NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 20: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 20: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds is a masterful work on the critical analysis of the Shakespearean sonnet, looking into the themes, structure, and various literary devices used. This chapter is part of the syllabus of Class 11 English, speaking of the theme of true love emulated through the sonnet. The answers include proper explanations of the language and form of the sonnet that will help the student understand the poetical properties in this genre of literature and the characterization of love in the poem.

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The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 20: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds are tailored to help the students master the concepts that are key to success in their classrooms. The solutions given in the PDF are developed by experts and correlate with the CBSE syllabus of 2023-2024. These solutions provide thorough explanations with a step-by-step approach to solving problems. Students can easily get a hold of the subject and learn the basics with a deeper understanding. Additionally, they can practice better, be confident, and perform well in their examinations with the support of this PDF.

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Access Answers to NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 20: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds

Students can access the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Chapter 20: Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds. Curated by experts according to the CBSE syllabus for 2023–2024, these step-by-step solutions make English much easier to understand and learn for the students. These solutions can be used in practice by students to attain skills in solving problems, reinforce important learning objectives, and be well-prepared for tests.

Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds

Question 1 :

The following two common words are used in a different sense in the poem. Guess what they mean

bark                                                                           compass                                

 

Answer :

Bark – A ship.

Compass – The range of time.

 


Question 2 :

‘Constancy’ is the theme of the poem. Indicate the words, phrases and images that suggest the theme. 

 

Answer :

‘Constancy’ is not only the theme of the poem but is a valuable aspect of each and every relationship. Many phrases in the poem express this important quality. A few such expressions are mentioned below:

1. Love is not love which alters

2. Love is not love which bends

3. It is an ever-fixed mark

4. Never shaken

5. Love’s not Time’s fool

 


Question 3 :

 Why do you think the poet has used so many ‘negatives’ to make his statement? 

 

Answer :

The poet has used so many ‘negatives’ as it is very effective to prove a point. The other side of the coin is highlighted to bring out the positive points of a particular statement correctly. Here, the poet puts all the negative aspects that love is taken for and then conveys that love here is something which is permanent and above physical beauty.

 


Question 4 :

What does the line ‘I never writ, nor no man ever loved’ imply? 

 

Answer :

The line ‘I never writ, nor no man ever loved’ implies that if the poet’s thoughts on love are proved wrong, then he will withdraw all that he has written if no man has ever been in love.

 


Question 5 :

 Love is presented as the subject or doer of actions in the poem. Why do you think the poet has used this form rather than involving human agents? 

 

Answer :

In this poem, it is not surprising that William Shakespeare has chosen the subject of love, and no human agents are involved in it. His choice is based on the underlying theme of the poem, the fickle nature of human beings. Here, love and the eternal being is the only constant. Therefore, when the poet explains all the qualities of love, he then chooses love and not a human being, as their sentiments and emotions change frequently. The poet should be appreciated for understanding well the nature of humans and for the wise decision taken by him in his composition.

 


Question 6 :

Explain the phrases 

a. his bending sickle’s compass 

b. Time’s fool

 

Answer :

a. Compass is a symbol of eternity. In the poem, it explains the changes that a relationship undergoes as it grows old. How the love of a man for his beloved becomes less as importance is given to beauty over spiritual love. Even if love never dies, the physical appearance of a person fades and withers as it falls prey to the compass sickle of time.

b. William Shakespeare conveys that love is not at the mercy of time. Even if a person becomes old, with it, even love should grow, as physical beauty falls prey to the compass sickle of time. Constancy is the main aspect which holds two people together in a relationship.

 


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