readings: Free English Literature Notes: KPSC HSA English - Summary and Model Objective Questions "A Prayer for My Daughter" by W B Yeats

Thursday, 26 June 2025

KPSC HSA English - Summary and Model Objective Questions "A Prayer for My Daughter" by W B Yeats

Summary of "A Prayer for My Daughter"

W. B. Yeats's "A Prayer for My Daughter" opens with the poet observing his infant daughter, Anne, peacefully asleep while a violent storm rages outside. This storm, powerful enough to destroy haystacks and roofs, mirrors the profound anxiety in the poet's mind as he contemplates the uncertain future. He imagines future years emerging from the "murderous innocence of the sea," highlighting his deep concern for his child's well-being in a potentially dangerous world. This initial scene sets a somber, reflective tone for the poem.

A central theme of Yeats's prayer revolves around beauty. He desires his daughter to possess beauty, but not an excessive amount that could lead to vanity or cause distress for herself or others. He worries that too much beauty might lead her to neglect "natural kindness" and "heart-revealing intimacy," thus preventing her from forming genuine friendships. He cites Helen of Troy as an example, whose legendary beauty ultimately brought her a life of dissatisfaction and significant turmoil.

Following his caution against extreme beauty, Yeats emphasizes the critical importance of courtesy. He believes that true affection and connection ("hearts") are not simply given but must be "earned" through genuine character, rather than solely through physical attractiveness. He notes that people initially drawn to superficial beauty can often be "made wise" by true charm, suggesting that inner grace and a courteous demeanor are far more valuable and lasting than fleeting physical appeal.

The poet also wishes for his daughter to cultivate a thoughtful and independent mind, using the metaphor of her becoming a "flourishing hidden tree." He hopes her thoughts will be as melodious and joyful as a linnet's song, characterized by "magnanimities of sound," leading to cheerful interactions rather than harmful conflicts. This imagery portrays a desire for her to be deeply grounded, intellectually vibrant, and happy, free from the destructive influence of malice or bitterness.

A significant concern for Yeats is the avoidance of "intellectual hatred," which he considers "the worst" form of negativity. He implores his daughter to regard strong, rigid opinions as "accursed," having witnessed how such a mindset can lead individuals to squander their inherent goodness. This is powerfully symbolized by the "Horn of Plenty" (representing abundance and blessings) being traded for an "old bellows full of angry wind" (representing empty, destructive rhetoric). This highlights his belief that rigid, hateful ideologies corrupt the soul and lead to profound unhappiness.

Continuing this line of thought, he explains that when "all hatred [is] driven hence," the soul "recovers radical innocence," becoming "self-delighting, Self-appeasing, self-affrighting." This description signifies a state of inner peace and self-sufficiency, enabling her to remain content regardless of external challenges. Even if "every face should scowl / And every windy quarter howl / Or every bellows burst," she can still find happiness, underscoring the deep importance of internal tranquility over external adversity.

Finally, Yeats expresses a desire for his daughter to be welcomed into a home where "all's accustomed, ceremonious." He connects "arrogance and hatred" to being "Peddled in the thoroughfares," implying that tradition and proper conduct are fundamental for the emergence of "innocence and beauty." For him, "Ceremony's a name for the rich horn, / And custom for the spreading laurel tree," symbolizing that tradition and appropriate behavior are the cornerstones for a rich, fulfilling, and beautiful life.

Objective Questions from "A Prayer for My Daughter"

