Let’s Play – By Kate Greenaway
Let’s Play
– By Kate Greenaway
School is over.
Oh, what a fun!
Lessons finished,
Play begaun
Who’ll run fastest,
You or I?
Who’ll laugh loudest?
Let us try.
অনুবাদ
চলো খেলি
কেট গ্রিনওয়ে
স্কুল শেষ
আনন্দ হোক!
পড়া ফুরালো,
খেলা শুরু হোক।
তুমি না আমি
কে দৌড়াবে বেশ?
কে হাসবে জোরে?
চল দেখি শেষ।
Summary:
“Let’s Play” is a short and charming poem that captures the innocent joy and spontaneity of childhood play. In the poem, Greenaway invites children to engage in simple, imaginative games outdoors, celebrating the carefree nature of youth. The tone is cheerful and light, with rhythmic lines that reflect the playful spirit of children running, jumping, and enjoying each other’s company in nature.
The poem emphasizes the importance of friendship, laughter, and living in the moment, painting a nostalgic picture of a time when fun came from imagination rather than toys or technology. It reflects Greenaway’s signature style—gentle, idyllic, and centered around the lives of children.
Theme:
The theme of the poem “Let’s Play” by Kate Greenaway centers around childhood innocence, joy, and the imaginative world of play. It captures the simple pleasures and carefree spirit of children engaging in outdoor games and playful adventures. The poem reflects a time when play was spontaneous, creative, and unburdened by adult concerns—highlighting themes such as:
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Imagination and creativity
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Nature and the outdoors
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Friendship and companionship
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Nostalgia for a simpler time
Question:
(a) What is the main theme of the poem ‘Let’s Play’?
(b) Why did the poet write this poem ‘Let’s Play’?
(c) How is it fun for the children in the poem ‘Let’s Play’?
(d) What emotions does the poem ‘Let’s Play’ express?
(e) Who are the possible speakers in the poem ‘Let’s Play’?
(f) What does the phrase ‘Lessons finished, play begun’ suggest in the poem ‘Let’s Play’? (g) Why does the poet in the poem ‘Let’s Play’ use questions like Who’ll run fastest? and Who’ll laugh loudest?’
(h) What literary devices are used in the poem ‘Let’s Play’?
Extra Questions
(a)How does the poem ‘Let’s Play’ reflect the innocence of children?
(b) What message does the poem ‘Let’s Play’ convey to readers?
(c) What effect does the short length of the poem have on the reader in the ‘Let’s Play’? (d) How does the poet create a sense of excitement in the poem ‘Let’s Play’?
(e) What does the first sentence ‘School is over’ signify?
(f) Why does the poet use note of exclamation in the second sentence?
(g) What is the poet’s purpose to use ‘lessons finished’? ‘play began’?
(h) What idea do you get about the school from the phrase from the part of the question “… you or I?”
(i) What message do you get from the question ‘Who will run fastest…’?
(j) What can you deduce from the part of the question” —- you or I?”
(k)Who will laugh loudest? What does it imply?
(l) Why does the poet say, “Let us try”?
(m) How many stanzas are there in this poem and what are the significances of these stanzas?
Answer:
(a) The main theme of the poem is the Joy and excitement of playtime after school. It highlights the happiness children feel when they are free to have fun.
কবিতাটির মূল বিষয়বস্তু হল স্কুলের পরে খেলার সময় আনন্দ এবং উত্তেজনা। এটি শিশুরা যখন আনন্দ করার জন্য মুক্ত থাকে তখন তারা যে আনন্দ অনুভব করে তা তুলে ধরে।
(b) The poet wrote this poem to capture the carefree and Joyful moments of childhood., emphasizing the excitement of playtime after school.
কবি এই কবিতাটি লিখেছিলেন শৈশবের চিন্তামুক্ত এবং আনন্দময় মুহূর্তগুলিকে ধারণ করার জন্য, স্কুলের পরে খেলার উত্তেজনার উপর জোর দিয়ে।
(c) It is fun because school is over, and they can now run, laugh, and play freely without the burden of lessons.
এটা মজার কারণ স্কুল শেষ হয়ে গেছে, এবং তারা এখন পাঠের বোঝা ছাড়াই স্বাধীনভাবে দৌড়াতে, হাসতে এবং খেলতে পারে।
(d) The poem expresses happiness, excitement and enthusiasm for playtime.
