Books Poem by Eleanor Farjeon
What worlds of wonder are our books!
As one opens them and looks,
New ideas and people rise
In our fancies and our eyes.
The room we sit in melts away,
And we find ourselves at play
With some one who, before the end,
May become our chosen friend.
Or we sail along the page
To some other land or age.
Here's our body in the chair,
But our mind is over there.
Each book is a magic box
Which with a touch a child unlocks.
In between their outside covers
Books hold all things for their lovers.
Paraphrasing
Here’s a more detailed paraphrase of each line of Books by Eleanor Farjeon:
"What worlds of wonder are our books!"
Books are like gateways to incredible and magical worlds. They hold endless possibilities that surprise and captivate us.
"As one opens them and looks,"
When we begin reading a book and open its pages, we start to explore new ideas, stories, and experiences that are waiting inside.
"New ideas and people rise"
As we read, we come across fresh thoughts, concepts, and characters that come to life in our minds.
"In our fancies and our eyes."
These new ideas and characters live not just in our imagination, but also in our physical perception, as we can vividly picture them in our minds as we read.
"The room we sit in melts away,"
While we are immersed in the story, we forget about the world around us. The physical space we are in, such as the room, seems to fade into the background.
"And we find ourselves at play"
We become so absorbed in the story that we feel like we are actively participating in it, as if we’re playing or engaging with the events and characters within the book.
"With someone who, before the end,"
We might form a connection with a character in the book, and by the end of the story, this character could become someone we truly care about or relate to.
"May become our chosen friend."
By the time we finish the book, a character might feel so real and meaningful that we consider them a friend, chosen by us through our experience with the book.
"Or we sail along the page"
Alternatively, we could feel like we’re embarking on a journey, moving through the book as though we’re traveling along the pages to new places.
"To some other land or age."
As we read, we may be transported to different locations or time periods, like faraway lands or historical ages, experiencing adventures or learning from different eras.
"Here's our body in the chair,"
While we physically remain sitting in one place, reading the book, our mind and imagination are actively exploring the world within the pages.
"But our mind is over there."
Our mind is mentally traveling to the world inside the book, fully engaging with it, even though our body is still sitting in one place.
"Each book is a magic box"
Every book is like a treasure chest, full of surprises and possibilities waiting to be discovered, filled with wonders that can captivate and excite us.
"Which with a touch a child unlocks."
A child can easily open and start exploring the book, and with just a little curiosity, they unlock the magic and adventures hidden inside.
"In between their outside covers"
Inside the book, between its covers, is where the real story and all the wonderful things it contains are kept, hidden until we open it.
"Books hold all things for their lovers."
For those who love reading, books offer everything: adventure, knowledge, excitement, and all kinds of experiences, giving endless gifts to those who appreciate them.
Short Answer Questions
Short Answer Questions with More Details:
What do books help us discover, according to the poem?
Answer: According to the poem, books help us discover new ideas, characters, and different worlds. When we open a book, it brings to life new people and adventures that expand our imaginations and take us beyond the limitations of our immediate surroundings.
How does the room change when we read a book?
Answer: The poem describes how, when we read a book, the room we are sitting in seems to disappear. The physical space fades away as we become completely immersed in the world within the book, allowing our minds to travel freely to other places and times. This emphasizes the power of reading to transport us beyond our current environment.
What happens to the reader’s mind while reading?
Answer: While reading, the reader’s mind is described as being able to travel to other places and times, such as different lands or ages, even though their body remains seated in the same place. The mind becomes engaged in the story, allowing the reader to experience adventures and emotions that are far away from their current reality.
How does the poem describe the act of opening a book?
Answer: The poem uses the metaphor of a book as a "magic box" that can be unlocked by a child with just a touch. This means that when we open a book, we access a world of infinite possibilities—new characters, stories, and ideas that can captivate and inspire us.
What is the metaphor used to describe books in the poem?
Answer: The poem compares books to a "magic box" that holds limitless treasures for those who open it. By unlocking a book, readers gain access to countless adventures, characters, and ideas that have the potential to enrich their lives and imaginations.
How do books impact children according to the poem?
Answer: The poem suggests that books have a magical effect on children, where they can "unlock" the world of stories and adventures just by opening a book. This magic allows children to experience new ideas and people, expanding their imagination and providing them with endless possibilities for creativity and fun.
What does the poem say about the relationship between books and their lovers?
Answer: The poem conveys that books hold everything that their lovers seek. For those who cherish books, they offer a vast world of knowledge, stories, and imagination. Books provide whatever their readers need, from comfort to adventure, as long as they are appreciated and embraced by the reader.
What does the poem suggest about the power of books?
Answer: The poem suggests that books are powerful tools for transformation. They can take us to new and exciting places, allowing us to experience things we may never encounter in real life. The power of books lies in their ability to transport the mind, create vivid images, and introduce us to new ideas and worlds, making reading an extraordinary experience.
