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Poem: The Last Bargain – CBSE NCERT Study Resources

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Poem: The Last Bargain

Study Materials

8th

8th - English

Poem: The Last Bargain

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Overview of the Chapter

The poem The Last Bargain by Rabindranath Tagore is a part of the CBSE Grade 8 English curriculum. It explores the theme of freedom and the true value of human labor through the allegory of a man seeking meaningful employment. The poem reflects on the idea that true fulfillment cannot be bought with material wealth but is found in genuine human connection and inner contentment.

The Last Bargain: A metaphorical representation of the search for meaningful work and freedom, where the protagonist rejects offers of power and wealth in favor of a simple, honest existence.

Summary of the Poem

The poem begins with a speaker who is approached by different employers offering various forms of payment—gold, power, and even emotional bonds. However, the speaker rejects all these offers, as none provide true satisfaction. The turning point comes when a child offers to hire him with nothing but a smile. The speaker accepts this bargain, realizing that true freedom and happiness lie in simplicity and innocence.

Themes

  • Freedom: The poem emphasizes that real freedom is not tied to material wealth or power but to inner peace.
  • Value of Labor: It questions the conventional notions of work and payment, suggesting that true worth is intangible.
  • Innocence and Simplicity: The child’s offer symbolizes purity, contrasting with the corrupting influence of wealth and authority.

Literary Devices

  • Allegory: The entire poem serves as an extended metaphor for the search for meaningful existence.
  • Repetition: The repeated rejections of offers reinforce the speaker’s unwavering quest for true fulfillment.
  • Symbolism: The child’s smile represents innocence and the ultimate reward of genuine happiness.

Key Takeaways

  • The poem critiques materialism and highlights the importance of emotional and spiritual fulfillment.
  • It encourages readers to reflect on what truly matters in life—freedom, simplicity, and human connection.
  • Tagore’s poetic style blends philosophical depth with accessible language, making it suitable for young readers.

All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern

Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.

Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.

Question 1:
Who is the author of the poem The Last Bargain?
Answer:

Rabindranath Tagore

Question 2:
What is the central theme of The Last Bargain?
Answer:

Freedom and true happiness

Question 3:
Who offers the first bargain to the speaker?
Answer:

A king

Question 4:
What does the old man offer in the bargain?
Answer:

Gold coins

Question 5:
Why does the speaker reject the king's offer?
Answer:

Power doesn't bring happiness

Question 6:
What does the fair maid offer the speaker?
Answer:

A smile and love

Question 7:
Why does the speaker refuse the fair maid's offer?
Answer:

Love is temporary

Question 8:
Who finally wins the speaker's agreement?
Answer:

A child playing

Question 9:
What does the child offer in the bargain?
Answer:

Nothing

Question 10:
What does the speaker find in the last bargain?
Answer:

True freedom

Question 11:
What literary device is used in 'The king's might was not of value'?
Answer:

Irony

Question 12:
What emotion does the speaker feel after the last bargain?
Answer:

Joy and contentment

Question 13:
What does the poem suggest about material wealth?
Answer:

It cannot buy happiness

Question 14:
What is the setting of the poem?
Answer:

A marketplace

Question 15:
Who is the speaker in the poem The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The speaker in the poem is a job-seeker who is trying to find true freedom and happiness by rejecting materialistic offers.

Question 16:
What was the first offer made to the speaker in the poem?
Answer:

The first offer was from a king who offered power in exchange for the speaker's service.

Question 17:
Why did the speaker reject the king's offer?
Answer:

The speaker rejected it because power was temporary and did not bring true happiness or freedom.

Question 18:
Who made the second offer to the speaker?
Answer:

A rich old man offered money in exchange for the speaker's service.

Question 19:
What reason did the speaker give for rejecting the old man's offer?
Answer:

The speaker realized that money could not buy inner peace or freedom.

Question 20:
What was the third offer made to the speaker?
Answer:

A fair maid offered love and companionship in exchange for the speaker's service.

Question 21:
Why did the speaker refuse the fair maid's offer?
Answer:

The speaker understood that even love could be binding and restrict true freedom.

Question 22:
Who finally succeeded in hiring the speaker?
Answer:

A child playing with shells succeeded by offering nothing but freedom and joy.

Question 23:
What does the last bargain symbolize in the poem?
Answer:

It symbolizes the true freedom found in innocence and simplicity, free from materialistic desires.

Question 24:
What literary device is used in the line 'Come and hire me'?
Answer:

It is an example of repetition, emphasizing the speaker's search for meaning.

