Class 12 Alternative English
The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk
William Cowper

1. Who is Alexander Selkirk?
   Ans:- Alexander Selkisk was scottish sailor who was marooned on an uninhabited island.
2. What Kind of an island was Selkirk marooned?
   Ans:- Selkick was marooned on an island which was completly

isolated.

3. Does Selkirk regret his decision of living in solitude?
   Ans:- Yes.
4. For how many years was Selkirk standed on the island?
   Ans:- Four Years.
5. Name one poetic device used in the poem?
   Ans:- Imegery.
6. what is the significance of the island in the poem?
   Ans:- The island of solitude plays a significant role in the story of

‘Alexander Selkirk with experience of solitude. Cut off from

human contact and civilization, the was forced to confront his

thoughts, fair and desires. The solitude played a crucial role in

shaping Sikirk’s character, as he learned to adopt and survive in

the harsh environment. He developed various skills such as

hunting, building shelter and making tool which enables him to

sustain himself during the years of isolation

7. What is the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem?
   Ans:- During the time of solitude on the island. Alexander

Selkirk experienced a range of emotional states that evolved over

the course of his four years isolation. When Selkirk was first

marooned on the island, he experienced the feeling of

hopelessmess and regret. Being the cut off from human contact

and civilization he was forced to confront his thoughts, fears and

desires. The emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem

fluctuates between initial happiness at his solitary rule,

desparation for human company, eventually acceptance and

contentment with his situation.

8. What do you understand by the words ‘Sweet music of

Speech?
Ans:- The phrase ‘sweet music of speech’ incontext of Alexander

Selkirk solitude refers to the significance and longing for human

interaction and communication during his time on island. As a

sailor who had been left behind on the uninhabited island, Selkirk

was completely cut off from society. The phrase suggest that

Selkirk deeply missed the sound of human voice and

conversations. It emphasizes the value and beauty of human

communication which he found absent in his solitary existance.

The term ‘sweet’ emplies that the music af speech was something

he cherished and found pleasurable in his previous days.

9. What elements of mature does the Speaker think of using

while trying to connect with civilization?
Ans:- In the poem nature is used as an element to depict Selkirk’s

attend to contect with civilization. Nature is presented as a means

for Selkirk to escape this isolation. He uses the elements of

nature such as winds and birds to convey messeges and receive

news from civilization. While in isolation on the island he

befriends the local wildlife including goal’s and spent his days

exploring the island.

10. What message did Selkirk want to convey to his friends?
    Ans:- Selkirk wanted to convey to his friends that he longed for

their friends thoughts and wishes to be sent after him. He desires

a connection to the outside world and longs for the reassurance

that the still had friends even though he might never see them

again. He hoped that his friends would remember him and sent

him their kind regards as it would bring him comfort and solace

in his isolated invironment.

11. What is the emotional state of Alexander Selkirk in the poem?

Ans:- In the poem, Alexander Selkirk experiences of solitude on

the island, there are indications that he regarded the flight of the

mind and its consequences. The flight of the mind refers to the

wondering an imagination nature of once thought which can

occur when a person is alone and left through their own thoughts.

Selkirk may have reflected on the flight of his mind to explore

and analyse the choice he had made in his life that had led him to

be marooned on the island. He might have consider the

consequence of his actions and evaluated the decisions that had

brought him to such a solitary existance. Selkirk may have

experienced moments when this mind took him to places of

nostalgia, regret or yarning for the company of human

civilization. On the other hand. Selkirk might have utilysed the

flight of the mind as the means of finding solace and escape from

the harsh realities of his isolation.

12. What is Selkirk’s new about solitude?
    Ans:- Based on the interpretation of Alexander Selkirk’s

experience it is believed that he had developed a complex view

of solitude during his time on the island. When Selkirk was first

marooned on the island he experienced discomfort and distress

due to the sudden and complete isolation from human contect. As

time passed, Selkirk adapted to this circumstances and began to

appritiate the opportunities that solitude provided. Selkirk’s

experience of solitude had provided him a sense of self reliance

and independence.
He had to rely on his own resourcefullness, such as

learning to hunt, build shelter and survive in the challenging

environment. This connection with nature brought him a sense of

peace and tranquility. Despite finding value in solitude, he also

experience a deep longing fore human contect. This longing for

connection is evident in his desire to be resqued and return to

civilization

13. How is mercy seen by Selkirk?
    Ans:- Based on the historical accounts of Alexander Selkirk’s

experience, there is no direct information available regarding his

view on mercy. The available records mainly focused on his

survival and solitude. Therefore it is not possible to provide an

accurate depiction of Selkirk’s view on mercy. Selkirk’s

experience on the island were centred around his own survival

and adaption to a harsh environment. while he experienced a

range of emotions and thoughts during his solitude.

14. Discuss the significance of the title ‘The Solitude of Alexander

Selkirk in relation to the poem’s themes and content.
Ans:- The title “The Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” holds

significant meaning in relation to the themes and content of the

poem. Here are some key aspects of the title’s significance –
(i) Isolation and solitude:- The title emphasizes the theme of

solitude, highlighting the isolation Selkirk faced while marooned

on the island.
(ii) Personal experience:- By specifically mentioning Alexander

Selkirk on the title, the poem focuses on the individuals journey

through solitude.
(iii) Emotional and psychological dimensions:- The use of

solitude suggests that the poem deals beyond the mere physical

experience of isolution and explores the emotional and

phychological effects it had on Selkirk. It deals with Selkirk’s

mental and emotional state, his introspection and his reactions to

the challanges and joys of solitude.
(iv) Reflection and self discovery:- The title implies that Selkirk’s

solitude served as self reflection and self discoverey. The poem

delves into Selkirk’s internal journey and his search for meaning

and purpose in the midst of isolation.
(v) Contrast with cinlization:- The use of ‘solitude’ in the title also

highlights the contrast between Selkirk’s isolated existance on the

island and the crowded world of civilization. It explores between

solitude and society, raising questions about the value of human

connection, the impact of isolation and the potential for personal

growth in solitude.

15. How does the poem explore the theme of isolation and

lonliness? Give examples from the poem to support your answer.
Ans:- The theme of isolation and loneliness is the central focus in

the poem. The poem vividly portrayes Selkirk’s feelings of

isolation and his longing for human connection. Here are few

examples from the poem that highlights the theme. In the first

stanza, Selkirk express his superiority over the island claimming

to be ‘monarch of all eye survey’ initially it seems empowering

but later it reveals his isolated state.
Selkirk’s yearning for companionship becomes

evident in the second stanza stating that he would rather face the

alarms and dangers of society then remain in a isolated place.

Selkirk’s isolation from humanity is emphasized in the third

stanza highlighting the absence of communication and interaction

with others. The forth stanza describes his encounter with the

animals on the island. How they are indifferent to his presence.

The fifth stanza expresses Selkirk’s yearning for society,

friendship and love. In the final stanza, selkirk expresses bitter

sweet of his situation.