poems

PRASHANT KIRAD
POEMS
PRASHANT KIRAD
Dust of snow
Explanation of the Poem:
Stanza 1
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet reflects on a moment that
lifted his spirits. At a time when he was feeling down and
hopeless, he stood beneath a hemlock tree. Unexpectedly, a crow
perched on the tree shook its branches, causing a gentle shower
of powdery snow to fall on the poet.
Stanza 2
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
Explanation: The gentle snowfall changed the poet's sadness to
happiness. Initially depressed, he had spent part of his day in
sorrow. However, the incident refreshed him, saving the day from
regret.
Poetic Devices Used in the Poem
Rhyme scheme abab
Symbolism The Hernlock tree and crow are generally
associated with negative emotions and aspects. But the poet
uses these symbols to bring about a positive change in him.
Alliteration is the repetition of the same constant sound in the
nearby words.
1. Has given my Heart 2. And saved some part
PRASHANT KIRAD
Extract-Based Questions.
1. 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
(a) Where was the crow? was the crow?
Ans: The crow was on a hemlock tree.
(b) What did it shake on the poet?
Ans: It shook the dust of snow on the poet.
(c) What does the word, ‘rued’ mean?
Ans: The word ‘rued’ means held in regret.
(d) What is the poet’s state of mind?
Ans: The poet was in a sad, depressive, and hopeless mood at that time.
2.The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
(a) Where did the crow sit?

Ans: The crow sat on a branch of a hemlock tree.
(b) We can say that the poet was …….
Ans: …….. in a sad mood.
(c) How did the crow change the poet’s mood?
Ans: The crow changed the poet’s mood by shaking down the dust of snow from
a hemlock tree.
(d) What fell off from a humlock tree?
Ans: Dust of snow fell from a hemlock tree.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs
1. How does the poet react to the crow and hemlock tree?
Answer: In the Western belief system, crows and hemlock
trees are often considered symbols of bad luck or inauspicious
omens. However, the poet did not perceive them negatively.
Instead, these elements became unexpected saviors, turning his
initially negative outlook into a positive one.
2. What was the reaction of the poet when the dust of
snow fell on him?
Answer: Traditionally, crows and hemlock trees are regarded
as inauspicious, but the poet saw them differently. In a moment
of despair, as the crow shook the hemlock tree and its dust of
snow gently touched him, the poet's mood shifted. From a state
of depression and sorrow, he suddenly felt a sense of relief and
lightness.
3. What do the ‘Hemlock’ tree and ‘Crow’ represent?
What does the dust of snow metaphorically stand for?
Answer: On a snowy morning, the poet traveled with a heavy
heart. The landscape was cloaked in snow dust, and his spirits
mirrored the gloom. A crow perched on a hemlock tree altered
the scene by shaking it, causing a gentle snowfall on the poet.
This simple act transformed his mood, turning his sadness into
happiness and bringing a sense of relaxation.
4. he poet was sad and depressed. But one comical
incident lifts his spirits. He is full of joy and happiness
again. Based on your reading of the poem, write a
paragraph on the topic – Happiness is relative.
Answer: Nobody is happy all the time. Happiness comes and goes
in our lives. It depends on where we are and the people we're
with.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Sometimes, we feel really happy or really sad. Our happiness

often comes from specific moments in our lives. Little things,
like what our friends do, can make us happy or sad. It's
important to remember that after a sad time, there's usually a
happy time waiting. Just like every cloud has a silver lining, every
sad moment is followed by a period of joy and happiness.
5. No matter how ordinary or unimportant an incident maybe,
it’s the reaction or the response that matters. Taking inspiration
from the poet’s reaction write how inherent values can be picked
up and learned. Mention any two lessons for students like you
that could be useful. (Dust of Snow)
Answer: The way we react is really important. Learning positive
values from nature is valuable. Nature is like a wise teacher, and
even small things in nature can teach us important lessons. Take a
tiny snowflake, for example—it has its own meaning. It's essential
not to judge things by how they look. Even creatures like crows and
trees like hemlocks, which are often considered bad signs, can bring
joy and uplift a poet's mood. Everything in nature has a purpose.
Nature is incredibly beautiful, and it's crucial to live in the present
with a cheerful attitude. As students, we can learn useful qualities
from nature that can help us in our lives.
6. What is the underlying message for us in our hectic
life with reference to the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’?
Answer: The poem "Dust of Snow" carries a meaningful lesson for our
busy lives. It encourages us to appreciate nature to the fullest and
adopt a positive outlook, especially towards simple actions. These
seemingly small moments can unfold valuable lessons and contribute to
the greater learning of how to enjoy life.
7. How did the crow change the poet’s mood?
Answer: On a snowy morning, as the poet journeyed, a sense of
sadness weighed on him. The trees wore a blanket of snow, casting a
serene atmosphere. Perched on a hemlock tree, a crow gave it a shake,
causing a gentle snowfall on the poet. In this unexpected moment, his
mood shifted, and a feeling of happiness and relaxation washed over
him.
PRASHANT KIRAD
8. As a crow you feel highly insulted by the incorrect