Question 25:
How does the poem highlight the theme of freedom?
Answer:

By showing the speaker rejecting all worldly offers until finding true freedom in a child's innocent play.

Question 26:
What lesson does the poem The Last Bargain teach?
Answer:

It teaches that true happiness lies in simplicity and freedom, not in power, wealth, or even love.

Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.

Question 1:
What does the king offer the speaker in the poem?
Answer:

The king offers the speaker power and wealth in exchange for his service, but the speaker refuses as it does not bring true happiness.

Question 2:
Why does the speaker reject the old man's offer of gold?
Answer:

The speaker rejects the old man's offer because he realizes that material wealth cannot buy true freedom or joy.

Question 3:
What is the significance of the child's offer in the poem?
Answer:

The child's offer symbolizes innocence and pure happiness, which the speaker accepts because it brings him true freedom without any conditions.

Question 4:
How does the poet describe the fair maid in the poem?
Answer:

The fair maid is described as someone who offers love and companionship, but the speaker refuses as he seeks something deeper than emotional bonds.

Question 5:
What does the speaker mean by The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The phrase refers to the final agreement the speaker makes with the child, where he finds true freedom and joy without any material or emotional constraints.

Question 6:
How does the speaker feel after accepting the child's offer?
Answer:

The speaker feels liberated and joyful because the child's offer represents pure innocence and unconditional happiness.

Question 7:
Why is the poem titled The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The title reflects the speaker's final decision to choose freedom and simplicity over material or emotional gains, marking the end of his search.

Question 8:
What does the child symbolize in the poem?
Answer:

The child symbolizes innocence, purity, and unconditional joy, which the speaker values more than worldly possessions.

Question 9:
How does the poet use contrast in The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The poet contrasts material offers (king, old man) with the child's simple offer to highlight that true happiness lies in freedom, not wealth or power.

Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.

Question 1:
In the poem The Last Bargain, why does the speaker reject the offers of the king, the old man, and the fair maid?
Answer:

The speaker rejects the offers because they symbolize material wealth, false promises, and superficial beauty, which do not bring true happiness. The king offers power, the old man offers wisdom, and the fair maid offers love, but none of these fulfill the speaker's desire for freedom and inner peace.

Question 2:
What does the child offer the speaker in The Last Bargain, and why is it significant?
Answer:

The child offers nothing but innocence and pure joy. This is significant because it represents true freedom and unconditional happiness, which cannot be bought or bargained for with material possessions.

Question 3:
How does the poem The Last Bargain highlight the theme of freedom?
Answer:

The poem highlights freedom by showing how the speaker rejects all worldly temptations (power, wisdom, love) in favor of the simple joy offered by a child. This choice symbolizes that true freedom lies in letting go of desires and embracing inner contentment.

Question 4:
Explain the metaphor of the 'last bargain' in the poem.
Answer:

The last bargain is a metaphor for the ultimate truth that happiness cannot be bought. It represents the speaker's realization that material possessions and external validation are meaningless compared to the pure joy of freedom and innocence.

Question 5:
How does the poet use contrast in The Last Bargain to convey the poem's message?
Answer:

The poet contrasts the grand offers of the king, old man, and fair maid with the simple innocence of the child. This contrast emphasizes that true happiness is found in simplicity and freedom, not in wealth or power.

Question 6:
What lesson does the speaker learn by the end of The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The speaker learns that true happiness comes from within and cannot be acquired through external means. The child's offer of nothing teaches the speaker that freedom and contentment are priceless and cannot be bargained for.

Question 7:
In the poem The Last Bargain, why does the speaker reject the offers from the king, the old man, and the fair maid?
Answer:

The speaker rejects the offers because they represent material wealth, false promises, and temporary pleasures.
The king offers power, but the speaker values freedom over authority.
The old man offers money, but the speaker realizes wealth cannot buy happiness.
The fair maid offers smiles and love, but the speaker understands these are fleeting.
Ultimately, the speaker seeks true fulfillment, which he finds in the innocence of a child playing on the seashore.

Question 8:
What is the significance of the child in The Last Bargain?
Answer:

The child symbolizes innocence, joy, and genuine happiness.
Unlike the other characters, the child does not offer material possessions or false promises.
Instead, the child's carefree play on the seashore represents a life of simplicity and contentment.
The speaker's acceptance of the child's 'offer' signifies his realization that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external rewards.

Question 9:
How does Rabindranath Tagore use imagery in The Last Bargain to convey deeper meaning?
Answer:

Tagore uses vivid imagery to contrast false happiness with true contentment.
The king's chariot symbolizes power but also confinement.
The old man's gold coins glitter but are cold and lifeless.
The fair maid's smile is beautiful but fleeting.
In contrast, the child playing with shells on the seashore represents pure, unspoiled joy—the only image that truly satisfies the speaker.

Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.

Question 1:
In The Last Bargain, why does the speaker reject the offers from the king, old man, and fair maid? Explain with examples from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

In The Last Bargain, the speaker seeks true freedom, not material wealth. Our textbook shows how he rejects false promises.


Argument 1
  • The king offers power, but the speaker realizes it chains him.
  • Example: "My sword is strong, but my might is weak."

Argument 2
  • The old man offers gold, but money cannot buy happiness.
  • Example: "He weighed his coins, but I walked free."

Conclusion

The poem teaches that true worth lies in freedom, not possessions.

Question 2:
How does the child’s innocence in The Last Bargain contrast with the earlier offers? Discuss its significance.
Answer:
Introduction

The child’s offer stands out in The Last Bargain because it represents purity. Our textbook highlights this contrast.


Argument 1
  • The king and old man offer worldly things, but the child offers play.
  • Example: "Come and play with me" shows simplicity.

Argument 2
  • The speaker accepts because the child demands nothing.
  • Example: "I hire you with nothing" reflects true freedom.

Conclusion

The child’s innocence teaches that happiness needs no price.

Question 3:
Analyze the symbolism of the last bargain in the poem. How does it reflect the speaker’s journey?
Answer:
Introduction

The last bargain symbolizes the speaker’s search for meaning. Our textbook explains this journey.


Argument 1
  • The king symbolizes power, but the speaker rejects it as empty.
  • Example: "Power is a burden" shows his realization.

Argument 2
  • The child symbolizes purity, which the speaker values most.
  • Example: "I am hired by a smile" shows true joy.

Conclusion

The poem’s symbolism teaches that simplicity brings fulfillment.

Question 4:
Compare the tone of the speaker in The Last Bargain when addressing the king versus the child. What does this reveal?
Answer:
Introduction

The speaker’s tone changes in The Last Bargain, showing his growth. Our textbook notes this shift.


Argument 1
  • With the king, the tone is dismissive: "What can you give me?"
  • Example: He questions power’s value.

Argument 2
  • With the child, the tone is joyful: "I hire you with nothing."
  • Example: He finds peace in simplicity.

Conclusion

The tone reveals that true happiness lies in freedom, not control.

Question 5:
How does The Last Bargain use metaphors to convey its message? Provide two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

The Last Bargain uses metaphors to teach life lessons. Our textbook highlights these comparisons.


Argument 1
  • The king’s sword is a metaphor for false strength.
  • Example: "My sword is strong" contrasts with his weak might.

Argument 2
  • The child’s play is a metaphor for true freedom.
  • Example: "Come and play" symbolizes carefree joy.

Conclusion

These metaphors show that real value cannot be bought or forced.

Question 6:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker rejects offers from power, wealth, and fame. Why does he ultimately choose the child’s offer? Explain with examples from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

In The Last Bargain, the speaker seeks true happiness, rejecting materialistic offers. The child’s innocence represents freedom and joy.


Argument 1
  • The king’s power felt heavy, like chains, as our textbook describes.
  • The wealthy man’s gold seemed cold and lifeless, unable to buy happiness.

Argument 2
  • The child offered no material things but playfulness, symbolizing pure joy.
  • The speaker felt liberated, as the poem says, "The bargain struck made me a free man."

Conclusion

The child’s offer was priceless because it came from the heart, unlike false promises of power or wealth.

Question 7:
How does The Last Bargain highlight the theme of inner freedom? Support your answer with two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

The poem The Last Bargain teaches that true freedom comes from within, not external rewards.


Argument 1
  • The speaker refuses the king’s power, showing that authority restricts freedom.
  • Our textbook mentions how the old man’s gold felt like a burden, not liberation.

Argument 2
  • The child’s laughter symbolizes carefree joy, as the poem describes.
  • The speaker chooses this simplicity, proving happiness needs no wealth or status.

Conclusion

Inner freedom is achieved by rejecting false desires, as the child’s innocence reveals.

Question 8:
Compare the three offers the speaker receives in The Last Bargain. Why does he find them unsatisfactory?
Answer:
Introduction

The speaker in The Last Bargain receives three offers—power, wealth, and fame—but none satisfy him.


Argument 1
  • The king’s power felt oppressive, like a "weight" in the poem.
  • The rich man’s gold was temporary, as our textbook explains.

Argument 2
  • The fair maid’s smile, representing fame, was shallow and fleeting.
  • These offers lacked sincerity, unlike the child’s genuine happiness.

