Chapter 9 – The North Ship Extra Questions and Answers

Content structure

  • A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)
  • B. Fill in the blanks
  • C. True or False
  • D. Short questions & answers
  • E. Long questions & answers
  • F. Grammar
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A. Multiple choice questions & answers (MCQs)

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1. How many ships did the poet see sailing?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four

Ans: (c) Three

2. When did the wind rise in the poem?
(a) In the evening
(b) In the morning
(c) At night
(d) At noon

Ans: (b) In the morning

3. One ship was specially rigged for a _____.
(a) Short trip
(b) Long journey
(c) Safe return
(d) Rich country

Ans: (b) Long journey

4. Which direction did the first ship take?
(a) North
(b) South
(c) East
(d) West

Ans: (d) West

5. The sea in the second stanza is described as _____.
(a) Lifting sea
(b) Darkening sea
(c) Running sea
(d) Calm sea

Ans: (c) Running sea

6. What carried the first ship to a rich country?
(a) Its anchor
(b) The sea
(c) The wind
(d) The star

Ans: (c) The wind

7. Which direction did the second ship go?
(a) North
(b) West
(c) East
(d) South

Ans: (c) East

8. The sea in the third stanza is called _____.
(a) Quaking sea
(b) Running sea
(c) Proud sea
(d) Calm sea

Ans: (a) Quaking sea

9. How is the wind described in the third stanza?
(a) Gentle
(b) Strong and helpful
(c) Hunted like a beast
(d) Silent

Ans: (c) Hunted like a beast

10. Which direction did the third ship sail?
(a) East
(b) West
(c) North
(d) South

Ans: (c) North

11. How is the sea described in the fourth stanza?
(a) Darkening sea
(b) Running sea
(c) Calm sea
(d) Quaking sea

Ans: (a) Darkening sea

12. How did the decks of the third ship look?
(a) Golden
(b) Wet
(c) Shone frostily
(d) Bright and warm

Ans: (c) Shone frostily

13. How is the northern sea described?
(a) Proud but unfruitful
(b) Calm and gentle
(c) Rich and lively
(d) Friendly and warm

Ans: (a) Proud but unfruitful

14. What type of sea did the third ship sail into finally?
(a) Unforgiving sea
(b) Rich sea
(c) Quaking sea
(d) Calm sea

Ans: (a) Unforgiving sea

15. What shone above the third ship?
(a) The sun
(b) A moon
(c) A fire-spilling star
(d) A rainbow

Ans: (c) A fire-spilling star

16. What does the “fire-spilling star” suggest?
(a) Luck
(b) Danger or fate
(c) Calmness
(d) Happiness

Ans: (b) Danger or fate

17. Which ship faced frost and cold conditions?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) All

Ans: (c) Third

18. Which ship faced imprisonment or captivity?
(a) First
(b) Second
(c) Third
(d) None

Ans: (b) Second

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B. Fill in the blanks

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1. The poet saw _____ ships go sailing by. (Three)
2. The ships were sailing over the _____ sea. (Lifting)
3. One ship was _____ for a long journey. (Rigged)
4. The first ship turned towards the _____. (West)
5. The sea in the third stanza is described as the _____ sea. (Quaking)
6. The second ship anchored in _____. (Captivity)
7. The third ship drove towards the _____. (North)
8. The sea in the fourth stanza is called the _____ sea. (Darkening)
9. The decks of the third ship shone _____. (Frostily)
10. The northern sky rose high and _____. (Black)
11. The northern sea is described as proud but _____. (Unfruitful)
12. The ships from the east and west came back _____ or unhappily. (Happily)
13. The third ship sailed into an _____ sea. (Unforgiving)
14.  A _____ – spilling star shone above the third ship. (Fire)
15. The second ship was _____ by the wind like a prey. (Hunted)
16. The third ship faced a journey without any _____ of wind. (Breath)
17. The _____ of the ship shone frostily in the cold. (Decks)
18. The sea of the north was proud but gave no _____. (Fruit)

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C. True or false

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1. The speaker saw three ships sailing by. (True)
S/S: The poem begins with “I saw three ships go sailing by.”

