Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Comprehension - (Poetry / Literary)

Question:

Read the following poem. Answer the question that follow:

At the Museum

But in 2500 B.C. Harappa,
who cast in bronze a servant girl?
No one keeps records
of soldiers and slaves,
The sculptor knew this,
polishing the ache
off her fingers stiff
from washing the walls
and scrubbing the floors,
from stirring the meat
and the crushed asafoetida
in the bitter gourd.
But I'm grateful she smiled
at the sculptor,
as she smiles at me
in bronze,
a child who had to play women
to her lord
when the warm June rains
came to Harappa.

What does the poet suggest when they say that the records of soldiers and slaves are not kept?

A. They do not play a significant role in history
B. Their sculptures are destroyed
C. Common people were not considered worthy of being part of history
D. History is about Kings and Queens

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Options:

A only

D only

A and D only

C and D only

Correct Answer:

C and D only

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → C and D only

The poet suggests that Common people were not considered worthy of being part of history (C) and that history is about Kings and Queens (D). The fact that no records are kept of soldiers and slaves, who are considered common people, implies that their contributions and lives are not deemed significant enough to be documented in history. This reinforces the traditional view of history as a narrative of kings, queens, and other powerful figures, neglecting the experiences of ordinary people.

A. They do not play a significant role in history: This is incorrect. While it's true that history books often focus on major events and powerful figures, this doesn't mean that the lives of ordinary people are insignificant. The poet's emphasis on the servant girl highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their social status.

B. Their sculptures are destroyed: This is irrelevant to the poem. The servant girl's sculpture exists and is admired by the poet.