Conclusion

Materialistic offers failed because they couldn’t provide lasting joy, only the child’s innocence could.

Question 9:
Explain how The Last Bargain uses symbolism to convey its message. Provide two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

The poem The Last Bargain uses symbols to show the emptiness of worldly desires.


Argument 1
  • The king’s crown symbolizes false power, which the speaker rejects.
  • Our textbook highlights how gold represents greed, not true wealth.

Argument 2
  • The child’s playful innocence symbolizes pure, unselfish joy.
  • The poem’s final bargain shows freedom lies in simplicity.

Conclusion

Symbols like the crown and child help us understand the poem’s deeper message about happiness.

Question 10:
How does the structure of The Last Bargain reflect the speaker’s journey? Discuss with references from the poem.
Answer:
Introduction

The poem’s structure mirrors the speaker’s search for meaning, ending with his realization.


Argument 1
  • Each stanza introduces a new offer, showing gradual disillusionment.
  • Our textbook notes how the king, rich man, and maid represent false hopes.

Argument 2
  • The final stanza’s simplicity contrasts earlier grandeur, reflecting clarity.
  • The child’s offer breaks the pattern, symbolizing a fresh start.

Conclusion

The structured progression helps us see the speaker’s growth from confusion to freedom.

Question 11:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters different people offering him work. How does the speaker's interaction with the child differ from his interactions with others? What does this reveal about the speaker's idea of true freedom and happiness?
Answer:

In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker is approached by a king, a rich old man, and a fair maid, all offering him work in exchange for power, wealth, or love. However, the speaker rejects these offers because they come with conditions and expectations, which he sees as forms of bondage.


When the speaker meets the child, the interaction is entirely different. The child offers nothing in return for the speaker's service, symbolizing pure and unconditional companionship. The speaker accepts this bargain because it represents true freedom—a relationship without demands or restrictions. This reveals that the speaker values emotional and spiritual freedom over material gains. Happiness, for him, lies in simplicity and genuine human connection rather than in wealth or power.


The child’s innocence and lack of worldly desires align with the speaker’s longing for an unburdened life. The poem suggests that true happiness comes from being free from societal pressures and embracing love and innocence.

Question 12:
The poem The Last Bargain explores the theme of freedom through the speaker's choices. How does the poet use symbolism to convey the idea that true freedom cannot be bought or sold? Support your answer with examples from the poem.
Answer:

In The Last Bargain, the poet Rabindranath Tagore uses powerful symbolism to convey that freedom is priceless and cannot be acquired through material exchanges. The speaker’s encounters with different characters symbolize society’s false notions of happiness.


  • The king symbolizes power, offering the speaker a job in exchange for authority. However, the speaker realizes that power is another form of slavery.
  • The old man with his gold represents wealth, but the speaker understands that money brings greed, not freedom.
  • The fair maid symbolizes love, yet her smile is conditional, making the speaker feel trapped.


In contrast, the child playing on the seashore symbolizes innocence and unconditional joy. The child offers no payment, representing freedom without strings attached. The speaker chooses this bargain because it is the only one that does not impose any restrictions. The poet emphasizes that true freedom is found in simplicity and selflessness, not in worldly possessions or power.


Through these symbols, Tagore conveys that freedom is a state of mind—it cannot be bought, sold, or bargained for. It must be experienced through genuine, unforced connections.

Question 13:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters different people offering him work. How does the speaker's interaction with the child differ from his interactions with others? What does this reveal about the speaker's true desire?
Answer:

In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker is approached by a king, a rich old man, and a fair maid, all offering him work in exchange for power, money, and love respectively. However, the speaker rejects all these offers because they do not bring him true happiness or freedom.


When the speaker meets the child, the interaction is entirely different. The child offers nothing in material terms but instead represents innocence, joy, and freedom. The speaker immediately accepts this 'bargain' because it aligns with his deepest desire—freedom from worldly attachments and the simplicity of pure happiness.


This reveals that the speaker values inner peace and emotional fulfillment over wealth, power, or superficial love. The child symbolizes the speaker's longing for a life free from societal pressures, where true contentment lies in simplicity and genuine connections.

Question 14:
The poem The Last Bargain explores the theme of freedom. How does the poet use contrasting characters to highlight this theme? Explain with examples from the poem.
Answer:

The poet, Rabindranath Tagore, uses contrasting characters in The Last Bargain to emphasize the theme of freedom versus bondage. Each character represents a different form of societal constraint, while the child symbolizes liberation.


  • The king offers power, but power comes with responsibilities and control, which restrict freedom.
  • The old man offers wealth, but money binds a person to greed and materialism.
  • The fair maid offers love, but even love can be conditional and possessive.


