NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 4 - Landscape of the Soul

1. Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context.

i. Anecdote

Ans: It refers to a brief description of a specific event that is of an exceptional or exciting kind. 

ii. Illusionistic likeness

Ans: It indicates an attribute of the method of using a graphical representation that can trick the eyes. The reference is to an illusion created by the semblance of something.

iii. Delicate realism

Ans: It suggests the fragile nature of art which gives a realistic vision of the subject. 

iv. Conceptual space

Ans: It indicates the relations with the abstract rather than the exact description of the subject in a matter of art. This shows a dimension that cannot be a calculated measure of the subject. 

v. Figurative painting

Ans: It refers to the symbolic illustration which is observed only through the imagination of the artist.

Understanding The Text

1. (i) Contrast the Chinese view of art with the European view with examples.

Ans. The contrasting character of the Chinese view of art with the European view is given below.

(ii) Explain the concept of Shanshui.

Ans. In Chinese, Shanshui means “mountain-water”. It depicts the style of Chinese painting that is related to natural landscapes. However, they have an underlying deep meaning as mountain and water together form the landscape with mountain representing warmth and dryness that lies vertically while water on the other hand is cool, moist and lies horizontally.

2. (i) What do you understand by the terms ‘outsider art’ and ‘art brut’ or ‘raw art’?

Ans. The words 'Outsiders art' refers to art created by someone without any professional training to be an artist. 'Art brut' or 'raw art' (term used by Jean Dubuffet who was a painter) are the works of art in their raw state that are considered to be unconventional and hold certain cultural as well as artistic values.

(ii) Who was the “untutored genius who created a paradise” and what is the nature of his contribution to art?

Ans. The person mentioned as ‘untutored genius who created a paradise’ is Nek Chand Saini. He is an octogenarian creator-director credited with the world-famous rock garden at Chandigarh. His art was considered to be an ‘outsider art’ in which he utilized stones and recycled materials to depict his expression in the form of painting. Though he had no formal training about art, he successfully created a masterpiece and hence, received the title “untutored genius”.

Talking About The Text

1. “The Emperor may rule over the territory he has conquered, but only the artist knows the way within.”

Ans. This phrase has tried to depict the strength of an artist and his capacity to create a deep connection with his artwork which is sacred and pious enough for anybody to prevent from entering into it and interfering. The Tang Emperor Xuanzong may be capable enough to rule over the territory which was under his jurisdiction but he can never understand an artist and his passion for his artwork. Every artist is unique in his way and can establish a divine relationship with his art that is impossible for a non-artist to understand.

2.  “The landscape is an inner one, a spiritual and conceptual space.”

Ans. The landscape here is referred to as the Shanshui, the Chinese painting which symbolizes mountain water. The artist in this form tries to juxtapose two different entities ie. mountain (Yang) and Yin (water) together. Symbolically, the mountain stands vertically, which refers to its connection to heaven as it can serve to be the staircase to heaven whereas the horizontal water represents the earth. Therefore, Shanshui may symbolize the divine connection between the earth and heaven which is also a spiritual one. The artist not only focuses on the outer beautification of the painting but also tries to signify the inner and conceptual meaning related to mountain and water.

Thinking About The Language 

1. Find out the correlates of Yin and Yang in other cultures.

Ans. In Christianity, it holds a different meaning as compared to the Chinese tradition. It symbolizes the unending struggle occurring between heaven and hell. On the other hand, in Hinduism, according to Vedanta philosophy, Yin and Yang symbolise Akshara (invisible soul) and Kshara (visible body).

2. What is the language spoken in Flanders?

Ans: In Flanders, the most spoken language is French. 

Working with Words

1.  The following common words are used in more than one sense.

panel, studio, brush, essence, material 

Examine the following sets of sentences to find out what the words, ‘panel’ and ‘essence’ mean in different contexts.

Panel

i. The masks from Bawa village in Mali look like long panels of decorated wood.

Ans. boards of decorated wood

ii. Judge H. Hobart Grooms told the jury panel he had heard the reports.

Ans. A group of common people was selected to listen to the evidence and provide a verdict on a court hearing.

iii. The panel is laying the groundwork for an international treaty.

Ans. Group of experts.

iv. The glass panels of the window were broken.

Ans. Window panes.

v. Through the many round tables, workshops and panel discussions, a consensus was reached.

Ans. Group discussions.

vi. The sink in the hinged panel above the bunk drains into the head.

Ans. A flat board fixed with a hinge.

Essence

i. Their repetitive structure must have taught the people around the great composer the essence of music.

Ans. The most remarkable characteristic of something, that gives it its identity. 

ii. Part of the answer is in the proposition, but the essence is in the meaning.

Ans. The main part.

iii. The implications of these schools of thought are of practical essence for the teacher.

Ans. Practical importance.

iv. They had added vanilla essence to the pudding.

Ans. A liquid taken from vanilla that contains its smell and taste is very strong in form.

2. Now find five sentences each for the rest of the words to show the different senses in which each of them is used.

Ans: The sentences are given below.

• Studio:

1. Anand has been working for the Midsummer Studios as a sound engineer. 

2. The photographer asked the customer to visit his studio for his photos. 

3. Jaya is learning Kathak at a famous dance studio in Delhi. 

4. The programme will be broadcasted directly from Shockwave studios.

5. Rajesh bought a studio apartment in Bengaluru.

• Brush:

1. For healthy teeth, brushing teeth twice a day is necessary.

2. Hearing compliments from her teacher, Manju blushed bright red.

3. Due to reckless driving, Harish brushed with death yesterday.

4. Experts use camel hair brushes for painting on the canvases.

5. The graphite brushes help to connect the coil inside the electric motor to the electric supply.

• Material:

1. Nowadays humans mostly want material pleasure.

2. The raw materials for textile industrial use had become costly in recent years.

3. Raja’s weekend trip to Goa never materialised due to state wise lockdown.

4. The selectors decided MS Dhoni is one-day material, hence they selected him.

5. Shakespeare used comedy and tragedy as important materials in his plays. 

Noticing Form

A classical Chinese landscape is not meant to reproduce an actual view, as would a Western figurative painting.

Whereas the European painter wants you to borrow his eyes and look at a particular landscape exactly as he saw it, from a specific angle, the Chinese painter does not choose a single viewpoint.

The above two examples are ways in which contrast may be expressed. Combine the following sets of ideas to show the contrast between them.

1. (i) European art tries to achieve a perfect, illusionistic likeness.

(ii) Asian art tries to capture the essence of inner life and spirit.

Ans: While European art strives for perfection and illusionistic similarity, Asian art aims to convey the essence of inner life and spirit.

2. (i) The Emperor commissions a painting and appreciates its outer appearance.

(ii) The artist reveals to him the true meaning of his work.

Ans:  Though the Emperor orders a painting and admires its beauty, it is the artist who explains the true meaning of his work to him.

3. (i) The Emperor may rule over the territory he has conquered.

(ii) The artist knows the way within.

Ans: Though the Emperor governs over the lands he has conquered, the artist is the one who knows how to get in. 

Things to do

1. Find out about as many Indian schools of painting as you can. Write a short note on the distinctive features of each school.

Ans: Few Indian schools of paintings are:

• Rajasthani painting

• Bengal school of painting

• Mughal school of painting

• Mysore school of painting

Important features of these schools of art are given below.

• Rajasthani school painting: This style was also a mix of local painting styles of Rajputana and Mughal painting styles. This school of art developed under the patronage of the kings of Mewar. 

• Bengal school of art: This style developed during the twentieth century under British colonial influence. The art was primarily influenced by European painting style which later met the eastern techniques. 

• Mughal School of art: This style came to life during the rule of Akbar. The painting style was influenced by the Safavid school of Persian painting, which later mixed with the Indian local style to generate the Mughal school of painting. The subjects were mostly nature and sometimes portrayal of rulers or common humans in various settings. 

• Mysore school of painting: This style developed under the patronage of the royal family of Mysore. The main subjects of these paintings were human portrayal and Hindu mythological stories. This art was influenced by European painting techniques. 

2. Find out about experiments in recycling that help in environmental conservation.

Ans: The experiments in recycling that help in environmental conservation are:

• Various packaging materials containing aluminium are used to make wrapping papers for gifts. 

• Special fibres are produced from plastic bottles which are used to make durable and rainproof apparel.

• The depleted uranium from the nuclear reactors is used to make armour-piercing shells. 

• Cardboards prepared from recycled materials are used to make durable furniture in Japan.

• Recycled wood is used to make usable furniture and construct homes. 

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 4 - Landscape of the Soul

Class 11 English Hornbill Chapter 4 NCERT Solution - Free PDF Download 

The questions from literature differ from other subject questions in approach. Thereby students need to learn the proper technique and suitable writing style to prepare an answer. NCERT Solutions of Class 11th English chapter Landscape of the Soul thus adhere to the subject-specific solutions and present the answers in a student-friendly way. 

Just like other English chapters, Landscape of the Soul Class 11 also combines a bunch of questions that follow the text. Following are the glimpses of such questions from the NCERT textbook. 

1. Understanding the Text

Under this segment, students need to prepare answers on the differences between Chinese and European views of art with proper reference from the text. Along with that, they also provide an accurate explanation of some specific terms related to art like “outsider art”, “raw art”, “shanshui” and so on. 

2. Talking about the Text

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English hornbill landscape of the soul also include questions that students need to discuss in groups. It allows students to improve their speaking skills and facilitates the exchange of knowledge. 

This part of the exercise seeks answers for the concept of Landscape as conceptual and spiritual space. 

3. Thinking about Language 

As the name suggests, this part of Landscape of the soul Class 11 deals with linguistics aspects. It further explores languages spoken in different parts of the world as well as their cultural differences. 

4. Working with Words

It is a part of NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English landscape of the soul that plays with words and introduces various vocabulary to students. From this part of this exercise, students will get to learn about the words having multiple connotations such as “panel”, “essence” and likewise. 

Moreover, both short and descriptive questions come from this chapter, that students need to answer efficiently. Thereby, a solution for the exercises of ch 4 English Class 11 Hornbill can prove to be helpful for a student of Class 11.   

Class 11 Landscape of the Soul Solution: Students’ Favourite Guidebook 

While the textbook depicts the true essence of this literary piece, solving exercises on the same is equally essential when it comes to scoring good grades in examinations. In this domain, NCERT solutions for Class 11 English hornbill chapter landscape of the soul is a trustworthy name that students will find helpful while preparing the lesson. 

Here’s why

• A thorough reading of this solution book assists students in understanding the underlying theme of this text. 

• The language of this chapter is lucid yet impactful; hence, students can hone their writing skills reading this solution. 

• Following this solution diligently, students can learn different new vocabulary. 

• Since the question pattern resembles that of a broad examination, they can practise how to write better answers and score well. 

• This solution can be a life-saviour during last minute revision as it covers all the texts, maintaining the chapter sequences. 

Moreover, Landscape of the Soul Class 11 NCERT textbook as well solutions both are available in PDF format. You can download them anytime on a device for free from e-learning platforms like CoolGyan. 

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