Ode on Solitude
Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres
bound,
Content to breathe his native air,
In his own ground.
Whose herds with milk, whose fields
with bread,
Whose flocks supply
him with attire,
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
In winter fire.
Blest, who can unconcernedly find
Hours, days, and
years slide soft away,
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Sound sleep by night; study and ease,
Together mixed;
sweet recreation;
And innocence, which most does please,
With meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let
me die;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lie.
1. What things does a happy man have?
A happy man has a few paternal acres of land, herds that give milk, fields that
provide bread, flocks that give him clothing, trees for shade in summer, and
firewood in winter.
2. How does he pass his time?
He passes his time in health and peace, enjoying quiet days and sound sleep at
night. He engages in study, sweet recreation, meditation, and lives a life of
innocence.
3. How does he wish to die?
He wishes to die unseen and unknown, without lament or mourning, quietly
slipping away from the world without even a stone to mark where he lies.
4. How do you think you can be happy
in life?
(Hint: This is a personal reflection question, so here's a sample answer.)
I think I can be happy in life by living simply, staying connected to nature,
finding peace of mind, maintaining good health, and spending time with loved
ones while doing meaningful activities that bring me joy and inner peace.
More questions:
1) Who is described as truly happy in the poem?
A man who is self-sufficient, lives simply on his ancestral land, and is
content with a peaceful life is described as truly happy.
2) What kind of life does the poet admire?
The poet admires a quiet, rural life filled with peace, simplicity, and natural
beauty.
3) What role does nature play in the man’s happiness?
Nature provides him with everything—food, clothing, shelter, and comfort. It
supports his simple and fulfilling lifestyle.
4) What does the poet mean by "In health of body, peace
of mind"?
He means that true happiness comes from being physically healthy and mentally
at peace, free from worries.
5) What kind of daily routine is appreciated in the poem?
A routine that includes quiet days, sound sleep, study, rest, and recreation is
appreciated.
6) How does the poet value solitude?
The poet sees solitude as a blessing, allowing for peace, reflection, and a
pure, undisturbed life.
7) What does “steal from the world” imply in the poem?
It implies a desire to leave the world quietly, without drawing attention, and
without being mourned or remembered with a grave marker.
8) What is the poet’s attitude toward fame and recognition?
The poet rejects fame and recognition, preferring to live and die in peaceful
obscurity.
9) What values are emphasized in the poem?
Contentment, simplicity, independence, peace, health, and spiritual reflection
are emphasized.
10) What message does Alexander Pope convey through this
poem?
He conveys that true happiness lies not in wealth or fame, but in a peaceful,
modest life close to nature, with time for self-reflection and inner peace.
11) Why does the man in the poem not need wealth or luxury?
Because he is content with what he has—his land provides him with all the
necessities of life, and he values peace and simplicity over material wealth.
12) What does the phrase “quiet by day, sound sleep by night”
suggest?
It suggests a life free from stress or disturbance, where the man enjoys calm
days and restful, undisturbed nights.
13) What are the benefits of living an unnoticed life,
according to the poet?
Living unnoticed allows one to enjoy peace, avoid worldly troubles, and live
and die without burdens or expectations from society.
14) How does the poet describe the passage of time in a happy
man’s life?
The poet says that “hours, days and years slide soft away,” meaning time passes
gently and peacefully for a contented man.
15) What does the poet consider the most pleasing trait in a
person?
The poet considers innocence to be the most pleasing trait, as it brings
inner peace and aligns with a meditative, quiet life.
16) What kind of end does the poet wish for himself?
He wishes for a quiet, unnoticed death—“unlamented”—with no gravestone to mark
his resting place, reflecting his desire for a simple and humble life and
death.