“No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup
1. Original Readings:
2. Paraphrasing of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup Line by line:
🔹 Stanza -1:
👉 The poet says that no human being is strange and no country is truly foreign.
2. Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes
👉 He explains that under different uniforms or appearances, all humans have the same body.
3. Like ours: the land our brothers walk upon.
👉 He adds that the land where others live is just like our own land.
4. Is earth like this, in which we all shall lie.
👉 He reminds us that ultimately, we all will be buried in the same earth after death.
🔹 Stanza -2:
5. They, too, aware of sun and air and water,
👉 The poet says that people in other countries also enjoy sunlight, air, and water like us.
6. Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war's long winter starv'd.
👉 He explains that they eat food grown in peace and suffer from hunger during wars.
7. Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read
👉 He tells us that their hands are just like ours, and their palm lines show similar struggles.
8. A labour not different from our own.
👉 He says that their work is not different from ours.
🔹 Stanza -3:
9. Remember they have eyes like ours that wake
👉 The poet reminds us that people everywhere have eyes like ours that open when awake.
10. Or sleep, and strength that can be won
👉 He says that they sleep like us and gain strength.
11. By love. In every land is common life
👉 He explains that love gives strength, and life everywhere is similar.
12. That all can recognise and understand.
👉 He adds that this common life can be recognized and understood by everyone.
🔹 Stanza -4:
13. Let us remember, whenever we are told
👉 The poet urges us to remember whenever someone tells us
14. To hate our brothers, it is ourselves
👉 He says that when we are told to hate others, we actually harm ourselves.
15. That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn.
👉 He explains that by hating others, we deprive, betray, and condemn ourselves.
16. Remember, we who take arms against each other
👉 He reminds us that when we fight and take up weapons against one another,
🔹 Stanza -5 (it is continued part of Stanza 4):
17. It is the human earth that we defile.
👉 The poet says that by fighting against one another, we defile and destroy the human earth that is shared by all people.
18. Our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence
👉 He says that wars create destruction and pollution that spoil the purity of the world.
19. Of air that is everywhere our own.
👉 He adds that the air we pollute belongs to all of us.
20. Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange.
👉 The poet concludes by reminding us again that no human being is foreign and no country is strange.
3. Stanza-wise paraphrasing of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
Stanza 1
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza the poet reminds us that no human being is strange and no country is foreign. He points out that beneath different uniforms and appearances, all humans share the same body and basic needs. The land where others live is just like our own, and ultimately, we will all rest in the same earth after death. The poet emphasizes the physical and spiritual unity of mankind.
Stanza 2
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza the poet explains that people in every country enjoy sunlight, air, and water, just like us. They are nourished by peaceful harvests, but they also suffer hunger during wars. Their hands show the marks of hard work, and their labour is not different from ours. The stanza stresses that human life experiences—work, hunger, and sustenance—are universally shared.
Stanza 3
Original lines:
Remember they have eyes like ours that wake Or sleep, and strength that can be won By love. In every land is common life That all can recognise and understand.
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza the poet highlights the emotional and psychological similarities among people. They have eyes like ours that wake and sleep, and they gain strength through love. Life in every land is common and understandable, and everyone can recognize and relate to these shared experiences. The stanza underlines that love, emotions, and daily life connect all human beings.
Stanza 4
Original lines:
Let us remember, whenever we are told To hate our brothers, it is ourselves That we shall dispossess, betray, condemn. Remember, we who take arms against each other
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza the poet warns that when we are told to hate our brothers or take up arms against each other, we are actually harming ourselves. Hatred and war lead us to dispossess, betray, and condemn our own humanity. The poet urges readers to remember that fighting against one another is self-destructive and morally wrong.
Stanza 5
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza the poet continues the thought from the previous stanza by explaining the consequences of war. He says that by fighting, we defile the human earth and create destruction through fire and dust. Even the air, which belongs to all people, is polluted by our wars. The stanza concludes with a reminder that no men are foreign and no countries are strange, emphasizing the universal brotherhood of mankind.
