NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 1 - The Road Not Taken
In "The Road Not Taken," Frost takes the essence of life to a crossroads, when humans face one of the many life decisions that define a journey. It is his vivid imagery and considerate language that make students think back on choices and their consequences for the future. It is this personal relevance that makes the poem most memorable and significant.
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The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 1 - The Road Not Taken 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 9 English Poem 1 - The Road Not Taken
Students can access the NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 1 - The Road Not Taken. 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.
The Road Not Taken
Where does the traveler find himself? What problem does he face?
The traveler finds himself standing at the fork of the road in a yellow wood. He needs to decide which road to choose, and he stands at the fork analyzing his dilemma.
Discuss what these phrases mean to you:
(i) A yellow wood
(ii) It was grassy and wanted wear
(iii) The passing there
(iv) Leaves no step had trodden black
(v) How way leads on to way
(i) Yellowwood symbolizes the autumn season in the forest. Autumn represents the shedding of the old and the dead leaves on the tree withers away. It also refers to the old age in human life where he loses all his physical abilities, preparing to ascend to the next stage.
(ii) It conveys that the road was full of undisturbed vegetation because it was a less traveled one. The poet personifies the road by saying ‘wanted wear.’ It could imply the road wanted to be explored or traveled by visitors, which it was not.
(iii) The phrase is used to address the other path that is frequently traveled by the visitors. He addressed the road as secondary as he was keener to explore the road with outgrown vegetation.
(iv) The poet uses the phrase to describe the untouched state of the path. After walking over the leaves their edges turn black which was not the case here. He went on a walk early in the morning, and one had walked on either of the roads, and leaves from the trees lay fresh on them.
(v) The phrase tells us about the poet's desire to try both the roads and see the destination. But he soon realizes how one way will lead to another until one is extremely far from where they started. All the decisions in life pave the way for a new one and help us create our life journey, unique for everyone.
Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
(i) In stanzas two and three?
(ii) In the last two lines of the poem?
(i) In stanza two, the poet explained the physical difference in the roads. One road was frequently traveled by and had a clear path with less vegetation while the other path was covered with vegetation, was not stepped on, and was used often.
In stanza three, the poet concludes that in the morning since no one had stepped on either of the roads and they were covered with fallen autumn leaves both roads were untravelled.
(ii) For the poet, in the last line, the difference arose from the fact that he chose the road that was less traveled, and it would embark him on a different journey, different from the one he would have if he chose the first road. It was not the difference in the physical appearance but the destination that it would end at.
What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)
The last two lines of the poem show the poet's acceptance of reality and his being accountable for his decision. The poet made a daring choice and took the path that was challenging. He took an unexplored path in his life since wanted to do something different. Years ahead in his life, he is not disappointed by his decision.
For a common person, the phrase reflects the everyday dilemma one must face when presented with choices. No matter how far they take him in life, one should not regret not taking the other path and wondering if life could have been better than what it is.
Thinking About the Poem
Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?
No, till now I have never been presented with such a situation. There are various minor instances in our life too that present us with a choice and decisions are to be made. In such instances, we should be guided by our hearts and make the best possible decision.
In my case after completing my general education, I will have to decide upon the profession I wish to continue. I will have multiple options before me. I will try to choose a path that gives me satisfaction and mental peace. Like the poet in the poem, I would love to choose a challenging and unexplored path in my life.
After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been or do you accept the reality?
I always believe in taking time and thinking about all the possible consequences before planning. Some decisions can change our life forever and hence we should go with what our heart desires. We should not try our best to not do things and take actions to satisfy others. We should give preference to our desires and wishes and work hard for them. Therefore; I believe in sticking to my decisions and being accountable for them.
Read the extract given below and answer the Questions that follow.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both questions
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
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At which point had the poet reached?
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Why was the traveller feeling sorry?
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Give the opposite to ‘met at a point’ from the passage? (SA-1,2014-15)
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted it if I should ever come back.
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Which road does the poet choose?
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Why was the poet doubtful about the first road?
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Find a word from the extract that means ‘crushed’. (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-013)
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
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How did the poet make his choice about the roads?
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What had made a lot of difference in the poet’s life?
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What does the term “road” stand for? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-018)
Then took the other, just as fair,”
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.
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What made the poet choose such a road?
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What does the poet mean by “just as fair”?
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Find the phrase from the extract that means “had not been used”. (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-019)
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence;
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference.
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Write the name of the poem and the poet.
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Why did the poet take the road which was less travelled by?
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Why was the poet in dilemma? (Board Term 1,2012, ELI-021)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The NCERT solution for Class 9 Poem 1: The Road Not Taken is important as it provides a structured approach to learning, ensuring that students develop a strong understanding of foundational concepts early in their academic journey. By mastering these basics, students can build confidence and readiness for tackling more difficult concepts in their further education.
Yes, the NCERT solution for Class 9 Poem 1: The Road Not Taken is quite useful for students in preparing for their exams. The solutions are simple, clear, and concise allowing students to understand them better. They can solve the practice questions and exercises that allow them to get exam-ready in no time.
You can get all the NCERT solutions for Class 9 English Poem 1 from the official website of the Orchids International School. These solutions are tailored by subject matter experts and are very easy to understand.
Yes, students must practice all the questions provided in the NCERT solution for Class 9 English Poem 1: The Road Not Taken as it will help them gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept, identify their weak areas, and strengthen their preparation.
Students can utilize the NCERT solution for Class 9 English Poem 1 effectively by practicing the solutions regularly. Solve the exercises and practice questions given in the solution.