Class 10 - English - Chapter 9

A Nation's Strength

Central Idea:

Reference

Ralph Waldo Emerson is the writer of this beautiful poem. His philosophy is everlasting, because it arose from a desire to make all things new, to seize life freshly.

Central Idea

The vigorous growth of any nation does not depend on wealth. But majority the result of hard work, high moral character and virtues of great people. A nation's strength is a fruit of which labour is seed.

Theme

The heights by great men reached and kept were nor attained by sudden light, But they, while their companions left, were toiling upward in the night.

 (Henry Longfellow)

"people do not lack strength they lack will."

Character:

Character means moral qualities which constitute personal or national individuality. A nation's strength rest upon the character of its people. Men of character achieve greatness for their nation through sacrifices and hones deeds. They build their nation on foundation of lasting virtue. So character is a parameter which can be used to measure the depth of a man's personality. "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When Character is lost, everything is lost.

Idioms:

1. With Heart and Soul

Meaning All one's energies and interest.

Sentence:

1.That teacher is very popular because she works with heart and soul.

2. We should love our country with heart and soul.