Explore a heartfelt summary of Eleanor Farjeon’s poem “The Quarrel,” where childhood conflict and forgiveness unfold with emotional depth and simplicity. A touching tale of sibling love and reconciliation.
The Quarrel Poem Class 6 Summary By Eleanor Farjeon

Summary of The Quarrel Poem By Eleanor Farjeon
Introduction
“The Quarrel” written by Eleanor Farjeon is a short but extremely emotional and message-filled poem. In this poem, the innocent story of a quarrel between a brother and a sister and their reconciliation is presented in a very simple but effective manner.
This poem is a lesson not only for children but also for readers of all ages – that sometimes there may be differences in relationships, but forgiving and coming together again is the true strength of relationships.
Structure and main theme of the poem
This poem is written in short simple sentences and it depicts the incident of a quarrel between a younger brother and sister. At the beginning of the poem, there is love between the two, then there is a quarrel, then estrangement, and finally forgiveness and reconciliation.
This is an emotional journey that often happens in our daily lives, but we do not pay attention.
Main points (line wise explanation)
1. Beginning of a loving relationship:
The poem begins with the fact that the brother and sister are very close to each other. They stay together all the time, play, talk and share a deep bond.
“I quarrelled with my brother
We fell out…”
Here “fell out” means to have a mutual estrangement or a fight. It shows that the relationship was very good but suddenly got spoiled over something.
2. Quarrel over a trivial matter:
The poem does not mention what the quarrel was about, but the writer very beautifully depicts how small and insignificant the reason for the quarrel was – perhaps so much so that one cannot even remember it.
“What it was about I don’t know.”
This line shows the truth of our life. We often fight with the people we love the most – and often the reason is so small that later we regret why we fought.
3. Effect of the fight:
After the fight, the conversation between the two stops. The poem tells how every part of that day, from morning to evening, shows the distance between them.
“The afternoon turned black.”
Here “turned black” is a metaphor – that is, even the daylight started to look black. It shows that emotional distance can also affect the environment around us.
4. Reconciliation and forgiveness:
The most emotional and beautiful part is the end of the poem. By evening, the brother comes and says – “I was wrong.”
This is not just an apology, but an attempt to revive the relationship.
“He gave me a look
That said – he was sorry…”
This line teaches us that someone’s feelings are more effective than words – a look, a smile, a touch, which can connect relationships.
Connection of the summary to humanity
Now let us understand the summary of this poem in detail from the point of view of human emotions.
1. Innocence of relationships:
The relationship between brother and sister is the most pure and true relationship of childhood. There is jealousy and anger in them, but there is more than that – love. This feeling is depicted very beautifully in this poem.
When a child fights, he says a lot in anger, but his heart melts very quickly. This is what is shown in this poem that a little anger turns into a great love.
2. The power of forgiveness:
The biggest message of the poem is – no one is small in apologizing.
When the brother apologizes, he accepts his mistake and it shows that there should be no ego in relationships.
It teaches that if you apologize first, it does not mean that you are wrong – it means that you consider that relationship above all.
3. Ego vs. Emotions:
Many times after a fight, we think that the other person should apologize first. But many relationships break in this thinking. In this poem, the brother comes forward and apologizes, and this shows that emotions should be given priority in relationships.
4. Importance of time:
In the poem, the whole day seems to stop for both the children – every moment seems heavy. This shows that when the heart is sad, time also seems heavy.
And as soon as both of them are together again, time becomes normal again – this is life.
5. Life from the point of view of children:
The poem is written from the innocent point of view of children. They fight very easily, but also forgive as quickly. It also teaches adults that relationships should be mended as soon as possible.
Style and language
Eleanor Farjon’s writing style is very simple, emotional and impressive. She has used very simple words but has presented the emotions deeply.
The poem is rhythmic
There are no difficult words in it, so even children can understand it easily.
This poem is written in “first person”, which makes it connect directly with the readers.
Moral Lesson
Importance of forgiveness in relationships
Love and quarrels both are part of a relationship
Quarrels without reason are common, but forgiveness is special
There should be no ego in relationships
Be simple like children, who forget quickly and forgive from the heart
Conclusion
The Quarrel poem is a short poem, but its message is very deep. This poem teaches us how to make life more simple and relationships more strong through the beauty of relationships, the power of forgiveness and the innocence of children.
This poem is not only a story of a brother and sister, but it is the story of every relationship in which there is love, quarrel and in the end there is the sweetness of forgiveness.
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