The Lake Isle of Innisfree Extra Questions and Answers Class 9 English Poem

The Lake Isle of Innisfree class 9 English Poem Extra Questions and Answers are available here. All these questions are divided into short type questions answers, long type question answers and extract based questions. These Class 9 extra questions are prepared by our expert teachers. Learning these questions will help you to score excellent marks in the board exams.

Extra Questions for Class 9 English Poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Where had the poet, W.B. Yeats, spent his childhood?
Answer: The poet had spent his childhood at Innisfree Island.

2. Where does W.B. Yeats wish to go?
Answer: He wishes to go to Innisfree Island.

3. What sort of a house will Yeats build at Innisfree?
Answer: He will build a house of clay and wood.

4. What will Yeats do for the honeybee?
Answer: He will make a hive for them.

5. Which trees will the poet grow at Innisfree?
Answer: He will grow bean trees at Innisfree.

6. Who else will live at Innisfree with the poet?
Answer: He will live there all alone

7. What happens to the Innisfree Island at midnight?
Answer: The whole island glimmers at midnight.

8. What do the crickets do?
Answer: They sing at midnight.

9. What preview does the noon of Innisfree Island present?
Answer: The noon of Innisfree Island presents a purple glow preview.

10. What does the poet hear at Innisfree?
Answer: He hears the pleasing noise of the bees in the orchard of Innisfree Island.

11. What does the poet see in the evening at Innisfree?
Answer: He sees that the sky of Innisfree Island is filled with small singing birds.

12. Who is the poet of the poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’?
Answer: W.B. Yeats.

Short Answer Type Questions

1. Where does the poet want to go and why?

Answer: The poet wants to go to the solitary and silent Isle of Innisfree in the Lake Lough Gill of his native country, Ireland. He wants to go there because he is fed up with the restless, noisy world of cities and feels strongly nostalgic about life on the island which, by contrast, will be a life of quietness and pleasure.

2. What kind of life does the poet want to lead on Lake Isle?
Or
What three things does the poet want to do when he goes back to Innisfree?

Answer: The poet wants to lead a life of serenity and contentment, away from the bustle and loudness of urban life. He longs for living in a simple cabin made of clay and sticks. A small piece of land with a few bean-rows and some honey fresh from the bee-hive will be enough to satisfy his needs.

3. What kind of music will the poet enjoy on the Lake Isle of Innisfree?
Answer: On the Isle of Innisfree, the poet will enjoy the loud music of the bees and the mild music of the waves striking against the shore.

4. How does the poet describe the mornings on the lonely island?
Answer: The poet describes the mornings on the lonely island to be very peaceful and quiet. The atmosphere of the morning is hazy with fog or mist. Out of the hazy heavens, peace comes on the land falling softly and noiselessly.

5. What does the poet imply by “….from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings.
Answer: By this expression, the poet implies that the span of time from morning to evening is full of peace on the Lake Isle of Innisfree. Here, quietness reigns supreme. The singing of the cricket adds to the music of nature and can be enjoyed on this island.

6. How does the poet describe the midnight and noon on the island?
Answer: Both midnight and noon on the island are visualized by the poet to be very bright with only different hues of brilliance – the twinkling light of the moon and the stars in the midnight and the bright purple shine in the noon.

7. What does the poet dream of enjoying in the evenings?
Answer: The poet dreams of enjoying the songs of the linnets and the sound of the flapping of their wings as they fly back to their nests. He also hopes to enjoy the song of the cricket in the peaceful surroundings.

8. What is it that fascinates the poet day and night?
Answer: Day and night the poet is fascinated by the gentle and pleasant sound of the waves lapping against the shore. He hears this delightful music in his imagination.

9. Why does the poet hear the music of the waves standing on the roadway?
Answer: The poet hears the music of the waves standing on the roadway because their gentle and soothing sound is recalled involuntarily by his mind as a defence against the deafening, unpleasant and jarring sounds of the traffic that have a sickening impact on him.

10. What are the roadways and the pavements a symbol of?
Answer: The roadways and the pavements are a symbol of the urban, noisy, and crowded places like London where the poet lived. They stand in contrast to the peaceful, soothing and colourful nature found back home on the Lake Isle of Innisfree.

