arrival of spring.

Second Stanza

There is a shift in focus in the second stanza from nightingale and lark who are symbol of joy and happiness to children and their reactions to spring. The little boy and girl are embodiments of innocence and happiness, revelling in the joys of the new season. The rooster’s crow and the children’s laughter symbolize the natural and joyful sounds that accompanying spring. Again, the repetition of ‘merrily’ reinforces the theme of joy and celebration.

Third Stanza

In the final stanza, the poet addresses a lamb, which is an iconic symbol of purity and innocence often associated with spring. The interaction between the child and the lamb is tender and affectionate, underscoring the gentle and nurturing aspects of spring. The child’s invitation to the lamb to come closer and the request to touch and kiss it highlights the harmony and connection between humans and nature during this season. The closing ‘merrily’ once again underscores the joy and celebration of the new year brought by the spring. Overall, the poem is a lyrical celebration of the season, filled with imagery of nature, joy, and innocence. The repetition of joyous expressions throughout the poet emphasizes the universal happiness that spring brings to all living beings.

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