The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

~ROBERT FROST

English:

This short poem by Robert Frost captures a moment where a simple action of a crow dislodging snow from a hemlock tree onto the speaker has a profound effect on his mood. Initially in a negative or regretful state of mind (a day he "had rued"), the speaker experiences a shift to a more positive outlook after this small, natural event. The poem highlights the power of nature to affect our emotions and perspectikve.

Hindi:

रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट की इस लघु कविता में एक कौवे द्वारा हेमलॉक वृक्ष से बर्फ को हिलाकर कवि पर गिराने की घटना का वर्णन है, जिसका उनके मूड पर गहरा प्रभाव पड़ता है। शुरुआत में नकारात्मक या पछतावे की मनोदशा में (जिस दिन का उन्होंने "पछतावा" किया), इस छोटी, प्राकृतिक घटना के बाद कवि की मनोदशा में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन होता है। यह कविता प्रकृति की हमारी भावनाओं और दृष्टिकोण पर प्रभाव डालने की शक्ति को दर्शाती है।

The way a crow

English: This line introduces the crow as a key element in the scene.

Hindi: इस पंक्ति में कौवे को दृश्य के मुख्य तत्व के रूप में प्रस्तुत किया गया है।

Shook down on me

English: The crow causes snow to fall on the speaker.

Hindi: कौवा बर्फ को कवि पर गिराता है।

The dust of snow

English: "Dust of snow" refers to the light, fine snowflakes.

Hindi: "बर्फ की धूल" से आशय हल्के, बारीक बर्फ के फाहों से है।

From a hemlock tree

English: The snow falls from a hemlock tree, which is often associated with poison and death.

Hindi: बर्फ हेमलॉक वृक्ष से गिरती है, जिसे अक्सर विष और मृत्यु से जोड़ा जाता है।

Has given my heart

English: The event has an effect on the speaker's emotions.

Hindi: इस घटना का कवि की भावनाओं पर प्रभाव पड़ता है।

A change of mood

English: There's a shift in the speaker's emotional state.

Hindi: कवि की भावनात्मक स्थिति में परिवर्तन होता है।

And saved some part

English: The incident has a salvaging effect on the speaker’s day.

Hindi: इस घटना का कवि के दिन को बचाने में एक सकारात्मक प्रभाव पड़ता है।

Of a day I had rued.

English: The speaker was regretting how the day was going, but this changes.

Hindi: कवि दिन कैसे जा रहा था इसके लिए पछता रहे थे, लेकिन इसमें बदलाव आता है।

The poem, overall, illustrates how a small, seemingly insignificant moment can have a profound impact on our mood and perspective, changing a day that was once regretted into something more positive.

• Questions:
• What is the significance of the crow in the poem "Dust of Snow"?
  
• Answer: The crow in the poem symbolizes a catalyst for change. Its action of shaking the snow off the hemlock tree leads to a positive shift in the speaker's mood, illustrating how even a small interaction with nature can have a significant emotional impact.
• Why does Robert Frost mention a hemlock tree in the poem?
• Answer: The hemlock tree, often associated with poison and death, adds a layer of meaning to the poem. It contrasts with the positive change in the speaker's mood, highlighting the transformative power of nature and how it can turn something potentially negative into a source of renewal.
• How does the "dust of snow" affect the speaker in the poem?
• Answer: The "dust of snow" falling on the speaker serves as a moment of awakening or change. It shifts the speaker's mood from one of regret or negativity to a more positive and hopeful state, demonstrating the restorative power of simple, natural moments.
• What theme is explored in "Dust of Snow"?
• Answer: The poem explores themes of transformation, the impact of nature on the human spirit, and the idea that small, ordinary moments can bring about significant emotional shifts.
• How does the poem "Dust of Snow" reflect Robert Frost's typical style?
• Answer: The poem reflects Frost's typical style through its simple language, nature imagery, and deep exploration of human emotions and experiences using everyday occurrences.
• What is the mood change mentioned in the poem?
• Answer: The mood change in the poem is from a sense of regret or negativity to one of appreciation and positivity, prompted by the simple yet poignant experience of snow falling from a tree.
  

*Rhyme Scheme- abab cdcd

*Alliteration- the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

The instances of alliteration are as follows-

Has given my heart

And saved some part

*Inversion – when the structure of a sentence is changed by the poet to create rhyme, this poetic license is called inversion. In stanza 1, inversion can be seen.

*Assonance – the prominence of a vowel sound throughout a line is called assonance. In stanza 1, line 2 – “Shook down on me” – ‘o’ sound is prominent.

*Enjambment – when the same sentence continues to the next line without the use of any punctuation marks, it is called enjambment. It has been used throughout the poem.

NCERT Solutions

Q1. What is a “dust of snow”? What does the poet say has changed

his mood? How has the poet’s mood changed?

A. “Dust of snow” refers to the tiny particles of snow. The particles are so small that poet referred to them as “dust”. The poet was in an awful mood when particles of snow had fallen on him. This changed the poet’s frame of mind instantly and his day got a lot better.

Q 2. How does Frost present nature in this poem? The following questions may help you to think of an answer.

(i) What are the birds that are usually named in poems? Do you think a crow is often mentioned in poems? What images come to your mind when you think of a crow?

A. Birds like sparrow, nightingale and peacock are more than often named in poems. Unlike these birds, crows are often seen as the indicators of doom and fear. They are often used for negative references.

(ii) Again, what is “a hemlock tree”? Why doesn’t the poet write about a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as a maple, or an oak, or a pine?

A. Trees are also seen as mighty creatures imparting wisdom as they’re too old. They give out oxygen and absorb the carbon dioxide which is connected with absorbing all the negative energy. But there are trees that are poisonous too, like a hemlock tree. The poet does not mention a more ‘beautiful’ tree such as maple, oak or pine because he wants to indicate a sad scene. Being poisonous, a hemlock tree is considered bad and so, he refers to it.

(iii) What do the ‘crow’ and ‘hemlock’ represent — joy or sorrow? What does the dust of snow that the crow shakes off a hemlock tree stand for?

A. Both crow and the hemlock tree represent sorrow. Frost has used both the negative creatures (crow and the hemlock tree) as the carriers of positivism and strength that transformed his day for the better. By not using birds like sparrow and nightingale and trees like maple, oak or a pine, the poet has tried to break down all the preconceived notions we have about certain agents of nature. He has tried to make us understand that we see the world not as how it is, but as how we want to see it. Thus, the crow sitting and a hemlock tree together made his day better. The dust of snow stands for joy.

2. Fire And Ice

Some say the world will end in fire

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

~ROBERT FROST

Perish - नाश होना (To die or be destroyed)

Desire - इच्छा (A strong feeling of wanting something)

Suffice - पर्याप्त होना (To be enough)

Destruction - विनाश (The act of destroying something)

Favour - पक्षपात (To support or prefer something)

Explaination

In English:

Robert Frost's poem "Fire and Ice" explores the theme of destruction, contrasting the elemental forces of fire and ice as metaphors for human emotions and the end of the world. Fire represents desire and passion, which can be consuming and destructive. Ice, on the other hand, symbolizes hate, which can be just as devastating. Frost suggests that either emotion, in its extreme, is capable of bringing about the end of the world.

In Hindi:

रॉबर्ट फ्रॉस्ट की कविता "अग्नि और बर्फ" विनाश के विषय को दर्शाती है, अग्नि और बर्फ को मानवीय भावनाओं और संसार के अंत के प्रतीक के रूप में प्रस्तुत करती है। अग्नि इच्छा और जुनून का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है, जो विनाशकारी हो सकती है। दूसरी ओर, बर्फ घृणा का प्रतीक है, जो उतनी ही विनाशकारी हो सकती है। फ्रॉस्ट का सुझाव है कि कोई भी भावना, अपनी चरम सीमा में, संसार के अंत का कारण बन सकती है।

English Explanation:

"Some say the world will end in fire": This line suggests that some people believe the world will end due to intense passion or destruction, similar to fire.

"Some say in ice": Others believe that cold indifference or hatred, akin to ice, will cause the world's end.

"From what I’ve tasted of desire": The speaker reflects on his own experiences with intense longing or passion.

"I hold with those who favour fire": He tends to agree with those who think the world will end in fire (passion).

"But if it had to perish twice": This hypothetical scenario suggests a second ending of the world.

"I think I know enough of hate": The speaker considers his understanding of hate.

"To say that for destruction ice": He suggests that ice, symbolizing hate, is also powerful enough...

"Is also great": ...to cause great destruction.

"And would suffice": And it would be enough to bring about the end of the world.

Hindi Explanation:

"कुछ कहते हैं दुनिया आग में समाप्त होगी": यह पंक्ति बताती है कि कुछ लोग मानते हैं कि दुनिया जुनून या विनाश के कारण समाप्त होगी, जैसे आग।

"कुछ कहते हैं बर्फ में": अन्य लोग मानते हैं कि उदासीनता या घृणा, जो बर्फ की तरह है, दुनिया के अंत का कारण बनेगी।

"जो मैंने इच्छा का स्वाद लिया है": कवि अपने तीव्र लालसा या जुनून के अनुभवों पर विचार करता है।

"मैं उनके साथ हूँ जो आग को पसंद करते हैं": वह उन लोगों के साथ सहमति जताता है जो सोचते हैं कि दुनिया आग (जुनून) में समाप्त होगी।

"लेकिन अगर उसे दो बार नष्ट होना पड़े": यह काल्पनिक परिदृश्य दुनिया के दूसरे अंत की ओर संकेत करता है।

"मुझे लगता है कि मुझे नफरत का पर्याप्त पता है": कवि घृणा की अपनी समझ पर विचार करता है।

"कहने के लिए कि विनाश के लिए बर्फ": वह सुझाव देता है कि बर्फ, जो घृणा का प्रतीक है, भी उतनी ही शक्तिशाली है...

"यह भी महान है": ...बड़े विनाश का कारण बनने के लिए।

"और पर्याप्त होगा": और यह दुनिया के अंत को लाने के लिए काफी होगा।

This poem beautifully uses the metaphors of fire and ice to delve into deeper themes of human emotions and the potential for both passion and hatred to lead to destruction.

Some Internal Questions and Their Answers

• Question: What do "fire" and "ice" symbolize in the poem?
• Answer: In the poem, "fire" symbolizes desire, passion, and possibly lust, while "ice" represents hate and cold indifference. Both are used metaphorically to discuss the potential causes of the world's end.
  
• Question: How does the poet feel about the end of the world?
  
• Answer: The poet seems to be somewhat philosophical about the end of the world. He acknowledges that both fire (desire) and ice (hate) are strong enough to cause destruction. His tone suggests a resigned acceptance of these destructive forces.
  
• Question: What personal experience does the poet refer to in the poem?
  
• Answer: The poet refers to his own experiences with desire ("From what I’ve tasted of desire"). This line indicates that his personal experiences have led him to understand the destructive nature of intense passions.
  
• Question: Why does the poet agree with those who favor fire?
  
• Answer: The poet agrees with those who favor fire because of his personal experiences with desire. He acknowledges the powerful and potentially destructive nature of passion.
  
• Question: Is there a sense of finality or uncertainty in the poem’s conclusion?
  
• Answer: There is a sense of finality in the poem’s conclusion. The poet confidently states that ice, symbolizing hate, would suffice to bring about the end of the world, implying that the destructive potential of hate is as potent as that of desire.
  
• Question: What is the significance of the poem's structure?
  
• Answer: The structure of the poem, being concise and direct, adds to its powerful message. The use of simple yet profound language makes the deep themes of desire, hate, and destruction accessible and impactful.
  

• Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. For example, "Some say in ice" (the 's' sound).
• Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words. For instance, "I hold with those who favor fire."
  
• Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. For example, "ice" and "suffice" share the same 's' sound.
  
• Metaphor: Frost uses fire and ice as metaphors. Fire symbolizes desire, while ice symbolizes hate.
  
• Symbolism: Fire and ice are symbols representing two different destructive forces – passion and hatred.
  
• Personification: Giving human characteristics to non-human elements. While not explicitly personified, fire and ice are discussed in terms of human emotions.
  
• Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows an ABA ABC BCB rhyme scheme, contributing to its lyrical quality.
  
• Meter and Rhythm: The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, giving it a rhythmic and structured feel.
  
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and philosophical, as Frost muses on the nature of destruction.
  
• Theme: Major themes in the poem include destruction, human emotions, and the dual nature of humanity.
  

1. There are many ideas about how the world will ‘end’. Do you think the world will end some day? Have you ever thought what would happen if the sun got so hot that it ‘burst’, or grew colder and colder?

