No Men are Foreign Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 Summary is available here. This summary is created by the subject experts of CBSE Wale. The poem is included in the Beehive reader book, which is the main English textbook for CBSE Class 9 students. By reading this summary, students can better understand the poem and improve their English language skills.
No Men are Foreign Class 9 English Beehive Poem 6 Summary
No Men are Foreign Short Summary
The poem “No Men Are Foreign” is about how we should all treat each other like brothers and sisters, no matter where we come from or what language we speak. The poet believes that everyone is equal and shares the same basic needs. We all eat, breathe, live and die the same way. The poem encourages us to live in peace and unity, and not to fight or hate each other.
No Men are Foreign Short Summary In Hindi
“No Men Are Foreign” कविता इस बारे में है कि हम सभी को एक-दूसरे को भाइयों और बहनों की तरह कैसे व्यवहार करना चाहिए, चाहे हम कहीं से भी आए हों या हम कोई भी भाषा बोलते हों। कवि का मानना है कि हर कोई समान है और समान बुनियादी ज़रूरतें साझा करता है। हम सब एक ही तरह से खाते, सांस लेते, जीते और मरते हैं। कविता हमें शांति और एकता में रहने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करती है, न कि आपस में लड़ने या नफरत करने के लिए।
No Men are Foreign Summary
The poem “No Men are Foreign” is written by James Kirkup that talks about how we are all the same, even if we come from different countries. He says that wars are not useful because they just cause fighting and hurt. Even though people might dress differently, we all have the same body and need the same things to live, like water and air. Everyone has struggles, especially during war. Kirkup thinks that maybe everyone is the same and we can all love each other. When we take things that aren’t ours or ignore people who are different from us, we hurt ourselves too. In the poem, Kirkup says that war is bad because it makes the Earth dirty and causes sadness and destruction. The poem tells us that we should be peaceful and not fight with each other.
No Men are Foreign Summary In Hindi
जेम्स किर्कुप द्वारा लिखी गई कविता “No Men are Foreign” इस बारे में बात करती है कि हम सभी एक जैसे हैं, भले ही हम अलग-अलग देशों से आए हों। उनका कहना है कि युद्ध उपयोगी नहीं हैं क्योंकि वे सिर्फ लड़ाई और चोट का कारण बनते हैं। भले ही लोग अलग-अलग कपड़े पहनें, हम सभी का शरीर एक जैसा है और जीने के लिए एक जैसी चीज़ों की ज़रूरत है, जैसे पानी और हवा। सभी को संघर्ष करना पड़ता है, खासकर युद्ध के दौरान। किर्कुप सोचता है कि शायद हर कोई एक जैसा है और हम सभी एक दूसरे से प्यार कर सकते हैं। जब हम ऐसी चीजें लेते हैं जो हमारी नहीं हैं या उन लोगों की उपेक्षा करते हैं जो हमसे अलग हैं, तो हम खुद को भी चोट पहुँचाते हैं। कविता में, किर्कुप कहता है कि युद्ध बुरा है क्योंकि यह पृथ्वी को गन्दा बना देता है और दुःख और विनाश का कारण बनता है। कविता हमें बताती है कि हमें शांतिपूर्ण रहना चाहिए और आपस में नहीं लड़ना चाहिए।
The Explanation of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
Stanza 1
Remember, no men are strange, no countries foreign
Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes
Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon
Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie.
Important Word Meaning
Foreign: Foreign refers to something that is not from one’s own country or place of origin. It can be used to describe people, cultures, customs, languages, or products that are from a different country or region.
Beneath: The word “beneath” can be used as a preposition or an adverb. As a preposition, “beneath” indicates that something is under or below something else.
Uniforms: Uniforms are a type of clothing worn by people who belong to a particular organisation or profession, such as military personnel, police officers, firefighters, or medical staff.
Like ours: The phrase “like ours” is used to make a comparison between something being described and something that is already familiar to the reader or listener.
