NCERT Solutions · Class 9 English · Kaveri · Unit 7
Words
Poem by Charles Swain · Complete Solutions · Pages 18–28
“A little said, and truly said, can deeper joy impart than hosts of words which reach the head but never touch the heart.”
— Charles Swain
Page 18
Reflect and Respond
Q1
Why are words important? Can we communicate without words? How?
Answer
Words are very important because they help us express our thoughts, feelings, ideas, and needs to others — they are the primary tool of communication.
Yes, we can communicate without words through:
Facial Expressions
Smiling, frowning, raising eyebrows
Gestures
Waving, nodding, thumbs up, pointing
Body Language
Posture, eye contact, crossed arms
Other Forms
Sign language, emojis, music, art, touch (a hug or pat)
Although non-verbal communication is powerful, words remain the most precise way to share complex ideas.
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Pages 18–19
Crossword Grid (Q-II)
Q·II
Fill in the crossword grid using the given clues. (All words are from the poem.)
Answer
➡ Horizontal
1We eat food to ___ our hunger.SATISFY
2The train will ___ from the station at 5 p.m.DEPART
3The gardener was removing the ___ to clean the flower beds.WEEDS
⬇ Vertical
4The view was ___ the difficult climb.WORTH
5The herbs ___ flavour to food.IMPART
6Flowers ___ in spring.BLOSSOM
7We enjoyed a delicious ___ after the ceremony.FEAST
Example already given: SUMMONED
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Page 20
Check Your Understanding — Fill in the Blanks
Q1
Fill in the blanks with words from the poem.
Answer
In this poem, the poet reflects that words fail to truly satisfy what the heart wants to convey. Words are compared to summer birds who (1) depart, leaving nothing behind. The heart is equated to a (2) pilgrim who finds that words are as worthless as (3) weeds when needed. He feels that a few sincere words can bring more (4) joy than many meaningless ones. He adds that a voice that brings happiness to a (5) lonely place does not say much, but the few words it does, are very precious. Moreover, if words could satisfy us, the (6) world would celebrate but words often fail to do that. The poem ends on the note that empty words may look impressive with lots of flowers, but they cannot produce anything valuable, like a (7) fruit.
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Pages 20–21
Let Us Appreciate the Poem
Words — Charles Swain (Selected Stanzas)
But words, like summer birds, depart,
And leave but empty air;
Still, though in grief thou seek’st the heart,
In vain thou seek’st it there.
The heart, a pilgrim upon earth,
Finds often, when it needs,
That words are of as little worth
As just so many weeds.
A little said, and truly said,
Can deeper joy impart
Than hosts of words which reach the head,
But never touch the heart.
If words could satisfy the chest,
The world might hold a feast;
But words, when summoned to the test,
Oft satisfy the least!
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB · Highlighted words = rhyming pairs
Q1
Find rhyming words and write the rhyme scheme. What impact does it have?
Rhyming Pairs
| Stanza | Rhyming Words |
|---|---|
| 1 | heart — depart | care — air |
| 2 | earth — worth | needs — weeds |
| 3 | said — head | impart — heart |
| 4 | way — say | cheer — dear |
| 5 | chest — test | feast — least |
| 6 | show — grow | root — fruit |
Rhyme Scheme: ABAB — The alternate rhyming gives the poem a musical and rhythmic flow, perfectly fitting for a poem about the sound and power of words.
Q2
Identify poetic devices and explain their meaning.
Answer
“words, like summer birds, depart…”
Simile
Words compared to summer birds using ‘like’ — they fly away quickly, leaving nothing behind.
“words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds”
Simile
Words compared to weeds using ‘as…as’ — grow easily but are useless and unwanted.
“If words could satisfy the chest… Oft satisfy the least!”
Antithesis
Contrasts the imagined power of words with their actual weakness — they rarely satisfy us.
“The world might hold a feast…”
Hyperbole
Exaggeration — the entire world celebrating shows how rare true satisfaction from words is.
“Like plants that make a gaudy show / All blossom to the root”
Simile
Words compared to showy plants — attractive outside but lacking real substance.
Q3
Which words are repeated? Why does the poet use repetition?
Answer
The poet repeats: “words,” “heart,” “satisfy,” and “if.”
Purpose of repetition: To emphasise the main theme — the powerlessness of empty words and the importance of true, heartfelt expression. Repetition makes the poem’s message stronger and more memorable. This device is called Anaphora.
