10 Questions
Why did the Abbot place a bell on the Inchcape Rock?
To alert sailors about the rock during rough sea conditions
What was the condition of Inchcape Rock during high tide?
Covered by the sea
Why was the Inchcape Rock considered dangerous?
It was covered by water during high tide
What event triggered the ringing of the Inchcape bell?
Storms or rough seas
Why did mariners bless the Abbot for placing the bell?
Because he prevented shipwrecks during storms
How does the poet express the cheering power of spring in the text?
By describing bright sun, singing birds, and joy in their sounds
What effect did 'the cheering power of spring' have on Ralph?
Made him whistle, sing, and filled his heart with great delight
Why did the mariners exclaim 'Oh Christ! It is the Inchcape Rock'?
In realization of the dangerous Inchcape Rock and the imminent threat it posed
What led Ralph to curse himself according to the text?
Realizing his act of cutting the bell was the cause of his own impending doom
'The Devil below was ringing his knell.' What does this expression mean in the text?
Symbolizes the impending death of Ralph the Rover
Study Notes
The Inchcape Rock
- The Inchcape Rock was a few inches high above the sea surface in low tide and completely covered by the sea in high tide or rough weather.
- The rock was dangerous because it was visible during sunny days but hidden during high tide or rough weather, causing many ships to wreck.
- The Abbot placed a bell on the Inchcape Rock to warn sailors of the rock's presence.
The Bell and the Abbot
- The Inchcape bell rang during storms or when the sea swelled.
- Mariners blessed the Abbot because the bell saved many ships from wrecking during storms.
Ralph and the Bell
- Ralph came across the Inchcape Bell by walking his deck during spring when the sea was calm.
- The "cheering power of spring" made Ralph whistle and sing, filling his heart with great delight.
- Ralph was a wicked person who cut the bell to prevent sailors from blessing the Abbot.
- He committed this wicked act because he didn't want sailors to bless the Abbot.
Ralph's Consequences
- Ralph became rich by plundering ships that met with wrecks.
- A ship lost its way in the sea while heading towards Scotland due to a dense fog and strong gale.
- The mariners exclaimed "Oh Christ! it is the Inchcape Rock" when they realized they were near the deadly rock.
- Sir Ralph cursed himself when he realized his act of cutting the bell led to the sinking of his own ship.
- The expression "The Devil below was ringing his knell" means the death of Ralph, symbolizing the sound of the Inchcape bell as a warning of his demise.
Test your knowledge on 'The Inchcape Rock' with this quiz containing questions and answers on the analysis by Priyabrata Mishra. Explore the poet's description of the Inchcape rock and enhance your understanding of UNIT-1.
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