Class 9 English - PUNJAB
Poetry: No Men Are Foreign
No Men Are Foreign is a deeply philosophical and patriotic poem by James Kirkup included in the Class 9 Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) English curriculum. The chapter conveys a powerful message of universal brotherhood, peace, and equality among all human beings, regardless of nationality, race, or religion. It teaches students that dividing people through war and hatred is a sin against humanity, as we all breathe the same air, walk on the same earth, and share the same sun. For board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing comprehension of poetic devices, central themes, and moral values.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Universal Brotherhood
The core concept that all human beings belong to one global family and no one is a stranger or foreigner.
Common Humanity
The idea that we all share the same physical body, biological needs, and emotional experiences like love, starvation, and strength.
Futility of War
The poet explains that war defiles the earth and the pure air we breathe, harming both enemies and ourselves.
Nature's Equality
Elements of nature like the sun, air, water, and earth are freely available to everyone without any discrimination.
Poetic Device - Free Verse
The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter, allowing natural expression of thoughts.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the PSEB Class 9 English board examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include short answer questions based on the central theme, stanza-based comprehension questions with multiple-choice or short answers, and long answer questions asking students to explain the message of peace and brotherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of the poem No Men Are Foreign?
The central theme is universal brotherhood and peace, emphasizing that all human beings are equal and there are no foreigners.
What does the poet mean by 'no men are strange, no countries foreign'?
The poet means that people living in other countries are like us, and no nation is entirely alien to us because we share the same earth.
How do we harm ourselves when we wage war against others?
When we fight others, we pollute the earth and air that we all share, and we destroy our own humanity and peace.
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