In contrast, the child offers nothing but playfulness and innocence, representing true freedom. The speaker chooses the child's offer because it is the only one that does not impose any chains. This contrast highlights that real freedom lies in simplicity and detachment from worldly desires.

Question 15:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters different people offering him work. How does the speaker's interaction with the child differ from his interactions with others? What does this reveal about the theme of the poem?
Answer:

In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker is approached by a king, a rich old man, and a fair maid, all offering him work in exchange for wealth, power, or love. However, the speaker rejects these offers because they come with conditions and do not provide true freedom or happiness.


When the child offers to hire him with nothing, the speaker immediately accepts. Unlike the others, the child's offer is pure, unconditional, and symbolic of innocence and joy. This interaction highlights the poem's central theme: true happiness and freedom cannot be bought or bargained for. The child represents simplicity and the absence of worldly desires, which aligns with the speaker's longing for genuine contentment.


The contrast between the child and the other characters emphasizes that material possessions and power are meaningless compared to the joy found in innocence and freedom. The poem ultimately suggests that the greatest bargain is one that requires no sacrifice of one's liberty.

Question 16:
The poem The Last Bargain uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Analyze how the poet uses the imagery of the sunlight and the sea to reflect the speaker's emotions and the poem's message.
Answer:

In The Last Bargain, the poet uses vivid imagery of sunlight and the sea to symbolize the speaker's emotional journey and the poem's underlying message about freedom and fulfillment.


The sunlight is described as glittering on the sand, representing the false allure of material wealth and power offered by the king and the old man. Just as sunlight can be blinding, these offers seem attractive but are ultimately empty and oppressive.


On the other hand, the sea symbolizes vastness, freedom, and eternity. When the child appears, the speaker feels a sense of liberation, much like the boundless sea. The waves of the sea also suggest the natural, unrestrained joy that comes with innocence, contrasting with the rigid and conditional offers of the adults.


Together, these symbols reinforce the poem's message: true happiness lies in simplicity and freedom, not in worldly possessions. The imagery helps the reader visualize the speaker's rejection of superficial bargains and his ultimate choice of a life unburdened by greed or control.

Question 17:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters different individuals offering him work. How does the speaker's rejection of material wealth reflect the central theme of the poem? Explain with examples from the text.
Answer:

The poem The Last Bargain by Rabindranath Tagore explores the theme of true freedom and inner fulfillment, which cannot be bought with material wealth. The speaker rejects offers from a king, a rich old man, and a fair maid, symbolizing power, money, and beauty, respectively. However, he finds his true bargain in the innocent smile of a child, representing purity and freedom.


For instance, when the king offers power in exchange for work, the speaker realizes that power is temporary and enslaving. Similarly, the old man's wealth feels like a burden, and the maiden's affection is fleeting. The child, however, offers nothing material but gives the speaker a sense of liberation. This highlights the poem's message that true happiness lies in simplicity and freedom from worldly attachments.

Question 18:
The poem The Last Bargain uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Analyze how the child in the poem represents innocence and freedom, contrasting with other characters.
Answer:

In The Last Bargain, the child symbolizes innocence and freedom, standing in stark contrast to the other characters who represent materialistic desires. While the king symbolizes power, the old man represents greed, and the fair maid signifies superficial beauty, the child embodies purity and unconditional joy.


The speaker rejects the others because their offers come with hidden chains—power demands obedience, wealth brings worry, and beauty fades. However, the child's smile is free and genuine, offering the speaker a sense of liberation. This contrast emphasizes the poem's theme that true fulfillment comes from intangible, spiritual values rather than material possessions.

Question 19:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker meets different people offering him work. How does the speaker's interaction with the child differ from his interactions with others? Explain in detail, highlighting the significance of the child's offer.
Answer:

In The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters three individuals offering him employment: a king, a wealthy man, and a child. The interactions with the king and the wealthy man are transactional, where power and money are offered in exchange for the speaker's freedom. However, the child's offer stands out because it is based on innocence and pure happiness rather than material gains.

The child offers nothing in terms of wealth or authority but instead provides the speaker with a sense of true freedom and joy. Unlike the king and the wealthy man, the child does not seek to bind the speaker to any obligations. This highlights the poem's central theme that true happiness cannot be bought or commanded but is found in simple, selfless connections.

The significance of the child's offer lies in its contrast to the earlier bargains. While the others represent societal pressures (power and wealth), the child symbolizes inner peace and liberation. The speaker chooses the child's offer because it aligns with his desire for genuine fulfillment, making it the last bargain he accepts.

