How the Poem Tells Its Story — Class 9 English Chapter 5

A single runner reaching back a hand to a fallen one on the track, the decisive moment

A storytelling poem like this works through sound and image. Use the highlighter to find its devices, then work through the appreciation questions.

✦Find the Devices

The athletes had come from all over the country To run for the gold, for the silver, and bronze. Many weeks and months of training all coming down to these games. The spectators gathered around the old field to cheer on all the young women and men. The final event of the day was approaching; excitement was high to begin. The blocks were all lined up for those who would use them, the hundred-yard dash and the race to be run. These were nine resolved athletes in the back of the starting line poised for the sound of the gun. The signal was given, the pistol exploded, and so did the runners all charging ahead. But the smallest among them, he stumbled and staggered and fell to the asphalt instead. He gave out a cry of frustration and anguish, his dreams and his efforts dashed in the dirt. The eight other runners pulled up on their heels; one by one they all turned round and went back to help him and brought the young boy to his feet. Then all the nine runners joined hands and continued, the hundred-yard dash now reduced to a walk. That's how the race ended, with nine gold medals; they came to the finish line holding hands still. And a standing ovation and nine beaming faces said more than these words ever will.

Tap a device above to highlight every example in the passage.

Imagery, alliteration & tone

NCERT

(i) Give two examples of alliteration. (ii) Give three examples of visual imagery. (iii) Give one example of auditory imagery. (iv) How does the use of imagery make the poem more appealing? (v) How does the poet's tone change from beginning to end?

The turning point & the walk

NCERT

(i) What does 'pulled up on their heels' mean? (ii) Would you consider the runners' choice a turning point? Why? (iii) What does the transformation of the dash into a walk symbolise? (iv) Why were all nine given gold medals?

Logical ReasoningLevel 3 · Analysis

In an ordinary race, the eight runners who stopped would be called losers — they gave up the gold. The poem calls them winners, with nine gold medals. Which definition of 'winning' is right? Can BOTH be true at the same time?

Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.

Quick Check

Q1.'The pistol exploded' is an example of which device?

A storytelling poem like this works through sound and image. Use the highlighter to find its devices, then work through the appreciation questions.

✦Find the Devices

Tap a device above to highlight every example in the passage.

Imagery, alliteration & tone

NCERT

The turning point & the walk

NCERT

Logical ReasoningLevel 3 · Analysis

Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.

Quick Check

Q1.'The pistol exploded' is an example of which device?