perception humans have about your species. Imagine yourself
to be a crow and write your opinion about this prejudice.
Appeal for breaking stereotypes. [CBSE Question Bank 2021]
Answer: Humans often associate the word 'crow' with 'bad omens' and
'inauspiciousness,' a perception that seems illogical and disheartening.
It's disheartening to see this stereotype applied to our species without
any valid evidence. This bias stems from the color black, deeming us
'ominous,' while doves, being 'white,' are seen as 'good omens.' This
unfair prejudice deeply affects me emotionally. I aspire to challenge
this stereotype, just as my friend did by changing someone's mood and
bringing happiness. I hope that one day, people will realize their
judgmental views about us are entirely wrong.
9. What is the underlying message for us in our hectic lives
concerning the poem, ‘Dust of Snow’? [CBSE 2016-17]
Answer: The underlying message for us with reference to the poem
‘Dust of Snow’ is that we should always be optimistic towards life. In
the grave hours of depression, the smallest act of nature can lead
to a drastic positive change.
10. A simple moment proves to be very significant and saves the rest
of the day of the poet from being wasted. Explain based on the
poem ‘Dust of Snow’. [CBSE 2018]
Answer: In his poem, Robert Frost emphasizes the profound
significance of simple and ordinary incidents in our lives. He suggests
that the value of things isn't inherently good or bad; rather, it's our
perspective that shapes it. The best things in life are often free, and
while life presents challenges, the key lies in solving them instead of
dwelling in regret. Even seemingly unimportant events can alter the
meaning of life. The poet highlights this through the crow's simple
action, shaking off the dust of snow, which imparts a valuable lesson.
The realization dawns on the poet that he spent his day regretting
instead of engaging in meaningful activities. This insight prompts him to
understand how to navigate through difficult times and work towards a
better life.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Fire and ice

Stanza 1
Sorme 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.
Explanation: The poet considers two possible causes for the end of
the world: fire, symbolizing intense desires and anger, and ice,
representing hatred and intolerance. Based on personal experience,
the poet aligns with those who believe the world will end with fire,
emphasizing the destructive nature of extreme passions.
Stanza 2
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.
Explanation: The poet believes that if the world were to end again,
persistent hatred (represented by ice) would be as powerful as fire
(desire). The enduring nature of hatred, rooted in human hearts, is
seen by the poet as sufficient to bring about the world's end.
Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the same line
Some say the world will end in fire Some say in ice.
I hold with those who favour fire
Paradox A true statement but which seems untrue.
But had to perish twice
Symbolism
1. line-sumbol for desire 2. Ice-a symbol for hate
Rhyme Scheme
abaabcbcb
PRASHANT KIRAD
Extract-Based Questions:
"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."
1. According to the extract, what are the two contrasting opinions about
how the world will end?
Answer: The two contrasting opinions are that the world will end either in
fire or in ice.
2. How does the speaker express their personal preference regarding the
end of the world?
Answer: The speaker holds with those who favor fire, suggesting a
preference for a fiery end.
3. In what way might the speaker's experience with desire influence their
preference for fire?
Answer: The speaker's mention of having tasted desire may imply a
connection between passion and the choice for a fiery end, suggesting a
more intense and passionate conclusion.
"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."
1. What does the speaker suggest about the potential destruction of the
world?
Answer: The speaker suggests that ice, associated with hate, would suffice
for destruction.
2. How does the speaker connect hate with the idea of using ice for
destruction?
Answer: The speaker implies that their understanding of hate is sufficient
to recognize ice as a powerful force for destruction.
3. What does the use of the word "suffice" convey about the speaker's
perspective on the destructive potential of ice? the potential of ice?
Answer: The use of "suffice" indicates that the speaker believes ice would
be effective and satisfactory for causing destruction.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs (Most Expected)

