[⚖️ DEATH THE LEVELLER – Paragraph Questions and Answers
✍️ James Shirley
Class XI English | Unit 2 – Words and Deeds
👑 1. Why does the poet say that the glories of “blood and state” are only shadows?
The poet says that high birth, social status, wealth and power are temporary. They may appear glorious during our lifetime, but they cannot protect anyone from death. Kings and ordinary people ultimately meet the same fate. Therefore, worldly glory is only a shadow and not a permanent reality.
⚔️ 2. Explain the idea, “There is no armour against Fate.”
The expression means that no one can escape death. Armour may protect a soldier in battle, but nothing can protect a human being from fate. Even kings with their crowns and sceptres must finally surrender to death. Thus, death is presented as an unavoidable force that conquers everyone equally.
👑 3. What do “Sceptre and Crown” and “scythe and spade” symbolize?
“Sceptre and Crown” symbolize kings, royalty and political power, while “scythe and spade” represent ordinary working people. The poet says that death makes them equal. Social position, wealth and authority have no importance before death. This idea highlights death as the great leveller of human beings.
🗡️ 4. What happens to brave warriors and conquerors in the end?
Warriors may win battles, defeat their enemies and earn fresh laurels of victory. However, their strength cannot save them forever. Early or late, they too must surrender to fate and give up their “murmuring breath.” Even the conqueror finally becomes a captive of death. Thus, military glory and physical strength are temporary.
🌸 5. What survives after death according to James Shirley?
According to the poet, worldly glory, power and achievements eventually disappear. The garlands of victory wither, and both victor and victim finally return to the dust. However, good and just actions survive death. The poet beautifully says that the actions of the just “smell sweet and blossom in their dust.” Thus, good deeds create a lasting memory even after a person dies. ]
✍️ James Shirley
Class XI English | Unit 2 – Words and Deeds
👑 1. Why does the poet say that the glories of “blood and state” are only shadows?
The poet says that high birth, social status, wealth and power are temporary. They may appear glorious during our lifetime, but they cannot protect anyone from death. Kings and ordinary people ultimately meet the same fate. Therefore, worldly glory is only a shadow and not a permanent reality.
⚔️ 2. Explain the idea, “There is no armour against Fate.”
The expression means that no one can escape death. Armour may protect a soldier in battle, but nothing can protect a human being from fate. Even kings with their crowns and sceptres must finally surrender to death. Thus, death is presented as an unavoidable force that conquers everyone equally.
👑 3. What do “Sceptre and Crown” and “scythe and spade” symbolize?
“Sceptre and Crown” symbolize kings, royalty and political power, while “scythe and spade” represent ordinary working people. The poet says that death makes them equal. Social position, wealth and authority have no importance before death. This idea highlights death as the great leveller of human beings.
🗡️ 4. What happens to brave warriors and conquerors in the end?
Warriors may win battles, defeat their enemies and earn fresh laurels of victory. However, their strength cannot save them forever. Early or late, they too must surrender to fate and give up their “murmuring breath.” Even the conqueror finally becomes a captive of death. Thus, military glory and physical strength are temporary.
🌸 5. What survives after death according to James Shirley?
According to the poet, worldly glory, power and achievements eventually disappear. The garlands of victory wither, and both victor and victim finally return to the dust. However, good and just actions survive death. The poet beautifully says that the actions of the just “smell sweet and blossom in their dust.” Thus, good deeds create a lasting memory even after a person dies. ]