A. Unfortunately, the world is going to end one day and there is nothing we can do about it. There are many ideas as to how it will end but one can’t say surely. The reason that life exists only on Earth is that the circumstances and temperature is apt to make it possible. If the sun gets so hot one day that it is at the verge of bursting, it would lead to rapid destruction as there would be fire everywhere. Conversely, if it grows colder and colder, there will be ice everywhere on Earth and life in any form would not be able to sustain at such low temperatures.

2. For Frost, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?

Here are some ideas:

greed

avarice

cruelty

lust

conflict

fury

intolerance

rigidity

insensitivity

coldness

indifference

hatred

A. According to Frost, ‘fire’ stands for greed, conflict, fury, cruelty, lust and avarice whereas ‘Ice’ stands for insensitivity, coldness, intolerance, indifference, rigidity and hatred.

3. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem? How does it help in bringing out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

A. The rhyme scheme of the poem is “aba abc bcb”. The poet has used the rhyming beautifully to bring about contrasting ideas in the poem. He has used the ideas of two groups who believe that the world would come to a catastrophic end either as a result of fire or ice. Simultaneously, he portrays these two essential components as features of destructive human emotions: desire and hatred. Just like fiery desires and icy hatred can cause damage to an individual in an irreparable manner, fire and ice can lead the world at the verge of chaos and thus, apocalypse.

He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass

Near the water hole

Where plump deer pass.

He should be snarling around houses

At the jungle’s edge,

Baring his white fangs, his claws,

Terrorising the village!

But he’s locked in a concrete cell,

His strength behind bars,

Stalking the length of his cage,

Ignoring visitors.

He hears the last voice at night,

The patrolling cars,

And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

~LESLIE NORRIS

Stalks - to walk stiffly or angrily (चुपके से चलना)

Vivid - producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind (स्पष्ट)

Velvet - a closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon (मखमल)

Lurking - remaining hidden so as to wait in ambush (छिपा हुआ)

Snarling - making an aggressive growl with bared teeth (गुर्राना)

Terrorising - creating and maintaining a state of extreme fear and distress (आतंकित करना)

Concrete - a heavy, rough building material made from a mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement, and water (कंक्रीट)

Patrolling - keeping watch over an area by walking or driving around it (गश्त)

Brilliant - extremely bright or colorful (शानदार)

Ignoring - refusing to take notice of or acknowledge (अनदेखा करना)

English Explanation:

This poem by Leslie Norris is about a tiger in captivity. The tiger's movements within his cage are described with a sense of contained power and frustration. He moves quietly, yet he's filled with a "quiet rage," suggesting his natural instincts are suppressed. The poem contrasts what the tiger should be doing – lurking in the wild, hunting near water holes, instilling fear near villages – with his current state, confined in a "concrete cell."

The tiger's physical prowess and natural habitat are vividly depicted, emphasizing the tragedy of his imprisonment. His longing for freedom is symbolized by his staring at the stars, a world beyond his reach. The poem is a powerful statement on the effects of captivity on wild animals and a critique of how humans treat them.

Hindi Explanation:

लेस्ली नॉरिस की इस कविता में एक कैदी बाघ की बात की गई है। कविता में बाघ के पिंजरे में उसके हरकतों का वर्णन है, जो उसकी दबी हुई शक्ति और फ्रस्ट्रेशन को दर्शाता है। वह शांति से चलता है, लेकिन उसमें एक "शांत रोष" है, यह दिखाता है कि उसकी प्राकृतिक प्रवृत्तियाँ दबी हुई हैं। कविता में वह क्या करना चाहिए - जंगल में घात लगाए रहना, पानी के गड्ढों के पास शिकार करना, गाँवों के किनारे डर पैदा करना - इसे उसकी वर्तमान स्थिति, एक "कंक्रीट की कोठरी" में कैद होने के साथ तुलना की गई है।

बाघ की शारीरिक शक्ति और उसके प्राकृतिक आवास का जीवंत चित्रण किया गया है, जो उसकी कैद की त्रासदी पर जोर देता है। उसकी स्वतंत्रता के लिए तरसना उसके द्वारा तारों को घूरने से प्रतीकात्मक है, जो उसकी पहुँच से बाहर की दुनिया है। यह कविता जंगली जानवरों पर कैद के प्रभाव और इंसानों द्वारा उनके इलाज पर एक शक्तिशाली बयान है।

English Explanation:

1. "He stalks in his vivid stripes" - The tiger, identifiable by its distinct stripes, moves with purpose and grace within its confines.

2. "The few steps of his cage," - This line emphasizes the limited space the tiger has in its cage.

3. "On pads of velvet quiet," - The tiger's movements are silent and graceful, likened to velvet.

4. "In his quiet rage." - Despite the outward calm, the tiger is filled with suppressed anger and frustration.

5. "He should be lurking in shadow," - This line speaks to the tiger's natural behavior in the wild, hidden and ready to hunt.

6. "Sliding through long grass" - It describes the tiger's natural habitat, moving stealthily in the grass.

7. "Near the water hole / Where plump deer pass." - The natural setting of the tiger's hunting ground is depicted.

8. "He should be snarling around houses / At the jungle’s edge," - This shows the tiger's wild and fearsome nature, close to human habitation.

9. "Baring his white fangs, his claws," - A vivid image of the tiger showing its weapons – teeth and claws.

10. "Terrorising the village!" - The tiger's potential to instill fear in humans.

11. "But he’s locked in a concrete cell," - A stark contrast to the wild, the tiger is confined in an artificial, man-made environment.

12. "His strength behind bars," - His power and majesty are contained and restricted.

13. "Stalking the length of his cage," - The tiger paces in his limited space, a sign of restlessness and frustration.

14. "Ignoring visitors." - The tiger shows indifference to the people who come to see him, suggesting a loss of spirit.

15. "He hears the last voice at night," - Possibly referring to the sounds of the zoo or caretakers as the day ends.

16. "The patrolling cars," - Indicative of the unnatural, human-controlled environment around him.

17. "And stares with his brilliant eyes" - The tiger's eyes are described as bright, perhaps reflecting intelligence or longing.

18. "At the brilliant stars." - The stars symbolize freedom and a world beyond his reach, contrasting with his captivity.

