Chapter: 08. Ode To A Butterfly
Comprehension
A. Answer these questions.
What is the ‘spark of life’? The ‘spark of life’ refers to the butterfly, highlighting its vibrant energy and lively presence. What makes the butterfly different from the birds? The butterfly is different from birds because it is “songless” while birds are “songful,” and it is “Nature’s freeman,” free to stray unfettered, unlike birds which have nests and flit on errands all day. What does the speaker imagine the flowers might also do? The speaker imagines that the flowers might also “soar with the completed hours,” “take flight,” and become “irrevocably free,” just like the butterfly. Where does the butterfly get its lustre from? The poet questions if the butterfly’s lustre (shine/color) is drawn from “heavenly hues” or “A sumptuous drifting fragment of the sky,” caught when the sunset “imbues” (saturates) with “sudden splendor” and the high tree-tops lend those tints to it. What does man seek in the butterfly? Man seeks his “hope” of “immortality” in the butterfly. B. Answer these questions with reference to the context.
“Will they too soar with the completed hours
Take flight, and be like thee”
a. Who are ‘they’ in the first line?
* ‘They’ refers to the other flowers that are still rooted in the garden.
b. Who is ‘thee’ in the second line?
* ‘Thee’ refers to the butterfly.
c. Why does the speaker use the word ‘soar’ here? What does it describe?
* The speaker uses the word ‘soar’ to describe a majestic, effortless flight upwards. It emphasizes the sense of freedom, elevation, and aspiration associated with the butterfly’s flight, suggesting a graceful and powerful movement into the air. “But thou art Nature’s freeman, -free to stray”
a. Who is Nature’s freeman?
* Nature’s freeman is the butterfly.
b. What activity is the speaker describing here?
* The speaker is describing the butterfly’s activity of freely wandering and flying “unfettered through the wood,” seeking its food from flowers.
c. What other animals does the speaker compare the butterfly to?
* The speaker compares the butterfly to birds (which have nests and flit on errands) and field mice (which keep their homesteads). C. Think and answer.
How does the speaker feel about the butterfly? What does he say human beings see in the butterfly? Explain the message of the poem in your own words. The speaker feels a profound sense of admiration, wonder, and perhaps a touch of envy for the butterfly. He sees it as a symbol of ultimate freedom, delicate beauty, and simple contentment. He is deeply inspired by its existence. He says human beings see their “aspiration” and their “hope of immortality” in the butterfly. It becomes an “emblem of the new career that springs” when faced with mortality. The message of the poem is that even a small, seemingly insignificant creature like a butterfly can embody profound universal ideas. It teaches us about the beauty and freedom inherent in nature, the simplicity of true contentment, and the human spirit’s eternal quest for hope, new beginnings, and a sense of enduring life beyond our transient existence. The butterfly’s transformation and flight offer a powerful metaphor for human potential and spiritual aspirations. Around the world, people believe butterflies to be the representation of life, hope and freedom. Do you believe that hope and freedom are very important in one’s life? Give examples to support your answer. (This is a reflective question, so the answer will vary based on personal opinion. A sample answer is provided below.) Yes, I strongly believe that hope and freedom are incredibly important in one’s life. Hope gives us the strength to face challenges and keep moving forward, even when things are difficult. For example, a student facing a tough exam needs hope to believe they can succeed, which motivates them to study. Without hope, it’s easy to give up. Freedom, on the other hand, allows us to make our own choices, express ourselves, and pursue our dreams without undue restrictions. For instance, the freedom to choose your profession or your beliefs allows you to live an authentic life. If people lack freedom, they can’t fully develop their potential or contribute meaningfully to society, as seen in places where censorship or oppression restrict personal liberties. Both hope and freedom are essential for personal growth, happiness, and a thriving society. 
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