2. The wind rose in the evening sky. (False)
S/S: It clearly says, “the wind rose in the morning sky.”

3. The first ship turned towards the east. (False)
S/S: The first ship turned towards the west.

4. The wind carried the first ship to a rich country. (True)
S/S: The poem says it was “carried to a rich country.”

5. The second ship turned towards the west. (False)
S/S: The second ship turned towards the east.

6. The wind helped the second ship gently. (False)
S/S: The wind “hunted it like a beast,” which means it was harsh.

7. The second ship anchored freely in a safe harbor. (False)
S/S: The poem says it anchored “in captivity,” not freely.

8. The sea for the third ship is called “darkening sea.” (True)
S/S: It is described as “the darkening sea.”

9. The third ship had plenty of wind to move forward. (False)
S/S: It says, “no breath of wind came forth.”

10. The decks of the third ship shone frostily. (True)
S/S: The poem says, “the decks shone frostily.”

11. The northern sky was bright and cheerful. (False)
S/S: It was described as “high and black.”

12. The sea is called “unfruitful” in the northern direction. (True)
S/S: The poem mentions the “proud unfruitful sea.”

13. The third ship sailed under a fire-spilling star. (True)
S/S: The poem mentions, “Under a fire-spilling star.”

14. The third ship’s journey was peaceful and easy. (False)
S/S: It was difficult and unforgiving.

15. The fire-spilling star guided the third ship. (True)
S/S: The star is mentioned above the third ship’s journey.

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E. Short questions and answers

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1. What does the poet describe at the beginning of the poem?
Ans: At the beginning, the poet tells us about three ships sailing on the “lifting sea.” The wind rose in the morning sky, making the sea move strongly, and one of the ships was prepared carefully for a long and difficult journey.

2. What does the poet mean by the ship being “rigged for a long journey”?
Ans: “Rigged for a long journey” means the ship was made ready for travel with everything it needed for a big trip. The poet shows that the ship was prepared to sail far across the sea.

3. Which direction did the first ship sail, and what happened to it?
Ans: The first ship sailed towards the west, across the “running sea.” The strong wind carried it forward and guided it to a rich country. Its journey ended with success and wealth, while the other two ships had different endings.

4. Why is the sea called the “running sea” in the second stanza?
Ans: The sea is called the “running sea” because its waves looked like they moved quickly and without stopping. This shows an image of a lively, quick-moving sea that pushed the first ship strongly towards the west and a rich land.

5. What role does the wind play in the first ship’s journey?
Ans: In the first ship’s journey, the wind was like a powerful guide. It took full control of the ship’s movement and carried it forward strongly because of this, the ship was led safely to a rich land.

6. Why is the sea called the “quaking sea” for the second ship?
Ans: The sea is called the “quaking sea” because it was shaky, like it was moving all the time. The waves moved in a trouble way, which made the ship’s journey hard. This shows the sea was not calm but full of danger.

7. How is the wind described in the second ship’s journey?
Ans: The wind is described as hunting the second ship “like a beast.” This means the wind was wild and cruel, chasing the ship without mercy. It did not guide softly but attacked, and the ship was kept like a prisoner.

8. What does “anchor in captivity” mean in the poem?
Ans: “Anchor in captivity” means the second ship was trapped when it stopped. It could not move freely but had to stay in one place. This shows the ship lost its freedom and was trapped.

9. Why is the sea called the “darkening sea” in the third ship’s journey?
Ans: The sea is called “darkening” because it looked gloomy and unfriendly. It was turning dark and cold, showing the ship’s hard journey. This darkness made the sea look sad and empty.

10. What challenge did the third ship face with the wind?
Ans: The third ship had a big problem because there was no wind to move it forward. Ships need wind to sail, so without it the ship could not move easily. This made the journey slow, hard, and unclear.

11. How are the decks of the third ship described?
Ans: The decks of the third ship are described as shining “frostily.” This shows extreme cold, emptiness, and loneliness. It paints a picture of a lifeless and frozen ship, adding to the sense of suffering and hopelessness in its northern journey.

12. How is the northern sky described in the poem?
Ans: The northern sky is described as “high and black.” This image creates a sense of darkness, danger, and hopelessness. The high, black sky looked threatening, making the northern sea seem unfriendly, proud, and unfruitful for the third ship.

13. What does “proud unfruitful sea” mean in the poem?
Ans: “Proud unfruitful sea” means the northern sea looked big and grand but gave nothing useful. It was empty and gave no reward. This shows a hard place where work brings nothing, while the seas of the other ships gave something.

14. What does “unforgiving sea” mean in the third ship’s story?
Ans: “Unforgiving sea” means the third ship sailed into a harsh, merciless sea. This sea gave no comfort, no reward, and no escape. It shows a journey full of struggles, danger, and suffering, without the hope of returning safely again.

15. What guided the third ship during its endless journey?
Ans: The third ship was guided by a “fire-spilling star.” This image suggests danger and destruction. The star was not comforting but frightening, leading the ship into darkness and harsh conditions. It highlights the suffering and difficulty of this endless journey.

16. What differences are shown in the three ships’ journeys?
Ans: The three ships faced very different fates. The first found wealth, the second was trapped in captivity, and the third faced a long, hopeless struggle. These differences show how life’s journeys can end in happiness, sadness, or endless suffering.

17. How does the poem use directions like west, east, and north?
Ans: The poem uses directions symbolically. The west leads to wealth, the east to captivity, and the north to hopeless struggle. These directions show how every path in life carries its own fate, with different rewards and challenges.

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E. Long questions and answers

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1. How does the poet describe the beginning of the poem and the scene of the three ships?
Ans: The poem begins with the speaker watching three ships sailing across the “lifting sea.” The wind rises in the morning sky, making the sea lively and moving. Among these ships, one is described as being “rigged for a long journey,” meaning it was fully prepared with sails, ropes, and strength for a distant voyage. The opening scene sets the tone of adventure and uncertainty, showing that each ship has a different destiny waiting in different directions of the vast sea.

2. Why is the first ship’s sea called the “running sea,” and what image does it create?
Ans: The first ship sails across the “running sea,” a phrase that creates the image of quick, restless, and energetic waves. The sea seems alive, moving speedily under the effect of the strong wind. This description adds to the idea that the ship was pushed forward forcefully and quickly towards its destination. The running sea suggests energy, momentum, and progress. It makes the first ship’s westward journey appear smooth and successful, ending in a rich land. It contrasts sharply with the difficulties faced by the other two ships.

3. How is the second ship’s journey described, and what difficulties does it face?
Ans: The second ship turns eastward, sailing over the “quaking sea.” The word “quaking” suggests trembling and instability, showing that the waters were rough and dangerous. The wind did not help but instead “hunted it like a beast,” chasing and attacking it with cruelty. Finally, the ship had no freedom but anchored “in captivity.” This shows that the second ship’s journey was filled with struggle, harsh treatment by nature, and finally imprisonment. The eastward journey symbolizes misfortune and loss of freedom, contrasting with the richness of the first ship’s fate.

4. How is the third ship’s northern journey different from the first and second ships?
Ans: The third ship’s northern journey is filled with silence, cold, and hopelessness. Unlike the other two, it had no breath of wind to move it forward. Its decks shone “frostily,” showing freezing conditions. The northern sky was “high and black,” and the sea was called “proud and unfruitful.” While the first ship found wealth and the second captivity, the third ship entered an “unforgiving sea” under a “fire-spilling star.” It was rigged for an endless and harsh journey, symbolizing suffering that never finds rest or reward.

