CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 6 The Brook NCERT Solutions
This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 6, 'The Brook,' from the CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader. It covers extract-based questions, helping students understand the poem's imagery, the brook's journey, and its personification. The solutions explain poetic devices like onomatopoeia, personification, and refrain, along with the meaning of specific words and phrases used in the stanzas. By analyzing each extract, students can grasp the brook's characteristics, its continuous flow, and its contrast with human mortality. These solutions are designed to aid students in comprehending the poem thoroughly and preparing effectively for their English literature exams.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English Literature Reader |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 |
Chapter summary
NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English 'The Brook' (Chapter 6) focuses on extract-based questions. It delves into the poem's lyrical descriptions of the brook's journey, its sounds, and its interactions with nature. Students will find explanations for poetic devices, meanings of challenging words, and interpretations of the brook's personified voice, highlighting its eternal flow against human transience. This chapter's solutions are key to understanding the poem's deeper themes and literary techniques.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the journey and characteristics of the brook as described in the poem.
- Identify and explain poetic devices such as onomatopoeia, personification, and refrain.
- Interpret the meaning of specific lines and phrases within the extracts.
- Analyze the contrast between the brook's eternal flow and human mortality.
- Appreciate the imagery and sounds associated with the brook's movement.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- The Brook poem analysis
- Extract-based questions
- Poetic devices in 'The Brook'
- Onomatopoeia
- Personification
- Refrain
- Imagery in poetry
- Theme of immortality vs mortality
- Nature's journey
- Sound devices in poetry
- Literary analysis of poems
- CBSE Class 9 English
Important topics
- Understanding poetic devices (Personification, Onomatopoeia)
- Interpreting stanza meanings
- Theme of eternal flow vs human life
- Analysis of specific word choices ('bicker', 'chatter')
- Identifying literary devices in extracts
PDF preview
Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.
Questions and Solutions
Q. 1
- Who comes from the haunts of coot and hem?
- What does it do among the fern?
(c)Why does the word, 'bicker' mean here ?(Board Term 1,2015 6SOOKQ5)
(a) The brook is the entity that comes from the haunts of coot (a type of water bird) and hern (a heron), signifying its origin in natural, wild water habitats.
(b) Among the fern, the brook sparkles, reflecting the sunlight and adding a shimmering quality to the scene.
(c) The word 'bicker' here means to move rapidly and noisily. It describes the brook's energetic and somewhat turbulent flow as it descends through the valley, creating a lively sound.
Q. 2
- What is the rhyme scheme of the above stanza?
- Name the poetic device used in the first line.
(c)Explain the meaning of the third and fourth lines. (Board Term 1,2014 NCT-R)
(a) The rhyme scheme of this stanza is ABAB. 'Flow' rhymes with 'go', and 'river' rhymes with 'forever'.
(b) The poetic device used in the first line, 'I chatter, chatter, as I flow', is Onomatopoeia, as 'chatter' imitates the sound of flowing water. It can also be considered Personification, as the brook is given the human action of chattering.
(c) The third and fourth lines, 'For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever,' highlight the contrast between the mortality of human beings and the eternal, continuous existence of nature, represented by the brook. It emphasizes that while human lives are temporary, the brook's journey is unending.
Q. 3
- Who is T in the above lines?
- Which figure of speech is used in these lines?
(c)What does the expression chatter, chatter indicate? (Board Term 1,2014 ZEZDXJX)
(a) 'I' in these lines refers to the brook.
(b) The figure of speech used in these lines is Personification, as the brook is described as 'chattering'. Onomatopoeia is also present, as 'chatter' mimics the sound of flowing water.
(c) The expression 'chatter, chatter' indicates the continuous, lively, and somewhat noisy sound the brook makes as it flows along its course. It suggests a constant, cheerful movement and sound.
Q. 4
- Where is Philip's farm situated?
- What does the phrase brimming river mean?
(c)Which poetic device is used here? (Board Term 12013, AGRO-91; 2012, Set-28)
(a) Philip's farm is situated along the path of the brook, near the point where it eventually merges with a larger river.
(b) The phrase 'brimming river' means a river that is full to its edges, overflowing with water. It suggests a powerful and abundant flow.
(c) The poetic devices used here are Personification (the brook speaks of its journey) and Refrain (the lines 'For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever' are repeated, emphasizing the theme of continuity).
Q. 5
- Name the poem from which the above stanza has been taken.
- What has been described in the above lines?
(c)What does 'trout and 'grayling' refer to? (Board Term 12012, Set 34)
(a) The poem from which this stanza is taken is 'The Brook'.
(b) The lines describe the meandering path of the brook as it flows, with blossoms falling into it and various types of fish swimming within its waters.
(c) 'Trout' and 'grayling' refer to different kinds of freshwater fish commonly found in rivers and streams. Their presence adds to the vivid imagery of the brook's ecosystem.
