Sweet are the Uses of Adversity
[The poem conveys the message that an adverse
situation may seem ugly and unwelcome on the face of it. But such situations
are full of new opportunities. If one starts looking for the usefulness in a
given unfortunate, useless situation, the apparent bitterness of the
circumstances vanishes in course of time. It is all in the conditioning of
mind. One should have a positive attitude and approach to everything and one
can make a heaven out of a hell.]
Duke senior: Now, my co-mates and brothers in
exile, Hath not old custom made this life more sweet than that of painted pomp?
Are not these woods more free from peril than the envious court? Here feel we
but the penalty of Adam, The seasons’ difference, as the icy fang and churlish
chiding of the winter’s wind, which, when it bites and blows upon my body, Even
till I shrink with cold, I smile, and say, “This is no flattery; these are
counsellors. That feelingly persuade me what I am.” Sweet are the uses of
adversity, which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel
in his head: And this our life, exempt
from public haunt, Finds tongues in trees,
books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, and good in everything : I
would not change it.
-WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
[William
Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born at Stratford-on-Avon and educated at a Grammar
School. He had established himself as an actor and playwright by 1592. One of
the greatest writers of English Literature, Shakespeare is a phenomenon unto
himself. He has no parallel anywhere in world literature. Shakespeare has
written thirty seven plays and a sonnet sequence consisting of some 156
sonnets. Some of Shakespeare’s best poetry is found in his plays.]
Glossary:
exile: expulsion
pomp: show and glamour
peril: danger
penalty of Adam : Adam was punished and
sent to this world to suffer extreme heat and cold as the seasons change
envious: jealous
fang:
teeth (of a snake)
churlish chiding: rude
and rough teasing, rebuking, punishment
venomous: poisonous
exempt: free from
Enjoying the poem:
1.
What is ‘adversity’?
Ans. Adversity means a difficult situation. It is a state of
unhappy life. For example, Duke Senior is compelled to lead a forest life. So,
he is victim of adversity. However, the uses of adversity can be sweet with
positive attitude.
2.
Why is ‘pomp’ described as ‘painted’ and ‘court’ as ‘envious’?
Ans. The courtiers lead an artificial life. The pomp of this
life shows it as pleasing and hides the reality of its underlying ugliness. So,
it has been described as paint because paint also gives external brightness and
hides internal ugliness.
Courtiers compete with each other to seek favours from rulers. They are
smitten with jealously if a rival became a favourite of the king. So court is
described as envious.
3.
Why are the woods ‘more free from peril than the envious court’?
Ans. In the envious court every courtier is a danger to the
life of other courtiers. All courtiers indulge in intrigues against their rivals. The rulers also
encourage rivalry among them. There are no such dangers in the woods where
shepherds live a simple and happy life in the company of nature. The main
danger in the woods is change of seasons. Hence, the woods are ‘more free from
peril than the envious court’
4.
Why doesn’t the speaker find any flattery in adversity?
Ans. Flatters are those who seek money and benefits from their
superior. So where there is no money power, there is no money flattery.
Adversity has no relationship with flattery. There are no flatterers among the
poor. When people are troubled or worried, they do not think of flattery.
Adversity introduces man to his true self. Therefore, the speaker does not find
any flattery in adversity.
5.
How does he find adversity sweet? [hint: ‘old custom’]
Ans. The
speaker praises adversity. He says his life is sweet although he is living in a
forest as an exile. There are no flattering courtiers or jealous intriguers to
cause mischief. He is cut off from court life but is in the company of nature.
Objects of nature like trees, stones, and streams teach him useful lessons.
Hence, he finds adversity sweet.
6.
What is the ‘penalty of Adam’?
Ans. We are suffering for the sins of Adam. He disobeyed God
and was expelled from Eden where he had been living happily with Eve. In this
world where we live, there is pain and suffering. This pain is the results of
Adam’s folly. God said to him, “Now you will live by the sweat of your brow”.
As a results of that penalty, we earn our bread with hard labour.
7.
How does the speaker ‘find tongues in trees’?
Ans. Trees
convey to the speaker that nature’s company is better than that of flattering
courtiers. Trees have a silent language. It is understood by those human beings
who live in their company. To them, they give advice. It is in this way that
they talk and communicate words of wisdom to human beings and the speaker finds
tongues in trees.
8.
What is the inspiration do we derive from the poem 'Sweet are the
Uses of Adversity'?
Ans. This poem convey a message that life lived in the company
of nature is simple, honest, truthful and pleasure-giving. Nature is our nice
companion and teacher. Thus, the most important inspiration, that we derive
from this poem, is “sweet are the uses of adversity”. It should be taken as a
blessing in disguise and not a misfortune.
9. Read any poem which inspires you to face
the reality of life and discuss it with your friends.
Suggested reading: If You Can Keep Your
Head – Rudyard Kipling.
