A Legend of the Northland MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class 9 students studying English Language and Literature (Code 184), based on the poem ‘A Legend of the Northland’ from Section C: Literature (Beehive Poems). It covers key aspects of the poem including its form as a narrative poem, its moral and theme, and literary appreciation. Answer all the questions and click ‘Submit’ to see your score, then download the PDF of your answers.
About the Poem: A Legend of the Northland
‘A Legend of the Northland’ by Phoebe Cary is a simple yet powerful narrative poem written in the style of a ballad. A ballad is a song or poem that tells a story, often passed down through generations. This poem tells the story of an old, greedy woman who is punished by Saint Peter for her selfishness. It serves as a folktale to teach children the importance of generosity, kindness, and sharing.
Key Concepts Explored
1. Narrative Poem (Ballad)
A narrative poem is one that tells a story. ‘A Legend of the Northland’ fits this description perfectly. It is also a ballad, which typically has the following features present in this poem:
- It tells a story (the encounter between Saint Peter and the little woman).
- It is written in simple language, making it easy for everyone to understand.
- It contains a moral or a lesson.
- It often has a regular rhythm and rhyme scheme (ABCB in this poem), which makes it musical.
- The story is set in a distant, somewhat mythical place (“the Northland”).
2. The Central Moral and Theme
The primary theme of the poem is the conflict between greed and generosity. The little woman has plenty of dough to bake cakes, but her greed prevents her from sharing even a tiny piece with a hungry and faint Saint Peter. The poem’s moral is a clear warning against selfishness. It teaches that those who are greedy and unkind will ultimately face negative consequences. True happiness and fulfillment come from sharing and helping others, not from hoarding possessions.
3. Character Appreciation
The poem features two main characters who represent opposite values:
| Character | Traits and Significance |
|---|---|
| The Little Woman | Represents extreme greed, selfishness, and a lack of compassion. She is so attached to her material possessions that she cannot part with the smallest cake. Her transformation into a woodpecker is a fitting punishment, as she must now work tirelessly (“boring and boring”) for very little food. |
| Saint Peter | Represents divinity, patience, and justice. He is depicted as a travelling preacher who is weary and hungry. His patience runs out when faced with the woman’s extreme selfishness, and he delivers a just curse that serves as a moral lesson for all. |
4. Poetic Appreciation
The poem uses simple language and literary devices effectively. One notable device is repetition, as seen in the lines “And still she kneaded another; / And still a smaller one made” and the description of the woodpecker “boring and boring for food”. This repetition emphasizes the woman’s obsessive greed and the continuous, hard labour of her punishment.
Quick Revision Points
- Poem Type: Ballad (a type of narrative poem).
- Setting: The cold, snowy Northland.
- Protagonist: Saint Peter, an apostle of Christ.
- Antagonist: A little, old, greedy woman.
- Conflict: Saint Peter asks for a cake, but the woman’s greed stops her from giving any away.
- Climax: Saint Peter curses the woman for her selfishness.
- Resolution: The woman is transformed into a woodpecker, doomed to search for food endlessly.
- Moral: Do not be greedy. Be generous and share with those in need.
Extra Practice Questions
- Why do you think the poet chose a woodpecker as the form of punishment?
- How does the setting of the “Northland” contribute to the story’s atmosphere?
- Is the punishment given to the woman too harsh? Justify your answer.
- What does the act of baking and not sharing the cake symbolize?
- Can this “legend” be applied to modern-day society? If so, how?