4. Central Ideas of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
1. The central idea of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup is that all human beings are essentially the same, regardless of nationality, race, or country. The poet emphasizes that beneath outward differences, people share the same body, emotions, and basic needs. He reminds us that everyone experiences work, love, hunger, and the joys and sorrows of life. The poem highlights the emotional and physical unity of mankind. It warns against hatred, prejudice, and war, showing that when we harm others, we ultimately harm ourselves. Fighting pollutes the earth and air, which belong to all humans, and destroys the shared innocence of the world. The poet appeals for universal brotherhood, peace, and understanding among all people. He urges readers to recognize common humanity rather than focus on divisions. The poem conveys that love, compassion, and empathy are stronger and more meaningful than hatred and violence. Ultimately, it teaches that no country is foreign, no person is strange, and we must live in harmony with each other.
2. The central idea of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup is that all human beings are connected by their shared humanity, no matter what country they belong to. The poet stresses that outward differences like uniforms, language, or nationality are superficial. Everyone experiences the same needs, emotions, and struggles in life. He reminds us that people everywhere enjoy the sun, air, and water, work hard, and find strength through love. The poem warns against hatred and violence, showing that wars and conflicts harm not only others but ourselves as well. Fighting pollutes the earth and destroys the natural environment that is common to all humans. Through vivid imagery, the poet appeals to our sense of empathy and moral responsibility. He urges us to recognize that all people are our brothers and sisters. Love, understanding, and peace are more powerful than division and enmity. Ultimately, the poem teaches that no human is foreign, no land is strange, and harmony among people is essential for a better world.
5. Summary of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
6. Poetic Devices (figures of speech) used in the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
1️⃣ Repetition
Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.Example: “Remember” (repeated at the beginning of several lines)
Effect: Emphasizes the key message of unity and peace, making it memorable and urging readers to reflect deeply.
2️⃣ Metaphor
Definition: An indirect comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”Example: “Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes.”
Effect: Highlights that all humans are fundamentally the same despite outward differences such as nationality or uniform.
3️⃣ Simile
Definition: A direct comparison using “like” or “as.”Example: “Their hands are ours, and in their lines we read / A labour not different from our own.” (implied comparison of work)
4️⃣ Imagery
Definition: Language that appeals to the senses to create mental pictures.Example: “Sun and air and water”
Effect: Engages readers’ senses, showing the universality of human life and creating vivid, relatable experiences.
5️⃣ Alliteration
Definition: Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words.Example: “war’s long winter”
Effect: Adds musicality, emphasizes the harshness of war, and draws attention to suffering caused by conflict.
6️⃣ Personification
Definition: Giving human qualities to non-human things.Example: “Our hells of fire and dust outrage the innocence / Of air that is everywhere our own.”
Effect: Makes the destruction caused by war more vivid and relatable, emphasizing environmental and moral damage.
7️⃣ Enjambment
Definition: The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line.Example: “They, too, aware of sun and air and water, / Are fed by peaceful harvests, by war’s long winter starv’d.”
Effect: Creates a natural flow and emphasizes the continuity of life and shared human experiences.
8️⃣ Symbolism
Definition: Using an object, person, or idea to represent something beyond its literal meaning.Example: “Uniforms” symbolize nationality, profession, or outward differences among people.
Effect: Highlights the contrast between superficial differences and underlying human unity.
9️⃣ Contrast
Definition: Showing differences to highlight a point.Example: “Peaceful harvests / By war’s long winter starv’d”
Effect: Emphasizes the duality of human experience—peace and war, nourishment and hunger—and the consequences of conflict.
🔟 Moral / Didactic Tone
Definition: A tone that teaches a lesson or moral.Example: Entire poem, especially lines like: “Remember, no men are foreign, and no countries strange.”
