The Last Bargain Poem: Important Questions and Answers for Class 8 English
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4 The Last Bargain - 2025-26
1. What is the central theme of the poem 'The Last Bargain' in NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4?
The poem 'The Last Bargain' explores the idea that real happiness and freedom cannot be bought with power, money, or beauty. It demonstrates that true contentment comes from genuine human connection and freedom, rather than material possessions or social status, as highlighted in the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4.
2. According to the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4, why does the speaker reject the offers from the king, the old man, and the beautiful girl?
The speaker rejects the king's offer because power cannot buy happiness. He rejects the old man's offer since money is not the source of true joy. He turns down the beautiful girl's offer as beauty fades and cannot offer lasting satisfaction. The solutions emphasize that none of these offers met the speaker's need for freedom and genuine happiness.
3. What is the significance of the child's offer in the context of the poem and as explained in the NCERT Solutions?
The child's offer is significant because it is free from expectations and conditions. He invites the speaker to play without any payment, symbolizing pure joy and liberty. According to the NCERT Solutions, the speaker accepts this offer as it allows him to keep his freedom while experiencing happiness, highlighting a key lesson from the chapter.
4. How does 'The Last Bargain' exemplify the meaning of a true bargain, based on the Class 8 NCERT Solutions?
A true bargain, according to the poem and the NCERT Solutions, is an agreement that brings happiness without compromising one's freedom or self-worth. Unlike bargains involving wealth or power, the last bargain is valuable because it involves goodwill and cheer, not material gain.
5. In the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4, how is the theme of freedom depicted through the speaker's choices?
The theme of freedom is depicted as a core value that cannot be exchanged for money, power, or beauty. The speaker’s choices throughout the poem emphasize that only a life free from such bonds leads to true happiness, a critical insight covered in the NCERT Solutions.
6. What lesson does 'The Last Bargain' teach about happiness, according to the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4?
According to the solutions, the lesson is that happiness is found in the simple, unconditional moments of life, independent of wealth or power. True happiness cannot be purchased but is received when one is free and content with what one has.
7. Why is the line "I hire you with nothing" considered significant in the NCERT Solutions?
This line is significant because it captures the essence of the last, most meaningful bargain—one devoid of material exchange. The NCERT Solutions highlight that this symbolizes the value of goodwill over material rewards.
8. How does the speaker's interaction with the child contrast with his meetings with the king, the old man, and the girl?
Unlike earlier encounters, the speaker's interaction with the child is based on innocence, playfulness, and no expectation of reward. The NCERT Solutions explain that this contrast shows the emptiness of material offers and the fulfillment found in sincere, joyful interactions.
9. How does the poem 'The Last Bargain' use literary devices to convey its message?
The poem uses symbolism (the king, old man, girl, child), contrast (between material and spiritual offers), and repetition (offers rejected) to reinforce its themes. The NCERT Solutions encourage students to identify and appreciate these devices for deeper understanding and exam readiness.
10. What is the importance of 'The Last Bargain' as per CBSE exam trends, and how do NCERT Solutions help students prepare?
'The Last Bargain' is often included in CBSE exams to test students’ understanding of moral values, literary analysis, and inferential skills. NCERT Solutions offer stepwise explanations, sample answers, and tips aligned to CBSE 2025–26 guidelines, helping students grasp both content and answer-writing skills effectively.
11. If the speaker had chosen any of the earlier offers, how would the poem's message differ? (Application FUQ)
If the speaker had chosen power, money, or beauty, the poem would have conveyed that external rewards can substitute true happiness, contradicting its moral lesson. The NCERT Solutions clarify that the speaker's decision is essential to uphold the poem's message that genuine joy and freedom are priceless.
12. How can students apply the lesson from 'The Last Bargain' in real-life situations, as advised in NCERT Solutions?
Students can apply the lesson by valuing freedom, integrity, and happiness in their choices, rather than prioritizing material gain. According to the NCERT Solutions, it encourages students to seek satisfaction in relationships and experiences instead of possessions.
13. What type of questions from 'The Last Bargain' are frequently asked in CBSE exams, as per NCERT Solutions?
CBSE exams often ask explanation-based, inferential, and value-based questions from this poem. NCERT Solutions guide students to practice long and short answers, central idea explanation, and the moral/message analysis in a CBSE-compliant format.
14. How do the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English Chapter 4 help students develop analytical skills?
The NCERT Solutions break down the poem’s structure, meaning, and themes in a logical and accessible way, encouraging students to analyze, compare, and form opinions based on text evidence in line with CBSE standards.
