Blow, blow, thou winter wind by William Shakespeare- Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 7
- 12 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
William Shakespeare
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Thou art not so unkind
As man’s ingratitude;
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Because thou art not seen,
Although thy breath be rude.
Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
This life is most jolly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
That dost not bite so nigh
As benefits forgot:
Though thou the waters warp,
Thy sting is not so sharp
As friend remembered not.
High-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly…
Theme: It explores the concepts of ingratitude and the harshness of human relationships compared to the cruelty of nature. The speaker suggests that the bitterness of winter pales in comparison to the pain caused by ungratefulness and forgotten friendships. Ultimately, the poem reflects on the superficiality of human connections, highlighting that true friendship is rare and often overshadowed by betrayal and disillusionment.
Summary: The speaker addresses the harshness of winter while contrasting it with the ingratitude of humanity. The winter wind, though cold and biting, is portrayed as less cruel than the betrayal and forgetfulness experienced in human relationships. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of friendship, suggesting that most bonds are insincere and that love can often be foolish. The repeated refrain to sing to the “green holly” serves as a reminder of the joy found in nature, despite the bitter experiences of life. Ultimately, the poem emphasizes the pain of ungratefulness and the superficiality of many human connections, asserting that the emotional wounds caused by friends who forget us can sting more than the coldest winter.
Paraphrasing
Blow, blow, thou winter wind,
Paraphrase: Blow, blow, harsh and cold winter wind, come at me and increase your strength.
Thou art not so unkind
Paraphrase: You, the winter wind, are not as cruel or heartless.
As man’s ingratitude;
Paraphrase: As the ingratitude of humans, which is much more unkind and painful than the cold wind.
Thy tooth is not so keen,
Paraphrase: Your bite, the sharpness of your cold, is not as severe or painful.
Because thou art not seen,
Paraphrase: Since you, the wind, are invisible and cannot be seen.
Although thy breath be rude.
Paraphrase: Even though the force of your gusts is strong and harsh.
Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly:
Paraphrase: Ah, let us sing a cheerful tune, a joyful cry, for the evergreen holly that endures the winter.
Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly
Paraphrase: Most friendships are fake, and most expressions of love are foolish and insincere.
Then heigh-ho, the holly!
Paraphrase: So let us sing for the holly, which remains strong and steadfast even in the coldest times.
This life is most jolly.
Paraphrase: Life would be happiest and most joyful if we focus on what truly matters, like the strength of the holly.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
Paraphrase: Freeze, freeze, cold sky above, bringing in the harsh weather.
That dost not bite so nigh
Paraphrase: Your chill does not wound as deeply, though it is bitter.
As benefits forgot:
Paraphrase: It is not as painful as the agony caused by forgotten kindnesses or favors.
Though thou the waters warp,
Paraphrase: Though your cold can freeze and distort the waters, making them change form.
Thy sting is not so sharp
Paraphrase: Your sting, the pain of your cold, is not as sharp or cutting.
As friend remembered not.
Paraphrase: It does not hurt as much as the pain of a friend forgetting you or not remembering the good you’ve done for them.
High-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly…
Paraphrase: Let us continue to sing a joyful song for the holly, celebrating its resilience and strength, even in difficult times.
Short Answer Questions
What does the winter wind symbolize in the poem?
Answer: The winter wind symbolizes the harshness and bitterness of human ingratitude.
How does the speaker compare the coldness of the winter wind to human behavior?
Answer: The speaker says the winter wind’s coldness is not as unkind or painful as human ingratitude.
What does the speaker imply about friendship in the poem?
Answer: The speaker implies that most friendships are false and that people often show love in a superficial or deceptive manner.
What is the significance of the "green holly" in the poem?
Answer: The green holly symbolizes resilience, endurance, and joy amidst the harshness of life.
How does the poem contrast physical coldness with emotional pain?
Answer: The poem compares the sting of winter's cold to the sharper pain of forgotten benefits and unreciprocated friendship.
What does the phrase "Most friendship is feigning" suggest?
Answer: It suggests that many friendships are insincere or fake, and that people often pretend to be loving and caring.
What is the effect of the speaker’s repetition of "heigh-ho"?
Answer: The repetition of "heigh-ho" creates a tone of resignation and cheerfulness despite the negative aspects of life.