Effect: Conveys the poem’s central message of universal brotherhood, empathy, and anti-war sentiment clearly to the reader.
1. Metaphor – Direct comparison without “like” or “as”
Effect: Shows similarity and deeper meaning.
2. Simile – Comparison using “like” or “as”
Effect: Highlights qualities in a vivid way.
3. Personification – Giving human qualities to objects or ideas
Effect: Makes ideas more vivid and relatable.
4. Imagery – Descriptions appealing to the senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell)
Effect: Creates mental pictures and emotions.
5. Hyperbole – Exaggeration for emphasis
Effect: Highlights intensity or beauty.
6. Symbolism – Using symbols to represent deeper ideas or themes
Effect: Adds hidden meaning to the poem.
7. Contrast / Antithesis – Opposing ideas placed together
Effect: Highlights differences or strengthens argument.
8. Alliteration – Repetition of consonant sounds
Effect: Adds rhythm, musicality, or emphasis.
9. Assonance / Consonance – Repetition of vowel or consonant sounds
Effect: Creates musical effect and mood.
10. Enjambment – A sentence or thought continuing across lines without pause
Effect: Maintains flow, builds tension, or emphasizes continuation.
11. Onomatopoeia – Words that imitate sounds
Example: “Buzz,” “clang,” “sizzle.”Effect: Makes descriptions more vivid.
12. Rhyme Scheme / Rhythm – Pattern of rhymes or beats
Effect: Creates musicality, order, and emphasis on key ideas.
13. Repetition / Refrain – Repeating words or phrases
Effect: Emphasizes important themes or ideas.
14. Irony / Paradox – Saying the opposite or presenting contradictory ideas
Effect: Creates thought-provoking meaning.
15. Final Couplet / Epigrammatic Statement (if a sonnet or structured poem)
Effect: Summarizes or delivers the central idea memorably.
- Name the device
- Example: Give one quoted example
- Effect: Explain it in one simple line
7. Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
Q1. What does the poet mean by “no men are foreign”?
Answer:
The poet means that all human beings are the same despite differences in nationality, race, or culture. No person is truly foreign because we all share common humanity.
Q2. What is meant by “Beneath all uniforms, a single body breathes”?
Answer:
It means that beneath different uniforms or appearances, all humans have the same body and basic needs. Outward differences do not change our inner similarity.
Q3. How are people of different countries similar to us?
Answer:
People everywhere enjoy sun, air, and water like us. They work hard, experience love, suffer hunger during wars, and share similar emotions and struggles.
Q4. What happens when we hate our brothers?
Answer:
When we hate others, we harm ourselves. We betray our own humanity and create division and destruction in the world.
Q5. What does the poet say about war?
Answer:
The poet says that war is destructive and harmful. It defiles the earth, pollutes the air, and destroys the shared environment of all humans.
Q6. What is the significance of the word “Remember” in the poem?
Answer:
The repetition of “Remember” emphasizes the importance of the poet’s message and urges readers to reflect on the unity of mankind.
Q7. What does “human earth” mean?
Answer:
“Human earth” refers to the world that belongs to all people. It highlights that the earth is shared by all humanity.
Q8. How does the poet promote universal brotherhood?
Answer:
The poet promotes universal brotherhood by highlighting the physical, emotional, and experiential similarities among all humans and urging love and understanding.
Q9. Why does the poet mention “sun and air and water”?
Answer:
He mentions them to show that basic natural elements are shared by everyone, proving that all humans live under similar conditions.
Q10. What message does the poem convey?
Answer:
The poem conveys the message of peace, unity, and universal brotherhood. It teaches that no person is foreign and hatred only leads to destruction.
8. Long-Answer Questions (LAQs) of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
Q: How does the poet promote the idea of universal brotherhood in the poem No Men Are Foreign?
Answer:
In the poem No Men Are Foreign, James Kirkup strongly promotes the idea of universal brotherhood and unity among all human beings. He begins by reminding us that no man is strange and no country is foreign. According to the poet, beneath different uniforms and appearances, all humans share the same body and basic needs. People everywhere enjoy sunlight, air, and water, and they work hard to earn their living. They experience love, happiness, hunger, and suffering just like we do.
The poet further explains that life in every land is common and understandable. He emphasizes that when we are told to hate others or fight against them, we are actually harming ourselves. Hatred and war lead to destruction, betrayal, and loss of humanity. By fighting wars, we defile the earth and pollute the air, which belong to all of us. Thus, war damages not only the enemy but the entire human race.
Through repetition of the word “Remember,” the poet urges readers to reflect deeply on their shared humanity. The poem conveys a strong message of peace, love, and understanding. It teaches that all human beings are brothers and that harmony and compassion are essential for a better world.
Q: Discuss the theme of peace and anti-war in the poem No Men Are Foreign.
Answer:
In No Men Are Foreign, James Kirkup presents a powerful anti-war message and strongly advocates peace. The poet reminds us that all human beings are alike despite differences in nationality or appearance. He emphasizes that people everywhere share the same basic needs, emotions, and experiences. When nations go to war, innocent people suffer hunger, hardship, and destruction.
The poet clearly states that by taking up arms against one another, we harm ourselves. War not only kills people but also defiles the earth and pollutes the air that belongs to everyone. Through expressions like “hells of fire and dust,” he vividly describes the devastation caused by war. The repetition of the word “Remember” serves as a warning and moral appeal to avoid hatred and violence. Thus, the poem strongly promotes peace, harmony, and understanding among all nations.
Q: How does the poet highlight the similarities among people of different countries?
Answer:
James Kirkup highlights the similarities among people by focusing on shared human experiences. He explains that beneath different uniforms, there is a single human body that breathes. People in every country enjoy sunlight, air, and water, and they depend on peaceful harvests for food. Like us, they also suffer hunger during war and work hard to earn their livelihood.
The poet further explains that people everywhere have eyes that wake and sleep, and they gain strength through love. Life in every land is common and understandable. These similarities prove that differences in nationality or culture are superficial. By emphasizing shared emotions, needs, and struggles, the poet promotes the idea that humanity is one and indivisible.
Q: Explain how the poet shows that hatred harms the person who hates.
Answer:
In the poem, the poet warns that when we are told to hate others, we actually harm ourselves. He states that by dispossessing, betraying, or condemning others, we betray our own humanity. Hatred creates division and leads to violence and destruction. Instead of benefiting anyone, it causes suffering for all.
The poet explains that war defiles the earth and pollutes the air that is shared by everyone. This shows that destruction caused by hatred affects the entire human race. Through this message, the poet makes it clear that hatred is self-destructive and morally wrong. Love and understanding are the only ways to ensure peace and harmony in the world.
Q: What moral lesson does the poem No Men Are Foreign teach?
Answer:
The poem teaches the moral lesson of universal brotherhood and human unity. The poet emphasizes that no human being is foreign and no country is strange. He reminds us that all people share the same physical structure, emotions, and life experiences. Differences in nationality or appearance should not lead to hatred or conflict.
The poem warns that war and violence destroy not only human lives but also the environment. By fighting, we damage the earth and air that belong to all humanity. Therefore, the poet urges readers to remember their shared humanity and reject division. The central moral lesson is that love, peace, and understanding should guide human behaviour instead of hatred and war.
Q: How does the poet use nature to convey the message of unity in the poem?
Answer:
In No Men Are Foreign, James Kirkup uses elements of nature to emphasize the unity of mankind. He mentions “sun and air and water” to show that these natural blessings are shared equally by all people, regardless of nationality. Nature does not discriminate between countries or races. Everyone depends on peaceful harvests for food and survival. These shared natural resources highlight that humanity lives under the same sky and on the same earth.