Explanation: Line by line

Explanation in Hindi:

1. He stalks in his vivid stripes:

"वह अपनी चमकीली धारियों में घूमता है" - यहाँ बाघ की धारीदार खाल का उल्लेख है, जो उसकी पहचान है।

2. The few steps of his cage:

"अपने पिंजरे के चंद कदमों पर" - इसका मतलब है कि बाघ के पास चलने के लिए बहुत कम जगह है।

3. On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage:

"मखमली नरम पैरों पर चुपचाप, अपने शांत रोष में" - बाघ के पैरों की नरमता और उसके अंदरूनी गुस्से का वर्णन।

4. He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass:

"वह छाया में छिपना चाहिए, लंबी घास में फिसलते हुए" - यह पंक्तियाँ बाघ के प्राकृतिक व्यवहार का वर्णन करती हैं।

5. Near the water hole Where plump deer pass:

"पानी के गड्ढे के पास जहाँ मोटे हिरन गुजरते हैं" - यह बाघ के शिकार की प्रक्रिया की ओर संकेत करता है।

6. He should be snarling around houses At the jungle’s edge:

"वह जंगल के किनारे घरों के आसपास गरजता रहता" - बाघ की वन्यता और उसके प्राकृतिक आवास का वर्णन।

7. Baring his white fangs, his claws, Terrorising the village!

"अपने सफेद दांत और पंजे दिखाते हुए, गाँव को आतंकित करते हुए!" - बाघ की शिकारी प्रवृत्ति का चित्रण।

8. But he’s locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars:

"लेकिन वह एक कंक्रीट की कोठरी में बंद है, उसकी शक्ति सलाखों के पीछे" - बाघ की कैद का दुखद चित्रण।

9. Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors:

"अपने पिंजरे की लंबाई में घूमते हुए, आगंतुकों को अनदेखा करते हुए" - बाघ की बेबसी और उदासीनता का वर्णन।

10. He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars:

"वह रात में आखिरी आवाज सुनता है, गश्त लगाती कारें" - बाघ के अकेलेपन और बंदी जीवन का चित्रण।

1 1. And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars.

"और अपनी चमकदार आँखों से चमकदार तारों को घूरता है।" - बाघ की आज़ादी के लिए तड़प और उसके सपनों का प्रतीकात्मक वर्णन।

कविता में बाघ के प्राकृतिक व्यवहार और उसकी कैदी जीवन के बीच की विडंबना को बड़ी ही भावपूर्ण तरीके से दर्शाया गया है।

*Imagery: The poem is rich in vivid descriptions that create mental images, such as "vivid stripes," "pads of velvet quiet," and "white fangs, his claws." This helps the reader visualize the tiger and its surroundings.

*Contrast: There's a stark contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and its life in the zoo. Phrases like "He should be lurking in shadow, sliding through long grass" versus "But he’s locked in a concrete cell" highlight this.

*Symbolism: The tiger symbolizes wild nature and freedom, while the cage represents captivity and restriction. The stars at the end symbolize a world out of reach, possibly freedom or the wild.

*Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, such as “vivid stripes” and “plump deer pass,” adds a rhythmic quality to the poem.

*Personification: Giving human qualities to the tiger, like feeling rage and being able to terrorize, makes the animal more relatable and emphasizes its emotional state.

*Metaphor: The entire poem is a metaphor for the loss of freedom and natural living. The tiger in the zoo is a metaphor for any creature, including humans, deprived of their natural environment and freedom.

*Irony: There's a bitter irony in how the tiger, a symbol of strength and freedom, is confined and powerless in the zoo.

*Repetition: Certain concepts are repeated, like the idea of what the tiger should be doing versus its reality in the zoo, to emphasize the tragedy of its situation.

*Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza, as seen throughout the poem, creates a sense of flow and continuity.

*Mood/Tone: The tone of the poem is one of sadness and reflection, eliciting a sense of empathy and contemplation in the reader.

*छवि निर्माण (Imagery): कविता में जीवंत विवरणों का प्रयोग किया गया है, जैसे "चमकीली धारियां," "मखमली शांत पैर," और "सफेद दांत, उसके पंजे" जो पाठक के मन में छवियाँ बनाते हैं।

*विरोधाभास (Contrast): बाघ के प्राकृतिक आवास और चिड़ियाघर में उसके जीवन के बीच कड़ा विरोधाभास है, जैसे "वह छाया में छिपना चाहिए" बनाम "लेकिन वह एक कंक्रीट की कोठरी में बंद है।"

*प्रतीकवाद (Symbolism): बाघ स्वतंत्रता और जंगली प्रकृति का प्रतीक है, जबकि पिंजरा कैद और प्रतिबंध का प्रतीक है। अंत में तारे एक दूर की दुनिया, शायद स्वतंत्रता या जंगलीपन का प्रतिनिधित्व करते हैं।

*अनुप्रास (Alliteration): शब्दों की शुरुआत में स्वर ध्वनियों की पुनरावृत्ति, जैसे “vivid stripes” और “plump deer pass,” कविता में लयात्मक गुण जोड़ती है।

*मानवीकरण (Personification): बाघ को मानवीय गुण देना, जैसे गुस्सा महसूस करना और आतंकित करना, उसे अधिक संबंधित बनाता है और उसकी भावनात्मक स्थिति पर जोर देता है।

*रूपक (Metaphor): पूरी कविता स्वतंत्रता और प्राकृतिक जीवन की हानि का रूपक है। चिड़ियाघर में बाघ उन सभी प्राणियों का रूपक है, जिन्हें उनके प्राकृतिक वातावरण और स्वतंत्रता से वंचित किया गया है।

*विडंबना (Irony): बाघ, जो शक्ति और स्वतंत्रता का प्रतीक है, चिड़ियाघर में कैद और शक्तिहीन होने की विडंबना है।

*पुनरावृत्ति (Repetition): बाघ की वास्तविकता और उसके होने चाहिए जीवन के बीच की अवधारणाओं की पुनरावृत्ति, उसकी स्थिति की त्रासदी पर जोर देने के लिए है।

*एनजाम्बमेंट (Enjambment): कविता में दिखाई देने वाली वाक्यों की निरंतरता, एक पंक्ति, युग्म या छंद के अंत से परे बिना विराम के, निरंतरता और प्रवाह की भावना पैदा करती है।

*मूड/स्वर (Mood/Tone): कविता का स्वर दु:ख और चिंतन का है, जो पाठक में सहानुभूति और चिंतन की भावना जगाता है।

Some Internal Questions and answers

Q1: Why does the poet describe the tiger’s steps as “a few steps”?