11. Why is the music on the island made by the waves in the lake low?
Answer: The music made by the waves of the lake is low and gentle because it is a peaceful lake and the waves are not very high. These waves hit against the shore very lightly producing a piece of mild music.

12. What do the “low sounds” emphasize the atmosphere on the Isle of Innisfree?
Answer: The low sounds emphasize the quiet, placid waves of the lake which strike against the shore and produce a piece of mild music. The impression of a peaceful and calm atmosphere of the Isle is enhanced by these sounds. Besides, they present a stark contrast to the unpleasant sounds in the cities.

13. What pictures do the words expressing sights and sounds, as used by the poet, create in your mind?
Answer: The poet uses ‘bee-loud glade’, ‘evenings full of linnet’s wing’, and ‘lake water lapping with low sound to present the sights and sounds on Innisfree. These words evoke the pictures of a wide and open natural place that is full of beautiful sights, smells, colours and music.

14. Why does the poet repeat “I will arise and go now”?
Answer: The repetition of “I will arise and go now” emphasizes that the poet is extremely keen on abandoning the city and leave for the quiet, idyllic atmosphere of the Lake Isle. The use of ‘arise’ and ‘go’ reveal the intensity of his longing to escape from the restlessness and noise of the cities and reach the harmony and serenity of the world of nature available on the Lake Isle of Innisfree.

15. What does the poet hear in the deep “heart’s core”? What is his reaction to it?
Answer: The poet hears the sweet and gentle music made by the placid waves of the lake striking softly against the shore of the island. This music is so soft and powerful that the poet hears it in the core of his heart. It triggers in him a keen desire to go to the island of Innisfree and enjoy this melody amidst a harmonious environment.

16. Do you think Innisfree is only a place or a state of mind? Does the poet actually miss the place of his boyhood days?
Answer: The natural beauty of Innisfree is not the creation of the poet’s fancy. It is a real place that gives solace to the frustrated souls. The poet longs to live in such a beautiful and peaceful place. He misses it a lot.

17. What is the central idea/theme of the poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’?
Answer: The poet, W.B. Yeats deeply longs for peace in the natural surroundings. Innisfree is an island on the Lake Isle. The poet had spent a lot of time there as a boy. He seems to be fed up with the hectic and noisy city life. Now he wants to go to Innisfree to live in the lap of nature. He will enjoy the water playing in the lake. The humming of bees and their beehives would please him. The sum and substance are that living in nature provides us with peace and happiness.

18. Why does the poet want to have ‘bean rows’ and a ‘hive’ at Innisfree?
Answer: Nature has great healing power. When we sit in the lap of nature, we forget our sorrows. Our mind becomes fresh and we start our days with new energy. Besides, nature fills new hopes in human beings. For this, as human beings, our friendship with nature is quite essential.

19. How does the poet describe midnight, noon and evening?
Answer: Apparently, in Innisfree, midnight is shimmering and beautiful and midday is a purple glow – this is starting to sound a little fairy-tale gorgeous. Saying that the evening is full of linnet’s wings makes us think not only of one bird but also of all of them in flight.

20. How will the poet enjoy the night and day in Innisfree?
Answer: In the morning, the poet will hear the song of the cricket. He will have the opportunity to enjoy the purple glow of the noon. He will also watch and enjoy the glimmer of midnights.

21. What three things does the poet want to do in Innisfree?
Answer: When he will to Innisfree, he will build a small cabin made of clay and fence. He will grow nine bean rows. Finally, he would like to have a hive for the honey bees.

22. How will the poet have calmness and tranquillity in Innisfree?
Answer: In Innisfree, the poet will live in a cabin made of clay and wattles. He will also have nine bean-rows and a beehive. He will get the opportunity to live in the glade with the sound of bees. He will certainly live in peace because it will drop from the veils of the morning where he can hear the songs of cricket.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. How does the poet capture the sights and sounds of the Lake Isle of Innisfree?

Answer: The poet, W.B. Yeats, had spent many summers during his childhood in the Lake Isle of Innisfree. His memories are so vivid that the sights and sounds seem to have left an indelible impression on his mind. He beautifully portrays the vast, open stretch of land with a very tranquil environment prevailing from morning till evening. The midnight is aglow with the glimmering of the moon and the stars. The noons are bright with a purplish light. In the evening, the linnets, fluttering their wings in flight makes a very captivating sight.

