ABOU BEN ADHEM

-LEIGH HUNT
Extract Based Questions
Extract I

Abou Ben Adhem(May his tribe increase)

Awoke on enight from a deep dream of peace.

And saw within the moonlight in his room

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom

An angel writing in a book og gold

1. What kind of a person was Abou Ben Adhem?

2. Explain: 'May his tribe increase'?
3. What did Abou discover in his room?
4. Which poetic device is used in the fourth line here? What is its significance in the context?
5. How did Abou react on knowing that his name was not amongst those who love God? Was he
depressed or disappointed?

Extract II

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so"

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low

But cheerly still, "I pray thee, then

Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

1. What did Abou find the angel doing in his room?

2. What request did Abou make the angel?
3. Did the angel's answer depress Abou? How did he conduct himself?
4. What was the angel writing?
5. What surprises Abou the next night? What message has the poet conveyed to all of us?

Extract III

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the presence in the room he said.

"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head

And with a look made of all sweet accord

Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord"

 1. In whose presence did Abou become bold? What made him bold?
2. Describe the angel? How did he look at Abou?
3. What was he writing in his book of gold?
4. What did he want to know?
5. What made Abou pray to the angel to include his name among those who love their fellow
men?

Analytical Questions
1. Why was Abou not afraid?
2. Did the angel appear again?
3. Mention two other words used by the poet to refer to the angel?
4. What kind of a person was Abou Ben Adhem?
5. Which poetic devices is used in the line: 'Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom.'?
6. Describe the angel?
7. What does the book of gold symbolize?
8. What surprises Abou the next night? What meaasge has the poet conveyed to all of us?

Reflective Questions
1. What lesson did you learn from the poem?
2. What does the poem "Abou Ben Adhem" convey?
3. Write a short note on Abou bin Adhem?
4. Explain briefly how Abou Ben Adhem demonstrated his love for god?
5. What is the message of the poem?