CBSE Class 9 English 'No Men Are Foreign' Poem NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 6, 'No Men Are Foreign'. It delves into the poem's central theme of universal human unity, explaining how the poet uses imagery to highlight our shared existence, regardless of nationality or appearance. The solutions clarify the meaning of 'uniforms', explore commonalities like breathing, walking on the same earth, and the shared experiences of harvest and hardship. It also addresses the poem's message against hatred and war, urging readers to recognize our shared humanity. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the poem's profound message and prepare effectively for their exams.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 9
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter6. No Men Are Foreign Poem

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for 'No Men Are Foreign' poem for Class 9 English. This chapter focuses on the theme of universal brotherhood and equality among all humans. The solutions explain the poet's message that despite differences in uniforms or nationality, all people share fundamental similarities in their physical existence, needs, and experiences. It breaks down the poem's stanzas to highlight commonalities like breathing, walking on the same earth, and the shared cycle of life and death, encouraging a perspective of unity over division.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the theme of universal brotherhood in 'No Men Are Foreign'.
  • Identify and explain the commonalities among all human beings as presented by the poet.
  • Analyze the poet's message against hatred and war.
  • Interpret the symbolic meaning of 'uniforms' in the poem.
  • Recognize the poet's call for unity and empathy towards all people.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Universal Brotherhood
  • Human Equality
  • Critique of War
  • Symbolism of Uniforms
  • Shared Human Experiences
  • Poetic Analysis
  • Understanding Poetry
  • NCERT Class 9 English

Important topics

  • Theme of Universal Brotherhood
  • Poet's Message Against Hatred and War
  • Common Human Similarities
  • Symbolism in Poetry

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1 (i)

(i) "Beneath all uniforms..." What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?
Solution: The poet is likely referring to the uniforms worn by soldiers during times of conflict or war. However, the term "uniforms" can also be interpreted more broadly to include the distinct traditional clothing or attire that characterizes people from different countries or cultures, highlighting superficial differences that can lead to division.

Question 1 (ii)

(ii) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same?
Solution: The poet suggests that all people on earth are the same by pointing out numerous shared experiences and physical attributes. He states that everyone walks upon the same earth, breathes the same air, and is nourished by the same food. He also mentions that everyone experiences hunger, thirst, and the warmth of the sun. Furthermore, the poet emphasizes that our hands perform similar labours, and our strength can be gained through love, indicating a common human nature and emotional capacity. The recognition of 'life' itself, which is universal, also underscores this sameness.

Question 2

In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words.
Solution: The five ways in which we are all alike, as suggested by the words in stanza 1, are:
  1. No men are strange (suggesting inherent similarity)
  2. Uniforms (representing superficial differences that hide underlying sameness)
  3. A single body breathes (highlighting shared biological function)
  4. The land our brothers walk upon (indicating shared physical space and origin)
  5. Earth like this, in which we all shall lie (referring to the commonality of life and eventual death)

Question 3

How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words.
Solution: In stanza 2, the poet identifies several common features that unite all human beings. These include:
  • The presence of the sun
  • The air we breathe
  • The water we drink
  • Peaceful harvest (implying shared sustenance)
  • Hands (used for labour)
  • Labour (the work we do)
These elements highlight our shared dependence on nature and our common physical capabilities.

Question 4

"...whenever we are told to hate our brothers..." When do you think this happens? Why? Who 'tells' us? Should we do as we are told at such times? What does the poet say?
Solution: This situation, where we are told to hate our "brothers" (fellow human beings from other nations or groups), typically occurs during times of political conflict, propaganda, or war. It happens because leaders or groups with specific agendas, often driven by nationalism, greed, or power, seek to create an 'us vs. them' mentality to justify conflict or maintain control. These 'tells' often come from political leaders, media, or influential figures who benefit from division. The poet strongly advises against blindly following such instructions. He urges us to remember that by hating and fighting our brothers, we are essentially harming ourselves, betraying our shared humanity, and polluting the earth. He implies that such actions are irrational and destructive, violating the fundamental unity of humankind.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting 'uniforms' as only military attire.
  • Failing to identify all the common human experiences mentioned in the poem.
  • Overlooking the poem's strong anti-war and anti-hatred message.
  • Confusing the literal meaning of 'brothers' with a broader sense of humanity.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem aloud to feel its rhythm and message.
  • Focus on the specific examples the poet uses to show human similarity.
  • Discuss the meaning of 'uniforms' and 'brothers' in the context of the poem.
  • Consider the poem's relevance in today's world, especially regarding conflict and division.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the poet mean by 'uniforms' in the poem?

Q2. According to the poem, what is a fundamental similarity among all humans?

Q3. What does the poet suggest happens when we 'hate our brothers'?

Q4. Which of these is NOT mentioned as a common human experience in stanza 2?

Q5. Who does the poet imply tells us to hate our brothers?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main message of the poem 'No Men Are Foreign'?

The main message of the poem is that all human beings are fundamentally the same, regardless of their nationality or appearance. It promotes the idea of universal brotherhood and condemns hatred and war.

What does the poet mean by 'uniforms' in the poem?

The poet uses 'uniforms' to refer to the distinct clothing, such as military uniforms or national dresses, that can create a false sense of difference and division among people.

How do the NCERT Solutions help students understand this poem?

These solutions break down each question, providing clear explanations of the poem's themes, symbols, and messages, making it easier for students to grasp the poet's intent and answer questions effectively.

Why does the poet talk about shared experiences like breathing and walking on the earth?

The poet highlights these commonalities to emphasize that despite superficial differences, all humans share the same basic existence, needs, and are part of the same planet, thus reinforcing the idea that no one is truly foreign.

What is the poem's stance on war and hatred?

The poem strongly condemns war and hatred, portraying them as destructive forces that harm humanity. It suggests that hating others is ultimately a form of self-betrayal and condemnation.

Important links

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