Q4
Choose the option for emotions expressed by the exclamation marks in stanzas 4, 5, and 6.
Answer
(iii) 4. Admiration 5. Frustration 6. Disillusionment
| Stanza | Line with (!) | Emotion | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | “But, oh! those few, how dear!” | 😍 Admiration | Admiration for the precious few sincere words that truly move us |
| 5 | “Oft satisfy the least!” | 😤 Frustration | Frustration that words so often fail us when we need them most |
| 6 | “One particle of fruit!” | 😔 Disillusionment | Disillusionment that empty, showy words produce nothing meaningful |
Q·III
Identify the hyperbole and complete the sentences with hyperboles.
Hyperbole from Extract
“The world might hold a feast”— Hyperbole (exaggeration)
The poet doesn’t mean the entire world will literally celebrate. He uses exaggeration to show how rare and precious true satisfaction from words really is.
Complete with Hyperboles
1
I have tonnes of things to do on this weekend.
2
The player missed the basket by a mile.
3
My mother is so tired that she can sleep for a decade.
4
I will be back in two seconds.
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Pages 22–23
Critical Reflection — Extracts 1 & 2
Extract 1: “The heart, a pilgrim upon earth, / Finds often, when it needs, / That words are of as little worth / As just so many weeds.”
i
Why has the poet referred to the heart as ‘a pilgrim’?
Answer
The heart is called a ‘pilgrim’ because, like a pilgrim travelling to a holy place, the heart is always on a journey — searching for truth, love, comfort, and meaning in life. It is always seeking, never fully at rest.
ii
When would a heart ‘need’ words?
Answer
A heart ‘needs’ words during times of sadness, loneliness, joy, fear, or confusion — when it seeks comfort, understanding, encouragement, or a way to express deep feelings that are difficult to hold inside.
iii
The words are like weeds because ___.
Answer
…they grow in plenty without effort, but have no real value or purpose. They take up space in our conversations without offering any benefit — just like useless weeds that grow in a garden without being planted.
iv
Mention two emotions the heart might experience when it finds words to be of ‘little worth’.
Answer
Disappointment and Frustration (or: sadness and helplessness).
v
What do these lines suggest about the nature of communication?
Answer
These lines suggest that communication through words is often shallow and incomplete. True communication goes beyond mere words — it requires sincerity, emotion, and heart. Words alone cannot always express deep feelings or provide real comfort.
Extract 2: “If words could satisfy the chest, / The world might hold a feast; / But words, when summoned to the test, / Oft satisfy the least!”
i
How can words ‘satisfy the chest’?
Answer
‘Satisfy the chest’ means to fulfil the deep emotional needs of the heart — to comfort, heal, and bring true happiness from within. The chest here represents the emotional self, not just the physical organ.
ii
How can words be ‘summoned to the test’?
Answer
Words are ‘summoned to the test’ when they are needed in real, difficult situations — for example, to comfort a grieving friend, persuade someone, or heal a broken heart. It means putting words to use in serious, genuine moments.
iii
What does ‘the world’ holding ‘a feast’ imply?
Answer
It implies that if words could truly fulfil our emotional needs, the entire world would be filled with joy and celebration. It is a hyperbole showing how rare and precious such true satisfaction from words really is.
iv
The poet mentions that words satisfy the least because ___.
Answer
…they often fail to capture deep emotions and remain superficial. People speak many words, but very few really come from the heart or have the power to bring true comfort to someone who is suffering.
v
Select the word that does NOT mean the same as ‘oft’.
Answer
A. Always — ‘Oft’ means ‘often’ (frequently, but not constantly). ‘Always’ means all the time — which is a stronger and different meaning.
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Page 23
Answer the Following Questions
Q1
What is the comparison the poet draws between words and ’empty air’?
Answer
The poet compares words to ’empty air’ because, just like air, words can be heard and felt for a moment but disappear quickly, leaving nothing behind. They have no real substance — they cannot be touched or held. Many words are spoken, but very few have lasting meaning.
Q2
Meaningful words are more precious than a lot of empty ones. Explain.
Answer
“A little said, and truly said, / Can deeper joy impart / Than hosts of words, which reach the head, / But never touch the heart.”
