Q1. Write a brief note on Casabianca. OR Who was Casabianca? OR Tell us about Casabianca.

Ans. Casabianca, a young and brave soldier, was the son of the battleship’s captain. During a battle, the ship caught fire, and despite his father’s order to stay put until further instructions, Casabianca remained loyal to his duty. He repeatedly sought permission to leave his post to save his life, but his father had already died. Casabianca’s unwavering obedience, loyalty, and discipline ultimately led to his sacrifice without disobeying his father’s command.

Q2. Describe the battleship mentioned in the poem.

Ans. In the context of the poem, which is set in the 19th century, battleships were constructed from wood. Similar to civilian ships, they featured a deck with various components like masts, helms, and pennons. The battleship also had cannonballs strategically positioned for combat.

Q3. Who wrote the poem “Casabianca”? Can you tell us about the poet?

Ans. The poem “Casabianca” was written by Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793-1835). She was a skilled poet known for her emotional depth and memory. Her work often emphasized themes of heroism and moral values. Comparable to Longfellow, she evoked a sense of enthusiasm for chivalrous ideals in her writing.

Q4: How has Felicia Dorothea Hemans been compared to other poets?

Ans. Felicia Dorothea Hemans has been likened to poets like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Cowper. Much like these other poets, she too had a penchant for the emotional and the pathetic, and her works resonated with a strong passion for chivalry, heroism, and moral values.

Q5: What is the poetess implying with the phrase “Lone Post of Death”?

Ans. By using the phrase “Lone Post of Death,” the poetess describes the moment of Casabianca’s demise. It signifies the point when impending death and encroaching flames left him standing steadfast, his heart racing and his hair waving. Despite feeling disheartened, he remained composed, surveying his surroundings with courage.

Q6: Why does the poetess refer to Casabianca as “A Gallant Child”?

Ans. The poetess calls Casabianca “a gallant child” due to his unwavering stance amidst the fire and enemy attacks. His courage never wavered in the face of death and danger. Even though his body suffered, torn apart by death’s force, his spirit retained its bravery and resilience, depicting him as a valiant and courageous soldier.

Q7: What lesson does this poem teach us? OR What message does the poem convey?

Ans. The poem imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of obeying our parents regardless of the circumstances. It underscores the idea that one should be willing to sacrifice their life for the sake of their parents.

OR

Through the story of Casabianca, the poem delivers messages of bravery, sacrifice, responsibility, patriotism, and discipline, emphasizing these virtues to the reader.

Q8: What is the most honorable entity referenced by the poetess in this composition?

Ans. The most honorable entity consumed by the fire on the battleship was the noble heart of Casabianca. The term “noblest” is used because this heart epitomized obedience, discipline, and loyalty.

Q9: Which trait was possessed by the boy in “Casabianca”? OR Comment on how “Casabianca” portrays the authentic spirit of a soldier.

Ans. The boy in “Casabianca” embodied the true essence of a devoted soldier. He exemplified qualities of heroism, loyalty, discipline, obedience, and patriotism. The poem beautifully captures a scene that showcases dutifulness and a sense of responsibility. Casabianca’s unwavering commitment to his post symbolizes his dedication to his country, ultimately leading him to sacrifice his life.

Q10: What prevented Casabianca from leaving the burning deck?

Ans. Casabianca refrained from abandoning the burning deck because he had received an order from his father, who was also the ship’s captain, instructing him not to leave the post without permission. Despite repeatedly seeking his father’s guidance, he was unaware that his father had become unconscious. Casabianca chose to face death rather than disregard his father’s orders, highlighting his unwavering commitment to duty.