Quick Summary
The poem "Friendship" celebrates the bond between true friends. It highlights qualities such as trust, loyalty, support, and joy that define a genuine friendship. The poem encourages students to value good friends and be a good friend in return.
Key Vocabulary
- Loyal — faithful and devoted; standing by someone no matter what
- Trust — firm belief in the honesty and reliability of another person
- Companion — a person who spends time with and supports another
- Bond — a close connection or tie between people
- Sincere — genuine, honest, and without pretence
Theme and Message
The poet conveys that friendship is one of life's greatest gifts. Unlike acquaintances, true friends:
- Share both happiness and hardship
- Speak the truth even when it is difficult
- Remain loyal and do not betray confidences
- Offer help without expecting anything in return
The poem ends with the idea that a true friend makes life worth living.
Literary Devices
| Device | Example from poem | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | Friend like a sheltering tree | Shows protection and stability |
| Metaphor | Friend is a guiding light | Shows direction in dark times |
| Repetition | "A friend who…" | Builds emphasis on qualities |
| Personification | Joy dancing between two friends | Brings the abstract to life |
Stanza-wise Explanation
Stanza 1: Introduces the idea that friendship is built on trust and loyalty, not just fun times.
Stanza 2: Describes what a friend does during hard times — listens, supports, and does not judge.
Stanza 3: Contrasts true friendship with false friendship; warns against those who stay only for gain.
Stanza 4: Concludes that a real friend is rare and precious, and one should cherish such bonds.
Important Questions
One Mark
1. What is the central theme of the poem? 2. Name one literary device used in the poem. 3. What does the poet compare a true friend to? 4. Give the meaning of the word "loyal." 5. How does a true friend behave during difficulties?
Short Answer (3 marks)
1. What qualities of a true friend does the poet describe? Mention any three. 2. Identify and explain any two literary devices used in the poem. 3. How does the poem distinguish between a true friend and a false friend?
Long Answer (5 marks)
1. Summarise the poem "Friendship" in your own words. What message does the poet wish to convey to young students? 2. Write a paragraph on the importance of friendship based on the ideas in the poem.
Common Mistakes
- Students often confuse simile and metaphor — remember: simile uses "like" or "as," metaphor does not.
- Do not memorise only the last stanza; examiners often ask about stanzas 2 and 3.
- Always give examples from the poem when identifying literary devices.
Revision Checklist
- [ ] Read the poem aloud at least twice
- [ ] Noted all new vocabulary with meanings
- [ ] Identified literary devices with line references
- [ ] Written stanza-wise summary in own words
- [ ] Answered all important questions in notebook