— Charles Swain
This means quality matters more than quantity. A few sincere and heartfelt words can bring more joy than thousands of empty ones. A single kind sentence from a friend can comfort us more than a long, meaningless speech. Meaningful words touch the heart; empty ones only reach the head.
Q3
Do you agree that the poet presents contrasting ideas related to ‘words’ in the poem?
Answer
Yes, the poet presents contrasting ideas about words.
Empty Words (Negative)
Words are like summer birds, weeds, or air — they depart and leave nothing. They don’t satisfy us.
Sincere Words (Positive)
“A little said, and truly said, can deeper joy impart” — heartfelt words have immense power.
The contrast shows that words themselves are not bad — only empty words are. Words spoken from the heart can bring deep, lasting happiness.
Q4
The theme of loneliness hovers over the poem. Support with examples.
Answer
Yes, loneliness is a strong undercurrent in the poem. Evidence:
- The heart is called “a pilgrim upon earth” — suggesting a lonely spiritual journey with no real resting place
- The poet mentions “a lonely home to cheer” — directly showing emotional isolation
- The need for words to “satisfy the heart” — implies hearts often feel empty and unheard
- Even when many words are spoken, true connection is rare — leaving people feeling alone
Q5
How does the poet convey the superficial nature of words? What ought to be done?
Answer
The poet uses powerful images to convey superficiality:
Summer birds
Words that depart and leave “empty air”
Worthless weeds
Words “of as little worth as just so many weeds”
Reach the head
Words that “reach the head, but never touch the heart”
Gaudy plant
Showy words “all blossom to the root” but bear no fruit
What ought to be done?
- Speak less, but speak truly — choose words with great care
- Focus on heartfelt and sincere communication rather than empty talk
- Use words to build, comfort, and heal others
- Sometimes silence and a few honest words are more powerful than long, hollow speeches
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Pages 24–25
Vocabulary — Phrases & Word Maps
Voc I
Match the phrases with their meanings + example sentences.
Answer
| Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| satisfy the heart | Makes one happy / fulfils inner needs | Her kind words satisfy the heart of every listener. |
| depart and leave but empty air | There is no outcome — nothing remains | His false promises depart and leave but empty air. |
| hosts of words | Many words / a large number | He spoke hosts of words but said nothing meaningful. |
| never touch the heart | Does not appeal to or move our emotions | The cold apology never touched the heart. |
| wins its sunny way | Cheers up a person / brings warmth | Her cheerful smile wins its sunny way wherever she goes. |
| plants that cannot grow fruit | Makes no real impact — all show, no result | His big plans were like plants that cannot grow fruit. |
Voc II
Create Word Maps for each word from the box.
Answer
DEPART
MeaningTo leave or go away from a place
Synonymsleave, exit, go away
Antonymsarrive, stay, return
SentenceThe train will depart at 5 p.m.
PILGRIM
MeaningA person who travels to a holy place
Synonymstraveller, wanderer, devotee
Antonymsresident, settler
SentenceMany pilgrims visit Varanasi every year.
SUNNY
MeaningBright with sunshine; cheerful
Synonymsbright, cheerful, radiant
Antonymsgloomy, dull, cloudy
SentenceIt was a lovely sunny morning.
SATISFY
MeaningTo fulfil a need or make content
Synonymsplease, fulfil, content
Antonymsdisappoint, dissatisfy
SentenceA cold drink can satisfy your thirst.
HEART
MeaningThe organ that pumps blood; centre of emotions
Synonymssoul, core, spirit
Antonymshead, mind
SentenceShe has a very kind heart. ❤️
WORD
MeaningA unit of language; also, a promise
Synonymsterm, expression, utterance
Antonymssilence
SentenceShe gave her word to help us. 💬
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Pages 25–26
Listen & Respond + Speaking Activity
Listen
Mark the four TRUE statements from 1–6.
Predicted Answers
| # | Statement | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The girl was excited to participate in the declamation contest. | TRUE ✓ |
| 2 | The boy was doubtful about the suitability of the topic chosen. | TRUE ✓ |
| 3 | The girl explained that people prefer to keep personal experiences to themselves. | FALSE |
| 4 | The boy was unaware of the role played by body language in confidence. | TRUE ✓ |
| 5 | According to the girl, body language had an insignificant role. | FALSE |
| 6 | The girl had issued the book on body language earlier from the library. | TRUE ✓ |
⚠️ These are predicted answers. Confirm with your teacher after listening to the actual audio (transcript on page 273).
