Direction : Read the following poem and answer the question given below :

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never ending line
Along the margin of a bay :
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out - did the sparkling waves in glee :
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company :
I gazed – and gazed – but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought :

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

'Ten thousand saw I at a glance,Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.'
Here 'sprightly dance' means :

Question

Direction : Read the following poem and answer the question given below :

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never ending line
Along the margin of a bay :
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out - did the sparkling waves in glee :
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company :
I gazed – and gazed – but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought :

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

'Ten thousand saw I at a glance,Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.'
Here 'sprightly dance' means :

Accepted Answer

The phrase "sprightly dance" in the poem refers to a "lively dance," which is why Option 2 is the correct answer. Here's a detailed explanation to justify this choice:

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Lively Dance):**
   - The word "sprightly" is commonly associated with liveliness, energy, and vigor. In the context of the poem, the daffodils are described as "tossing their heads," which suggests movement and vitality. This imagery aligns with the idea of a lively dance, full of energy and joy.
   - The poem describes the daffodils as being in a "jocund company," which means cheerful and lighthearted. This further supports the notion of a lively and spirited dance, as the daffodils are portrayed as being full of life and happiness.

2. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (A Slow Dance):** A slow dance typically implies a gentle, calm, and unhurried movement. The use of the word "sprightly" contradicts this, as it denotes energy and briskness rather than slowness.
   - **Option 3 (Dance of the Spirits):** While "dance of the spirits" might suggest a mystical or ethereal quality, it does not capture the essence of "sprightly," which is more about liveliness and vigor rather than a spiritual or ghostly connotation.
   - **Option 4 (A Listless Dance):** A listless dance would imply a lack of energy or enthusiasm, which is the opposite of "sprightly." The poem's description of the daffodils as "tossing their heads" and being in a "jocund company" clearly indicates an energetic and lively dance, not a listless one.

In conclusion, the context and language used in the poem strongly support Option 2, "lively dance," as the correct interpretation of "sprightly dance." The imagery and mood conveyed by the poet emphasize the vibrant and joyful nature of the daffodils' movement, making this option the most fitting choice.