A1: The poet uses "a few steps" to emphasize the limited space the tiger has in its cage, contrasting sharply with the vast distances it would cover in its natural habitat.

Q2: What does “pads of velvet quiet” suggest about the tiger?

A2: "Pads of velvet quiet" suggests the tiger's natural grace and stealth. It highlights the tiger's inherent qualities, which are subdued or wasted in the confined space of the zoo.

Q3: How is the tiger’s rage described as “quiet”?

A3: The tiger's rage being "quiet" contrasts its fierce nature with its subdued state in captivity. It suggests a suppressed, internal anger, as the tiger cannot express its natural aggression in a cage.

Q4: What does the poet mean by “He should be lurking in shadow, sliding through long grass”?

A4: This line depicts the tiger's natural behavior in the wild – stealthily moving and hunting. It contrasts the tiger's natural environment with its unnatural existence in the zoo.

Q5: Why does the poet mention “plump deer”?

A5: "Plump deer" symbolize the natural prey and the natural ecosystem in which the tiger should be living. It emphasizes what the tiger is missing while being confined in a zoo.

Q6: What is the significance of the tiger being described as “ignoring visitors”?

A6: This highlights the tiger's disinterest and detachment from the zoo environment. It suggests that the tiger does not belong there and does not engage with an artificial, spectator-driven existence.

Q7: Why does the poet use “brilliant stars” in the last line?

A7: The “brilliant stars” symbolize freedom and the natural world, far removed from the tiger's captivity. It creates a poignant end, suggesting the tiger's longing for a life it cannot have.

Q1- Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.

(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.

(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.

Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.

A1- (1)

In the cage

In the wild

Stalks, quiet rage, ignoring visitors, hears the sound of patrolling cars, stares at stars

Lurking in shadow, sliding through the long grass, snarling around houses, baring his white fangs, terrorizing the village

(2)

CAGE

WILD

Few steps of his cage

Shadow, long grass

Locked in concrete cell

Snarling around houses

His Strength behind bars

Baring his white fangs, his claws

Terrorising the village

Ignoring visitors

Q2- Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:

(i) On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage.

(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars.

What do you think is the effect of this repetition?

A2- The poet has repeated the words to give a nice impact to his poem. Like the use of quiet with velvet pads describes that the tiger has to walk in the limited area of his cage. He cannot run as he would have done had it been in the forest. Whereas ‘quiet rage’ shows the hidden anger inside him which has grown stronger because of his confinement in the cage. The next word he used is ‘brilliant’. The word brilliant in the first line means the twinkling bright stars and the brilliant words used for the tiger’s eyes shows the sadness of the tiger who would have led a free and fearless life if it were in the jungle.

If ever you should go by chance

To jungles in the east;

And if there should to you advance

A large and tawny beast,

If he roars at you as you're dyin'

You'll know it is the Asian Lion...

Or if some time when roaming round,

A noble wild beast greets you,

With black stripes on a yellow ground,

Just notice if he eats you.

This simple rule may help you learn

The Bengal Tiger to discern.

If strolling forth, a beast you view,

Whose hide with spots is peppered,

As soon as it has lept on you,

You'll know it is the Leopard.

'Twill do no good to roar with pain,

He'll only lep and lep again.

If when you're walking round your yard,

You meet a creature there,

Who hugs you very, very hard,

Be sure it is a Bear.

If you have any doubts, I guess

He'll give you just one more caress.

Though to distinguish beasts of prey

A novice might nonplus,

The Crocodile you always may

Tell from the Hyena thus:

Hyenas come with merry smiles;

But if they weep they're Crocodiles.

The true Chameleon is small,

A lizard sort of thing;

He hasn't any ears at all,

And not a single wing.

If there is nothing on the tree,

'Tis the Chameleon you see.

~Carolyn Well

The poem is a humorous and whimsical guide to identifying different wild animals, each stanza dedicated to a specific creature. It's written in a light-hearted, almost cautionary tone, and uses a mix of factual and fanciful elements to describe the animals.

1. Asian Lion: The first stanza talks about encountering an Asian Lion in the jungle. The lion's roar as one faces imminent danger is the key identification.
   
2. Bengal Tiger: The second stanza describes the Bengal Tiger. It humorously suggests that if the tiger eats you, you'll be sure of its identity. The tiger's distinctive black stripes on a yellow background are its identifying feature.
   
3. Leopard: In the third stanza, the leopard is identified by its peppered, spotted hide. The poem humorously suggests that you'll know it's a leopard when it leaps onto you.
   
4. Bear: The fourth stanza is about a bear who 'hugs' very hard. This 'hug' is a playful way to describe the bear's potentially dangerous embrace.
   
5. Crocodile and Hyena: The fifth stanza differentiates between a Crocodile and a Hyena. The poem uses the unlikely behavior of crying and smiling as humorous identifiers.
   
6. Chameleon: The last stanza describes a Chameleon. It humorously suggests that if you see nothing on a tree, it must be the chameleon, playing on its ability to blend in with its surroundings.
   

Overall, the poem uses a blend of humor and a bit of absurdity to describe these wild animals, making it entertaining while loosely educational.

Explanations : Line by line

How To Tell Wild Animals

Explanations : Line by line in Hindi

How To Tell Wild Animals

Poetic Devices

How To Tell Wild Animals

Poetic Devices

How To Tell Wild Animals

Internal Questions And Answer

How To Tell Wild Animals

NCERT Solutions

What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,

What, what is he to do? I saw it go

Merrily bouncing, down the street, and then

Merrily over — there it is in the water!

No use to say ‘O there are other balls’:

An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy

As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down

All his young days into the harbour where

His ball went. I would not intrude on him;

A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now

He senses first responsibility

In a world of possessions. People will take

Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy.

And no one buys a ball back. Money is external.

He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes,

The epistemology of loss, how to stand up

Knowing what every man must one day know

And most know many days, how to stand up.

~JOHN BERRYMAN

Explanations: Line by line

Explanations: Line by line

Line 11: "I would not intrude on him;"

The narrator expresses a reluctance to interfere, recognizing the boy's need to process this moment privately.

Line 12: "A dime, another ball, is worthless. Now"

Here, the poet emphasizes that the emotional value of the lost ball cannot be replaced by money or another ball.

Line 13-14: "He senses first responsibility / In a world of possessions."

The boy is experiencing a new sense of responsibility and understanding the transient nature of possessions.

Line 15: "People will take / Balls, balls will be lost always, little boy."

These lines convey a universal truth about loss and the inevitability of such experiences.

Line 16: "And no one buys a ball back. Money is external."

This reinforces the idea that some losses are irreplaceable and that money cannot recover everything we lose.

Line 17-18: "He is learning, well behind his desperate eyes, / The epistemology of loss,"

The boy is gaining knowledge (epistemology) about loss, a deep and philosophical understanding beyond his years.

Line 19-21: "how to stand up / Knowing what every man must one day know / And most know many days, how to stand up."

The final lines suggest that the boy is learning a vital life lesson: how to face and overcome loss, a lesson that everyone must learn. The repetition of "how to stand up" emphasizes resilience and maturity.

This poem beautifully captures the moment a child first faces a profound loss, marking the beginning of his journey towards understanding the complex nature of life and emotions.

Explanations: Line by line In Hindi

Explanations: Line by line In Hindi

Some Internal Questions And Answers

Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!

Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!

Stop that slouching and sit up straight,

Amanda!

(There is a languid, emerald sea,

where the sole inhabitant is me—

a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)

Did you finish your homework, Amanda?

Did you tidy your room, Amanda?

I thought I told you to clean your shoes,

Amanda!

(I am an orphan, roaming the street.

I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.

The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)

Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!

Remember your acne, Amanda!

Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you,

Amanda!

(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;

life in a tower is tranquil and rare;

I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)

Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!

You’re always so moody, Amanda!

Anyone would think that I nagged at you,

Amanda!

~ROBIN KLEIN

Explanations

"अमांडा!" रॉबिन क्लेन द्वारा लिखित कविता, एक युवा लड़की, अमांडा की कहानी को दर्शाती है, जिसे लगातार एक वयस्क द्वारा, जो संभवतः उसके माता-पिता या संरक्षक हैं, उसके व्यवहार और जिम्मेदारियों के बारे में टोका जाता है। यह कविता अमांडा के वास्तविक जीवन, जो नियमों और निर्देशों से भरा है, और उसकी जीवंत कल्पना के बीच का विरोधाभास प्रस्तुत करती है, जहाँ वह कल्पना की दुनिया में भाग जाती है।

प्रत्येक छंद वास्तविक दुनिया और अमांडा की कल्पना के बीच बदलता है। वास्तविक दुनिया में, उसे नाखून चबाने, झुककर बैठने, होमवर्क न करने, कमरे की सफाई न करने, चॉकलेट खाने, और मूडी होने जैसी बातों के लिए डांटा जाता है। ये सभी बातें आमतौर पर वयस्कों द्वारा बच्चों के व्यवहार के बारे में की जाने वाली शिकायतें होती हैं।

अपनी कल्पना की दुनिया में, अमांडा ऐसी जगहों पर भाग जाती है जहाँ वह खुश और स्वतंत्र महसूस करती है:

✍️जलपरी के रूप में: वह खुद को एक शांत, हरे रंग की समुद्र में जलपरी के रूप में कल्पना करती है, जहाँ वह अकेली आनंद ले रही होती है।

✍️अनाथ के रूप में: वह स्वतंत्रता के साथ सड़कों पर घूमते हुए अनाथ बनने की कल्पना करती है, नियमों और नाक में दम करने से दूर।

✍️रॅपन्ज़ेल के रूप में: वह एक टावर में अकेली रहने वाली रॅपन्ज़ेल बनने की कल्पना करती है, जहाँ वह संतुष्ट और अविचलित है।

यह कविता एक बच्चे के जीवन में नीरस, नियम-बद्धता और कल्पना द्वारा प्रदान की गई स्वतंत्रता और पलायन के बीच के संघर्ष को प्रभावी ढंग से प्रस्तुत करती है। यह बचपन की मासूमियत के नुकसान, बड़े होने के दबाव, और स्वतंत्रता व स्वायत्तता की इच्छा जैसे विषयों को भी छूती है। अमांडा का चरित्र, जबकि विशेष रूप से नामित किया गया है, उन कई बच्चों का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है जो अपने अंदरूनी सपनों और कल्पनाओं की दुनिया को अपेक्षाओं और अनुशासन की बाहरी दुनिया के साथ संतुलित करने की कोशिश में पाए जाते हैं।

Line 11: "I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet."

In her fantasy, Amanda is quietly walking barefoot, leaving patterns in the dust, which symbolizes a sense of freedom and lightness, away from the burdens of her real life.

Line 12: "The silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)"

Amanda cherishes the silence and freedom in her imagined world, valuing these as precious and desirable, contrasting them with the noise and restrictions of her real life.

Line 13: "Don’t eat that chocolate, Amanda!"

Back in reality, Amanda is being warned against eating chocolate, possibly due to health or dietary concerns.

Line 14: "Remember your acne, Amanda!"

This line suggests that eating chocolate might affect her skin, showing the adult's concern about her appearance and health.

Line 15: "Will you please look at me when I’m speaking to you, Amanda!"

Here, the adult is demanding Amanda's attention, indicating frustration or the importance of the communication.

Line 16: "(I am Rapunzel, I have not a care;"

Amanda's imagination takes her to being Rapunzel, a fairy tale character known for her long hair and isolated tower life, signifying a desire for solitude and carefree existence.

Line 17: "life in a tower is tranquil and rare;"

She imagines a peaceful life in a tower, valuing tranquility and rarity, which she doesn't find in her real life.

Line 18: "I’ll certainly never let down my bright hair!)"

Amanda, as Rapunzel, resolves not to let down her hair, symbolizing her wish to stay in her imaginary world, away from the realities and demands of her real life.

Line 19: "Stop that sulking at once, Amanda!"

The poem returns to reality, with the adult scolding Amanda for sulking, indicating her displeasure or sadness about her real-life situation.

Line 20: "You’re always so moody, Amanda!"

Amanda is accused of being moody, suggesting that her emotional state is often negative or variable, possibly due to the constant nagging.

Line 21: "Anyone would think that I nagged at you, Amanda!"

Q1- How old do you think Amanda is? How do you know this?

A1- Amanda’s age could be between 10-12 years old. We can guess this because of the reference to mermaid or Rapunzel. These stories are read by children of age group of 10-12 years.

Q2- Who do you think is speaking to her?

A2- One of her parents is speaking to her. We think that probably it could be her mother. We think this because it’s a general perception that children are taken care of by their mothers at home.

Q3- Why are Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 given in parenthesis?

A3-Parenthesis is a remark that is added to a sentence, often to provide an explanation. So, in stanzas 2, 4 and 6 parenthesis is used to describe the reaction of child Amanda towards her mother’s continuous nagging.

Q4- Who is the speaker in Stanzas 2, 4 and 6? Do you think this speaker is listening to the speaker in Stanzas 1, 3, 5, and 7?

A4- The speaker in Stanzas 2, 4 and 6 is Amanda. No, she is not paying any attention to what her mother says. She is lost in her own thoughts. She imagines herself as a mermaid, an orphan and Rapunzel.

Q5- What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?

A5- The little girl Amanda wants to be a mermaid and the only resident of the beautiful green sea. She thinks that her life will be very relaxing in the sea and she will be taken away with the currents of water. She will be able to enjoy her freedom.

Q6- Is Amanda an orphan? Why does she say so?

A6- No, Amanda is not an orphan as she is constantly being pointed out by one of her parents in the poem. She said so because she is sad and depressed because of the continuous scolding and nagging which she faces because of her parents. Therefore, she feels that it would have been much better and peaceful if she would have been an orphan.

I think I could turn and live with animals, they are

so placid and self-contain’d,

I stand and look at them long and long.

They do not sweat and whine about their condition,

They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,

They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,

Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with

the mania of owning things,

Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that

lived thousands of years ago,

Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.

So they show their relations to me and I accept them,

They bring me tokens of myself, they evince

them plainly in their possession

I wonder where they get those tokens,

Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them?

~WALT WHITMAN

[From ‘Song of Myself’ in Leaves of Grass]

Placid - Calm and peaceful (शांत और स्थिर)

Self-contain'd - Self-sufficient, independent (स्वावलंबी, स्वतंत्र)

Dissatisfied - Not content or happy with something (असंतुष्ट)

Demented - Insane or mad (पागल या उन्मादी)

Mania - Excessive enthusiasm or desire; madness (अत्यधिक उत्साह या इच्छा; पागलपन)

Tokens - Symbols or signs (प्रतीक या निशान)

Evince - Reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling); indicate (गुण या भावना की उपस्थिति प्रकट करना; संकेत करना)

Negligently - In a careless or neglectful manner (लापरवाही से या उपेक्षा के साथ)

Respectable - Regarded by society to be good, proper, or correct (समाज द्वारा अच्छा, उचित या सही माना जाता है)

Unhappy - Sad; not happy (दुखी; खुश नहीं)

The excerpt from Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself" in "Leaves of Grass" is a profound reflection on the human condition and our relationship with the natural world. Whitman expresses a deep admiration for animals, seeing in them a purity and peace absent in human society.

English Explanation:

Whitman contrasts the simplicity and contentment of animals with the often complex, dissatisfied, and troubled nature of humans. He observes that animals do not complain about their lives, are not burdened by guilt or the need to discuss their moral duties, and do not possess the greed for material things. They do not worship past figures or kneel to others, indicating a freedom from societal constructs and historical burdens. Whitman feels a deep connection with these creatures, seeing in them a reflection of what he possibly aspires to be - peaceful, self-contained, and free from the shackles of societal expectations and material desires.

Hindi Explanation:

वॉल्ट व्हिटमैन की "माईसेल्फ का गीत" में यह अंश मानव स्थिति और प्राकृतिक दुनिया के साथ हमारे संबंध पर गहरा चिंतन करता है। व्हिटमैन पशुओं के प्रति गहरी प्रशंसा व्यक्त करते हैं, उनमें एक शुद्धता और शांति देखते हैं जो मानव समाज में अनुपस्थित है।

व्हिटमैन पशुओं की सादगी और संतुष्टि की तुलना अक्सर जटिल, असंतुष्ट, और परेशान मानव प्रकृति से करते हैं। वे देखते हैं कि पशु अपने जीवन के बारे में शिकायत नहीं करते, अपराधबोध या नैतिक कर्तव्यों पर चर्चा करने के बोझ से मुक्त होते हैं, और उनमें भौतिक वस्तुओं के लिए लालच नहीं होता। वे अतीत के चरित्रों की पूजा नहीं करते या दूसरों के सामने घुटने नहीं टेकते, जो सामाजिक संरचनाओं और ऐतिहासिक बोझ से मुक्ति का संकेत देता है। व्हिटमैन इन प्राणियों के साथ एक गहरा संबंध महसूस करते हैं, उनमें वह प्रतिबिंबित करते हैं जो वह संभवतः होना चाहते हैं - शांत, स्वावलंबी, और सामाजिक अपेक्षाओं और भौतिक इच्छाओं की जंजीरों से मुक्त।

Line by line Explanation

The trees inside are moving out into the forest,

the forest that was empty all these days

where no bird could sit

no insect hide

no sun bury its feet in shadow

the forest that was empty all these nights

will be full of trees by morning.

All night the roots work

to disengage themselves from the cracks

in the veranda floor.

The leaves strain toward the glass

small twigs stiff with exertion

long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof

like newly discharged patients

half-dazed, moving

to the clinic doors.

I sit inside, doors open to the veranda

writing long letters

in which I scarcely mention the departure

of the forest from the house.

The night is fresh, the whole moon shines

in a sky still open

the smell of leaves and lichen

still reaches like a voice into the rooms.

My head is full of whispers

which tomorrow will be silent.

Listen. The glass is breaking.

The trees are stumbling forward

into the night. Winds rush to meet them.

The moon is broken like a mirror,

its pieces flash now in the crown

of the tallest oak.

ADRIENNE RICH

1. Disengage - To release or detach; अलग होना या छुटकारा पाना
   
2. Exertion - Physical or mental effort; परिश्रम; मानसिक या शारीरिक प्रयास
   
3. Cramped - Restricted in space or uncomfortable; संकुचित; असहज स्थान में सीमित
   
4. Veranda - A roofed platform along the outside of a house; बरामदा; घर के बाहरी हिस्से में छत वाला मंच
   
5. Lichen - A simple slow-growing plant; काई; एक साधारण धीमी गति से बढ़ने वाला पौधा
   
6. Whispers - Soft and quiet speaking sounds; फुसफुसाहट; धीमी और शांत बोलने की आवाज़
   
7. Stumbling - Tripping or losing balance; ठोकर खाना; संतुलन खोना या गिरना
   
8. Fragmented - Broken into pieces; खंडित; टुकड़ों में टूटा हुआ
   
9. Intertwine - Twist or twine together; आपस में गुंथना; साथ में बल देकर जोड़ना या मिलाना
   
10. Translucent - Allowing light to pass through diffusely; पारभासी; प्रकाश को धुंधला कर के गुजरने देना
    

Stanza Wise Explanation

Some Internal Questions And Answers

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbour and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

CARL SANDBURG

Explanation in English:

This short poem by Carl Sandburg personifies fog as a cat. The fog is described as coming in quietly, "on little cat feet," suggesting its silent, graceful arrival. It then "sits looking over harbour and city," which creates an image of the fog covering these areas like a watchful cat. Finally, it "moves on," indicating the transient nature of fog. The use of personification and metaphor makes the poem vivid and picturesque.

Explanation in Hindi:

कार्ल सैंडबर्ग की यह छोटी कविता कोहरे को एक बिल्ली के रूप में व्यक्तित्व देती है। कोहरे को "छोटी बिल्ली के पैरों पर" चुपचाप आते हुए वर्णित किया गया है, जो इसके शांत, सुंदर आगमन को दर्शाता है। फिर यह "बंदरगाह और शहर को देखते हुए बैठता है," जिससे एक ऐसी छवि बनती है जैसे कोहरा एक सजग बिल्ली की तरह इन क्षेत्रों को ढक रहा हो। अंत में, यह "आगे बढ़ता है," जो कोहरे की क्षणभंगुर प्रकृति को दर्शाता है। व्यक्तित्व और रूपक का प्रयोग इस कविता को जीवंत और चित्रमय बनाता है।

NCERT Solutions

Q1- What does Sandburg think the fog is like?

Ans- Sandburg thinks the fog is like a cat that comes silently so that no one can sense it arrival.

2. How does the fog come?

Ans- As per the poet the fog comes very silently like a cat.

3. What does ‘it’ in the third line refer to?

Ans- ‘It’ refers to the fog

4. Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat.

Ans- The three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat are as follows:

class 10 english score full marks

The fog comes on its little cat feet: This means that the fog enters silently just like cat.

It sits looking over harbour and city: The fog is compared to cat as cats also like to sit and look here and there and fog is also looking while it sits over the city.

On silent haunches and then moves on: The fog sits on her bended legs just like cat and then moves away very quickly and silently, just like a cat.

Q2- Does this poem have a rhyme scheme? Poetry that does not have and obvious rhythm or rhyme is called ‘free verse’.

Ans- There is no rhyme scheme in the poem. It has neither internal nor external rhyme scheme. Hence, we can say that it is in free verse.

NCERT Solutions

Q1- What does Sandburg think the fog is like?

Ans- Sandburg thinks the fog is like a cat that comes silently so that no one can sense it arrival.

2. How does the fog come?

Ans- As per the poet the fog comes very silently like a cat.

3. What does ‘it’ in the third line refer to?

Ans- ‘It’ refers to the fog

4. Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat.

Ans- The three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat are as follows:

class 10 english score full marks

The fog comes on its little cat feet: This means that the fog enters silently just like cat.

It sits looking over harbour and city: The fog is compared to cat as cats also like to sit and look here and there and fog is also looking while it sits over the city.

On silent haunches and then moves on: The fog sits on her bended legs just like cat and then moves away very quickly and silently, just like a cat.

Q2- Does this poem have a rhyme scheme? Poetry that does not have and obvious rhythm or rhyme is called ‘free verse’.

Ans- There is no rhyme scheme in the poem. It has neither internal nor external rhyme scheme. Hence, we can say that it is in free verse.

10. The Tale of Custard the Dragon

Belinda lived in a little white house,

With a little black kitten and a little grey mouse,

And a little yellow dog and a little red wagon,

And a realio, trulio, little pet dragon.

Now the name of the little black kitten was Ink,

And the little grey mouse, she called him Blink,

And the little yellow dog was sharp as Mustard,

But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.

Custard the dragon had big sharp teeth,

And spikes on top of him and scales underneath,

Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose,

And realio, trulio daggers on his toes.

Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears,

And Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs,

Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage,

But Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

Belinda tickled him, she tickled him unmerciful,

Ink, Blink and Mustard, they rudely called him Percival,

They all sat laughing in the little red wagon

At the realio, trulio, cowardly dragon.

Belinda giggled till she shook the house,

And Blink said Weeck! which is giggling for a mouse,

Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,

When Custard cried for a nice safe cage.

Suddenly, suddenly they heard a nasty sound,

And Mustard growled, and they all looked around.

Meowch! cried Ink, and ooh! cried Belinda,

For there was a pirate, climbing in the winda.

Pistol in his left hand, pistol in his right,

And he held in his teeth a cutlass bright,

His beard was black, one leg was wood;

It was clear that the pirate meant no good.

Word Meanings

Belinda paled, and she cried Help! Help!

But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,

Ink trickled down to the bottom of the household,

And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed.

But up jumped Custard, snorting like an engine,

Clashed his tail like irons in a dungeon,

With a clatter and a clank and a jangling squirm,

He went at the pirate like a robin at a worm.

The pirate gaped at Belinda’s dragon,

And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,

He fired two bullets, but they didn’t hit,

And Custard gobbled him, every bit.

Belinda embraced him, Mustard licked him,

No one mourned for his pirate victim.

Ink and Blink in glee did gyrate

Around the dragon that ate the pirate.

But presently up spoke little dog Mustard,

I’d have been twice as brave if I hadn’t been flustered.

And up spoke Ink and up spoke Blink,

We’d have been three times as brave, we think,

And Custard said, I quite agree

That everybody is braver than me.

Belinda still lives in her little white house,

With her little black kitten and her little grey mouse,

And her little yellow dog and her little red wagon,

And her realio, trulio little pet dragon.

Belinda is as brave as a barrel full of bears,

And Ink and Blink chase lions down the stairs,

Mustard is as brave as a tiger in a rage,

But Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage.

OGDEN NASH