Read the following lines and answer the question that are given:

Be not like dumb, driven cattle!

Be a hero in the strife

i) What does the poet advise in these lines?

ii) What does 'strife' refer to?

i) In these lines, the poet advises the reader to behave like a hero in a battlefield when faced with hardships in life, instead of behaving in a foolish and dumb manner. A man who behaves sheepishly when faced with struggles is nothing more than one in the herd of cattle who are taken out for grazing and do only as much as they are commanded. A man should be able to take his own decisions, especially in the times of struggle, when he needs to be thinking efficiently and behaving like a hero – with bravery, alertness and courage.

ii) The ‘strife’ refers to the hardships man is bound to face in life. This includes the various ups and downs he faces on a daily basis, as well as the bigger crises which tend to tear him down. Nevertheless, a man should learn how to behave like a hero in such trying times, that is, be courageous, smart and brave, instead of behaving sheepishly.