কবিতাটি খেলার সময় আনন্দ, উত্তেজনা এবং উৎসাহ প্রকাশ করে।
(e) The speakers in the poem are children who are eager to play after school.
কবিতাটির বক্তারা হলেন সেইসব শিশু যারা স্কুলের পরে খেলতে আগ্রহী।
(f) It suggests a transition from study time to playtime, showing the relief and joy children feel when school ends.
এটি পড়াশোনার সময় থেকে খেলাধুলার সময় পরিবর্তনের পরামর্শ দেয়, যা স্কুল শেষ হলে শিশুরা যে স্বস্তি এবং আনন্দ অনুভব করে তা দেখায়।
(g) The poet uses these questions to show the playful competitions between childen and to emphasize their excitement.
কবি শিশুদের মধ্যে কৌতুকপূর্ণ প্রতিযোগিতা দেখানোর জন্য এবং তাদের উত্তেজনা জোরদার করার জন্য এই প্রশ্নগুলি ব্যবহার করেছেন।
(h) The poem uses rhyme (fun/run, I/try) and repetition (Who’ll run fastest, You or I? Who’ll laugh loudest? Let us try’) to create rhythm and energy.
কবিতাটিতে ছন্দ এবং শক্তি তৈরির জন্য ছন্দ (মজা/দৌড়, আমি/চেষ্টা) এবং পুনরাবৃত্তি (কে দ্রুত দৌড়াবে, তুমি না আমি? কে সবচেয়ে জোরে হাসবে? আসুন চেষ্টা করি’) ব্যবহার করা হয়েছে।
Extra Answers:
(a) The poem reflects the innocence of childhood through its focus on simple joys, such as running, laughing, and playing without worries.
কবিতাটি শৈশবের নিষ্পাপতাকে প্রতিফলিত করে, যার মূল আকর্ষণ হল দৌড়ানো, হাসি এবং উদ্বেগ ছাড়াই খেলা।
(b) The poem conveys the message that childhood is a time of joy and carefree fun, and play is an important part of a child’s life.
কবিতাটি এই বার্তা দেয় যে শৈশব আনন্দ এবং চিন্তামুক্ত আনন্দের সময়, এবং খেলাধুলা একটি শিশুর জীবনের একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অংশ।
(c) The short length makes the poem lively and easy to read, reflecting the quick, energetic nature of children’s playtime.
সংক্ষিপ্ত দৈর্ঘ্য কবিতাটিকে প্রাণবন্ত এবং সহজে পঠনযোগ্য করে তোলে, যা শিশুদের খেলার সময়ের দ্রুত, উদ্যমী প্রকৃতিকে প্রতিফলিত করে।
(d) The poet creates excitement through the use of exclamation marks, fast-paced rhythm. and direct questions that encourage action and playfulness.
কবি বিস্ময়বোধক চিহ্ন, দ্রুতগতির ছন্দ এবং সরাসরি প্রশ্ন ব্যবহার করে উত্তেজনা সৃষ্টি করেন যা কর্ম ও খেলাধুলাকে উৎসাহিত করে।
(e) This sentence conveys a sense of freedom. After passing some rigorous moments of confinement in the classroom, the students get freedom to go and play outside.
এই বাক্যটি স্বাধীনতার অনুভূতি প্রকাশ করে। শ্রেণীকক্ষে কিছু কঠোর বন্দীদশা কাটানোর পর, শিক্ষার্থীরা বাইরে গিয়ে খেলার স্বাধীনতা পায়।
(f) The second sentence entails the phrase ‘what fun! itself is expressive. Additionally, the exclamation mark adds a sense of celebration of joy to the readers.
দ্বিতীয় বাক্যটিতে ‘কী মজা!’ বাক্যাংশটি নিজেই প্রকাশযোগ্য। অতিরিক্তভাবে, বিস্ময়বোধক চিহ্নটি পাঠকদের আনন্দ উদযাপনের অনুভূতি যোগ করে।
(g) The poet’s purpose here is to pass the message that classroom learning within the four (p) walls is over. So, it’s time to go outside and play in the open lap of nature.
কবির এখানে উদ্দেশ্য হলো এই বার্তাটি পৌঁছে দেওয়া যে চার দেয়ালের মধ্যে শ্রেণীকক্ষে শিক্ষার সমাপ্তি ঘটেছে। তাই, এখন সময় এসেছে বাইরে গিয়ে প্রকৃতির খোলা কোলে খেলার।
(h) The phrase gives us a light about the environment of the school referred in the poem. The school is apparently a children-friendly and liberal one.
