KSEEB Class 10 · English (2nd language) · KTBS Revised 2024-25
Ballad of the Tempest
Chapter summary, hard words and model exam answers for Karnataka Board Class 10 English.
Free online summary and notes (Karnataka Board Class 10 English). Read it here, no PDF download needed.
About the author
James T. Fields (1817–1881) - American poet and publisher. "Ballad of the Tempest" is a narrative poem in ballad form for SSLC poetry.
Summary
Sailors face a violent storm at sea. Winds howl, waves tower, and the vessel seems doomed. Fear spreads among the crew.
Sailors face a violent storm at sea. Winds howl, waves tower, and the vessel seems doomed. Fear spreads among the crew.
Men cry that all is lost. Some want to give up hope. The natural terror of the tempest shakes even experienced seamen.
Men cry that all is lost. Some want to give up hope. The natural terror of the tempest shakes even experienced seamen.
The captain stands firm on the quarter-deck. He does not panic. His calm presence is meant to steady those below.
The captain stands firm on the quarter-deck. He does not panic. His calm presence is meant to steady those below.
At the darkest hour the captain speaks of trust in God's will. His faith is not careless - it is the moral centre of the ballad.
At the darkest hour the captain speaks of trust in God's will. His faith is not careless - it is the moral centre of the ballad.
The tempest passes. Sailors realise their leader's steadfastness saved their spirits if not the ship alone. Relief replaces dread.
The tempest passes. Sailors realise their leader's steadfastness saved their spirits if not the ship alone. Relief replaces dread.
Short lines, refrain-like rhythm, and oral-story quality suit memorisation. SSLC appreciation: courage, faith, leadership, storm imagery.
Short lines, refrain-like rhythm, and oral-story quality suit memorisation. SSLC appreciation: courage, faith, leadership, storm imagery.
Hard words & meanings
| tempest | a fierce storm at sea |
| ballad | a narrative poem meant to be sung or recited |
| quarter-deck | raised deck at the stern where the captain stands |
| steadfast | not changing in loyalty or purpose |
| despair | complete hopelessness |
| peril | serious risk |
| subsides | calms down after violence |
| crew | sailors working on a vessel |
| howl | to make a long loud sound |
Model exam answers, grammar & audio
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