5. How does the poet describe the northern sea, and what mood does it create?
Ans: The northern sea is described as “darkening” and “proud unfruitful.” These words create a mood of hopelessness, emptiness, and lifelessness. The sea may look vast and grand, but it gives nothing in return. Instead of wealth or freedom, it offers only coldness and struggle. The sky above is “high and black,” adding to the sense of danger and despair. This description makes the northern journey of the third ship very different. It represents a fate where no success or comfort is found, only endless suffering.

6. What does the phrase “decks shone frostily” suggest about the third ship?
Ans: The phrase “decks shone frostily” shows the harsh coldness faced by the third ship. Frost on the decks symbolizes freezing weather, loneliness, and lifeless conditions. It suggests that the ship was not surrounded by warmth or hope but only by cold emptiness. The frozen image reflects the dark fate of the third ship, which never returned like the others. This description also adds to the idea that the northern journey was not just physically hard but also symbolized a hopeless and unending struggle in life.

7. What happened to the first and second ships at the end of their journeys?
Ans: The first and second ships returned after their journeys. The first came back happily after reaching a rich country, symbolizing success and prosperity. The second, however, returned unhappily, having been trapped in captivity. The poet summarizes their fate with the line, “Happily or unhappily.” This shows that some journeys may end with joy, while others may bring sadness. Their return highlights the uncertain nature of life, where different travelers can have very different results, depending on direction, luck, and the forces of nature.

8. What is the meaning of “unforgiving sea” in the third ship’s story?
Ans: The “unforgiving sea” refers to the harsh and merciless nature of the northern waters. Unlike the rich or captive lands of the other ships, this sea offers nothing—no reward, no safety, and no relief. It is cruel and punishing, refusing to give comfort. The third ship, sailing into this sea, symbolizes endless struggle and pain. The sea is a place where human effort or hope does not succeed, making the journey one of suffering. It reflects the darkest, most hopeless outcome among the three ships.

9. What lesson or message does the poem give about life’s journeys?
Ans: The poem teaches that life’s journeys are uncertain and can have very different outcomes. One may succeed and reach riches, another may lose freedom, while yet another may struggle endlessly without peace. The three ships symbolize different destinies, shaped by directions, winds, and seas. Nature is powerful and unpredictable, showing that human efforts alone cannot control fate. The poem reflects on life’s unpredictability, where happiness, sadness, or suffering may come without warning. It reminds us that journeys are never the same for everyone, and outcomes depend on destiny.

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F. Grammar

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1. One was rigged for a long journey. (Change into interrogative)
Ans: Was one rigged for a long journey?

2. The first ship turned towards the west. (Rewrite in future tense)
Ans: The first ship will turn towards the west.

3. The decks shone frostily. (Pick out the noun)
Ans: Decks is the noun.

4. The northern sky rose high and black. (Change into comparative degree)
Ans: The northern sky rose higher and blacker.

5. The poet said, “One was rigged for a long journey.” (Change into indirect speech)
Ans: The poet said that one was rigged for a long journey.

6. The first ship turned towards the west. (Identify the tense)
Ans: It is in simple past tense.

7. The ships came back happily or unhappily. (Write in continuous tense)
Ans: The ships were coming back happily or unhappily.

8. The wind hunted it like a beast. (Change into past continuous tense)
Ans: The wind was hunting it like a beast.

9. The wind hunted it like a beast. (Change into simple sentence)
Ans: The beast-like wind hunted it.

10. The third ship drove towards the north. (Change into negative)
Ans: The third ship did not drive towards the north.

11. It was rigged for _____________ long journey. (Fill in with correct article)
Ans: It was rigged for a long journey.

12. The third went wide and far _____________ an unforgiving sea. (Fill in with correct preposition)
Ans: The third went wide and far into an unforgiving sea.

13. Use captivity in your own sentence.
Ans: The bird was kept in captivity inside the cage.

14. The proud unfruitful sea. (Identify the adjective)
Ans: Proud and unfruitful are adjectives.

15. The wind hunted it like a beast. (Change into past perfect tense)
Ans: The wind had hunted it like a beast.

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