The poet further explains that war damages this shared environment. When people fight, they defile the “human earth” and pollute the air that belongs to everyone. Through references to fire, dust, and destruction, he shows how violence harms nature itself. By connecting humanity with nature, the poet reinforces the idea that all humans are part of one world and must live in peace and harmony.
Q: Comment on the tone and style of the poem No Men Are Foreign.
Answer:
The tone of the poem is serious, thoughtful, and didactic. James Kirkup adopts a persuasive and moral tone to convey his message of universal brotherhood. The repeated use of the word “Remember” gives the poem an instructive and urgent quality. It sounds like an appeal to human conscience, urging readers to reflect on their actions.
The style of the poem is simple yet powerful. The language is clear and direct, making the message easy to understand. The poet uses poetic devices such as repetition, imagery, metaphor, and contrast to strengthen his argument. Through vivid descriptions of war’s destruction and nature’s purity, he creates a strong emotional impact. Overall, the tone and style effectively communicate the poem’s message of peace, unity, and shared humanity.
9. MCQs from the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
MCQ No. 1
Who is the poet of No Men Are Foreign?
a) Robert Frost
b) James Kirkup
c) William Wordsworth
d) John Keats
Correct answer: b) James Kirkup
Explanation: The poem No Men Are Foreign was written by British poet James Kirkup.
MCQ No. 2
What does the word “uniforms” symbolize in the poem?
a) Equality
b) Peace
c) Nationality and outward differences
d) Poverty
Correct answer: c) Nationality and outward differences
Explanation: “Uniforms” represent external differences such as nationality, race, or profession.
MCQ No. 3
According to the poet, all humans share the same:
a) Language
b) Religion
c) Body and basic needs
d) Government
Correct answer: c) Body and basic needs
Explanation: The poet emphasizes that beneath outward differences, all humans share the same body and needs.
MCQ No. 4
What does “war’s long winter” suggest?
a) Happiness
b) Prosperity
c) Suffering and hardship
d) Celebration
Correct answer: c) Suffering and hardship
Explanation: “Winter” symbolizes hardship, hunger, and suffering caused by war.
MCQ No. 5
What literary device is used in the repeated word “Remember”?
a) Simile
b) Metaphor
c) Repetition
d) Irony
Correct answer: c) Repetition
Explanation: The poet repeats “Remember” to emphasize his message of unity and peace.
MCQ No. 6
What happens when we hate our brothers?
a) We gain power
b) We harm ourselves
c) We become strong
d) Nothing happens
Correct answer: b) We harm ourselves
Explanation: The poet says hatred ultimately leads to self-destruction.
MCQ No. 7
“Human earth” refers to:
a) A battlefield
b) A specific country
c) The world shared by all people
d) A desert
Correct answer: c) The world shared by all people
Explanation: It symbolizes the earth that belongs to all humanity.
MCQ No. 8
What is the main theme of the poem?
a) Nature
b) Patriotism
c) Universal brotherhood
d) Adventure
Correct answer: c) Universal brotherhood
Explanation: The central theme of the poem is unity and brotherhood among all humans.
MCQ No. 9
Which element is NOT mentioned in the poem?
a) Sun
b) Air
c) Water
d) Mountains
Correct answer: d) Mountains
Explanation: The poet mentions sun, air, and water, but not mountains.
MCQ No. 10
The tone of the poem is:
a) Humorous
b) Romantic
c) Didactic and serious
d) Satirical
Correct answer: c) Didactic and serious
Explanation: The poet adopts a serious and moral tone to promote peace and unity.
10. Vocabulary of the difficult used in of the poem “No Men Are Foreign" by James Kirkup:
1️⃣ Foreign
Meaning: Belonging to another country; unfamiliar.
Synonyms: Alien, unfamiliar, overseas.
Antonyms: Native, local, familiar.
Example: We should not treat anyone as foreign because all humans are equal.
2️⃣ Uniform
Meaning: A special dress worn by members of a group or profession.
