NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 1 The Road Not Taken help students understand the poem’s central theme of choices and decision-making in life. This chapter highlights how every decision we make shapes our future and emphasizes the importance of choosing our own path.
Prepared according to the latest CBSE Class 9 English syllabus, these solutions provide clear and concise explanations to help students understand meanings, themes, and interpretations of the poem. Regular study of this chapter improves comprehension skills and helps students answer literature-based questions confidently in exams.
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 1 The Road Not Taken
Q.
Where does the traveller find himself? What problem does he face?
Q.
Discuss what these phrases mean to you.
(i) a yellow wood
(ii) it was grassy and wanted wear
(iii) the passing there
(iv) leaves no step had trodden black
(v) how way leads on to way
Q.
Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
(i) in stanzas two and three?
(ii) in the last two lines of the poem?
Q.
What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?
Q.
Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?
Q.
After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been, or do you accept the reality?
NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 1 The Road Not Taken
I. Thinking about the poem
1. Where does the traveler find himself? What problem does he face?
Ans: The traveler finds himself standing at the fork of the road in a yellow wood. He needs to decide which road to choose, and he stands at the fork analyzing his dilemma.
2. Discuss what these phrases mean to you:
i. a yellow wood
Ans: Yellowwood symbolizes the autumn season in the forest. Autumn represents the shedding of the old and the dead leaves on the tree withers away. It also refers to the old age in human life where he loses all his physical abilities, preparing to ascend to the next stage.
ii. it was grassy and wanted wear
Ans: It conveys that the road was full of undisturbed vegetation because it was a less traveled one. The poet personifies the road by saying ‘wanted wear.’ It could imply the road wanted to be explored or traveled by visitors, which it was not.
iii. the passing there
Ans: The phrase is used to address the other path that is frequently traveled by the visitors. He addressed the road as secondary as he was keener to explore the road with outgrown vegetation.
iv. leaves no step had trodden black
Ans: The poet uses the phrase to describe the untouched state of the path. After walking over the leaves their edges turn black which was not the case here. He went on a walk early in the morning, and one had walked on either of the roads, and leaves from the trees lay fresh on them.
v. how way leads on to way
Ans: The phrase tells us about the poet's desire to try both the roads and see the destination. But he soon realizes how one way will lead to another until one is extremely far from where they started. All the decisions in life pave the way for a new one and help us create our life journey, unique for everyone.
3. Is there any difference between the two roads as the poet describes them
i. in stanzas two and three?
Ans: In stanza two, the poet explained the physical difference in the roads. One road was frequently traveled by and had a clear path with less vegetation while the other path was covered with vegetation, was not stepped on, and was used often.
In stanza three, the poet concludes that in the morning since no one had stepped on either of the roads and they were covered with fallen autumn leaves both roads were untravelled.
ii. in the last two lines of the poem?
Ans: For the poet, in the last line, the difference arose from the fact that he chose the road that was less traveled, and it would embark him on a different journey, different from the one he would have if he chose the first road. It was not the difference in the physical appearance but the destination that it would end at.
4. What do you think the last two lines of the poem mean? (Looking back, does the poet regret his choice or accept it?)
Ans: The last two lines of the poem show the poet's acceptance of reality and his being accountable for his decision. The poet made a daring choice and took the path that was challenging. He took an unexplored path in his life since wanted to do something different. Years ahead in his life, he is not disappointed by his decision.
For a common person, the phrase reflects the everyday dilemma one must face when presented with choices. No matter how far they take him in life, one should not regret not taking the other path and wondering if life could have been better than what it is.
II. Thinking about the poem
1. Have you ever had to make a difficult choice (or do you think you will have difficult choices to make)? How will you make the choice (for what reasons)?
Ans: No, till now I have never been presented with such a situation. There are various minor instances in our life too that present us with a choice and decisions are to be made. In such instances, we should be guided by our hearts and make the best possible decision.
In my case after completing my general education, I will have to decide upon the profession I wish to continue. I will have multiple options before me. I will try to choose a path that gives me satisfaction and mental peace. Like the poet in the poem, I would love to choose a challenging and unexplored path in my life.
2. After you have made a choice do you always think about what might have been or do you accept the reality?
Ans: I always believe in taking time and thinking about all the possible consequences before planning. Some decisions can change our life forever and hence we should go with what our heart desires. We should not try our best to not do things and take actions to satisfy others. We should give preference to our desires and wishes and work hard for them. Therefore; I believe in sticking to my decisions and being accountable for them.
FAQs – Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 1 The Road Not Taken
Q1. What is the central theme of the poem?
The poem highlights the importance of choices in life and how decisions shape our future.
Q2. Why did the poet choose the less traveled road?
The poet chose the less traveled road to explore a different and unique path in life.
Q3. What does “a yellow wood” symbolize?
It symbolizes autumn, representing change, maturity, and different stages of life.
Q4. What lesson do we learn from the poem?
We learn to make decisions confidently and accept them without regret.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
This chapter includes interpretation-based questions and helps develop analytical thinking skills.