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Class 6: Unit-1B - Play Up! Play Up! And Play the Game!

Play Up! Play Up! And Play the Game! by Sir Henry Newbolt

The poem ‘Play Up! Play Up! And Play the Game!’ by Sir Henry Newbolt, describes a tense moment in a cricket match. It is almost night, and the game is coming to an end. With one hour left to play, the team that is batting needs to score ten more runs to win, but they only have one player left to bat.

The last player is not thinking about winning a prize or becoming famous. Instead, he remembers his captain’s words of encouragement to give his best. The captain encourages him to play his best and keep up the spirit of the game.

The poem teaches us that it’s important to try our best and play fair, not just for rewards or fame, but because it’s the right thing to do. 

Summary in Points – Play Up! Play Up! And Play the Game! 

  1. A cricket match is nearing its end at sunset.

  2. The batting team needs ten more runs to win.

  3. Only one batsman is left to play.

  4. The situation is tense and challenging.

  5. The batsman does not think about fame or rewards.

  6. He remembers his captain’s encouraging words.

  7. The captain motivates him to give his best effort.

  8. The poem highlights courage, determination, and sportsmanship.

  9. It teaches that playing fairly and trying one’s best are more important than winning.

 Poem Analysis

  • Central Idea: A young cricketer shows bravery and team spirit during a crucial moment in the match.

  • Themes: Courage, loyalty, team spirit, leadership, and doing your duty.

  • Message: True sportsmanship means standing strong and playing for others, not just yourself.

  • Setting: A tense cricket match at night with bright lights and pressure all around.

  • Poetic Devices:

    • Alliteration – e.g., “breathless hush,” “blinding light”

    • Imagery – Helps us see the match and feel the tension

    • Repetition – “Play up! play up!” gives strong encouragement

    • Symbolism – The cricket game stands for life and duty

  • Characters:

    • Young Player (Last Man In): Brave, determined, and playing for his team

    • Captain: A leader who inspires and motivates with a simple touch and words

  • Title Justification ("Vitaï Lampada"): Latin for "The lamp (or torch) of life" — showing how courage and honour are passed on like a torch through challenges.

    The line "Play up! play up! and play the game!" is a call to show courage and honour, making it a perfect title as it captures the poem's spirit of duty, teamwork, and never giving up.

Motifs 
  • Sportsmanship – Playing fairly and honestly.
  • Courage – Facing pressure bravely.
  • Team Spirit – Thinking about the team before oneself.
  • Perseverance – Never giving up.
  • Honor – Doing the right thing with dignity.
HOTS Question

Question: Why does the batsman remember his captain’s words instead of thinking about fame or rewards?

Answer: The batsman remembers his captain’s words because they inspire him to stay strong and play with honesty and determination. This shows that true sportsmanship and duty are more important than personal success or fame.

VBQ (Value-Based Question)

Question: What values do we learn from the poem Play Up! Play Up! And Play the Game!?

Answer: The poem teaches values such as teamwork, courage, discipline, perseverance, and fair play. It encourages us to give our best in every situation and maintain honesty and dignity even under pressure.

Question and Answers







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