ICSE Students can refer to Abu Ben Adheim Summary ICSE below which has been prepared by expert English teachers of ICSE as per that latest syllabus and guidelines issued by ICSE. These Chapter summaries have been prepared to help students to understand the entire chapter easily. You can also refer to more study material for ICSE Class 10 on our website
ICSE Class 10 English Abu Ben Adheim Summary
We have provided below a summary of Chapter Abu Ben Adheim. This is an important chapter in Standard 10th ICSE English. The summary provided below has been prepared by expert English faculty for ICSE based on the latest ICSE books. You should refer to all Chapter Summaries ICSE Class 10 English which will help you to understand all chapters and to get more marks in exams.
Abu Ben Adheim ICSE Class 10 English
About the Poet
Leigh Hunt (19 October, 1784 – 28 August, 1859) was a religious man who was educated in a Christian hospital. His first poems were published in 1801 under the title of “Juvenilia”, and introduced him into a literary and theatrical society. In 1808, he became the editor of ‘The Examiner’, a newspaper founded by his brother. He was a friend and critic to other famous writers like, Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron. He is known today for only a handful of delightful, short lyrics and poems like, The Story of Remine (1816), Foliage (1819, a collection of poem) etc.
Summary
‘Abu Ben Adheim’ describes the spiritual experience of a religious man ‘Abu’. Through this poem, the poet wishes to express to the readers the importance of kindness and love that we need to show towards our fellow beings.
Explanation of the Poem
“Abu Ben Adheim (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like in lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold.”
Explanation: Abu was a gentle and caring man. He did good to everyone. One night he was enjoying a sound and peaceful sleep in his room. Suddenly he woke up and saw his room flooded with moonlight. The room was brightened by the presence of an angel, who looked like a lily in full bloom. The angel was writing something in a golden book.
Word Meanings :
1. Dream of peace — Peaceful dream
2. Rich — Brightened
“Exceeding peace had made Ben Adheim bold,
And to the presence in the room he said,
“What wriest thou?- The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”
“And is mine one?” said Abu. “Nay, not so,”
Replied the angel. Abu spoke more low,
But cheerly still; and said, “I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
Explanation: The extremely peaceful atmosphere of the room made Abu bold enough to ask the angel what was it writing. The angel rose its head and looked at him sweetly. Then it told him that it was making the list of all those who loved the Lord. Abu curiously enquired if his name too was mentioned in it. The angel denied in a subdued yet cheerful voice. Abu requested the angel to add his name among those who loved other fellow beings.
Word Meanings :
1. Exceeding — Increasing
2. Presence — (here) Angel
3. Vision — (here) Angel
4. Sweet accord — Harmony
“The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adheim’s name led all the rest.”
Explanation: The angel granted his request, wrote his name and vanished. The next night the angel came again into his room and showed him the names of those who were lucky enough to be blessed by God’s love. And to Abu’s joy, his name was at the top of the list.
Word Meanings :
1. Vanished — Disappeared
2. Blest — Blessed
Explanation: Thus, Abu was nearer to God because he loved his fellowmen. This poem propagates the idea that we should love humanity and this is the best worship.