এই বাক্যাংশটি কবিতায় উল্লেখিত স্কুলের পরিবেশ সম্পর্কে আমাদের আলোকপাত করে। স্কুলটি স্পষ্টতই শিশু-বান্ধব এবং উদারপন্থী।
(i) The speaker in the question is obviously a young reader. The purpose of this question in the poem is to nurture a sense of healthy competition in the mental fabric of the young readers.
প্রশ্নটির বক্তা স্পষ্টতই একজন তরুণ পাঠক। কবিতায় এই প্রশ্নের উদ্দেশ্য হল তরুণ পাঠকদের মানসিক কাঠামোতে সুস্থ প্রতিযোগিতার অনুভূতি লালন করা।
(j) Apparently, the speakers here are the young learners who are liberal in their attitude. And they are not inclined to practice imposition.
স্পষ্টতই, এখানে বক্তারা হলেন তরুণ শিক্ষার্থীরা যারা তাদের মনোভাবের দিক থেকে উদার। এবং তারা চাপিয়ে দেওয়ার অনুশীলনে আগ্রহী নয়
(k)In this sentence, the phrase laugh loudest is especially significant. It depicts the ideal of Innocence and beauty and at the same time a sense of celebration of pure joy of young minds.
এই বাক্যে, “সর্বাধিক জোরে হাসি” বাক্যাংশটি বিশেষভাবে তাৎপর্যপূর্ণ। এটি নির্দোষতা এবং সৌন্দর্যের আদর্শকে চিত্রিত করে এবং একই সাথে তরুণ মনের বিশুদ্ধ আনন্দ উদযাপনের অনুভূতিও প্রকাশ করে।
(l)The expression is significant in the sense that through this, the poet intends to imbue, a sense of blessing and team spirit in the mind of the young learners.
এই অভিব্যক্তিটি এই অর্থে তাৎপর্যপূর্ণ যে এর মাধ্যমে কবি তরুণ শিক্ষার্থীদের মনে আশীর্বাদ এবং দলগত মনোভাব জাগিয়ে তুলতে চান।
(m) There are two stanzas in this poem. The first stanza illustrates charming and lighthearted celebration of childhood whereas the second one depicts the portrayal of childhood influenced by a sense of belonging and fellow feeling.
এই কবিতায় দুটি স্তবক আছে। প্রথম স্তবকটি শৈশবের মনোমুগ্ধকর এবং হালকা উদযাপনের চিত্র তুলে ধরেছে, যেখানে দ্বিতীয়টি শৈশবের চিত্রায়নকে চিত্রিত করে, যা স্বত্বাধিকার এবং সহানুভূতির অনুভূতি দ্বারা প্রভাবিত।
Extra Questions:
- What is the title of the poem?
The title of the poem is “Let’s Play.” It reflects the excitement of children playing after school ends. - Who wrote the poem?
The poem was written by Kate Greenaway. She was known for writing and illustrating children’s literature. - What happens at the beginning of the poem?
The poem begins with the announcement that school is over. This sets a joyful and playful tone right away. - Why are the children happy?
They are happy because school is over and playtime has begun. It’s a time for fun and freedom. - Where does the poem take place?
The poem likely takes place outside, after school ends.
It’s a setting of freedom, running, and laughter. - What does “school is over” mean?
It means the classes or lessons for the day have ended. The children are now free to play. - Why does the poet mention lessons?
To show that learning time is done. Now it’s time for fun activities. - What do the children begin after school?
They begin to play. The poet emphasizes the joy of this moment. - Who might the speaker be talking to?
The speaker is talking to a friend or classmate. It is someone they want to race and laugh with. - What do the children want to try?
They want to see who runs the fastest and laughs the loudest. It’s a friendly competition between friends. - When do the children start playing?
They start playing after school ends. That’s when their fun begins. - Who finishes the lessons?
The children finish their lessons. They are now free from school responsibilities. - Why does the speaker ask “You or I”?
To challenge the other person in a playful way. It invites fun competition. - What kind of mood does the poem express?
It expresses a joyful and carefree mood. The children are excited and full of energy. - What are the children competing in?
They’re competing in running and laughing. Both are simple but fun games. - How many activities are mentioned?
