Bihar Board Class 10th - English Poetry - Chapter 7: The Sleeping Porter NCERT Book
"The Sleeping Porter" is a poem that presents an interesting and reflective observation of a porter at a railway station. Through the portrayal of his peaceful sleep amidst the busy surroundings, the poem explores themes of escape, rest, and the contrast between the busy world and the calm of solitude.
Key Points:
The Busy Environment
- The poem is set at a railway station, a place of constant movement, noise, and activity.
- The hustle and bustle of passengers, trains, and commotion contrast with the stillness of the sleeping porter.
The Porter’s Sleep
- The porter is described as sleeping soundly, undisturbed by the chaos around him.
- His sleep represents a kind of escape from the demands and pressures of the busy world, offering a temporary refuge from the noise and stress.
Contrast Between Work and Rest
- The poem contrasts the porter’s peaceful sleep with the hard work he does during his waking hours.
- While others are constantly on the move, the porter finds solace in rest, perhaps symbolizing the importance of taking a break or finding moments of peace amidst chaos.
Symbolism of Sleep
- The porter’s sleep can be seen as a metaphor for rest and rejuvenation, suggesting that even in the busiest of environments, moments of stillness are vital for well-being.
- It also serves as a commentary on the value of sleep and the need for rest in a world that constantly demands more.
Reflection on Life’s Pace
- The poem may suggest that, like the porter, people often need to take a step back from the busyness of life, to find peace and to rejuvenate themselves.
- It highlights how rest is necessary to cope with the demands of daily life.
Conclusion:
"The Sleeping Porter" presents a thought-provoking contrast between the noise of the world and the peacefulness of sleep. The poem reflects on the need for rest and the importance of finding moments of stillness amidst life's chaos.