Walk upon: The phrase “walk upon” is a verb phrase that means to move or travel on foot over a particular surface or terrain. In the context of the original sentence, “the land our brothers walk upon” refers to the ground that is physically beneath the feet of the reader or listener’s fellow human beings.
We all shall lie: The phrase “we all shall lie” is referring to the fact that all human beings, regardless of their nationality or background, will eventually die and be buried in the earth.
Explanation
The stanza is emphasising the idea that despite the external differences between people, such as clothing or country of origin, they are all fundamentally the same. The speaker is urging the reader to remember that “no men are strange” and “no countries foreign,” which means that there are no fundamental differences between people based on where they come from. The stanza goes on to say that beneath all uniforms, everyone has a single body that breathes like ours. The land that our brothers walk on is also the same earth that we will all eventually be buried in. Essentially, the stanza is emphasising the idea that all humans share a common humanity, and that we should focus on our similarities rather than our differences.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘b’ in the “body breathes”.
Metaphor: The poet has used the word ‘uniforms’ to talk about the militaries across the world.
Simile: The phrase “Like ours” is a simile that compares the land that others walk upon to the land that the reader or listener is familiar with, emphasising the commonality of the human experience.
Imagery: The use of descriptive language, such as “the land our brothers walk upon” and “earth like this,” creates vivid mental images that help to convey the meaning of the stanza.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. It can be observed throughout the stanza.
Stanza 2
They, too, aware of sun and air and water,
Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d.
Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read
A labour not different from our own.
Important Word Meaning
Fed by peaceful harvests: The phrase “fed by peaceful harvests” in the context of the poem means that people all over the world rely on the land to provide for them through bountiful harvests. This phrase emphasises the idea that people in all countries rely on the same natural resources to sustain their lives, regardless of their nationality, culture or beliefs.
By war’s long winter starv’d: The phrase “by war’s long winter starv’d” suggests that war disrupts the peaceful harvests and natural resources that people rely on to survive. The metaphor of “long winter starv’d” conveys the idea that wars cause extended periods of deprivation and scarcity, which can lead to famine and hunger.
Their hands are ours: The phrase “their hands are ours” suggests that despite any perceived differences or divisions between people, we all share a common humanity and a connection to each other.
In their lines we read: The phrase “in their lines we read” suggests that we can gain insight into the lives and experiences of others by examining the details and patterns of their daily lives. The “lines” refer to the visible marks, wrinkles, and calluses on a person’s hands that come from years of hard work and labour. By studying these lines, we can learn about the challenges and struggles that others have faced, as well as the resilience and perseverance that they have demonstrated.
Explanation
This stanza is suggesting that people from different countries and cultures are fundamentally similar to us. They share the same basic needs for survival such as sun, air and water, and are dependent on the same natural resources for their survival. The line “Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d” implies that people in all parts of the world are vulnerable to the effects of war, and that conflict can disrupt the peaceful cycles of agriculture and trade. The second half of the stanza highlights the similarities in the work and labour that people engage in, regardless of their background or nationality. The phrase “Their hands are ours” suggests a shared sense of humanity and a common connection, and the line “A labour not different from our own” emphasises the idea that people in all parts of the world engage in work and effort that is fundamentally similar.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words. The repetition of the letter ‘w’ in “war’s long winter”.
Repetition: The repetition of “are” in the second and third line of the stanza.
Imagery: The imagery of sun, air, water, and harvests in the first two lines of the stanza.
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break in the third line. In the 3rd and 4th line of stanza.
Stanza 3
Remember they have eyes like ours that wake
Or sleep, and strength that can be won
By love. In every land is common life
That all can recognise and understand.
Important Word Meaning
They: In the context of the poem “they” refers to people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
Strength that can be won by love: The line “strength that can be won by love” implies that the strength of character and goodwill that exists within all human beings can be brought out by love and compassion.
