Activity I – Read and Respond (Answers only)
- The glories of our blood and state are shadows because they are temporary and not real; they disappear with death.
- ‘Sceptre and crown’ represent royalty and power; ‘scythe and spade’ represent ordinary labourers. Both symbols show that death makes all people equal.
- The poet says “there is no armour against fate” to show that no one can escape destiny or death.
- “Some men with swords may reap the field” means some people may conquer others or win battles using strength.
- These men also die one day; death captures them too, regardless of their strength.
- ‘Death’s purple altar’ refers to the battlefield or place of death, coloured with blood.
- The phrase ‘victor-victim’ means the one who wins in life still becomes a victim of death.
- Only the actions of the just survive death — they are remembered by people and continue to inspire.
- Death is called the Leveller because it treats everyone equally — rich or poor, powerful or weak.
Activity II – Read and Reflect
You’re right — the second part of Activity II from Chapter 3: Death the Leveller was missing. Below is the complete and detailed response to both extracts given in Activity II – Read and Reflect (Textbook page 69).
Activity II – Read and Reflect (Full Answer)
(i) “Only the actions of the just / Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.”
Interpretation:
This line means that although every human being will die and turn to dust, the good actions of righteous people will be remembered and honoured even after their death. The phrase “smell sweet and blossom in their dust” is a metaphor. It compares good deeds to flowers that bloom from the soil — they continue to spread beauty and fragrance (goodness and inspiration), even when the person who did them is gone.
This idea adds a hopeful and moral dimension to the otherwise gloomy theme of death in the poem. It teaches us that while wealth, status, and power fade away, virtue and justice live on in people’s memories.
(ii) “The glories of our blood and state / Are shadows, not substantial things; / There is no armour against Fate”
Interpretation:
Here, the poet says that being born into a high family (“glories of our blood”) or holding political or royal power (“state”) are meaningless in the face of death. These honours are called “shadows” — they seem impressive but have no true or lasting value. The phrase “no armour against Fate” means that no one can protect themselves from their destiny or from death. Not even kings and warriors, with all their glory and strength, can escape what fate has planned.
This part of the poem reinforces the central idea that death treats all people equally, no matter how powerful or privileged they may be.
Here is the second part of Activity II from Chapter 3: Death the Leveller (Class 11 English Unit II) — as directed in your textbook. This part requires looking up dictionary meanings of selected words from the poem.
Activity II – Vocabulary Extension
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
| armour | noun | A protective metal covering worn to shield the body in battle or danger. |
| wither | verb | To dry up, fade, or become weak and shriveled. |
| but | conjunction | Used to introduce a contrast or exception. |
| tame | verb | To control or reduce the power of someone or something. |
| murmuring | verb / adjective | Speaking in a low, soft, or unclear voice; also refers to a soft sound. |
| stoop | verb | To lower oneself; to bend forward or downward; also means to submit. |
| boast | verb | To speak with pride about one’s own achievements or possessions. |
| crumble | verb | To break into small pieces; to decay or fall apart. |
| where | adverb/conjunction | Refers to a place or situation. |
| reap | verb | To gather or harvest (especially crops); also used metaphorically for results. |
| cold | adjective | Lacking heat or warmth; emotionally distant or unfeeling. |
| sweet | adjective | Pleasing to the senses; kind or gentle in character. |
| bleeds | verb | To lose blood from the body, typically due to a cut or injury. |
Activity III – Analysis
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows rhyming couplets (AA BB CC…).
Example:
Sceptre and crown / Must tumble down - Couplets from the poem:
- “Early or late / They stoop to fate”
- “Your heads must come / To the cold tomb”
- “Early or late / They stoop to fate”
- Figures of Speech Identified:
| Figure of Speech | Example from Poem | Explanation |
| Metaphor | “Smell sweet and blossom in their dust” | Good deeds are compared to flowers |
| Personification | “Death lays his icy hand on kings” | Death is given human qualities |
| Metonymy | “Sceptre and crown” and “scythe and spade” | Represent royalty and commoners |
| Oxymoron | “Victor-victim” | Winner and loser combined in one |
Activity IV – Appreciation of the Poem: Death the Leveller
“Death the Leveller” is a powerful and reflective poem that deals with the certainty of death and the equality it brings to all people. Written during the 17th century, the poem carries a timeless message — that no matter how rich, powerful, or brave a person is, they cannot escape death. The poem teaches us that worldly glories like fame, position, and strength are temporary, but good deeds and just actions live on in memory.
The poet uses simple yet strong language, and the structure of rhyming couplets (AA, BB, CC…) gives the poem a smooth, rhythmic flow. The use of metaphors such as “sceptre and crown” (to represent kings and rulers) and “scythe and spade” (to represent common people) shows how death treats everyone equally. Personification of death (“lays his icy hand on kings”) gives it a strong and chilling image. Another notable line is “Only the actions of the just / Smell sweet and blossom in the dust” — a beautiful metaphor for the lasting impact of righteous living.
The tone of the poem is serious and philosophical. It reminds us of our mortality and urges us to focus on doing good. Even warriors and rulers, who may seem invincible in life, will one day fall to death’s silent power. However, the poet ends on a hopeful note by stating that the noble deeds of the just are eternal — they continue to inspire even after death.
In conclusion, Death the Leveller is a meaningful and thought-provoking poem. It leaves readers with a strong message: Live justly, for it is only our goodness that will outlast us. The poem’s simplicity, strong imagery, and moral message make it both memorable and relevant even today.