Explanation of Friends and Flatterers
“Friends and Flatterers” by William Shakespeare brings out the true nature of true friends. In the first stanza, the poet tells us that people who only say nice things about us are not really our true friends when things get tough. He compares words to the wind because they are quick to come and go, and finding real friends can be hard.
In the second stanza, the poet explains that when we have something to give or spend, everyone wants to be our friend. However, when we don’t have much, only a few will stay by our side.
Moving to the third stanza, the poet talks about how people praise and call someone generous when they are spending a lot. Flattery increases when someone is rich or powerful, like a king.
The fourth stanza warns that if something bad happens to us, those who used to praise and flatter us will leave us alone. Former flatterers won’t stick around during tough times.
In the fifth stanza, the poet highlights the qualities of a true friend. A real friend will be there for us in times of need, share our sorrows, cry when we’re sad, and stay awake with us.
Finally, in the sixth stanza, the poet emphasizes that a faithful friend understands and shares in our every heartache. Specific actions and reactions help us tell who a true friend is and who is just pretending to be our friend.
Summary of Friends and Flatterers
In Shakespeare’s poem “Friends and Flatterers,” the poet reflects on the nature of friendship and warns against those who only offer empty praise. He emphasizes that those who flatter in times of prosperity may not be true friends during adversity.
True friendship, he suggests, is not based on superficial words but on genuine actions. The poem highlights the fleeting nature of friends who are only around when one has wealth to share, contrasting them with those who stand by in times of need.
The poet underscores the reliability of a true friend, who empathizes with sorrows and shares in joys. Ultimately, Shakespeare asserts that actions, not words, are the markers of a faithful friend, distinguishing them from those who disappear when fortune turns sour.
Theme of Friends and Flatterers
The theme of the poem is about the difference between true friends and flatterers. It emphasizes that genuine friends stay loyal in difficult times, while flatterers are only around when things are going well.
Message from Friends and Flatterers
The poem’s message is to be cautious about people who only praise and flatter you when you’re doing well. True friends are the ones who stand by you in both good and bad times.
A. Tick the most appropriate options.
1. Words are compared to the wind
a. because they are spoken. b. to make a metaphor.
c. because like the wind they are lost soon d. so that we get confused.
2. You will have many friends when you are
a. popular b. old
c. young d. rich
3. When you have………………. you will have few friends.
a. lost your beauty b. lost your money
c. lost your job d. lost your best friend
4. We can say that a true friend is a friend
a. in need. b. who gives you money
c. who shares your sorrows. d. you can talk to
Answer
A. Tick the most appropriate options:
1. Words are compared to the wind
– c. because like the wind they are lost soon
2. You will have many friends when you are
– d. rich
3. When you have………………. you will have few friends.
– b. lost your money
4. We can say that a true friend is a friend
– c. who shares your sorrows.
B. Answer these questions from Friends and Flatterers
1. What would flatterers say if you are wasteful?
2. Explain these lines with reference to context.
“But if store of crowns be scant
No man shall supply thy want.”
3. If thou wake, he cannot sleep
a. Who is ‘he’?
b. What does the expression ‘If thou wake’ refer to? Tick the correct option.
i. the time when you are awake naturally
ii. the time when you can’t sleep because of worry
iii. the time that you get up in the morning
4. These are certain signs to know.
a. What are the signs?
b. Why is it necessary for you to know these signs?
c. Identify the figure of speech in this last line of the poem – Faithful friend from flattering foe.
Answer
1. Flatterers would call you generous or bountiful.
2. “But if store of crowns be scant
No man shall supply thy want.”
– If you have a shortage of money (store of crowns be scant), people will not help you in your need (supply thy want).
3. a. ‘He’ refers to a true friend.
b. ii. the time when you can’t sleep because of worry
4. a.- The signs are actions like weeping when you sorrow and staying awake when you cannot sleep.
b.- It is necessary to know these signs to distinguish a faithful friend from a flattering foe and have genuine companionship.
– c The figure of speech is alliteration, where the initial consonant sound is repeated in “Faithful friend from flattering foe.”
C. Think and write answer from Friends and Flatterers
1. If you have lots of money what method would you use to identify a true friend?
2. Do you think the poet was ever let down by a friend? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
1. One method to identify a true friend when you have lots of money is to observe how they treat you when you face a financial setback or when your resources are limited. A true friend would stay supportive and loyal even in difficult times.
2. The poem does not explicitly mention whether the poet, William Shakespeare, was let down by a friend. However, the poem reflects a general observation about human behavior and the fickleness of friendships based on external circumstances. The poet might be drawing from universal experiences rather than personal ones.