Explanation
In this stanza, the speaker reminds the reader that the people in other countries are just like us. They have the same bodily functions as us, they have the ability to feel tired or rested and they have the same capacity for strength that we do. The speaker emphasises that this strength can be won over by love, implying that we should not resort to war or aggression. The speaker further asserts that the basic elements of life, such as air, water, and food, are common to all human beings regardless of where they live in the world. The speaker stresses that we should recognize and understand this commonality of life and treat others with respect and love.
Poetic Devices
Enjambment: The sentences are being continued to the next line without a break. It can be observed throughout the stanza.
Stanza 4
Let us remember, whenever we are told
To hate our brothers, it is ourselves
That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.
Remember, we who take arms against each other
Important Word Meaning
Dispossess: The word “dispossess” in the given stanza means to deprive someone of their possessions, property, or rights.
Betray: To betray someone means to deceive or break their trust. In the context of the stanza, it implies that when we hate our brothers, we are not only causing harm to them, but also to ourselves, as we are breaking the bond of trust and love that should exist between brothers.
Condemn: To condemn means to express strong disapproval of something or someone, often by making a negative judgement or verdict. In this stanza, the speaker is cautioning against the act of condemning our brothers (fellow human beings) when we are told to hate them. The act of condemning involves rejecting or deeming someone as unworthy or guilty, which ultimately leads to a breakdown in human relationships and societal harmony.
Explanation
This stanza encourages the reader to remember the consequences of hating or fighting against others who are perceived as different. The speaker urges us to remember that when we are told to hate others, it is ultimately ourselves who will suffer the negative effects of that hatred. By dispossessing, betraying, and condemning others, we are actually harming ourselves by perpetuating division and conflict. The last line of the stanza, “Remember, we who take arms against each other,” serves as a reminder that violence and war only lead to more destruction and harm, and that ultimately, we are all part of the same human family.
Poetic Devices
Repetition: The word ‘remember’ has been repeated in this stanza.
Enjambment: The lines of the stanza are enjambed, creating a sense of continuity and flow.
Anaphora: The word “remember” is repeated at the beginning of two consecutive sentences
Stanza 5
It is the human earth that we defile.
Our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence
Of air that is everywhere our own,
Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange.
Important Word Meaning
Defile: “Defile” means to spoil, pollute, or make impure. In this context, it refers to the way humans are damaging or destroying the natural world, the earth.
Outrage: In this context, “outrage” means to cause great anger, shock, or indignation. The stanza is suggesting that our actions, such as creating pollution and environmental destruction, are causing harm to the earth and its atmosphere, which is a shared resource for all humans.
Innocence of air: The phrase “innocence of air” is a figurative expression that means the air is pure and untainted by human actions. The word “innocence” here suggests that the air is blameless and free from any harmful influences that humans might impose upon it.
Explanation
This stanza highlights the damage that human beings are causing to the earth. It suggests that the earth is being polluted and destroyed by human actions, resulting in a negative impact on the natural balance and purity of the air, which belongs to all of us. The stanza urges people to recognize that no one is a foreigner or stranger, and all humans share a common responsibility to take care of the earth and its resources. The use of the words “defile” and “outrage” emphasises the seriousness of the situation and the need for people to take action to protect the planet.
Poetic Devices
Personification: There is personification in the second line where “air” is described as having “innocence,” which is a human trait.
Refrain: The poet has repeated the first line of the poem “no men are foreign, and no countries strange” in this stanza.
Enjambment: The lines of the stanza do not end with grammatical punctuation, and instead flow into one another, creating an enjambment.
Allusion: The phrase “no men are foreign, and no countries strange” alludes to the idea that all humans share a common humanity, regardless of national or cultural differences.
Poet of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The poet of the poem “No Men are Foreign” is James Kirkup.
About the Poet of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
James Kirkup (1918-2009) was a British poet, translator, and travel writer. He was born in South Shields, a town in the northeast of England, and began writing poetry at an early age. During World War II, he served in the British Army in India and Burma, and his experiences during the war had a profound impact on his poetry.