Two activities are mentioned—running and laughing. These represent typical playful actions of children. - What does the word “fun” refer to?
It refers to the joy of playing after school. It contrasts with the seriousness of lessons. - Why might laughter be important in the poem?
It shows happiness and joy. Laughter reflects the carefree nature of childhood. - What does the word “try” suggest?
It suggests a playful challenge. The children are excited to test their skills. - When are the children free to play?
They are free after school is over. That’s when lessons end and freedom begins. - Why do children play after school?
To relax and have fun. It balances their day after studying. - Who might win the race?
It could be either the speaker or the friend. The poem leaves it open for imagination. - What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is cheerful and lively. It celebrates the joy of being a child. - Where are lessons mentioned?
They are mentioned in the second line. It helps contrast school time with playtime. - Who wants to laugh the loudest?
Both children want to. They’re seeing who can laugh more joyfully. - Why are competitions fun in the poem?
They are friendly and playful. The goal is enjoyment, not winning. - What happens when lessons finish?
The children begin to play. It marks a shift from study to fun. - How do the children feel after school?
They feel excited and happy. Playtime brings them joy. - What do children do during playtime?
They run and laugh. It’s a time for physical and emotional freedom. - Why does the poet use simple language?
To reflect the innocence of childhood. It makes the poem relatable for young readers. - When do the children challenge each other?
They challenge each other after school ends. It’s part of their fun and bonding. - Where might they be running?
They could be running in a schoolyard or park. The poem leaves it to the reader’s imagination. - Who might laugh louder?
Either of them might. The point is to enjoy the attempt. - What does “let us try” mean?
It means they want to have fun together. They’re eager to see what happens. - How many children are in the poem?
At least two children are implied. The speaker addresses another person. - Why might children love this poem?
Because it captures the fun of childhood. They can relate to the excitement after school. - What’s the main idea of the poem?
The joy of playtime after school. It celebrates the energy and spirit of children. - Why is school mentioned only briefly?
To show that it’s over and not the focus now. The poem is centered on fun. - How is childhood shown in the poem?
It’s shown as joyful and active. Children are free, playful, and happy. - What is being compared in the poem?
Speed in running and volume in laughing. It’s a lighthearted comparison between friends. - Why does the poem end with a question?
To invite the reader into the fun. It leaves the poem open and interactive. - What might happen next?
The children might start racing and laughing. The poem sets up the action. - Where could the children be going?
They could be going home or to a playground. The poem doesn’t specify, allowing for imagination. - Who enjoys the play more?
Both children seem equally excited. The poem focuses on shared joy. - What do the children value more—school or play?
In the moment, they value play more. It brings immediate happiness. - Why might the poet focus on simple pleasures?
To show how little things bring great joy. Childhood is often full of small, happy moments. - When do children laugh the most?
Often during playtime. It’s when they feel most free. - How do the lines create rhythm?
They are short and rhythmic. This mirrors the quick, lively pace of play. - What makes this poem memorable?
Its joyful tone and simplicity. Readers can easily relate to it. - Why is the poem suitable for children?
It uses easy language and fun themes. Children can see themselves in it.
- What is the poem about?
The poem celebrates the joy of playtime after school ends. It highlights children’s excitement to run, laugh, and compete. - Who is the author of the poem?
The poem is written by Kate Greenaway. She was known for her children’s poetry and illustrations. - What mood does the poem create?
The mood is cheerful and energetic. It reflects the happiness and freedom of children after school. - What time of day is described in the poem?
The poem describes the end of the school day. It focuses on the transition from lessons to playtime. - Why is the poem titled “Let’s Play”?
The title invites children to engage in playful activities. It emphasizes the joy of games and competition. - How many stanzas are in the poem?
The poem has four stanzas. Each stanza consists of two rhyming couplets. - What rhyme scheme does the poem follow?
The poem uses an AABB rhyme scheme. Each pair of lines rhymes (e.g., fun/ begun). - What literary device is used in “Oh, what fun!”?
It is an exclamation expressing excitement. It also uses repetition of the “f” sound (alliteration). - How does the poet create rhythm in the poem?
Short lines and simple words create a lively rhythm. The meter mimics the energetic pace of play. - What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is lighthearted and enthusiastic. It encourages participation in playful activities. - What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme is the joy of childhood play. It contrasts schoolwork with the freedom of playtime. - How does the poem highlight competition?
