Chapter 2.5: Nose versus Eyes
Complete the web with the help of adjectives used to describe eyes and nose in all respects. Two are done for you.
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| Complete the web with the help of adjectives used to describe eyes and nose in all respects. Two are done for you. |
Solution
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| Complete the web with the help of adjectives used to describe eyes and nose in all respects. Two are done for you. |
Given below are some words from legal terminology used in court affairs. Discuss and complete the table accordingly.
Solution
Name the five sensory organs and provide phrases/idioms/proverbs related to them. (One is given for you.)
to turn a deaf ear ____________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Solution
to turn a deaf ear
Nose – have (one's) nose in the air, keep (one's) nose out of (something), rub (one's) nose in it.
Eyes – a bird‟s eye view, the apple of one's eye, turn a blind eye, an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Tongue – tongue-tied, to be on the tip of one's tongue, a slip of the tongue, the tongue can paint what the eye can't see.
Skin – get under someone's skin, thickskinned, beauty is only skin-deep.
State whether the following statement is true or false. Correct the false statement.
The nose can use spectacles.
Solution
True
False
Eyes have to be shut when the Nose wears/puts on the spectacles.
Solution
True
False
The Ear was appointed as a judge.
Solution
True
False
Eyes cannot use spectacles.
Solution
True
False
Discuss with your partner and match the following expressions given in column A with their interpretations in column 'B'.
Solution
The tongue justifies the possession of the spectacles on behalf of the nose. Pick up the expressions from the poem that argues in favour of the Nose and complete the following web diagram.
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| The tongue justifies the possession of the spectacles on behalf of the nose. Pick up the expressions from the poem that argues in favour of the Nose and complete the following web diagram. |
Solution
That the Nose has had spectacles always in wear, Which amounts to possession time out of mind.'
they are made with a straddle As wide as the ridge of the Nose is;
That the visage or countenance had not a Nose, Pray who would, or who could wear spectacles then?
Comment on the following characters depicted in the poem, in a sentence or a phrase.
Solution
“Lend thy ears to all but few thy tongue”…. is a famous quote by William Shakespeare. Justify.
Solution
The quote “Lend thy ears to all but few thy tongue” by William Shakespeare suggests that while one must be quick to listen to another's opinions or views, giving your opinion must be done more cautiously.
This is because listening to a variety of opinions and views helps to form a clearer perspective. However, when giving out an opinion, careful consideration and thought must be given to the matter at hand, and only when one is sure of their viewpoint, should one venture to speak.
The quote thus focuses on the importance of being a good listener and warns us about the disadvantages of speaking without thinking.
Pick out examples of Inversion from the poem.
Solution
“Between Nose and Eyes, a strange contest arose, -”
Inversion – The words in the line have been rearranged for poetic effect. The correct order should be “A strange contest arose between Nose and Eyes”.“Again would your lordship a moment suppose,”
Inversion – The words in the line have been rearranged for poetic effect. The correct order should be “Again, would your lordship suppose (for) a moment”.“That the spectacles plainly were made for the Nose,”
Inversion – The words in the line have been rearranged for poetic effect. The correct order should be “That the spectacles were plainly made for the Nose”
Justify the verdict delivered in the poem.
I can support my answer with the help of the following suitable arguments:
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Solution
Spectacles are always worn on the nose.
Without the nose for support, the spectacles would be of no use.
A pair of spectacles are designed to perfectly fit the shape of the nose.
The sole purpose of a nose is to balance the spectacles on its ridge to keep them from falling.
Compose two lines of your own on any sensory organ.
Solution
Sensitive in nature is the skin
A slap, a burn, or be it a pin
OR
The skin provides cover like a blanket in the cold,
And changes with age, from young to old.
Imagine that you are a lawyer defending the case of the eyes in court. Present your counter statement in support of your client.
Solution
I can present my case on behalf of the eyes with the help of the following arguments:
It is because of the eyes that one wears spectacles.
Spectacles are made to correct one's vision.
Spectacles aid the eyes to see clearly at all times of the day – be it day or night.
Spectacles help in reading and in protecting the eyes from strain.
If the eyes do not need spectacles, it is pointless to wear them.
Write the appreciation of the poem.
About the poem / poet / title
Theme
Poetic devices, language, style
Special features / novelties / focusing elements
Values, message
Your opinion about the poem
Solution
Appreciation of the poem 'Nose versus Eyes'
The poem 'Nose versus Eyes' by William Cowper is a satirical take on the judiciary.
The theme dwells on the proceedings of a court where judgment is passed without careful consideration.
The rhyme scheme of the poem is 'abab' and provides a song-like flow to the poem. The notable features of the poem are the use of Imagery, Simile, Personification, and Inversion. While inversion has been used to maintain the rhyme scheme and add to poetic effect, imagery helps to paint a vivid picture of the court setting in the minds of the readers. The highlight of the poem is the personification of the eyes, nose, and tongue. The characters assigned to each one of them are perfectly fitting and add to the humorous nature of the poem.
Though the poem is a mockery of the legal system, the message is to highlight the general pitfalls of selective hearing and warn the reader to exercise good judgment. The poem also reveals the failure of the legal system in delivering justice. This is particularly obvious in the lines 'then shifting his side, as a lawyer knows how' and 'what were his arguments few people know'. The irony of the poem is that the judgment was made in favour of the one, who had no use of it i.e. the Nose. In a court of justice, injustice was served to the eyes.
Overall the poem is apparently funny but upon a closer look, the depth of the poem is revealed.
Write a summary of the poem.
Title
Introductory paragraph (about the poem/ type/nature/tone)
Main body (central idea/gist of the poem)
Conclusion/ opinions/views/appeal.
Solution
Nose versus Eyes
The title of the poem, 'Nose versus Eyes' clearly describes the premise of the poem. It is a dispute between the Nose and the Eyes regarding the ownership of the spectacles. The poem is humorous in nature and is a satirical work mocking the legal system. Though the tone of the poem is sarcastic and funny, a closer analysis reveals its depth. It aims to highlight the downfalls of analysing something at face value, without logical analysis.
The poem details the argument between the Nose and the Eyes by placing them in a court setting. The tongue, who is appointed as the lawyer, argues both sides without worrying about who is the true owner of the spectacles. It is also clear that the Ear (chosen as the judge) delivers the verdict in favour of the Nose simply on the basis of nonsensical arguments and without considering any logic. The irony of his decision in giving the right of ownership to the Nose and asking the Eyes to remain shut when the Nose wears them is obvious and thus effectively highlights the drawbacks of blind justice.
The Ear and the Tongue are both given roles that perfectly fit their functions as sensory organs. However, they both behave in a manner opposite to their ideal nature. This brings out the poet‟s message that people should use their senses in the right manner and thus exercise careful listening and good judgment.
On the whole, the poem is a delightful read and is appealing to the reader due to its ease of understanding and humorous take on the realities of the legal system. Through the use of powerful imagery, the poet successfully convinces the reader to make proper use of his sensory abilities.
Read different stories about intelligent ministers of kings, whose judgments helped to bring about law and order in society. For example - Birbal, Tenalirama, etc. Write 5 such stories in your notebook.
Solution
Do it yourself.
