No Men Are Foreign MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz is for Class IX students of English Language and Literature (Code 184), focusing on the poem “No Men Are Foreign” from Section C: Literature (Beehive Poems). It covers key topics such as the theme of universal brotherhood, the poem’s tone, and literary appreciation. Answer all questions and submit to see your score, then download the PDF answer sheet for your records.
Understanding “No Men Are Foreign”
James Kirkup’s poem “No Men Are Foreign” is a powerful plea for peace and universal brotherhood. It argues that despite superficial differences in appearance, language, or nationality (represented by “uniforms”), all human beings are fundamentally the same. The poem was written in the context of the post-World War II era, carrying a strong anti-war message that remains relevant today.
Key Theme: Universal Brotherhood
The central idea of the poem is that humanity is one. The poet systematically breaks down the artificial barriers that divide us:
- Shared Earth: “Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes.” Everyone walks upon the same Earth and will eventually be buried in it.
- Shared Nature: All people are “aware of sun and air and water,” highlighting our common dependence on nature for survival.
- Shared Experiences: We are all “fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d.” This shows that peace brings prosperity to all, while war brings suffering to all.
- Shared Humanity: Our hands and eyes are like everyone else’s. We all desire love, strength, and understanding.
Tone and Appreciation
The tone of the poem is solemn, reflective, and deeply humanistic. The poet uses a pleading voice, urging the reader to “Remember” the core message of unity. It is not an angry poem, but one of gentle persuasion and logical reasoning.
For literary appreciation, consider the following devices:
| Literary Device | Example from the Poem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Metaphor | “uniforms” | Represents different countries, cultures, or armies that create artificial divisions. |
| Metaphor | “war’s long winter starv’d” | Compares the deprivation and suffering caused by war to a harsh, barren winter. |
| Repetition | “Remember” | Emphasizes the crucial importance of the message and acts as a constant reminder to the reader. |
| Enjambment | Lines flow into one another without punctuation. | Creates a smooth, continuous flow that mirrors the concept of a single, connected humanity. |
Quick Revision Points
- The poem argues against nationalism and xenophobia.
- It highlights the similarities between people, not the differences.
- War is presented as a self-destructive act; when we hate others, we “dispossess, betray, condemn” ourselves.
- The act of war pollutes our shared Earth (“our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence of air”).
- The poem concludes by reinforcing its title: “no men are foreign, and no countries strange.”
Extra Practice Questions
- What does the phrase “peaceful harvests” symbolize in the poem?
- How does the poet use the concept of land to promote unity?
- Explain the meaning of “Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read a labour not different from our own.”
- What is the “innocence of air” that war outrages?
- Why does the poet repeatedly use the word “Remember”?
