No Men Are Foreign

Solutions

1. (i) “Beneath all uniforms ...” What uniforms do you think the poet is speaking about?
The poet is speaking about the military uniforms worn by soldiers of different countries. These uniforms represent different nations and sometimes create feelings of separation and hostility. However, the poet reminds us that beneath these uniforms, all soldiers are human beings with the same feelings, emotions, and needs.

(ii) How does the poet suggest that all people on earth are the same?
The poet suggests that all human beings are alike because they share the same physical body and basic needs. Everyone breathes the same air, walks on the same earth, and experiences love, pain, hunger, and happiness. No matter which country a person belongs to, human nature remains the same everywhere.

2. In stanza 1, find five ways in which we all are alike. Pick out the words.
In stanza 1, the poet shows similarities among people through these expressions:
· “same body”
· “breathe”
· “walk upon the same earth”
· “live”
· “die”
These words show that all humans share common physical existence and life experiences.

3. How many common features can you find in stanza 2? Pick out the words.
In stanza 2, the poet mentions several similarities among people such as:
· “sun”
· “air”
· “water”
· “peaceful harvests”
· “hands are ours”
These words show that nature provides equally for everyone and all people work with their hands to earn a living and survive.

4. “...whenever we are told to hate our brothers...” When do you think this happens? Why? Who ‘tells’ us? Should we do as we are told at such times? What does the poet say?
This happens during wars, conflicts, or political tensions between countries when people are encouraged to hate others from different nations. Leaders, governments, or propaganda sometimes influence people to develop hatred and consider others as enemies.
The poet believes that we should not blindly follow such instructions because all humans are brothers. He advises us to remember our shared humanity and avoid hatred, as harming others ultimately means harming ourselves.