How does reading a book affect the reader’s perspective?
Answer: Reading a book allows the reader to leave behind their current perspective and enter a completely different world. The poem describes how reading can transport the reader to a new time, place, or adventure, broadening their understanding and perspective. It shows how reading can provide an escape from the ordinary and bring new experiences to life.
What role do books play in expanding our minds, according to the poem?
Answer: According to the poem, books play a significant role in expanding our minds by stimulating our imagination and curiosity. They offer us opportunities to explore different lands, ideas, and people, broadening our knowledge and emotional experiences. Through reading, our minds grow as we encounter new possibilities and discover different aspects of life, cultures, and the world around us.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
MCQs:
What is the main theme of the poem "Books" by Eleanor Farjeon?
a) The importance of reading
b) The power of books to take us to new worlds
c) The physical properties of books
d) The history of books
Answer: b) The power of books to take us to new worlds
What happens when we open a book, according to the poem?
a) We get bored
b) New ideas and people come to life
c) We fall asleep
d) The room we are in becomes smaller
Answer: b) New ideas and people come to life
How does the poem describe the experience of reading books?
a) It makes us feel tired
b) It takes us to new places and times
c) It allows us to rest
d) It helps us remember the past
Answer: b) It takes us to new places and times
What happens to the room when we read, according to the poem?
a) It becomes quieter
b) It melts away
c) It becomes brighter
d) It gets larger
Answer: b) It melts away
How does the speaker describe the mind during reading?
a) It stays in the room
b) It stays focused on the text
c) It travels to other lands or times
d) It forgets the book
Answer: c) It travels to other lands or times
What is the effect of books on children, according to the poem?
a) They get tired
b) Books become magical when touched
c) They forget their responsibilities
d) Books are difficult to understand
Answer: b) Books become magical when touched
What does the poem compare books to?
a) A child’s toy
b) A magic box
c) A painting
d) A picture book
Answer: b) A magic box
What does the poem suggest about the world of books?
a) It is quiet and still
b) It is full of adventures and new friends
c) It is only about the past
d) It is a simple place
Answer: b) It is full of adventures and new friends
According to the poem, how do books affect our imagination?
a) They limit it
b) They expand it
c) They put it to sleep
d) They confuse it
Answer: b) They expand it
What do books hold inside their covers, as mentioned in the poem?
a) Only stories
b) All things for their lovers
c) History and facts
d) Blank pages
Answer: b) All things for their lovers
Theme of the Poem:
The theme of the poem "Books" by Eleanor Farjeon revolves around the transformative and magical power of books. It highlights how books can take readers into different worlds, spark creativity, and expand one’s imagination. The poem emphasizes the immersive experience of reading, where books serve as portals to new ideas, characters, and adventures. It celebrates the joy and wonder that books bring to readers, especially children, by unlocking limitless possibilities and adventures.
Detailed Summary:
In the poem "Books," Eleanor Farjeon explores the magical effect that books have on readers. She begins by describing books as "worlds of wonder." These worlds come to life when one opens a book, revealing new ideas, characters, and scenarios. As the reader flips through the pages, they encounter new thoughts and people that spark their imaginations. The poem suggests that reading is a transformative experience, as it can transport the reader to entirely different worlds or times, broadening their perspective.
Farjeon uses the metaphor of the room where the reader sits, which “melts away” as the mind travels to the world inside the book. This means that the physical setting becomes irrelevant when one is deeply immersed in a story. The reader becomes part of the world within the book, and they may even find themselves playing and interacting with the characters, some of whom may become dear friends.
The poem also emphasizes how reading can take readers to other places, as if they were traveling through time and space. Even though the reader’s body remains seated in a room, their mind is free to wander to distant lands and different historical periods. The poem presents this as an extraordinary and magical experience, one where the reader’s body stays still but their imagination explores the infinite possibilities of the written word.
Books, according to the poet, are like a “magic box” that children unlock with just a touch. This magic box is filled with endless treasures—stories, adventures, knowledge, and characters that captivate the heart and mind. Farjeon suggests that books are not just about reading words on a page; they are an experience that engages the senses, emotions, and intellect of the reader.
In the end, the poem asserts that books hold “all things for their lovers.” This means that books offer everything to those who appreciate them, whether it’s joy, inspiration, education, or simply an escape from reality. The poem beautifully captures the limitless potential of books to transform and enrich the lives of their readers, making them an essential part of the human experience.