Synonyms: Costume, attire, outfit.
Antonyms: Casual clothes, ordinary dress.
Example: Soldiers wear a uniform to represent their country.
3️⃣ Harvest
Meaning: The gathering of crops from the fields.
Synonyms: Crop, yield, produce.
Antonyms: Drought, famine.
Example: A good harvest brings food and happiness to farmers.
4️⃣ Starv’d (Starved)
Meaning: Suffered from extreme hunger.
Synonyms: Hungry, famished, underfed.
Antonyms: Fed, satisfied, nourished.
Example: Many people starved during the long war.
5️⃣ Labour
Meaning: Hard physical or mental work.
Synonyms: Work, effort, toil.
Antonyms: Rest, leisure.
Example: Success comes after honest labour.
6️⃣ Dispossess
Meaning: To take away someone’s property or rights.
Synonyms: Deprive, rob, strip.
Antonyms: Give, restore, grant.
Example: War can dispossess people of their homes.
7️⃣ Betray
Meaning: To be disloyal or unfaithful.
Synonyms: Deceive, cheat, backstab.
Antonyms: Support, protect, defend.
Example: Hating others means we betray our own humanity.
8️⃣ Condemn
Meaning: To strongly criticize or declare guilty.
Synonyms: Blame, criticize, accuse.
Antonyms: Praise, approve, defend.
Example: The world should condemn violence and war.
9️⃣ Defile
Meaning: To make something dirty or impure.
Synonyms: Pollute, spoil, corrupt.
Antonyms: Purify, clean, protect.
Example: War defiles the earth with destruction.
🔟 Outrage
Meaning: To shock or anger greatly.
Synonyms: Shock, offend, anger.
Antonyms: Please, satisfy, calm.
Example: The destruction of nature outrages peaceful people.
1️⃣ Strange
Meaning: Unfamiliar or unknown.
Synonyms: Unusual, unfamiliar, odd.
Antonyms: Familiar, known, normal.
Example: No human being should be treated as strange.
2️⃣ Aware
Meaning: Having knowledge or understanding of something.
Synonyms: Conscious, informed, mindful.
Antonyms: Unaware, ignorant, careless.
Example: People everywhere are aware of the warmth of the sun.
3️⃣ Peaceful
Meaning: Free from war or disturbance.
Synonyms: Calm, quiet, harmonious.
Antonyms: Violent, disturbed, aggressive.
Example: A peaceful world brings prosperity to all nations.
4️⃣ Strength
Meaning: Physical or mental power.
Synonyms: Power, energy, courage.
Antonyms: Weakness, fragility.
Example: Love gives strength to overcome difficulties.
5️⃣ Recognise
Meaning: To identify or understand something previously known.
Synonyms: Identify, realize, acknowledge.
Antonyms: Ignore, overlook, misunderstand.
Example: We should recognise the unity of mankind.
6️⃣ Understand
Meaning: To know the meaning of something.
Synonyms: Comprehend, grasp, realize.
Antonyms: Misunderstand, confuse, ignore.
Example: All people can understand the pain caused by war.
7️⃣ Arms
Meaning: Weapons used in fighting or war.
Synonyms: Weapons, guns, arms.
Antonyms: Peace, disarmament.
Example: Taking up arms leads to destruction.
8️⃣ Hells
Meaning: Extreme suffering or destruction.
Synonyms: Misery, torment, devastation.
Antonyms: Heaven, peace, comfort.
Example: Wars create hells of fire and dust.
9️⃣ Innocence
Meaning: Purity or freedom from guilt.
Synonyms: Purity, goodness, blamelessness.
Antonyms: Guilt, corruption, impurity.
Example: War destroys the innocence of nature.
🔟 Brotherhood
Meaning: A feeling of friendship and unity among people.
Synonyms: Unity, fellowship, harmony.
Antonyms: Division, hatred, enmity.
Example: The poem promotes universal brotherhood.
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