Speak
Select your favourite quotation and explain it. (Pages 25–26)
Sample Answer
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.”
— Gautama Buddha
Why I chose it: This quotation reminds us of the immense power of our words. Once spoken, words cannot be taken back. They can either heal or hurt, inspire or discourage.
Personal experience: Once, I said something hurtful to my younger brother in anger. Though I apologised later, I could see he was upset for many days. This taught me how a single careless word can deeply affect someone.
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Pages 27–28
Writing Task — Essay
Essay
Write an essay on the quotation: “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care…” — Gautama Buddha
Sample Essay
The Power Behind Our Words
Introduction
Gautama Buddha once said, “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” This timeless quote highlights the deep power and responsibility hidden in our everyday speech. Words can either build or break a person — and this essay explores how words shape our lives and why we must speak with care.
Body — Words Can Heal and Inspire
Words have a remarkable power to inspire, motivate, and heal. A teacher’s words of encouragement can turn a hesitant child into a confident learner. A friend’s loving words can lift someone from the darkest moments of life. The speeches of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. moved millions of hearts and changed the course of history. Their words gave hope, strength, and direction to entire nations.
Body — Words Can Also Wound
However, words can also cause deep emotional pain. A cruel comment, an insult, or a thoughtless remark can stay with someone for years. Harsh words can damage friendships, divide families, and lead to bigger conflicts. Many quarrels in the world have begun with just a few harmful words. Once spoken, words cannot be erased — they leave a permanent mark on someone’s heart.
Counterargument
Some people may argue that “words are just sounds” and mature people should ignore them. However, emotional wounds often run deeper than physical ones — studies show that harsh words can affect a person’s confidence and mental health for a long time. The argument is baseless.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buddha’s wisdom teaches us that words are not just air — they are seeds that grow into kindness or pain in another person’s heart. We must choose our words wisely, speak with truth and care, and remember that every sentence has the power to make someone’s day better — or worse. Let us ask ourselves: Are my words building someone up, or breaking them down?
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Summary
Quick Revision — Key Terms & Central Theme
Rev
Important vocabulary and literary terms.
Answer
satisfy
To fulfil a need or make someone content
depart
To leave or go away from a place
pilgrim
A person who travels to a holy place; one on a life journey
weeds
Unwanted plants; here — useless empty words
impart
To give or provide something (information, feeling)
blossom
To bloom; to flourish (flowers or ideas)
feast
A grand celebratory meal
gaudy
Flashy, showy but in poor taste; extravagant
oft
Often (archaic/poetic English word)
hyperbole
A figure of speech — deliberate exaggeration
simile
Comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’
metaphor
Direct comparison without ‘like’ or ‘as’
Poem
Words — by Charles Swain; 6 stanzas, 4 lines each; ABAB rhyme scheme
Central Theme
Empty words are hollow; only sincere, heartfelt words bring true joy and comfort
Key Metaphor
Heart = pilgrim (always seeking) · Fruit = real value that empty words never produce
Key Similes
Words like summer birds (depart) · Words like weeds (useless) · Like gaudy plants (no fruit)
Repetition
‘Words,’ ‘heart,’ ‘satisfy,’ ‘if’ — anaphora to emphasise the theme of the poem
Hyperbole
“The world might hold a feast” — exaggeration showing how rare true satisfaction from words is
Torn Corner Parallel
A few true words > many empty ones — quality over quantity in all communication
Rhyme Scheme
ABAB — alternate rhyming gives the poem musical flow, fitting its theme
Mood of Poem
Thoughtful — the poet reflects deeply on the power and weakness of words
Loneliness Theme
Pilgrim heart · lonely home · hearts often unheard — loneliness runs throughout the poem
🪶 Empty words are like summer birds and weeds — they fly away and leave nothing
💖 Heartfelt words, however few, bring deep joy and lasting comfort
🌱 Words without sincerity are like plants with no fruit — pretty but empty
🤫 Speak less. Speak truly. Words from the heart touch the heart. — Central Theme of “Words” by Charles Swain
💖 Heartfelt words, however few, bring deep joy and lasting comfort
🌱 Words without sincerity are like plants with no fruit — pretty but empty
🤫 Speak less. Speak truly. Words from the heart touch the heart. — Central Theme of “Words” by Charles Swain