Why does the speaker mention "the waters warp" in the poem?
Answer: The mention of the waters warping is a metaphor for the harsh effects of winter, which can distort or change things, just like ingratitude can alter relationships.
What does the speaker mean by "benefits forgot"?
Answer: "Benefits forgot" refers to the kindnesses or favors that have been forgotten or not reciprocated, causing emotional harm.
How does the poem portray the difference between physical cold and emotional cold?
Answer: The poem portrays physical cold as bearable compared to the deeper and more painful emotional cold that comes from forgotten friendships.
More Questions with Answers
1. What is the central theme of the poem "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind"?
Answer:The central theme of the poem revolves around the bitterness of ingratitude in human relationships. Shakespeare compares the harshness of the winter wind and the freezing sky to human ingratitude and forgotten kindness, emphasizing how the emotional pain of being betrayed or forgotten by friends is far worse than any physical discomfort caused by nature.
2. How does Shakespeare describe the winter wind in the poem?
Answer:Shakespeare describes the winter wind as rude and biting, but less harmful than the ingratitude of man. The wind’s “tooth” is not as sharp or cruel as human betrayal or neglect, suggesting that natural forces, though harsh, are more bearable than human unkindness.
3. What does the phrase "Thou art not so unkind / As man’s ingratitude" mean?
Answer:This phrase means that the winter wind, despite being cold and harsh, is not as cruel or hurtful as the ingratitude of a person. Shakespeare highlights that while the wind’s effects are tangible, the emotional pain caused by someone’s lack of gratitude is much worse.
4. What is the significance of the line "Thy tooth is not so keen" in the poem?
Answer:The line refers to the sharpness of the wind, but Shakespeare compares it to the metaphorical "tooth" of ingratitude. He suggests that the winter wind, though biting, does not cause as much pain as the sting of being wronged or forgotten by others.
5. What is meant by "Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly"?
Answer:The phrase “Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly” is a refrain in the poem that introduces a sense of cheerfulness despite the gloomy subject matter. Holly, often associated with Christmas, is a symbol of resilience and survival through harsh winters, which contrasts with the theme of ingratitude and reminds the speaker (and reader) of the potential for joy and perseverance.
6. What is the comparison made between the bitter sky and benefits forgotten?
Answer:Shakespeare compares the bitter, freezing sky to forgotten benefits, stating that although the sky may freeze the waters, it is not as painful as the emotional coldness of unreturned kindness or gratitude. The poem suggests that the sting of being ignored or unappreciated by others is far worse than any natural coldness.
7. Why does the poet describe "friend remembered not" as a sharper sting than the cold?
Answer:The poet highlights that the emotional pain caused by a friend forgetting or not acknowledging past kindness is sharper and more enduring than the temporary physical sting of cold. The emotional wounds of betrayal or ingratitude last much longer than any seasonal discomfort.
8. How does the poem portray friendship and love?
Answer:The poem portrays most friendships as insincere and most love as foolish, suggesting that many relationships are based on pretense or shallow feelings rather than genuine connection. The line "most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly" reflects Shakespeare's disillusionment with the superficiality of human relationships.
9. What is the tone of the poem?
Answer:The tone of the poem is bittersweet, blending a sense of melancholy with a resigned acceptance of human flaws. While the speaker reflects on the coldness of both nature and human behavior, the refrain of “Heigh-ho” adds a touch of cheerfulness, signaling an attempt to find some joy despite the challenges described.
10. What is the message Shakespeare conveys through the poem?
Answer:Shakespeare conveys a message about the painful effects of human ingratitude and how it often outweighs the harshness of natural elements. Through the metaphor of the winter wind and freezing sky, the poem reflects on the emotional coldness of forgotten benefits and the sting of unreturned love or friendship, urging the reader to value and cherish true kindness and loyalty.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
10 multiple-choice questions based on the poem "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" by William Shakespeare:
