English Notes Chapter 4.3 – Golden Chain Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Stanza 1:

“Friendship is a Golden chain,
The links our friends so dear,
And like a rare and precious jewel
It’s treasured more each year…”

Explanation:

• The poet compares friendship to a golden chain, where each friend is a link in this chain.
• Just like a rare and valuable jewel, friendship becomes more precious as time passes.
• The poet emphasizes that friendship should be cherished and valued like a priceless treasure.

Stanza 2:

“It’s clasped together firmly
With a love that’s deep and true,
And it’s rich with happy memories
And fond recollections, too…”

Explanation:

• The golden chain of friendship is held firmly by love and trust.
• True friendship is built on deep feelings of care and understanding.
• It is filled with happy memories and past experiences that bring joy and warmth.

Stanza 3:

“Time can’t destroy its beauty
For as long as memory lives,
Years can’t erase the pleasure
That the joy of friendship gives…”

Explanation:

• The poet says that true friendship is eternal; time cannot fade its beauty.
• As long as people remember their friends, their bond will remain strong.
• The happiness and joy brought by friendship can never be erased, no matter how many years pass.

Stanza 4:

“For friendship is a priceless gift
That can’t be bought or sold,
But to have an understanding friend
Is worth far more than gold…”

Explanation:

• Friendship is a gift that has no price; it cannot be purchased like material things.
• An understanding friend is more valuable than gold or any wealth.
• True friendship is based on genuine care and emotional support, not on money or material gain.

Stanza 5:

“And the golden chain of Friendship
Is a strong and blessed tie
Binding kindred hearts together
As the years go passing by.”

Explanation:

• The golden chain of friendship is a strong bond that connects hearts.
• True friends are like family (kindred hearts), as they share love, trust, and care.
• No matter how many years pass, true friendship remains unbroken and strong.

1. Summary of the Poem:

The poem Golden Chain describes friendship as a valuable and everlasting bond. The poet compares friendship to a golden chain, a precious jewel, and a priceless gift, emphasizing that it is strengthened by love, trust, and happy memories. The beauty of true friendship does not fade with time, and it is far more valuable than material wealth.

2. Meanings of Difficult Words:

• Clasped – Held tightly
• Recollections – Memories of the past
• Erase – Wipe away
• Kindred – Similar, alike

3. Poetic Devices in the Poem:

(i) Simile: (Comparison using like or as)

• “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, like a diamond in the sky.”
• “The stormy sea, as dark as coal.”

(ii) Metaphor: (Indirect comparison without like or as)

• “Friendship is a golden chain.”
• “Life is a game. Play it well.”

(iii) Antithesis: (Two opposite ideas in the same line)

• “Many are called, but few are chosen.”
• “Up and down the hill, they flew.”

(iv) Alliteration: (Repetition of the same consonant sound)

• “For as long as memory lives.”

4. Important Themes of the Poem:

1. Friendship is precious – It is compared to a golden chain and a rare jewel.
2. True friendship lasts forever – It cannot be erased by time.
3. Friendship is priceless – It cannot be bought or sold.
4. Memories and love strengthen friendships – They bring joy and happiness.
5. Friendship connects hearts – It forms a strong and blessed bond.

5. Why is Friendship Compared to These Things?

6. Five Reasons Why Friendship is the Best Gift:

1. It grows more valuable with time.
2. It creates happy and unforgettable memories.
3. It gives support and comfort in difficult times.
4. It connects people with love and trust.
5. It cannot be replaced by wealth or material things.

7. Figures of Speech – Match the Lines:

8. Comparisons of True Friendship:

• An Evergreen Forest – Friendship never fades and always provides comfort.
• An Ever-flowing River – Friendship continues to grow and remains fresh.
• A Rainbow after Heavy Rains – Friendship brings joy after difficult times.

9. Moral of the Poem:

• True friendship is one of the most valuable things in life.
• Friendship is built on love, trust, and happy memories.
• Money cannot buy true friendship; it is a priceless treasure.
• A real friend stays with you through all ups and downs.