13 The Touch of the Master’s Hand Solutions

13 The Touch of the Master’s Hand Solutions

A. Think Quick

Fill in the blanks with words from the poem:

1. I do not like to see food go to ________.

waste

2. The children ran ________ to welcome their mother.

eagerly

3. I wrapped the package in brown paper and tied it with some ________.

string

4. How much is this painting ________?

worth

5. iPhones are not ________ devices.

cheap

6. I was ________ enough to believe what he said.

Foolish

 

B. Write short answers

1. How has the poet described the violin? Answer in two to three sentences.

The poet describes the violin as "old and battered," with its "strings... loose" and the "bow... battered and scarred." It appears worn out and neglected, reflecting its age and lack of care.

2. What price did the auctioneer first decide for the violin?

The auctioneer initially asked for a bid of one dollar, then two dollars, and finally three dollars for the old violin.

3. What did the old man do after he picked up the bow?

After picking up the bow, the old man tightened the loose strings of the violin, wiped the dust from it, and then played a melody that was pure and sweet.

4. What happened to the price of the violin after the old man played it?

Following the old man's performance, the value of the violin increased dramatically, with bids reaching up to three thousand dollars.

5. How has the poet described the people in the crowd?

The poet refers to the crowd as ‘thoughtless’, indicating that they initially underestimated the value of the violin based on its appearance.

6. How did they react after the melody was played?

After hearing the beautiful music, the crowd was deeply moved and astonished, leading them to recognize the true worth of the violin and bid thousands of dollars for it.

C. Think and answer

1. Why did the auctioneer think that the old violin was not worth wasting any time over?

The auctioneer believed the old violin was of little value due to its worn and battered condition, assuming it wouldn't fetch a significant price.

2. What does the poem tell you about the ‘grey-haired man’?

The 'grey-haired man' is portrayed as a skilled and compassionate violinist who recognizes the potential beauty in the neglected instrument. His touch transforms the violin's worth, symbolizing the impact of a master's influence.

3. Why do you think the auctioneer’s voice became quiet and low after the music stopped?

The auctioneer's voice likely became quiet and low out of awe and reverence for the profound transformation he witnessed. The music revealed the true value of the violin, prompting a more respectful and subdued demeanour.

4. What, according to you, changed the price of the violin?

The masterful performance by the old violinist unveiled the instrument's hidden potential and beauty, altering the crowd's perception and significantly increasing its monetary value.

5. Why has the poet compared a man’s life with the old violin?

The poet draws a parallel between the old violin and a person's life to illustrate that, despite outward appearances or past neglect, both possess inherent value and potential. With the right guidance or 'touch,' their true worth can be realized.

6. At the end of the poem, the poet compares the violin touched by the hand of a master musician to that of a sinner who is touched by the hand of God. Do you agree? Give two reasons for your answer.

Yes, I agree with the poet's comparison. Firstly, just as the master's touch transforms the neglected violin into a valuable instrument, divine intervention can redeem and elevate a sinner's life. Secondly, both scenarios highlight the theme of inherent worth and potential, suggesting that with the right influence, anyone or anything can achieve greatness.

D. Reference to context

‘a mess of pottage … hand.’

1. What is the ‘mess of pottage’ that the poetess is referring to?

The 'mess of pottage' refers to trivial or materialistic pursuits and temptations that individuals often prioritize over their true potential or spiritual well-being.

2. Who is he?

'He' refers to a person who, like the old violin, is undervalued and has strayed from their true path, succumbing to life's lesser offerings.

3. What does the poet mean when she says ‘he travels on’?

The phrase 'he travels on' suggests that the individual continues through life, possibly aimlessly or without recognizing their true worth and purpose.

4. Where is he traveling to?

He is metaphorically traveling through life's journey, potentially heading towards a path of continued neglect and undervaluation.

5. What does the poet mean by ‘almost gone’?

'Almost gone' implies that the individual's potential and true self are nearly lost or wasted due to a lack of recognition and proper guidance.

6. What happens next that marks a turning point in the traveler’s journey?

The turning point occurs when the 'Master' intervenes, touching the individual's life, which leads to a profound transformation and realization of their true worth.

7. Who is the ‘Master’ referred to here and what is the change that’s ‘wrought’?

The 'Master' symbolizes a divine presence or enlightened being, such as God or a spiritual guide, whose influence brings about a significant positive change, revealing the individual's inherent value and potential.