1. What is the primary theme of the poem?
A) The beauty of nature
B) The harshness of winter
C) The pain of human ingratitude
D) The joy of friendship
Answer: C) The pain of human ingratitude
2. What does the poet compare the winter wind to in the poem?
A) The bitterness of the sky
B) The ingratitude of man
C) The sweetness of love
D) The warmth of summer
Answer: B) The ingratitude of man
3. What is the significance of the line "Thy tooth is not so keen"?
A) It refers to the sharpness of the winter wind
B) It describes the coldness of the snow
C) It compares the pain of winter to the pain of loss
D) It compares the winter wind to a friend
Answer: A) It refers to the sharpness of the winter wind
4. Which phrase does the poet repeat to create a sense of cheerfulness?
A) “Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly”
B) “Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky”
C) “Blow, blow, thou winter wind”
D) “Life is most jolly”
Answer: A) “Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly”
5. What does the poet mean by “most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly”?
A) Friendship and love are usually genuine
B) Most friendships are insincere, and love is often foolish
C) Friendship and love are rare
D) Love and friendship are equally important
Answer: B) Most friendships are insincere, and love is often foolish
6. What does the poet compare to the bitterness of forgotten benefits?
A) The warmth of the sun
B) The coldness of the sky
C) The sharp sting of winter
D) The biting wind of autumn
Answer: B) The coldness of the sky
7. What emotion does the poet express in the phrase “Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky”?
A) Joy
B) Frustration
C) Despair
D) Anger
Answer: C) Despair
8. What does the poet suggest about human behavior in the line “friend remembered not”?
A) Humans always remember their friends
B) Humans are ungrateful and forgetful
C) Humans are kind and generous
D) Humans appreciate their friends
Answer: B) Humans are ungrateful and forgetful
9. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a comparison in the poem?
A) The winter wind
B) A bird in a cage
C) A forgotten benefit
D) A long-lasting friendship
Answer: D) A long-lasting friendship
10. What is the effect of the refrain "Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly"?
A) It adds a sense of celebration
B) It emphasizes the harshness of winter
C) It conveys bitterness
D) It creates a melancholic mood
Answer: A) It adds a sense of celebration
Summary of "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" by William Shakespeare
In this poem, Shakespeare contrasts the cold, biting nature of winter with the much harsher reality of human ingratitude. The speaker addresses the winter wind directly, urging it to blow and acknowledging its harshness. However, the poet claims that the winter wind's cruelty is nothing compared to the ingratitude shown by people, particularly those who fail to return kindness or love. He describes how the wind’s "tooth" (its biting cold) is not as sharp as the sting of being forgotten by a friend or betrayed by someone who has received kindness in the past.
