Music - The Hope Raiser Samacheer Kalvi All Book Back Questions And Answers

Music - The Hope Raiser

  

1. What was the author's choice of career? How was this against his parents' wish?

        The author wanted to become a musician. But his parents were against his decisions.He had secured very good grades in school. He was good in Science and Maths. Moreover they felt he would be held in high esteem in society if he became an engineer or a doctor or a research chemist.

  

2. Do you think music is different from entertainment? How?

        Music isn't just for entertainment. It heals a sick mind and body. It calms the nerves. It helps restore hope in oneself and trust in human beings. In fact "Music Therapy" is gaining momentum in the field of medicine.

  

3. Two sides of the same coin mean:
a) Similar in every way
b) Similar in approach but different in aim.
c) Opposite in every way

                Similar in approach but different in aim.
[Reason: Even though the two sides have different features, both have the same value].

  

4. How music is different from Astronomy?

        Astronomy is the study of relationships between observable, permanent, external objects, whereas music is the study of relationships between invisible, internal, hidden objects.

  

5. How did Messiaen spend his time in prison?

        Messiaen spend his time composing music. He composed the 'Quartet' - a piece of music for his musician colleagues - cellist, a violinist and a clarinetist. They were his colleagues in prison

  

6. Why did art find a place, even in concentration camps?

        In concentration camps people hardly had energy to find food water, to avoid beating and to escape torture. Yet they realized that art is essential o keep them alive, even if it is just to survive.

  

7. What is the significance of Art?

        Art is a part of survival. It is an essential part of our life. It gives meaning to our life. It is a part of our soul. It is the expression of our feelings and emotions.

  

8. Why did the narrator play the piano after the terrible incident?

        The attack on the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center had a paralyzing effect on everyone. After that tragic event Dr. Karl couldn't play the piano. It seemed ridiculous, irrelevant pointless and even out of the place

  

9. How did people express their grief?(over the fall of Twin Towers)

        People expressed their sorrow by going around the streets and by singing two songs: "We Shall Overcome" and "America the Beautiful". They sang the song in a very sad mood - but with hope.

  

10. Why isn't music an extravaganza or a hobby?

        Music gives meaning to our lives. It is an expression of our innermost feelings of joy or sorrow. It is the language of the soul and it helps us to understand things with our hearts when we cannot with our minds. So music can neither be an extravaganza nor a hobby.

  

11. What are the two incidents that stress the importance of music as an essential art?

        Music is an essential art. It is a unifying force, an expression of grief and sorrow and a language of the soul This was clearly evident on the very evening of September 11 when people came together to express their grief. Dr. Karl also points out that it was music which helped people in concentration camps to survive. Music gave them an identity and made them realize that life has a purpose and a meaning.

  

12. What can artists do to save the planet?

        Artists express our innermost feelings. Artists can bring about mutual understanding, create a sense of fairness and equality, and can bring in a peaceful atmosphere (with no war). Thus artists can save the planet.

Reflecting beyond the text

  

1. What is your ambition in life? Would you consider a career in music? Would you like to become another A.R.Rehman or Zahir Hussaion?

        I like music but I don't intend making music my career. I plan to become a doctor and then serve to rural people.(rewrite with yours)

  

2. Suppose there were no source of entertainment like television sets, cell phones, computers, books, etc., how do you think human beings would spend their time?

        Without the above sources of entertainment, families would have formed a closer bond because they would spend more time together as a family. Children would have cultivated the habit of reading books(Books are not a source of entertainment). They would have sharpned their skills of logical thinking, reasoning etc through indoor games like chess, monopoly carroms. The youth would have spent time in learning some sport or musical instrument. Drawing, painting, needle craft, handicraft, cooking, stamp and coin collecting, why even gardening would have kept them occupied. Sadly these have become leisure activities of a bygone era.

  

3. Are you in the habit of whistling to yourself or humming a tune when you are very happy? Why?

        Yes...when I am happy I do hum a tune because I feel good, it lifts my spirit and I want the world to know I am happy.

  

4. When a tragedy has stuck your friend or neighbour, how would you express your grief over the incident? If you had lost someone dear tyo you and were unable to bear the grief, what would you do?

        When tragedy strikes a neighbour or a friend of mine, I would express my grief by just being near them. I feel a person's presence and silence is much more appreciated in moments of grief.
        If I lost someone dear to me and am unable to bear the grief I will surely break down and weep my heart out. May be later I would find comfort in devotional music and instrumental music.

  

5. After a gruesome incident, is it only despair or is there room for hope? How would you justify your answer?

        After a gruesome incident there is definitely room for hope. Hope is what tells us that it isn't the end of the road and that life has to go on. Hope gives a new dimension to our future. It adds color to our otherwise gloomy life. It helps us run the race of life with more fervour (enthusiasm) till we taste sweet success.

  

5. The writer says we realise ourselves through music. Do you agree with this statement? Why?

        Music appeals to our inner feelings and sentiments. It touches our very soul and makes us realize who we are. It brings out the 'divine' in us and makes us understand that we have been created for a purpose, that we can overcome every evil in this world and strive to be good human beings.

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