1. According to the poet, what do ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ symbolise? [CBSE QB,
2020-21]
Answer: According to the poet ‘ice’ symbolizes hatred, coldness, and
rigidity, and these human cold emotions and lack of love are
destructive enough to remove the warmth of fire and destroy the
world. Fire symbolises unlimited wishes and desires of human beings
like violent feelings of anger, cruelty, brutality, etc., that might end
the world.
2. What is the message of the poem ‘Fire and Ice’? [CBSE QB,
2020-21]
Answer: The poem ‘Fire and Ice’ is short but encompasses the
entire humanity in its targeted message. The metaphor of ‘Fire and
Ice’ is used very effectively to solidly convey a clear message to the
readers. The poem acts like a moral mirror for readers to assess
their standing in the world.
‘Fire’ stands for our uncontrolled passions which are disastrous for
human beings. Similarly, cold reasoning devoid of human love will
bring insensitivity. Both the aspect of human thinking and resulting
behaviour embedded with desire and hatred will lead to the end of
this world and it may also happen more than once.
3. The tone of the speaker contrasts with the seriousness of
the subject matter. Justify. [CBSE QB, 2020-21]
Answer: ‘Fire and Ice’ is a symbolic poem by Robert Frost with a message to
reveal the gravity of the violent and cold human emotions. These emotions, if
not controlled, may lead to destruction of the world. The poet wants to aware
the humanity that everything will end one day as a result a human misdeed.
His aim is aphorism-brevity for Frost truth remains ambiguous as how
specific the world is going to end. That’s why the tone contrasts with the
seriousness of the subject matter with people favouring both ‘fire’ and ‘ice’.
4. Evaluate the line- Some say the world will end in fire/Some
say in ice- in the context of volcanic eruptions, forest fires,
meteor collisions, melting ice caps, etc. [CBSE QB, 2020-21]
PRASHANT KIRAD
Answer: In the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ the poet considers the age-old
question of whether the world will end in fire or ice. The threat of
global warming may lead to severe volcanic eruptions and forest fires
that may end the world OR there might be a meteor collision, the
melting of ice caps or glaciers, etc, that may also end the world. So,
either option is enough to achieve its purpose sufficiently in a storm of
volcanic eruptions, forest fires, or melting ice caps.
5. Fire and Ice projects a pessimistic outlook. Comment. [CBSE
QB, 2020-21]
Answer: According to me, ‘Fire and Ice’ projects a realistic outlook
rather than a pessimistic one. The poet brings forth the view that
the world will soon end. It can be either by fire or ice. He mentions
that he has tasted everything in life after World War I. So, it
would soon end either with greed or indifference.
6. What do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for and what is the general
opinion regarding the world? [Board Term-I, 2016-17]
Answer: Fire stands for fury, desire, lust, anger, avarice, cruelty and
greed. Ice is symbolic of hatred, coldness, rigidity, insensitivity, and
intolerance. The general opinion regarding the world is that the world
will end in fire and some say ice. Both the two reasons contrast each
other and one equally opposite to each other. People who favor fire
believe that it will be the heat and passion that will end the world. On
the other hand, some people think that it will be the ice that will freeze
the world.
7. To say that for destruction, ice is also great for the poet,
what does ice stand for? How is it sufficient to bring
destruction? [CBSE 2014]
Answer: Ice stands for the cold feelings of the humans such as
indifference, hatred, greed, jealousy, apathy, lack of love, cold-
heartedness, etc. Although the poet states that he believes fire would
bring an end to the world, he also states that if the world has to end
twice, then ice or the cold feelings of people are also great to end the
world.
PRASHANT KIRAD
8. How will the world end? Support your answer with a

scientific explanation. [CBSE 2014]
Answer: According to some people, the world will end in fire. The core of
the earth will get extremely heated up due to the increasing global
warming. It may lead to severe natural calamities like volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes, uncontrollable forest fires, and tsunamis that may end the
world. However, some people believe that the world may end in ice. As a
result of the melting ice caps or glaciers, there would rise an ice age that
would freeze all the living things on the earth to death. All the ice and
snow from the mountains will melt down to the plains one day and thus,
will shrink the world.
9. How can Frost’s poem ‘Fire and Ice’ be read as an extended
metaphor?
Answer: Frost’s poem ