Welcome to “Abhisara: The Tryst Workbook Solution: ISC Rhapsody & Prism,” where we embark on a captivating journey through the pages of ISC English Literature’s Rhapsody & Prism. Within these pages, we unravel the essence of “Abhisara: The Tryst” through meticulous workbook solutions. This post provides comprehensive answers to multiple-choice and contextual questions, enriching your comprehension of this timeless tale. Meet the characters of “Abhisara: The Tryst” and delve into the intricacies of their development and thematic exploration. Each question serves as a portal to dissecting the text, encouraging readers to analyze subtle nuances and extract deeper meanings. Contextual inquiries broaden our exploration, fostering critical engagement with socio-cultural backdrops and universal themes. Through this examination, readers hone analytical skills and cultivate a profound appreciation for literary craftsmanship. Whether you’re a student navigating ISC English Literature or an enthusiast unraveling cherished narratives, “ISC Rhapsody & Prism: Abhisara Workbook Solutions” promises invaluable guidance. Join us as we illuminate the path to understanding, one workbook solution at a time.
Table of Contents
Poem Summary :
Poem in Detail
One night, Upagupta an ascetic, a disciple of Lord Buddha, lay asleep on the dusty ground by the city of Mathura. The sky was overcast with clouds, and the doors were all shut. In the prevailing darkness, Vasavadatta a dancing girl passed that way. Though she was carrying a lamp in her hand, her feet tinkling, touched the chest of the ascetic. He woke up startled; he saw the light of the woman’s lamp. She was wearing precious jewels. She saw the face of the young ‘ascetic’. His eyes were full of tolerance and compassion. His face reflected peace and austerity.
The young dancing girl begged to be forgiven for her fault. At the same time, struck by his physical charm, she invited him to come with her to her house. She said lovingly that the bare dusty earth was not a fit bed for a handsome young man as he was. Upagupta simply advised her to go to her house. He, however, promised to visit her at the proper time. Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning among the clouds. The dancing girl was frightened to hear the thunder of the coming storm.
Days passed, and it was the festival of flowers in spring season. The trees on the roadside were laden with flowers. The people were in a merry mood. Some of them played sweet notes on the flute. A large number of people went to the woods to celebrate the festival. The night was lit with the full moon. The streets of the town were lonely. Upagupta was going on his way while love-sick koels’ were singing out their complaints from the mango trees. The ascetic passed through the city gates and stood at the base of the city wall.
Suddenly, Upagupta, saw a woman lying in the shadow of the wall. She was the same dancing girl, Vasavadatta, who had once invited the ascetic to her house. At that moment she was afflicted with a deadly disease. Her whole body was covered with sores of small-pox. She had been forced to leave the town so that she might not spread the disease by her touch. She was alone and forsaken. The ascetic took pity on her. He did not hesitate to help and nurse her. He sat by her side, took her head on his knees, offered water to her thirsty dry lips, and finally applied medicine to her wounds. The woman felt extremely grateful to him. She asked the kind ascetic who he was. Upagupta told her that he had kept his word and come to her at an appropriate time.
Workbook MCQs :
1. The first meeting of the dancer and the ascetic occurred on
(a) full moon night
(b) cloudy dark night
(c) thunder and lightning
(d) both (b) and (c)
Answer :- (d) both (b) and (c)
2. How was the night of the first meeting ironical?
(a) The beautiful girl laden with jewels was out on a dark night
(b) The enlightened ascetic was asleep on a dark night
(c) The beautiful dancer was drunk in the wine of her youth
(d) The dancer’s feet touched the chest of the ascetic.
Answer :- (a) The beautiful girl laden with jewels was out on a dark night
3. Name the figure of speech used in the phrase ‘starred with jewels’
(a) Allusion
(b) Personification
(c) Engagement
(d) Simile
Answer :- (b) Personification
4. The base of the rampart symbolises that humans and their buildings
(a) have a strong base.
(b) are meant to be beautiful.
(c) are subject to delay.
(d) need a base.
Answer :- (c) are subject to delay.
5. The ascetic says ‘your way’. What does he mean by that?
(a) The ascetics way of renunciation and austerity
(b) The girls way of following materialism
(c) The girl’s passage to the city
(d) The ascetic’s passage into the woods.
Answer :- (b) The girls way of following materialism
6. The girl was ‘drunk’ implies that
(a) she was intoxicated.
(b) she was proud of her youthful beauty.
(c) she was surprised to see an ascetic in her path.
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- (b) she was proud of her youthful beauty.
7. What is the symbolism of the ‘dusty bed’?
(a) Every human being turns to dust.
(b) Few months later she was found on the same dusty bed.
(c) Beauty and wealth are transient.
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- (d) All of the above.
8. What does the ascetic mean by when the ‘time is ripe?
(a) When she would really need him
(b) When he would be old and in need of a bed
(c) When his body would require comforts
(d) When she would be ready to give up her luxurious life.
Answer :- (a) When she would really need him
9. The poem shows the transformation of
(a) a sleeping ascetic to a patient nursing human.
(b) a girl from beautiful and proud to a pockmarked castaway.
(c) a rich and proud girl to a poor beggar.
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- (b) a girl from beautiful and proud to a pockmarked castaway.
10. Name the figure of speech in The black night showed its teeth’.
(a) Imagery
(b) Personification
(c) Alliteration
(d) Hyperbole
Answer :- (b) Personification
11. Which emotion is signified by the showing of teeth and growling?
(a) Anger
(b) Joy
(c) Sorrow
(d) Frustration
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
12. The joy of spring is depicted by
(a) wayside trees were in full bloom
(b) love-sick koels chirped
(c) notes of the flutes
(d) All of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
13. Spring is a time of
(a) Materialistic pursuits
(b) Spiritual awakening
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
14. What does the lamp that the dancer carries in the darkness signify?
(a) She is ignorant
(b) She is proud
(c) She is young and beautiful
(d) She is rich.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
15. In what state was Upagupta when he lay asleep in the dust?
(a) Disturbed
(b) Bliss
(c) Ecstasy
(d) None of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
16. In which season was the first meeting between Vasavadatta and Upagupta?
(a) Monsoon
(b) Spring
(c) Autumn
(d) Winter
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
17. Which trait of Upagupta’s character is revealed by ‘his forgiving eyes?
(a) Modesty
(b) Friendliness
(c) Compassion
(d) All of the above.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
18. What is the thunder that scared Vasavadatta indicative of?
(a) Meeting with Upagupta
(b) Foreboding of evil days
(c) The coming of heavy rains
(d) None of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
19. Which of the following did NOT happen in the evening of a day in April?
(a) The trees were laden with flowers
(b) The cheerful melodic tune from a flute was being heard
(c) The ascetic was walking with heavy steps
(d) None of the above
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
20. At the end of the poem, Vasavadatta addresses Upagupta as
(a) Compassionate one
(b) Merciful one
(c) Faithful one
(d) Divine master
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
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Complete The Sentences :
1. The dancing girl appeared to be rich because she was laden with jewels.
2. The ascetic did not accept the invitation of the dancing girl because he had sacrificed the material world.
3. The dancing girl was proud because she was young and beautiful.
4. The streets were lonely on that April evening because the people had gone to the woods to the festival of flowers.
5. The woman was driven away from the town because she was suffering from small-pox, a very contagious disease.
6. The ascetic kept his promise because he visited the dancing girl when she needed his help.
7. The dancer had to lower her lamp because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
8. According to Vasavadatta, the dusty bed was not fit for the ascetic because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
9. The ascetic has a face that was austerely beautiful because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
10. The dancer called the ascetic merciful one because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
11. The ascetic’s eyes were forgiving because [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
Short Question Answers :
1. Who was Upagupta? Where was he and why?
Answer :- Upagupta is portrayed as a young ascetic, a devout follower of the Buddha, in Rabindranath Tagore’s “Abhisara: The Tryst.” He embodies spiritual purity, asceticism, and a deep commitment to his religious and philosophical principles. Upagupta’s life is one of renunciation, where he seeks to transcend worldly attachments and desires in pursuit of enlightenment. At the beginning of the poem, Upagupta is in the town of Mathura, a significant location often associated with spiritual and cultural heritage. He is described as lying on the ground outside the town, beneath the open sky, suggesting his detachment from worldly comforts and his embrace of simplicity and austerity. Upagupta’s presence in Mathura signifies his itinerant lifestyle as a wandering monk, dedicated to meditation and spiritual growth. His actions and demeanor reflect his commitment to his ascetic ideals, as he remains unfazed by the allure of material pleasures and social status, embodying the virtues of restraint and inner peace that are central to his spiritual journey.
2. How has the poet created the atmosphere of night during the first and the second meeting of Upagupta with Vasavadatta? What is its significance?
Answer :- In the first meeting, Tagore masterfully creates a tranquil and somewhat mysterious night atmosphere through the use of vivid imagery and sensory details. The poet describes the quiet, deserted streets of Mathura, enveloped in darkness, with only the occasional flicker of dim lamps casting faint light. The serene and silent night is punctuated by a sudden flash of lightning, which momentarily illuminates the surroundings, adding an element of surprise and intrigue. This tranquil yet mysterious setting reflects the peaceful yet solitary life of Upagupta, who is unperturbed by the external allurements of the world. The appearance of Vasavadatta in this dim light adds a sense of allure and mystique, contrasting with the serene asceticism of Upagupta.
In the second meeting, the night is described during the monsoon season, characterized by heavy rain, distant thunder, and an overall sense of darkness and foreboding. This tumultuous and somber atmosphere mirrors the drastic changes in Vasavadatta’s circumstances, highlighting her fall from grace and the harsh realities she now faces. The night’s darkness and the rain emphasize the theme of impermanence and the transient nature of beauty and status, underscoring the stark contrast between Vasavadatta’s former life of luxury and her current state of suffering.
3. In what frame of mind was Vasavadatta when she met Upagupta for the first time? How did it change during the second meeting?
Answer :- When Vasavadatta first encounters Upagupta, she is in a frame of mind characterized by vanity, confidence, and a sense of allure. As a courtesan, she takes pride in her beauty, charm, and social status, and she is accustomed to admiration and attention. Her approach towards Upagupta is marked by flirtation and an attempt to seduce him, reflecting her belief in the power of her beauty to captivate and conquer even a pious ascetic. Her demeanor is one of pride and self-assurance, as she revels in her worldly success and the luxuries that come with it.
During the second meeting, Vasavadatta’s frame of mind has undergone a dramatic transformation. She is now a humbled and broken woman, ostracized from society due to a disease that has disfigured her beauty. Her earlier pride and confidence have given way to sorrow, regret, and a deep sense of vulnerability. She approaches Upagupta not with the intent to seduce, but seeking compassion and solace in her time of suffering. This shift in her state of mind underscores the impermanence of worldly beauty and status, highlighting the profound changes that time and circumstances can bring to a person’s life.
4. What was Vasavadatta’s reaction when she lowered the lamp and saw Upagupta’s face? Why did she invite him to her house?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
5. Why did the young ascetic decline Vasavadatta’s invitation? Why did he say that he would come when ‘the time is ripe’?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
6. How has the poet used the seasons to show two contrasting phases in Vasavadatta’s life?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
7. Why was Vasavadatta driven away from the city? How did Upagupta treat her? What does it reveal about Upagupta’s character?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
8. What message is conveyed in the poem through Vasavadatta’s condition?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
Long Question Answers :
1. Discuss the poem “Abhisara: The Tryst” as a triumph of the spiritual over the temporal.
Answer :- “Abhisara: The Tryst” by Rabindranath Tagore eloquently portrays the triumph of spiritual values over temporal, materialistic pursuits. The poem contrasts the transient allure of worldly pleasures with the enduring nature of spiritual purity and compassion. Upagupta, a young ascetic, embodies spiritual devotion and renunciation, living a life of simplicity and detachment from material desires. In contrast, Vasavadatta, a courtesan, symbolizes the temporal world, characterized by beauty, vanity, and social status.
The first encounter between Upagupta and Vasavadatta occurs in a setting of worldly allure and temptation. Vasavadatta, confident in her beauty and social standing, attempts to seduce the ascetic, believing that her physical charms can sway him. However, Upagupta’s steadfast refusal to succumb to her temptations highlights the power of spiritual discipline and the futility of worldly seduction.
The poem’s turning point is the second meeting, where Vasavadatta’s beauty and status have been destroyed by illness. Here, Tagore powerfully illustrates the impermanence of temporal success and physical allure. In her time of suffering, the once proud and beautiful courtesan is reduced to a state of humility and vulnerability. Upagupta’s return to offer compassion and care signifies the ultimate victory of spiritual values. His actions underscore the themes of empathy, kindness, and the intrinsic value of every human being, irrespective of their worldly status.
Through Vasavadatta’s transformation from pride to humility and Upagupta’s unwavering compassion, the poem conveys the message that true worth and fulfillment lie in spiritual enlightenment and moral integrity, rather than in the fleeting attractions of the material world. Thus, “Abhisara: The Tryst” celebrates the triumph of the spiritual over the temporal, advocating for a life guided by inner peace, compassion, and the recognition of our shared humanity.
2. How apt is the title of the poem, “Abhisara: The Tryst”?
Answer :- The title “Abhisara: The Tryst” is remarkably apt, as it encapsulates the essence of the poem, which revolves around the theme of a significant and transformative meeting between two individuals from vastly different walks of life. “Abhisara,” an ancient Sanskrit term, traditionally refers to a secret or romantic meeting, often laden with anticipation and a sense of destiny. The word “Tryst” further emphasizes the idea of an important and fateful encounter. Together, these words evoke a sense of a predetermined meeting with profound implications.
In the poem, the “tryst” between Upagupta, the young ascetic, and Vasavadatta, the courtesan, is not merely a romantic or casual meeting. It is a significant event that profoundly impacts both their lives, particularly highlighting the transformative power of compassion and spiritual enlightenment. The first meeting symbolizes the intersection of two contrasting worlds—Upagupta’s ascetic, spiritual life and Vasavadatta’s materialistic, pleasure-seeking existence. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper, more meaningful connection that transcends mere physical attraction or social interaction.
The second meeting, marked by Vasavadatta’s fall from grace and Upagupta’s compassionate response, serves as the culmination of this “tryst.” It signifies a spiritual awakening and a shift from materialism to a recognition of deeper values. The title reflects this journey towards understanding, compassion, and the ultimate triumph of spiritual ideals over temporal pursuits.
Thus, the title “Abhisara: The Tryst” aptly captures the poem’s exploration of human relationships, the fleeting nature of material success, and the enduring significance of spiritual compassion, making it a fitting and evocative choice for this profound narrative.
3. Explain the symbols used by the poet in the poem, “Abhisara: The Tryst” to communicate its message.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
4. How does “Abhisara: The Tryst” depict the contrast between spiritualism and materialism?
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
5. At the end of the poem “Abhisara: The Tryst,” the ascetic tells Vasavadatta, “The time, at last, has come to visit you, and I am here.” Explain the change in time when Vasavadatta met Upagupta for the first time and now. How has the poet depicted this change? Do you think it brought about a change in Vasavadatta? Give reasons.
Answer :- [ For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View ]
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