Short Answer-type Qs (Selected for Q1.)
Ans.
It means that studying books provides the reader entertainment in their leisure
time. Most of the readers study various types of books because they want to get
joy and delight. If the reader’s top priority is to get entertainment, they
easily get it by certain books which are available in the market.
Q2.
What
are the main purposes of studies, according to Bacon? What do studies serve
for?
Answer: Bacon states that studies serve three main purposes:
delight, ornament, and ability. Delight refers to personal enjoyment and
intellectual pleasure, ornament means the ability to speak and write
effectively, and ability refers to the practical knowledge and skills gained
through studying.
Q3. How does Bacon classify books in
"Of Studies"?
Ans. Bacon classifies books into three categories:
Some
books are to be tasted – to be read partially.
Some
books are to be swallowed – to be read quickly without deep analysis.
Some
books are to be chewed and digested – to be read thoroughly and studied deeply.
Q3.What does Bacon mean by "Studies
serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability"?
Ans. We study books for delight, for
ornamentation in language and for increasing our mental abilities to perceive
problems and the world at large. It means that studying books provides the
reader entertainment in their leisure time. Secondly, studying books enhances
and improves our mental abilities and makes us wiser than before. It also helps
us enrich our conversational skills. We become able to think deeply and broadly
on a problem and take decision in a better way.
Q4. Why does Bacon believe too much
study can be harmful? How do studies have harmful effect, according to Bacon?
Ans. the author warns us against the
too much engagement with books. First, it may create laziness and secondly, we
may be tempted to use our bookish knowledge in our day-to-day conversation that
may irritate the partners in conversation. We may become habitual of judging
others on the basis of knowledge we acquired by studying various books. The
author terms it the whim of a scholar. It is not advisable for a voracious
reader of books to be showy in his knowledge.
Q5. How are natural abilities like plants?
Ans. Bacon also says that natural abilities are the talents that are
present in all of us by birth. These are like plants that grow into shrubs if
not pruned from time to time. They need pruning to give them proper shape and
order. After proper care, the plants look beautiful to us. Similarly, people
having different talents need guidance and training to reach a presentable
level.
Q6. “Reading maketh a full man;
conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”, explain.
Ans. Bacon further writes; “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready
man; and writing an exact man.” He means to say that reading hone our mental
abilities, our participation in conversation makes us sharp and witty minded
and writing makes us a real personality, enabling us to quote facts and figures
accurately.
Q7. Describe curative powers of studying
books?
Or Explain: “Studies are to mind what
exercises are to body.”
Ans. Baron also mentions here in this essay that books have also got
curative powers. As physical exercises are required to remove physical ailments
from human body, mental ailments are also cured by reading relevant books.
Mathematics enhances concentration; the study of law makes a man skilled in
logic and reading philosophy makes him sober as already has been mentioned. If
a man is unable to find differences, Bacon suggests to him to read the
philosophy of the middle Ages. If a man suffers from the lack of reasoning, he
should study law cases. Thus Bacon tells us that studying books are necessary
for mental exercises.
Q8. Explain: “some books are to be
tasted; others to be swallowed and some are to be chewed and digested.”
Ans. Bacon says that there are different books in the market. Some of them
may be very good to read, but many of them may not be good for reading.
Some
books are to be gone through hurriedly. But the books written by well known
writers require the reader’s rapt attention and full concentration. There are
some books which need not be read in originals. Those should be read through
proxy only; by reading their notes and extracts by others.
Q9.
What does the author say about the different types of books?
Ans. Bacon says that there are different books in the market. Some of them
may be very good to read, but many of them may not be good for reading.
Some
books are to be gone through hurriedly. But the books written by well known
writers require the reader’s rapt attention and full concentration. There are
some books which need not be read in originals. Those should be read through
proxy only; by reading their notes and extracts by others.
Q10. What is the true aim of studying
books?
Ans. The true aim of studying books is to enrich one’s mind with the wisdom
that enables a person to reach such a level that discards all the petty
thoughts about prejudice, narrow-mindedness and fanaticism. He uses his wisdom
for the betterment of life on the earth.
Q11. How do studies pass into the
character?
Ans. When the reader reads the books written by great writers and read them
with full attentions, he absorbs several qualities into his own character
directly or indirectly. He attains knowledge and logics to counter other people
in conversation and discussions. He also attains wisdom that enables him to
reach such a level that discards all the petty thoughts about prejudice,
narrow-mindedness and fanaticism. He uses his wisdom for the betterment of life
on the earth.
Q12. How do crafty men view books?
Ans.
Bacon further mentions that people have different attitudes towards studies,
so, they react differently in this respect. Wicked people opine that wisdom
acquired from books prove worthless in front of their cunningness.
Q13. What does Bacon advise the reader
about books?
Ans.
Simple people admire books, but the wise people use them for their advantage.
The writer also advises the reader not to have blind faith about books for the
reason that these are written by different people having different points of
views towards life. They may reflect their own personal ideas towards life. So,
we must keep our judgement alive while studying books.