Theme of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The main theme of the poem “No Men are Foreign” is the idea of universal brotherhood and the essential oneness of all human beings. The poem argues that all people are connected by a shared humanity and that national and cultural differences should not be used to justify conflict or division. The poem emphasises the importance of love and compassion as tools for overcoming hate and prejudice, and encourages readers to see beyond superficial differences and recognize the common humanity in all people. Overall, the poem promotes a message of peace, unity, and understanding, and challenges readers to reject the forces of hatred and division that can tear societies apart.
Main Idea of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The main idea of the poem “No Men are Foreign” is that all human beings share a common humanity and belong to the same earth, regardless of national or cultural differences. The poem emphasises the idea that war, hatred, and conflict between nations and peoples are ultimately destructive and counterproductive. The poet urges us to recognize the humanity in others, to reject hate and prejudice, and to work towards peace and understanding.
Moral of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The poem “No Men are Foreign” by James Kirkup advocates for universal brotherhood and the need for people to recognize the common humanity that binds them together. The poem highlights the destructive consequences of hatred, war, and discrimination and emphasises the importance of love, peace, and mutual respect. The moral of the poem is that we should recognize that all human beings share a common bond and strive to build a world based on tolerance, understanding, and compassion.
Message of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The message of the poem “No Men are Foreign” is that all humans share a common bond of humanity, and that we should strive to overcome national and cultural differences in order to live in peace and harmony. The poem encourages us to recognize that the earth belongs to all of us, and that we must work together to protect and preserve it. The poet emphasises the importance of love and compassion in creating a world without hate or violence. The poem calls upon us to remember that no one is a stranger and no country is foreign, and that we must learn to appreciate and respect the diversity of human experience.
Conclusion of the Poem “No Men are Foreign”
The poem “No Men are Foreign” by James Kirkup is a powerful reminder of the universal humanity that binds all people together, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. The poem emphasises the need for compassion, empathy, and understanding in a world that is too often divided by conflict and hatred. The repetition of the phrase “Remember” throughout the poem serves as a call to action, urging readers to take responsibility for their actions and to work towards a more peaceful and just world. In the end, the poem offers a hopeful message of unity and solidarity, suggesting that by recognizing our common humanity, we can overcome our differences and build a better future for all.
Rhyme Scheme of the poem “No Men are Foreign”
The poem “No Men are Foreign” by James Kirkup has no fixed rhyme scheme. The poem is written in free verse.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To The Poem No Men are Foreign
Question 1. Who is the poet of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The poet of the poem “No Men are Foreign” is James Kirkup.
Question 2. What is the main idea of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The main idea of the poem is the unity and brotherhood of all humanity, transcending national and cultural differences.
Question 3. What is the theme of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The theme of the poem is universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony among all people.
Question 4. What is the message of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The message of the poem is that all humans share a common humanity and that we should strive to live in peace and harmony with one another.
Question 5. What is the tone of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The tone of the poem is contemplative, introspective, and hopeful.
Question 6. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The poem does not have a consistent rhyme scheme.
Question 7. What is the significance of the line “Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange” in the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: This line emphasises the idea that all humans share a common humanity and that national and cultural differences should not divide us.
Question 8. What is the significance of the phrase “our hells of fire and dust” in the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: This phrase refers to the destruction and devastation caused by human conflict and war.
Question 9. What is the meaning of the phrase “innocence of air” in the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The phrase refers to the purity and naturalness of the air, which is defiled by human pollution and destruction.
Question 10. What is the significance of the repetition of the word “remember” in the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The repetition of the word “remember” serves to emphasise the importance of the message of the poem and to urge the reader to remember the shared humanity of all people.
Question 11. What is the moral of the poem “No Men are Foreign”?
Answer: The moral of the poem is that we should strive for unity, brotherhood, and peace among all people, and that we should remember the shared humanity of all people.