Class 5 English - CBSE
Poetry: Vocation
The poem 'Vocation' by Rabindranath Tagore, prescribed for CBSE Class 5 English, captures a child's innocent imagination and fascination with the everyday adult world. Through the poem, the speaker watches a hawker, a gardener, and a watchman at different times of the day and wishes to trade places with them for the freedom they seem to possess. The child wants no fixed rules, homework, or bedtime. This chapter matters for CBSE exams because it tests students' reading comprehension, ability to understand poetic devices, and skills in expressing personal thoughts about freedom and choices.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Vocation
A vocation means a person's regular work, job, or occupation that they do to earn a living.
The Hawker's Freedom
The child admires the hawker because he has no fixed route, no time to go home, and cries his wares freely in the streets.
The Gardener's Labor
The child watches the gardener dig the ground and gets excited that no one scolds him if he gets his clothes soiled with dust.
The Watchman's Night Duty
At night, the lonely watchman walks the dark streets with his lantern, which fascinates the child who wishes to stay awake all night.
Innocent Imagination
The poem highlights how children often find adult jobs glamorous because they misunderstand the hard work and responsibilities involved.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 5 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 5 to 8 marks. Common question types include reference to context (extract-based questions), short answer questions about the child's wishes and the people he meets, word meanings, and value-based questions on freedom and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the child want to be a hawker?
The child wants to be a hawker because there is no fixed path to take, no place he must go to, and no time when he must return home.
What does the gardener do that attracts the child?
The gardener digs the ground with a spade, and the child wishes to be like him so that no one will scold him if he gets his clothes dirty.
Why does the child wish to be a watchman at night?
The child wants to be a watchman so he can walk the dark streets all night with his red-lighted lantern, chasing away shadows.
Learn Poetry: Vocation with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards