'Abou Ben Adhem' - James Henry Leigh Hunt

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• English
• Primary Education

Exploring 'Abou Ben Adhem': Meaning and Magic

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss - What do you think motivates people help others?

Warm Up: How would you like people to remember you? What qualities would you like to have?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand the poem, analyse its stanzas, identify literary devices, and answer questions about its meaning.

About the Poet: James Henry Leigh Hunt

Leigh Hunt was an English poet and essayist. He was known for his simple yet deep poems about kindness, humanity, and life.

Introduction to 'Abou Ben Adhem'

This poem tells the story of a kind man, Abou Ben Adhem, and his encounter with an angel. It teaches us about the value of loving others.

Key Characters

Abou Ben Adhem

The Angel

A heavenly being who visits Abou and writes down names of those who love God.

A kind and compassionate man who values love for others.

What Happens in the Poem?

Abou Ben Adhem wakes to see an angel writing names. Abou asks if his name is there. The angel says 'No,' but Abou asks to be written among those who love others.

Main Theme

The poem teaches that loving and helping fellow humans is the best way to find favour with God.

Poem Text: First Stanza

"Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold."

Stanza 1: Explanation

Abou wakes from a peaceful dream and sees an angel in his room, writing in a golden book. The moonlight makes the scene look beautiful and magical.

MCQ: Stanza 1

What wakes Abou Ben Adhem? A) Loud noise B) Dream of peace C) Shining sun D) Angel's voice

Question

Reference to Context (RTC): Line 1

"Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)" RTC: Who is Abou Ben Adhem? Why does the poet wish his tribe to increase?

Poem Text: Second Stanza

"Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the Presence in the room he said, 'What writest thou?'—The vision raised its head, And with a look made of all sweet accord, Answered, 'The names of those who love the Lord.'"

Stanza 2: Explanation

Abou feels brave from his peace and asks the angel what he is writing. The angel kindly answers he’s writing the names of those who love God.

MCQ: Stanza 2

What is the angel writing in the book? A) Abou's dreams B) Names of the rich C) Names of those who love the Lord D) History of the tribe

Question

RTC: Angel's Visit

RTC: How does Abou respond when he sees the angel? What does this show about his character?

Poem Text: Third Stanza

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee then, Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

Stanza 3: Explanation

Abou asks if his name is written. The angel says no, so Abou humbly asks to be written as someone who loves others.

MCQ: Stanza 3

What does Abou ask the angel to do? A) Give him money B) Write his name as a lover of people C) Tell him a secret D) Let him sleep

Question

RTC: The Request

Abou asks the angel to write his name among those who love their fellow men. RTC: What does this request mean?

Poem Text: Final Stanza

"The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again with a great wakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blessed, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest."

Final Stanza: Explanation

The angel disappears after writing. The next night it returns and shows that Abou’s name is at the top of those blessed for his love for people.

MCQ: Final Stanza

Whose name was at the top of the list? A) The angel's B) Abou Ben Adhem's C) No one’s D) The poet’s

Question

Literary Devices Used

Alliteration

The poet uses vivid descriptions like 'moonlight in the room' to create pictures in our minds.

Repetition of consonant sounds, e.g., 'ben adhem', 'may his tribe increase'.

Imagery

More Literary Devices

The angel symbolises judgement and reward based on kindness.

Symbolism

Abou was not listed as one who loved God, but is later blessed above all, showing the value of human kindness.

Irony

Rhyme Scheme

The poem follows an AABBA rhyme scheme, giving it a musical and story-like flow.

Moral of the Poem

The poem teaches us that loving and caring for others is the greatest way to serve and please God.

Poet's Message

We should show love and kindness to everyone, not just focus on religious duties.

Let's Summarise

Abou Ben Adhem is a story about kindness, compassion, and the true way to gain God's favour through loving others.

Poem Theme and Message

The poem teaches that real faith is shown through loving others. Kindness and compassion are valued above all.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.