The Lake Isle of Innisfree echoes with the alluring, soothing music of the insects, birds, and waves. The bees sing loudly and the linnets make the evenings energetic with their music. Moreover, there is soft music of the waves striking gently against the shore day and night. Thus, the sights and sounds described by the poet make the island an enthralling and alluring place.

2. How does the poet contrast city life with life in natural surroundings?

Answer: Although the poet does not describe the city life in detail, his obsession to go to the beautiful island full of pleasing sights and sounds makes it clear that he wants to leave the noisy life in the city and lead a simple life. The contrast between the crowded cities and the calm, natural surroundings of Innisfree justifies his desire.

The description of green glades and pastures, along with birds and insects singing on Innisfree stand in contrast to the dull-looking roadways and pavements that are full of vehicles and people. This contrast hints at the noise pollution and congestion in cities.

Further, the picture of the island surrounded by the calm water of the lake and its gentle waves present a beautiful sight. In contrast, people in cities are lost in a race of accumulating material possessions. The fewer needs of people living close to nature indicate greater contentment as compared to the city dwellers’ never-ending chase of wealth and material possessions. The poet’s urge to return to natural surroundings for a peaceful life hints at the problems and restlessness of people in cities. Thus, the poet contrasts every aspect of city life with the life in natural surroundings that are full of pleasure, contentment, and peace.

3. What ideas do you form the personality of the poet from the poem?
Or
Discuss the character of the speaker in the poem.
Or
Which values of life do the poet support?

Answer: The poet W. B. Yeats who himself is the speaker in “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” gives us a peep into his mind and soul. His desire to return to a peaceful, quiet, and natural place, away from the bustle of urban life, brings forth the positive values that govern his life. In the poem, he emerges as a peace-loving fellow who is sick of the hectic, restless, noisy and materialistic life of the cities.

He emerges as a profound lover of natural beauty and tranquillity. His strong nostalgia for the beautiful sights and sounds on the Lake Isle and his desire to lead a simple life of unbroken solitude and peace on the island reveal the simplicity of his heart and mind.

The poet is endowed with profound imagination and sensitive observation. With very keen senses, he sees, observes and presents the beauty of the island in the morning, in the noontime, in the evening, and even at midnight. He can hear the sounds of the bees, the cricket, the linnet, and the sea-waves. He can visualize the tranquil glade, the glimmering light of the midnight and the purple glow of the afternoon. He can also hear the loud, unpleasant sounds of the traffic in cities and contrast it with the captivating and soothing music of the waves.

Further, the poet lacks a materialistic attitude towards life. He wants to evade the hectic activities of the materialistic life of the cities and live in a small cabin of clay and wattles. He wants to have only enough to fulfill the basic needs of life.

Thus, the poet comes forth as a person with a profound imagination, minute observation, strong memories and a deep love for nature. He is inspired by the values of contentment and harmony.

4. How can we make our lives enjoyable? Discuss with reference to the poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”.

Answer: The world is full of beauty and pleasures. It has a rich feast for our eyes, ears, noses and tongue. God has provided us with beautiful sights and sounds. But it is regrettable that we have only added misery into our lives by being blind to the beauties of the world. We have become much too materialistic and are always lost in a race for more and more riches. We do not have time to enjoy calmly the beauties of nature. We have even spoilt natural surroundings in the name of development. As William Wordsworth beautifully wrote: “The world is too much with us”; we have cut off our bond with nature.

However, we may enjoy a tranquil life if we check our desires. We must realize that contentment is a source of real happiness. We must curtail our greed, jealousy, and hatred. A life of simple needs, near the beautiful surroundings of nature away from the madding crowd of cities can give us soothing delights.

Love for nature, faith in God, and affection for fellow human beings can restore the peace of our minds. We should develop a keen sense to perceive beauty all around and spare time to enjoy these beauties. The soft feel of pity, sympathy, consideration, kindness, and affection can overpower all the sorrows of life and make life thrilling and pleasant.

5. The Isle of Innisfree is both a place and the poet’s state of mind. Discuss.

Answer: The Isle of Innisfree is a tiny uninhabited island within the Lake Lough Gill in County Sligo in northwestern Ireland. The poet, William Butler Yeats, had spent his summers over here when he was a young boy. The calm, quiet, soothing environment of this Isle impressed him so much that he developed a spiritual kinship with this place. He can now hear voices calling within himself just as he heard the sounds of nature in Innisfree. The existence of Innisfree as the poet’s state of mind is as true as the real Innisfree. The images of this place haunt the poet in such a manner that he can visualize everything not in his mind but in his heart. The real place has given him such beautiful memories that he cherishes them even when he is amidst the roadways and pavements of a city. His desire to escape to Innisfree is so strong that his thoughts are overpowered by it. Thus, the poet’s state of mind itself Innisfree which stands as a symbol of peaceful existence amidst nature.

6. Suppose you are the poet W.B. Yeats and have reached your dreamland – the Isle of Innisfree. Write a diary entry in about 150 words expressing your real experiences and emotions.
In your diary entry, you should say
1. how you felt immediately as you landed on the Isle
2. what sights and sounds you experienced there
3. what effect they had on you

Answer: 
(Day and Date)
(Time)
Dear Diary
I am extremely delighted that my dream of coming back to the Isle of Innisfree has been fulfilled. I have actually reached this idyllic world far away from the disturbing and restless life of London. My first glimpse of the island was extremely fulfilling. As I landed on the green, grassy place, I inhaled the fragrant, refreshing air. I felt as if I were in some fairyland. I ran about enjoying the sight of dense green trees and then sat down to bask in the brilliant sunlight. The rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds and the beautiful hues of flowers left me spellbound. I heard the soft music of the waves which, reflecting the sunlight, looked extremely beautiful as they hit the shore and made ripples. I had a nap on the open ridge. In the evening, the linnets, fluttering their wings in the sky, were a breathtaking sight. From under a rock, some crickets were singing. Tonight, I will sleep under the stars and tomorrow I’ll build a cottage for myself.

Everything on this island seems to be heavenly. Every moment spent here is a blessing. After coming here I have realised that the race for money can never give me any pleasure. The environment here is full of contentment and happiness. I wish I had come here earlier. But better late than never.

7. Life in a city is fast and hectic. Nevertheless, people prefer to live in a city. Why?

Answer: City life is fast and hectic. People can be seen busy with their daily routines. Lots of people live in the city. There are schools, colleges, and offices. Students find a good opportunity for education and make their career. When they complete their education they can find jobs in these offices. Besides, people get recreation from different sources. There are cinema halls and theatres in cities. People in great numbers can be seen at these places. They want to give the same life to their children. They get their children married in the cities and have relatives. They have a liking for the showy life of the city. So they like to live in these cities with their family.

8. Why is the poet deeply attached with the Lake Isle of Innisfree? Explain.

Answer: Innisfree is a simple island in the lake where the poet has spent his childhood days. The poet is in search of peace and calmness which the Lake Isle of Innisfree can provide him. The environment is natural and peaceful and the poet desires to visit this island. According to the poet, on this island, peace comes down slowly in the small drops. Moreover, he is very much attracted by the melodious sounds made by cricket. In fact, that sound has a deep impact on the poet. The poet believes the lake’s waves hit the shore and crease at the low sound which gives aesthetic pleasure. Really, he wants to live on this island. Thus, it can be said that he is deeply attached to the Lake Isle of Innisfree.

9. What moral lessons do you take from the poem, ‘The Lake Isle Innisfree’?

Answer: ‘Go back to nature’ is the message of this poem. This poem teaches us that we should build a cabin in a solitary place and enjoy nature. Nature has magical power. Obviously, nature unfolds itself in a solitary place and allows us to enjoy its music. We must take this immortal lesson from this poem.

10. Why is the Lake Isle of Innisfree so attractive to the poet? Describe.

Answer: The poet is very fond of nature. The Lake Isle of Innisfree is the abode of peace. He wants to live in a place which may afford a sense of contentment and relaxation far from busy modern life. The poet with his power of imagination beautifully empresses this dreamy land. The vivid description of the colours and beauties of this place and soothing stir of nature is quite different from the strident noise of the city.