Q. 6
- How does the brook move?
(b)What is the mood of the brook as it flows towards the river?
(c)What poetic device has been used in the last two lines? (Board Term 12012, Set 37)
(a) The brook moves over stony ways, making sharp and high-pitched sounds ('sharps and trebles'). It bubbles into bays and babbles over pebbles, indicating a lively and continuous movement accompanied by distinct sounds.
(b) The mood of the brook as it flows towards the river is joyous and eager. The sounds it makes ('chatter', 'bubble', 'babble') suggest excitement and a forward-looking anticipation of joining the larger river.
(c) The poetic device used in the last two lines ('I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles') is Alliteration, with the repetition of the 'b' sound in 'bubble', 'bays', 'babble', and 'pebbles'. Onomatopoeia is also present through the words 'bubble' and 'babble'.
Q. 7
- Explain: 'I make a sudden sail/.
(b)How does the brook sparkle?,
(c)Name a poetic device used in the above lines. (Board Term 12012, Set 38)
(a) 'I make a sudden sally' means that the brook emerges or rushes out suddenly and unexpectedly from its hidden or secluded origin into a more open space.
(b) The brook sparkles by reflecting the sunlight. As the light hits the moving water's surface, it creates a shimmering, glittering effect.
(c) Poetic devices used in these lines include Alliteration (e.g., 'sudden sally') and Personification (attributing the action of 'making a sally' to the brook).
Q. 8
- Name the literary device used in this stanza.
(b)Why did the swallows touch the surface of the brook?
(c)What do 'slipping', 'sliding', 'glooming' and 'glancing' reflect? (Board Term 12012, Set 43)
(a) The literary device used prominently in the first line is Alliteration, with the repetition of the 's' sound in 'slip, slide' and the 'g' sound in 'gloom, glance'.
(b) The swallows likely touched or skimmed the surface of the brook in order to catch insects or small fish that live near or on the water's surface.
(c) The words 'slipping', 'sliding', 'glooming', and 'glancing' reflect the varied and dynamic movements of the brook. They describe its changing speeds, depths, and how light plays upon its surface, showcasing its lively and unpredictable nature.
Q. 9
This line suggests that the brook continues its gentle, murmuring sound even during the night, under the light of the moon and stars. It implies the brook's constant, soothing presence throughout the day and night, flowing ceaselessly.
Common mistakes
- Confusing different poetic devices like onomatopoeia and personification.
- Misinterpreting the meaning of words like 'bicker' or 'chatter'.
- Failing to connect the brook's flow with the theme of immortality.
- Overlooking the significance of the brook's interaction with its surroundings.
Revision tips
- Read the poem 'The Brook' aloud to catch the rhythm and sounds.
- Focus on understanding the meaning of each stanza before attempting questions.
- Create flashcards for poetic devices and their examples from the poem.
- Practice explaining the contrast between the brook's journey and human life.
- Review the solutions for extract-based questions to master interpretation skills.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What sound does the brook make as it flows over pebbles?
Explanation: The poem uses words like 'chatter' and 'babble' to describe the sound the brook makes as it flows over stones and pebbles.
Q2. According to the poem, what is the main difference between the brook and humans?
Explanation: The poem explicitly states, 'For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever,' highlighting the brook's eternal nature versus human mortality.
Q3. Which poetic device is used in the line 'I make the netted sunbeam dance'?
Explanation: The brook is given the human ability to 'make' the sunbeam dance, which is an example of personification.
Q4. What does the brook do among the fern?
Explanation: The extract mentions that the brook 'sparkle[s] out among the fern,' indicating its bright reflection.
Q5. The word 'bicker' in the context of the brook's flow means:
Explanation: 'Bicker' here describes the brook's rapid and somewhat noisy movement as it flows down the valley.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'The Brook'?
The main theme of 'The Brook' is the contrast between the eternal, continuous journey of nature (represented by the brook) and the transient, mortal existence of human beings.
Which poetic devices are prominently used in 'The Brook'?
Prominent poetic devices include personification (giving the brook human qualities like 'chatter' and 'bicker'), onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds, like 'chatter', 'babble'), and refrain (a repeated line or stanza, like 'For men may come and men may go, But I go on forever').
How do the NCERT Solutions for 'The Brook' help students?
These solutions provide clear explanations for extract-based questions, helping students understand the poem's meaning, identify literary devices, and interpret the poet's message, which is crucial for exam preparation.
What does the brook's continuous flow symbolize?
The brook's continuous flow symbolizes eternity, resilience, and the ceaseless cycle of nature, standing in contrast to the finite lifespan of humans.
What is the meaning of 'bicker' as used in the poem?
In the context of the poem, 'bicker' means to move rapidly and noisily, describing the brook's energetic flow down a valley.
Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy
NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.