The poet then shifts focus to the theme of false friendships and love. He cynically states that most friendships are based on pretensions ("feigning"), and most acts of love are foolish ("mere folly"). This sentiment is emphasized by the refrain, “Heigh-ho! sing heigh-ho! unto the green holly," which suggests that life, in its contradictions, is to be faced with a sense of acceptance and resilience.
The speaker continues by comparing the "bitter sky" and the "frozen waters" to the sting of forgotten benefits or favors, which can wound deeper than physical cold. The final lines stress that the emotional pain of being unremembered is far sharper than the chill of the winter winds.
Theme
The central theme of the poem revolves around the bitterness of human ingratitude. While the winter wind and the cold sky are harsh, the poet argues that the sting of forgotten kindness and unreciprocated love is far more painful. The poem reflects on the fickleness of human nature, where friendships and love are often insincere or temporary, making the pain of emotional betrayal even more unbearable than the physical discomfort caused by the winter elements. The tone blends melancholy with a touch of bitter resignation, as the poet grapples with the nature of human relationships.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
"ব্লো, ব্লো, থু উইন্টার উইন্ড"-এ উইলিয়াম শেক্সপিয়ার মানব সম্পর্কের প্রকৃতির প্রতিফলন উপস্থাপন করেছেন, বিশেষ করে কৃতজ্ঞতার যন্ত্রণা এবং বন্ধুত্বের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতার উপর আলোকপাত করেছেন। বক্তা শীতকালীন বাতাসকে সম্বোধন করে শুরু করেন, এর শীতলতাকে মানুষের নির্দয়তার সাথে তুলনা করেন যারা প্রায়শই অকৃতজ্ঞ। বাতাস কঠোর হতে পারে, কিন্তু এটি অকৃতজ্ঞতার হুলের মতো ক্ষতিকারক নয়। যদিও বাতাস কামড়াতে পারে, এর উপস্থিতি জানা এবং দৃশ্যমান, মানুষের অকৃতজ্ঞতার বিপরীতে, যা আরও বেদনাদায়ক কারণ এটি প্রায়শই লুকিয়ে থাকে।
দ্বিতীয় স্তবকে, শেক্সপিয়ার শীতের শীতলতার সাথে ভুলে যাওয়া সুবিধার যন্ত্রণা বা প্রতিদানহীন দয়ার তিক্ততার তুলনা করেছেন। তিনি উল্লেখ করেছেন যে শীত জলকে বিকৃত করে শারীরিক অস্বস্তি বয়ে আনতে পারে, তবে এটি এমন বন্ধুর মানসিক হুলের মতো তীব্র নয় যে তাদের প্রতি প্রদত্ত অনুগ্রহ ভুলে গেছে। বক্তা প্রকাশ করেন যে প্রকৃত ক্ষতি আসে সেই বন্ধুদের কাছ থেকে যারা বন্ধুত্বের বন্ধন ভুলে যায় বা অবহেলা করে।
মানব সম্পর্কের অন্তর্নিহিত নেতিবাচকতা সত্ত্বেও, বক্তা "সবুজ হলি"-র সাথে "হাই-হো" গাওয়ার ধারণাটি উপস্থাপন করেন, যা স্থায়ী আনন্দ এবং স্থিতিস্থাপকতার প্রতীক। হলি চিরসবুজ, প্রকৃতি এবং মানব প্রকৃতি উভয়ের ঠান্ডা এবং কঠোরতার মধ্যে আশা এবং জীবনের প্রতিনিধিত্ব করে। হলির প্রতি এই আহ্বান ইঙ্গিত দেয় যে জীবনের অভিজ্ঞতার তিক্ততা সত্ত্বেও, কেউ এখনও আনন্দ এবং স্থিতিস্থাপকতা খুঁজে পেতে পারে, যা সবুজ এবং স্থায়ী হলি দ্বারা প্রতীকী।
শেষ স্তবকটি শীতের হুল এবং ভুলে যাওয়া বন্ধুত্বের বেদনার মধ্যে তুলনা পুনরাবৃত্তি করে, তবে এটি হলির সাথে জীবন উদযাপনের ধারণাটিকেও শক্তিশালী করে, যা আশা, প্রাণশক্তি এবং অধ্যবসায়ের প্রতিনিধিত্ব করে। এইভাবে, শেক্সপিয়ার প্রতিকূলতা সত্ত্বেও সান্ত্বনা এবং উল্লাস খুঁজে পাওয়ার সম্ভাবনার সাথে মানব অভিজ্ঞতার কঠোরতাকে মিশ্রিত করেছেন।
সামগ্রিকভাবে, কবিতাটি মানুষের অকৃতজ্ঞতা, বন্ধুত্বের মিথ্যাচার এবং জীবনের চ্যালেঞ্জের মুখেও আশা ও আনন্দের অধ্যবসায়ের বিষয়বস্তু অন্বেষণ করে। শীতকালীন চিত্রকল্প এই প্রতিফলনের পটভূমি হিসেবে কাজ করে, বিশ্বাসঘাতকতার মানসিক শীতলতা এবং হলি দ্বারা প্রতীকী আনন্দের স্থায়ী প্রকৃতির উপর জোর দেয়।
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উইলিয়াম শেক্সপিয়ারের "ফুঁ দাও, ফুলো, তুমি শীতকালীন বাতাস" এর সারাংশ