In conclusion, the poem celebrates books as a magical, transformative medium that takes readers on a journey beyond the ordinary world. It underscores how reading expands the mind, nurtures creativity, and provides endless opportunities for adventure and growth. Farjeon’s portrayal of books highlights their power to captivate and transport readers into realms of imagination and wonder.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
"বই" কবিতায়, এলিনর ফার্জিওন পাঠকদের উপর বইয়ের জাদুকরী প্রভাব অন্বেষণ করেছেন। তিনি বইগুলিকে "বিস্ময়ের জগৎ" হিসেবে বর্ণনা করে শুরু করেন। বই খুললেই এই জগৎগুলি প্রাণবন্ত হয়, নতুন ধারণা, চরিত্র এবং দৃশ্যপট প্রকাশ পায়। পাঠক যখন পাতা উল্টে ফেলেন, তখন তারা নতুন চিন্তাভাবনা এবং মানুষের মুখোমুখি হন যা তাদের কল্পনাকে জাগিয়ে তোলে। কবিতাটি পরামর্শ দেয় যে পড়া একটি রূপান্তরকামী অভিজ্ঞতা, কারণ এটি পাঠককে সম্পূর্ণ ভিন্ন জগৎ বা সময়ে নিয়ে যেতে পারে, তাদের দৃষ্টিভঙ্গিকে প্রসারিত করে।
ফার্জিওন পাঠক যেখানে বসেন সেই ঘরের রূপক ব্যবহার করেন, যা মন বইয়ের ভেতরের জগতে ভ্রমণ করার সাথে সাথে "গলে যায়"। এর অর্থ হল, যখন কেউ একটি গল্পে গভীরভাবে ডুবে থাকে তখন শারীরিক পরিবেশ অপ্রাসঙ্গিক হয়ে ওঠে। পাঠক বইয়ের ভেতরের জগতের অংশ হয়ে ওঠেন এবং এমনকি তারা চরিত্রগুলির সাথে খেলতে এবং মিথস্ক্রিয়া করতেও পারেন, যাদের মধ্যে কেউ কেউ প্রিয় বন্ধু হয়ে উঠতে পারেন।
কবিতাটি আরও জোর দেয় যে কীভাবে পড়া পাঠকদের অন্য জায়গায় নিয়ে যেতে পারে, যেন তারা সময় এবং স্থানের মধ্য দিয়ে ভ্রমণ করছে। যদিও পাঠকের দেহ একটি ঘরে বসে থাকে, তবুও তাদের মন দূরবর্তী দেশ এবং বিভিন্ন ঐতিহাসিক সময়ে ঘুরে বেড়ানোর জন্য স্বাধীন। কবিতাটি এটিকে একটি অসাধারণ এবং জাদুকরী অভিজ্ঞতা হিসেবে উপস্থাপন করে, যেখানে পাঠকের দেহ স্থির থাকে কিন্তু তাদের কল্পনা লিখিত শব্দের অসীম সম্ভাবনাগুলি অন্বেষণ করে।
কবির মতে, বইগুলি একটি "জাদুর বাক্স" এর মতো যা শিশুরা কেবল একটি স্পর্শেই খুলে দেয়। এই জাদুর বাক্সটি অফুরন্ত ধন-সম্পদে পরিপূর্ণ - গল্প, অ্যাডভেঞ্চার, জ্ঞান এবং চরিত্র যা হৃদয় ও মনকে মোহিত করে। ফারজিওন পরামর্শ দেন যে বই কেবল একটি পৃষ্ঠায় শব্দ পড়ার বিষয়ে নয়; এটি এমন একটি অভিজ্ঞতা যা পাঠকের ইন্দ্রিয়, আবেগ এবং বুদ্ধিকে জড়িত করে।
শেষে, কবিতাটি দাবি করে যে বই "তাদের প্রেমীদের জন্য সবকিছু" ধারণ করে। এর অর্থ হল বই তাদের জন্য সবকিছু প্রদান করে যারা তাদের প্রশংসা করে, তা আনন্দ, অনুপ্রেরণা, শিক্ষা, অথবা কেবল বাস্তবতা থেকে মুক্তি। কবিতাটি তাদের পাঠকদের জীবনকে রূপান্তরিত এবং সমৃদ্ধ করার জন্য বইয়ের অসীম সম্ভাবনাকে সুন্দরভাবে ধারণ করে, যা তাদেরকে মানব অভিজ্ঞতার একটি অপরিহার্য অংশ করে তোলে।
উপসংহারে, কবিতাটি বইকে একটি জাদুকরী, রূপান্তরকারী মাধ্যম হিসেবে উদযাপন করে যা পাঠকদের সাধারণ জগতের বাইরের যাত্রায় নিয়ে যায়। এটি তুলে ধরে যে কীভাবে পড়া মনকে প্রসারিত করে, সৃজনশীলতাকে লালন করে এবং অ্যাডভেঞ্চার এবং বিকাশের জন্য অফুরন্ত সুযোগ প্রদান করে। ফার্জিয়নের বইয়ের চিত্রায়ন তাদের ক্ষমতাকে ধারণ করার ক্ষমতাকে তুলে ধরে।
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