Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

- Abou Ben Adhem, Leigh Hunt

(i) What did Abou Ben Adhem see when woke from a deep sleep one night?

(ii) What did Abou Ben Adhem ask the angel? What was the angel’s response?

(iii) What did Abou request the angel to do when he learnt that his name did not appear among the names of those who loved the Lord? What does this reveal to us of Abou Ben Adhem’s character?

(iv) When and how did the angel appear to Abou Ben Adhem again? What did the angel show Abou this time?

(v) What does the poet mean by 'May his tribe increase!'? Why do you think he says this? What is the central message of the poem?

Accepted Answer

Answer

(i) room flooded with moonlight

an angel

writing in a golden book

(ii) Abou Ben Adhem asked the angel what it was writing

Angel replied: the names of those / who love the Lord.

(iii) Abou asks angel to write his name as one who loves his fellow human beings

Abou was a devout man - dedicated his life to the service of others.

He served God by serving others / gentle / kindness / saintly / noble / optimistic / humble / gentle / devout / pious / spiritual / humane / cheerful

(iv) Next night

In a blinding flash of light that awakened Abou.

Abou’s name at the top of the list of names of those / whom 'Love of God' had blest.

(v) May there be more and more people like Abou Ben Adhem / more of his kind

The world needs more people who devote their lives to the service of others (personal response).

Central message: The best way to show your love for God is to engage in service of your fellow human beings / love your neighbor / be kind / service to God will bless you.