এই কবিতায়, শেক্সপিয়ার শীতের ঠান্ডা, কামড়ানো প্রকৃতির সাথে মানুষের অকৃতজ্ঞতার আরও কঠোর বাস্তবতার তুলনা করেছেন। বক্তা সরাসরি শীতের বাতাসকে সম্বোধন করেছেন, এটিকে বয়ে যাওয়ার আহ্বান জানিয়েছেন এবং এর কঠোরতা স্বীকার করেছেন। যাইহোক, কবি দাবি করেছেন যে শীতের বাতাসের নিষ্ঠুরতা মানুষের দ্বারা দেখানো অকৃতজ্ঞতার তুলনায় কিছুই নয়, বিশেষ করে যারা দয়া বা ভালোবাসার প্রতিদান দিতে ব্যর্থ হয়। তিনি বর্ণনা করেছেন যে বাতাসের "দাঁত" (এর কামড়ানো ঠান্ডা) কীভাবে বন্ধুর দ্বারা ভুলে যাওয়ার বা অতীতে দয়া পেয়েছে এমন কারো দ্বারা বিশ্বাসঘাতকতার হুলের মতো তীক্ষ্ণ নয়।
কবি এরপর মিথ্যা বন্ধুত্ব এবং ভালোবাসার থিমের দিকে মনোনিবেশ করেন। তিনি নিন্দনীয়ভাবে বলেন যে বেশিরভাগ বন্ধুত্ব ভান ("ভান") এর উপর ভিত্তি করে তৈরি হয় এবং প্রেমের বেশিরভাগ কাজ বোকামি ("শুধু বোকামি")। এই অনুভূতিটি "হাই-হো! গাও হে-হো!" এই বিরহের মাধ্যমে জোর দেওয়া হয়েছে। "সবুজ হলি" -র প্রতি, যা ইঙ্গিত দেয় যে জীবন, তার দ্বন্দ্বের মধ্যে, গ্রহণযোগ্যতা এবং স্থিতিস্থাপকতার অনুভূতির মুখোমুখি হতে হবে।
বক্তা "তিক্ত আকাশ" এবং "হিমায়িত জল" -কে ভুলে যাওয়া সুবিধা বা অনুগ্রহের হুলের সাথে তুলনা করে এগিয়ে চলেছেন, যা শারীরিক ঠান্ডার চেয়েও গভীর ক্ষত তৈরি করতে পারে। শেষ লাইনগুলিতে জোর দেওয়া হয়েছে যে স্মরণে না থাকার মানসিক যন্ত্রণা শীতকালীন বাতাসের ঠান্ডার চেয়ে অনেক বেশি তীব্র।
Vocabulary words from "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind" along with their meanings in English and Bangla:
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Bangla) |
Blow | To force air through the mouth or a wind to move forcefully. | ঝাঁকুনি, হাওয়া দেওয়া |
Winter | The coldest season of the year, between autumn and spring. | শীতকাল |
Wind | Moving air, especially in the form of a breeze or gust. | বাতাস |
Unkind | Lacking compassion, cruel or harsh. | অদয়ালু, নিষ্ঠুর |
Ingenuity | The quality of being clever or resourceful. | চতুরতা |
Keen | Sharp or intense. | তীক্ষ্ণ, গভীর |
Seen | Perceived with the eyes. | দেখা |
Breath | The air inhaled or exhaled from the lungs. | শ্বাস |
Rude | Unrefined or impolite in behavior or manner. | অভদ্র |
Friendship | A close relationship between two or more people, based on trust. | বন্ধুত্ব |
Feigning | Pretending or pretending to be affected by something. | ভান করা |
Loving | Displaying deep affection or care for someone or something. | ভালোবাসা |
Folly | Lack of good sense or foolishness. | মূর্খতা, বোকামি |
Life | The existence of living beings. | জীবন |
Jolly | Cheerful and full of high spirits. | আনন্দিত, খুশি |
Freeze | To become solid or frozen, especially due to cold. | বরফে পরিণত হওয়া |
Bitter | Having a sharp, unpleasant taste or being emotionally harsh. | তিক্ত |
Sky | The atmosphere above the earth. | আকাশ |
Bite | To cut or pierce with the teeth. | কামড় |
Benefits | Advantages or profits gained from something. | উপকারিতা |
Forgot | Past tense of forget, meaning to fail to remember. | ভুলে যাওয়া |
Waters | Liquid in the form of lakes, rivers, or oceans. | পানি |
Warp | To bend or twist out of shape. | বেঁকে যাওয়া |
Sting | A sharp pain caused by something sharp or emotionally hurting. | যন্ত্রণাদায়ক |
Remembered | Recalled or thought of again. | মনে রাখা |
High-ho | An exclamation of cheer or enthusiasm. | হর্ষধ্বনি |
Holly | A shrub with prickly leaves and red berries, often used at Christmas. | হলি গাছ |
Wintery | Related to or characteristic of winter. | শীতকালীন |
Friend | A person whom one knows and has a bond of affection. | বন্ধু |
Benefits | Positive results or advantages from an action or situation. | উপকার |
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