Enterprise by Nissim Ezekiel Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the poet of Enterprise?
Nissim Ezekiel.
What is the poem Enterprise about?
It is about a journey that starts with enthusiasm but ends in disappointment.
What does the journey in the poem symbolize?
It symbolizes human ambition and the struggles of life.
How does the journey begin?
With excitement, purpose, and unity among the travelers.
What happens when the travelers reach the desert?
They start arguing and lose a valuable member.
What does the desert symbolize?
Difficulties and challenges in life.
Why does the speaker say, “A shadow falls on us and grows”?
Because conflicts and hardships weaken the group’s spirit.
What happens when the group is attacked twice?
They lose their way, and some members leave.
What does the leader claim to smell?
The sea, which symbolizes hope or the final goal.
What basic necessity do the travelers lack?
Soap, which symbolizes their loss of dignity and well-being.
What does the thunder represent in the poem?
A warning or realization that they ignore.
How do the travelers feel when they reach their destination?
Disillusioned and confused about why they were there.
What does the line “The trip had darkened every face” mean?
The travelers are exhausted, physically and emotionally.
How does the poem Enterprise end?
With the realization that true peace is found at home.
What does “Home is where we have to gather grace” mean?
Real happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external journeys.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
ABABA.
What literary device is used in “The sun beat down to match our rage”?
Personification (the sun is given human-like qualities).
What happens to some travelers by the end of the journey?
Some are completely broken, while others barely survive.
What is the tone of the poem at the end?
Disillusioned, reflective, and resigned.
What is the central message of Enterprise?
That great ambitions often lead to disappointment, and true fulfillment is found at home.
Short Answer Questions
What is the significance of the title Enterprise?
The title Enterprise suggests an ambitious journey or mission undertaken by a group of travelers. It symbolizes human aspirations and the desire to achieve something meaningful. However, as the journey progresses, the travelers face hardships, conflicts, and disappointments. By the end, they realize that their efforts were not extraordinary, highlighting the futility of blind ambition.
How does the mood of the travelers change throughout the poem?
The travelers start their journey with enthusiasm and high hopes, believing in the importance of their mission. As they move forward, difficulties arise, and conflicts weaken their unity. Physical hardships, attacks, and disagreements lead to disillusionment, making them lose motivation. By the time they reach their destination, they are emotionally and physically drained, realizing that their efforts were meaningless.
What does the desert symbolize in the poem?
The desert in the poem symbolizes the challenges and hardships that people face in life. It represents a turning point in the journey where internal conflicts begin to arise. The disagreements on how to cross the desert lead to the loss of a valuable member, marking the beginning of the group’s downfall. The desert serves as a metaphor for life’s struggles that test human relationships and determination.
What is the significance of the line, “A shadow falls on us and grows”?
This line marks the beginning of the travelers’ realization that their journey is not as meaningful as they initially believed. The “shadow” represents growing doubt, confusion, and despair as they start losing members and direction. It also signifies the emotional burden they carry, as their enthusiasm fades and is replaced by uncertainty and hopelessness.
Why do some travelers leave the group, and what does this signify?
Some travelers leave the group because of the hardships they face and the loss of faith in their mission. The attacks and struggles weaken their resolve, leading them to abandon the journey. This signifies how difficult situations in life often cause people to drift apart, emphasizing the fragility of unity and human ambition when faced with adversity.
What is the role of the leader in the poem?
The leader tries to keep the group motivated, even when they face hardships. At one point, he claims to “smell the sea,” implying that the end of their journey is near. However, his optimism contrasts with the travelers’ exhaustion and disillusionment. This suggests that while leaders may inspire hope, they cannot always prevent failure when the mission itself lacks real meaning.
What is the significance of the line, “The trip had darkened every face”?
This line suggests that the journey has left the travelers physically and emotionally drained. Their struggles have taken a toll on their spirits, and they no longer feel the excitement they once had. “Darkened” could refer to both physical exhaustion from their hardships and the emotional impact of disappointment, showing how their journey has changed them.
What does the thunder symbolize, and why do the travelers ignore it?
The thunder symbolizes a warning or realization that the travelers fail to acknowledge. It could represent nature’s attempt to make them aware of their mistakes or a metaphor for divine intervention. However, they ignore it because they are too tired and hopeless to care. This shows how, in life, people sometimes fail to recognize important signs when they are consumed by exhaustion and despair.
What is the irony in the poem Enterprise?
The irony in the poem lies in the contrast between the travelers’ expectations and their final realization. They begin with great enthusiasm, believing their journey will lead to something significant. However, by the end, they find no real meaning in their efforts. The journey that was supposed to bring achievement and fulfillment only leads to exhaustion and disillusionment, showing the futility of their ambition.
What is the final message of the poem?
The poem conveys that true fulfillment and happiness are not always found in grand adventures or external achievements. The travelers’ journey, which began with hope, ends in disappointment, teaching that ambition alone does not guarantee success. The final line, “Home is where we have to gather grace,” suggests that inner peace and contentment are found in ordinary life, not in distant, uncertain pursuits.