It asks, “Who’ll run fastest?”and “Who’ll laugh loudest?” These questions encourage friendly rivalry. - What does “Lessons finished, Play begun” signify?
It marks the transition from structured learning to unstructured play. It symbolizes freedom for children. - Why is laughter emphasized in the poem?
Laughter represents pure, carefree joy. It shows how playtime fosters happiness. - How does the poem connect to childhood innocence?
It portrays children’s simple pleasures, like running and laughing. There are no worries, only excitement. - What imagery is used to describe playtime?
The poem uses action words like “run”and “laugh.” It paints a vivid picture of energetic children. - What does “Who’ll run fastest, You or I?” suggest?
It encourages physical activity and competition. It invites readers to join the race. - How does the poem engage the reader?
It uses direct questions like “Let us try.”Readers feel included in the playful challenge. - What does “Let us try” encourage?
It urges participation and effort. It motivates children to embrace fun and teamwork. - Why are the actions of running and laughing chosen?
They symbolize energetic play and joy. These are universal activities children relate to. - Why does the poet use short lines?
Short lines mimic the quick pace of play. They make the poem easy to read and remember. - What effect does repetition create in the poem?
Repetition of “Who’ll”emphasizes curiosity and competition. It builds rhythmic energy. - How does the exclamation “Oh, what fun!” impact the poem?
It conveys excitement and enthusiasm. It sets the joyful tone for the rest of the poem. - Why is the word “begun” used instead of “began”?
“Begun” rhymes with “fun”and maintains the AABB structure. It adds musicality. - What does the phrase “Play begun” symbolize?
It marks the start of freedom after school. Play is presented as a new, exciting phase. - What message does the poet convey about play?
Play is essential for joy and bonding. It offers a break from routine and rules. - How does the poem contrast school and play?
School is linked to lessons and structure, while play is freedom and fun. The two are opposites. - Why is competition portrayed positively?
Friendly rivalry encourages effort and teamwork. It adds excitement to playtime. - What does the poem teach about childhood?
Childhood should include unstructured play. It fosters happiness, creativity, and social skills. - How does the poem appeal to young readers?
Simple language and relatable themes engage children. It mirrors their own experiences. - Who was Kate Greenaway?
Kate Greenaway was a 19th-century English poet and illustrator. She focused on children’s literature. - What is Kate Greenaway’s writing style?
Her style is simple, rhythmic, and child-friendly. She often celebrated innocence and nature. - Why is Greenaway associated with children’s poetry?
Her works combine playful themes with charming illustrations. They resonate with young audiences. - What awards honor Kate Greenaway’s legacy?
The Kate Greenaway Medal awards excellence in children’s book illustration. It reflects her influence. - How does this poem reflect Greenaway’s typical themes?
It highlights childhood joy and simplicity. These are common in her works. - Why is the poem considered timeless?
It captures universal childhood experiences. Themes of play and freedom remain relevant. - How does the poem use rhetorical questions?
Questions like “Who’ll run fastest?”engage readers. They invite reflection and action. - What role does rhythm play in the poem?
Rhythm mirrors the lively pace of play. It makes the poem memorable and fun to recite. - How does the poem’s simplicity enhance its appeal?
Easy language and structure make it accessible. Children and adults both enjoy its clarity. - Why is this poem suitable for young readers?
It is short, rhythmic, and relatable. It encourages imagination and physical activity. - How might children act out this poem?
They could race, laugh, and pretend to play. It inspires physical movement and drama. - What illustrations would complement the poem?
Images of children running, laughing, and playing. Bright colors would match the cheerful tone. - How could teachers use this poem in class?
For reading aloud or inspiring playtime activities. It could also teach rhyme and rhythm. - What modern activities relate to the poem’s themes?
Sports, playground games, or dance. These echo the poem’s focus on movement and joy. - How does the poem inspire creativity?
It encourages imagining playful scenarios. Children can invent their own games. - How does this poem compare to other children’s poems?
Like nursery rhymes, it uses rhythm and simplicity. It focuses on universal childhood joys. - What makes this poem different from Greenaway’s other works?
It is shorter and more action-focused. Some of her poems highlight nature or quiet moments. - How does it contrast with poems about school?
Many school poems focus on learning, but this celebrates freedom from it. - Why might this poem resonate across cultures?
Play is a global childhood experience. The emotions and activities are universal. - How does the poem’s brevity affect its impact?