Question 20:
The poem The Last Bargain explores the idea of freedom and fulfillment. How does the poet use symbolism to convey these themes? Discuss with examples from the poem.
Answer:

In The Last Bargain, the poet Rabindranath Tagore uses powerful symbolism to convey the themes of freedom and fulfillment. Each character and their offer represents different aspects of human desires and societal expectations.

  • The king symbolizes power and authority. His offer to hire the speaker with his sword represents control and dominance, which the speaker rejects as it restricts his freedom.
  • The wealthy man symbolizes material wealth. His gold coins stand for greed and superficial happiness, which the speaker also refuses, realizing money cannot buy true joy.
  • The child symbolizes innocence and pure happiness. Playing with shells on the seashore, the child offers no material reward but instead represents unconditional freedom and emotional fulfillment.

The poet contrasts these symbols to emphasize that real fulfillment comes from within, not from external validations like power or wealth. The speaker's final choice of the child's offer highlights the poem's message: true freedom lies in simplicity and self-contentment.

Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)

These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.

Question 1:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker rejects offers from the king, old man, and fair maid. Why does he finally accept the child's offer?
Answer:
Case Summary

In the poem, the speaker seeks true freedom and happiness. The king offers power, the old man offers wisdom, and the maid offers beauty, but none satisfy him.

Analysis
  • The child offers no material wealth but represents innocence and joy.
  • Our textbook shows that the speaker values inner peace over external rewards.
Conclusion

He accepts the child's bargain because it aligns with his desire for pure, unburdened happiness.

Question 2:
How does the poet use contrast in The Last Bargain to highlight the speaker's choice?
Answer:
Case Summary

The poem contrasts material offers (king, old man, maid) with the child's simple offer.

Analysis
  • The king's power and the maid's beauty are temporary, while the child's innocence is eternal.
  • Our textbook explains that this contrast emphasizes the speaker's rejection of worldly desires.
Conclusion

The poet uses contrast to show that true happiness lies in simplicity and freedom, not wealth or status.

Question 3:
Explain the significance of the title The Last Bargain in the context of the poem.
Answer:
Case Summary

The title refers to the final agreement the speaker makes with the child after rejecting others.

Analysis
  • The word bargain suggests a trade, but the child offers nothing material.
  • Our textbook highlights that this symbolizes the speaker's realization that freedom is priceless.
Conclusion

The title signifies the speaker's ultimate choice of inner peace over external rewards, making it his last and most meaningful bargain.

Question 4:
What lesson does The Last Bargain teach about the pursuit of happiness?
Answer:
Case Summary

The poem shows the speaker rejecting wealth, wisdom, and beauty before finding joy with the child.

Analysis
  • Happiness cannot be bought or earned through material means.
  • Our textbook illustrates that true contentment comes from simplicity and freedom, as shown by the child's offer.
Conclusion

The poem teaches that happiness lies in embracing innocence and rejecting societal pressures, a lesson relevant even today.

Question 5:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker rejects offers from the king, old man, and maid. Why does he finally accept the child’s offer? Analyze the poem’s message about true happiness.
Answer:
Case Summary

The speaker seeks a meaningful bargain but rejects power, wisdom, and love. The child offers nothing material but freedom and joy.

Analysis
  • The child symbolizes innocence and pure happiness.
  • Our textbook shows material gains (king’s power) cannot buy true fulfillment.
Conclusion

The poem teaches that happiness lies in simplicity, not wealth or status.

Question 6:
How does the poet use contrast in The Last Bargain to highlight the speaker’s choice? Give two examples from the poem.
Answer:
Case Summary

The speaker compares offers from the king, old man, and maid with the child’s simple proposal.

Analysis
  • King’s power vs. child’s freedom: "My kingdom" vs. "play."
  • Old man’s wisdom vs. child’s innocence: "books" vs. laughter.
Conclusion

Contrast emphasizes that true joy is intangible and pure.

Question 7:
Explain the significance of the title The Last Bargain. How does it reflect the poem’s central theme?
Answer:
Case Summary

The title refers to the speaker’s final choice—a bargain without material exchange.

Analysis
  • "Last" implies the end of a search for meaning.
  • Our textbook highlights the child’s offer as the only one valuing inner peace.
Conclusion

The title encapsulates the theme: real fulfillment comes from selfless joy.

Question 8:
The child in the poem says, "I hire you with nothing." Interpret this line and explain how it connects to the speaker’s journey.
Answer:
Case Summary

The child’s offer is unique—it demands no payment but grants freedom.