What is the predominant weather condition at the beginning of the poem?
(A) Sunny and mild
(B) Gentle rain
(C) A violent storm
(D) A light breeze
Answer: (C) A violent storm
Where is the infant child resting during the storm?
(A) In a large bed
(B) Under a cradle-hood and coverlid
(C) Inside a small cot
(D) Cuddled next to her father
Answer: (B) Under a cradle-hood and coverlid
What is the primary cause of the "great gloom" in the poet's mind?
(A) Personal sorrow
(B) The intense storm and the uncertainties of the future
(C) A recent disagreement
(D) Financial worries
Answer: (B) The intense storm and the uncertainties of the future
From what vivid image does the poet imagine "the future years" will emerge?
(A) A serene dream
(B) The dangerous innocence of the sea
(C) A joyful celebration
(D) A peaceful sleep
Answer: (B) The dangerous innocence of the sea
Regarding beauty, what is Yeats's specific wish for his daughter?
(A) To be the most attractive woman
(B) To be granted beauty, but not excessively so
(C) To possess no beauty at all
(D) To see beauty as her ultimate goal
Answer: (B) To be granted beauty, but not excessively so
According to Yeats, what negative consequence might excessive beauty bring?
(A) Gaining numerous friends
(B) Losing genuine kindness and intimacy
(C) Becoming immensely popular
(D) Easily attracting a good partner
Answer: (B) Losing genuine kindness and intimacy
Which figure from classical mythology is cited as an example of beauty leading to misfortune?
(A) Queen Elizabeth
(B) Cleopatra
(C) Helen
(D) Joan of Arc
Answer: (C) Helen
What character trait does Yeats most desire his daughter to cultivate?
(A) Intelligence
(B) Wealth
(C) Courtesy
(D) Physical strength
Answer: (C) Courtesy
How are emotional connections ("hearts") gained, according to the poem?
(A) As a spontaneous gift
(B) By those who are not entirely physically beautiful
(C) Through manipulation
(D) By being overtly charming
Answer: (B) By those who are not entirely physically beautiful
To what specific type of tree does Yeats metaphorically wish his daughter to evolve?
(A) A barren tree
(B) A flourishing hidden tree
(C) A tall oak tree
(D) A graceful cherry tree
Answer: (B) A flourishing hidden tree
What small bird does the poet compare his daughter's thoughts to?
(A) Fluttering butterflies
(B) The linnet
(C) Rushing rivers
(D) Still waters
Answer: (B) The linnet
What does Yeats identify as the most destructive form of hatred?
(A) Physical aggression
(B) Emotional animosity
(C) Intellectual hatred
(D) Social prejudice
Answer: (C) Intellectual hatred
What restorative process occurs within the soul once "all hatred [is] driven hence"?
(A) It becomes prideful
(B) It regains its fundamental innocence
(C) It seeks vengeance
(D) It isolates itself
Answer: (B) It regains its fundamental innocence
Which set of qualities best describes the soul that has achieved innocence and inner peace?
(A) Selfish, angry, fearful
(B) Self-delighting, self-appeasing, self-affrighting
(C) Dependent, resentful, arrogant
(D) Weak, fragile, vulnerable
Answer: (B) Self-delighting, self-appeasing, self-affrighting
What kind of home does the poet wish his daughter's future husband to bring her to?
(A) A grand palace
(B) A place of exciting adventures
(C) A house characterized by custom and ceremony
(D) A secluded cottage
Answer: (C) A house characterized by custom and ceremony
How are "arrogance and hatred" portrayed in the poem?
(A) As desirable traits
(B) As goods traded openly in public places
(C) As noble emotions
(D) As special gifts
Answer: (B) As goods traded openly in public places
According to Yeats, from what fundamental principles are "innocence and beauty" born?
(A) Wealth and power
(B) Custom and ceremony
(C) Chaos and disorder
(D) Freedom and rebellion
Answer: (B) Custom and ceremony
What does the term "Ceremony" symbolize in the poem?
(A) The spreading laurel tree
(B) The rich horn of abundance
(C) A wild drumbeat
(D) A stormy ocean
Answer: (B) The rich horn of abundance
What does the term "custom" symbolize in the poem?
(A) The dangerous innocence of the sea
(B) A confused mixture
(C) The spreading laurel tree
(D) A reflective mirror
Answer: (C) The spreading laurel tree
What is the poet's deepest concern for his daughter amidst the storm's fury?
(A) Her physical safety from the elements
(B) The development of her character and her future happiness
(C) Her intellectual capabilities
(D) Her standing in society
Answer: (B) The development of her character and her future happiness
What negative consequence befalls "fine women" who consume "a crazy salad with their meat"?
(A) They become more charming
(B) Their blessings and abundance are undone
(C) They find genuine love
(D) They gain profound wisdom
Answer: (B) Their blessings and abundance are undone
The phrase "murderous innocence of the sea" suggests what about the future?
(A) It will be entirely peaceful and calm
(B) It holds potential for destruction despite appearing harmless
(C) It is entirely predictable and secure
(D) It will bring immense joy
Answer: (B) It holds potential for destruction despite appearing harmless
Why does Yeats hope his daughter is not "made beautiful overmuch"?
(A) To prevent her from becoming conceited
(B) To ensure she doesn't lose her natural kindness
(C) To make it easier for her to find a partner
(D) To ensure universal admiration
Answer: (B) To ensure she doesn't lose her natural kindness
What sound does the poet hear screaming "upon the tower" and "under the arches of the bridge"?
(A) The sounds of children playing
(B) The howling sea-wind
(C) Distant emergency sirens
(D) Chirping birds
Answer: (B) The howling sea-wind
What is the prevailing emotional tone of the poem?
(A) Joyful and celebratory
(B) Indifferent and unemotional
(C) Anxious and filled with prayer
(D) Humorous and lighthearted
Answer: (C) Anxious and filled with prayer