Paraphrase of the Poem:
The poem “It Can Be Done” generalises that a person who lacks confidence and a motto is the type of person who remains stagnant in life and is naturally unsuccessful. The poem explains that without hard work and sheer determination, man’s life wouldn’t be as developed as it is now.
The poem suggests that the things that we set our minds to completing can most definitely be done.
The man who misses all the fun wears an expression of solemn pride, remains very aloof, and harshly criticises any kind of new venture.
If he had the power, he would happily erase all the developments made by man and also the history of the human race.
We would then have no radio, no motor cars, no streetlights, no telegraphs, and no telephone. We would still be living in the Stone Age.
The poet says that the world would sleep if things were run by such men who had a negative approach to life, saying, ‘It can’t be done’.
Meanings:
- In solemn pride : Here, it means ‘looking very serious, grand and important’.
- aloof : separately, without getting involved in anything
- venture : adventure, a dangerous or risky task
- reproof : criticism, negative comments
- efface : wipe out, remove
Pointers
1. Answer the following questions in one sentence each.
(a) Who misses all the fun ?
Ans: The man who has a negative approach in trying out new things and says ‘it can’t be done’ is the man who misses all the fun.
(b) What does the title of the poem say ?
Ans: The title of the poem positively suggests that the things that we set our mind to complete can most definitely be done.
(c) What does the man who misses all the fun do ?
Ans: The man who misses all the fun wears an expression of solemn pride, remains away from other people and harshly criticizes any kind of new venture.
(d) Why does he ‘miss all the fun’ ?
Ans: In the poem, this line refers to a person who likes to remain away from other people because of his solemn pride and is never ready to face any obstacle with a positive attitude of overcoming it.
(e) What would he do if he had the power to do it ?
Ans: If he had the power in him, he would happily erase all the developments made by man and also the history of the human race.
(f) What examples of man’s progress have been given in the poem ?
Ans: The examples of man’s progress given in the poem are – radio, motor cars, street lights, telegraph and the telephone.
(g) What should human beings do in order to make progress ?
Ans: Human beings should have a positive outlook towards life which will help them overcome their difficulties and fears, and certainly help them to go ahead in the path of progress.
2. Form groups. List a few articles of everyday use. Discuss how they can be improved.
Ans:
(1) Doorbell: The doorbell that everyone has in their homes can only be clearly heard in one room. In order to improve the doorbell, we can install the doorbell device in the other rooms too.
(2) Mosquito racket: Mosquitoes are the worst nuisance for man. The rackets work pretty well, but it would be better if we had a bigger net to easily capture the sly mosquitoes.
(3) Mobile phones: Even though the mobile phone is owned by almost everyone, its battery life is pretty less, so it would be feasible if the battery life sustains for a longer time.
3. Form pairs. Discuss and prepare a list of things which can be and will be done in future. (5 things) Spot the modal verbs in your answer. (See page 37.)
(a) The Leaning Tower of Pisa may be straightened.
Ans: The modal verb in the above sentence is – may
(b) Cars will be travelling through air rather than by road.
Ans: The modal verb in the above sentence is – will
(c) People might make trips to the moon for a vacation.
Ans: The modal verb in the above sentence is – might
(d) We could have floating homes on water.
Ans: The modal verb in the above sentence is – could
(e) People would be skating or cycling to their place of work.
Ans: The modal verb in the above sentence is – would
4. Complete the following sentences using your ideas :
(a) I can …………………….
Ans: I can succeed.
(b) They can …………………….
Ans: They can overcome their fears.
(c) We can …………………..
Ans: We can conquer the world.