Analysis
  • "Nothing" represents non-material happiness, unlike earlier offers.
  • The speaker’s journey shows rejection of societal values (wealth, wisdom).
Conclusion

This line reveals the poem’s lesson: true bargains are priceless.

Question 9:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker rejects offers from a king, a rich man, and a fair maid. Why does the speaker ultimately choose the child’s offer?
Answer:
Case Summary

In the poem, the speaker seeks true freedom and happiness, not material wealth or power.

Analysis
  • The king offers power, but the speaker dislikes authority.
  • The rich man offers money, but it feels like bondage.
  • The fair maid offers love, but it seems temporary.
Conclusion

The child’s offer of nothing symbolizes pure joy and freedom, which aligns with the speaker’s desire for true happiness.

Question 10:
How does the poet use contrast in The Last Bargain to highlight the speaker’s choice? Provide two examples.
Answer:
Case Summary

The poet contrasts material offers with the child’s simple offer to emphasize true happiness.

Analysis
  • The king’s power vs. the child’s innocence.
  • The rich man’s gold vs. the child’s nothing.
Conclusion

These contrasts show that real joy comes from simplicity, not wealth or status, as our textbook explains.

Question 11:
Explain the significance of the title The Last Bargain. How does it reflect the poem’s central theme?
Answer:
Case Summary

The title refers to the final and most meaningful agreement the speaker makes.

Analysis
  • The word bargain suggests a trade, but the child offers no material gain.
  • Last implies this is the only offer that truly satisfies the speaker.
Conclusion

The title highlights the theme that true happiness lies in freedom and simplicity, not worldly possessions.

Question 12:
The speaker describes the child’s offer as making him a 'free man'. What does this reveal about the speaker’s values?
Answer:
Case Summary

The speaker values freedom over wealth, power, or even love.

Analysis
  • He rejects the king’s power and the rich man’s gold.
  • The child’s offer grants him emotional and spiritual freedom.
Conclusion

This shows the speaker believes true happiness comes from inner peace, as we studied in the poem.

Question 13:

Read the following lines from the poem The Last Bargain:

'The king in his chariot of gold came by,
And he smiled at me and said,
"I will hire you with my power."'

Based on the above lines, answer the following:

  • Why does the speaker reject the king's offer?
  • What does this reveal about the speaker's values?
Answer:

The speaker rejects the king's offer because he realizes that power and material wealth (symbolized by the chariot of gold) cannot bring true happiness or freedom. The poem emphasizes that the speaker seeks something deeper—inner fulfillment—rather than external rewards.

This reveals that the speaker values freedom and self-respect more than worldly possessions or authority. The poem highlights the theme of true contentment, showing that the speaker prefers a simple, honest life over the empty promises of power.

Question 14:

In The Last Bargain, the speaker meets different people offering various bargains. Compare the offers made by the king and the old man.

  • How do their offers differ in nature?
  • Why does the speaker ultimately choose the bargain offered by the child?
Answer:

The king offers power and wealth (symbolized by his golden chariot), while the old man offers wisdom and experience (represented by his bag of gold coins). However, both offers are materialistic and fail to satisfy the speaker's deeper need for freedom and joy.

The speaker chooses the child's bargain because it represents innocence and pure happiness. Unlike the king and the old man, the child offers no material reward—only love and freedom. This aligns with the poem's message that true fulfillment comes from simplicity and emotional connection, not external wealth or power.

Question 15:
Read the following lines from the poem The Last Bargain:

'Come and hire me,' I cried, while in the morning
I was walking on the stone-paved road.'

(a) Who is the speaker in these lines?
(b) What does the speaker mean by 'hire me' in this context?
(c) Why does the speaker use the word 'morning' specifically?
(d) How does the stone-paved road reflect the speaker's state of mind?
Answer:

(a) The speaker in these lines is the job-seeker or the protagonist of the poem who is looking for meaningful work.

(b) By saying 'hire me', the speaker is expressing his desire to be employed or engaged in work that gives him purpose and satisfaction, not just monetary gain.

(c) The word 'morning' symbolizes a new beginning or fresh opportunity, indicating the speaker's hope and optimism at the start of his search.

(d) The stone-paved road reflects the speaker's harsh and challenging journey in life, where he faces difficulties and struggles to find true happiness and fulfillment.

Question 16:
In the poem The Last Bargain, the speaker rejects offers from the king, the old man, and the fair maid.

(a) Why does the speaker refuse the king's offer?
(b) What does the old man's offer symbolize?
(c) How is the fair maid's offer different from the others?
(d) What does the speaker ultimately choose, and why?
Answer:

(a) The speaker refuses the king's offer because power and wealth (symbolized by the king's crown) do not bring true happiness or freedom.

(b) The old man's offer of 'a handful of gold' symbolizes material wealth and greed, which the speaker realizes cannot buy inner peace.

(c) The fair maid's offer of a 'smile' represents superficial beauty and temporary joy, unlike the genuine freedom the speaker seeks.

(d) The speaker ultimately chooses freedom and self-worth when a child offers him nothing in exchange for his labor. This shows that true happiness comes from inner fulfillment, not external rewards.

Question 17:
Read the following lines from the poem The Last Bargain:

'The king in his chariot of gold came by,
He held out a bag of gold to me.'

Why did the speaker reject the king's offer? What does this reveal about the speaker's values?
Answer:

The speaker rejected the king's offer of a bag of gold because material wealth did not appeal to him. The poem highlights that the speaker was searching for something more meaningful than money or power. This reveals that the speaker values freedom and inner peace over material possessions. The rejection of the king's offer emphasizes the theme that true happiness cannot be bought with wealth.

Additionally, the speaker's refusal shows his desire for a bargain that aligns with his principles—something that cannot be measured in gold. This reflects the poet's message about the importance of self-worth and the emptiness of worldly riches.

Question 18:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker finally accepts the offer of a child playing with shells. How does this moment symbolize the poem's central idea?
Answer:

The moment when the speaker accepts the child's offer symbolizes the central idea of the poem—true happiness lies in simplicity and innocence. Unlike the offers from the king, the wealthy man, or the fair maid, the child's bargain required no material exchange, only the joy of companionship and freedom.

The shells represent nature's beauty and the purity of childhood, contrasting with the artificial wealth of gold and power. By choosing the child's offer, the speaker finds fulfillment in something that cannot be bought—inner contentment. This reinforces the theme that the best bargains in life are those that bring genuine joy without conditions.

Question 19:
Read the following lines from the poem The Last Bargain:

'The king rode in his chariot, holding a sword, but his power counted for naught.'

Based on these lines, explain why the speaker rejects the king's offer. What does this reveal about the speaker's idea of true freedom?
Answer:

The speaker rejects the king's offer because the king represents material power and authority, which the speaker does not value. The phrase 'his power counted for naught' shows that the speaker believes true freedom cannot be bought or controlled by wealth or force.


This reveals that the speaker associates freedom with inner peace and simplicity, not external possessions or power. The poem highlights that real happiness comes from being free from worldly attachments, which aligns with the theme of spiritual liberation.

Question 20:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker finally accepts the offer of a child playing with shells. Analyze how this choice reflects the poem's central message about the nature of happiness and fulfillment.
Answer:

The speaker accepts the child's offer because it symbolizes innocence, joy, and freedom from material desires. Unlike the offers from the king, the wealthy man, or the fair maid, the child's bargain is pure and without conditions.


This reflects the poem's central message that true happiness comes from simplicity and emotional connection, not wealth or power. The child playing with shells represents a carefree and content life, which the speaker ultimately chooses, emphasizing that fulfillment lies in freedom and authenticity.

Question 21:
Read the following lines from the poem The Last Bargain:
'The king rode by in his chariot...'
'But his power counted for naught...'
Explain why the speaker rejects the king's offer and what it reveals about the speaker's values.
Answer:

The speaker rejects the king's offer because he realizes that material power and wealth cannot buy true happiness or freedom. The line 'But his power counted for naught...' shows that the speaker values inner peace and personal liberty more than external riches or authority. The king's chariot symbolizes worldly power, but the speaker understands that such things are temporary and meaningless in the pursuit of genuine fulfillment.

This reveals the speaker's philosophical mindset—he seeks something deeper than superficial rewards. The poem highlights the theme of true freedom, where the speaker chooses a life of simplicity and self-respect over oppressive or hollow bargains.

Question 22:
In The Last Bargain, the speaker encounters different characters offering bargains. Compare the offers made by the king and the old man. How do their offers reflect their understanding of happiness?
Answer:

The king offers power and wealth, believing happiness comes from control and possessions. His offer is grand but impersonal, showing his materialistic view of joy. In contrast, the old man offers wisdom and experience, symbolized by his 'heap of gold' (knowledge). His approach is humble and introspective, suggesting happiness lies in understanding life's deeper truths.

  • King's offer: Represents external validation and authority.
  • Old man's offer: Reflects inner growth and contentment.

The speaker rejects both because he seeks unconditional freedom, not tied to power or wisdom. This contrast highlights the poem's message: true happiness cannot be bargained—it must be earned through self-awareness and choice.

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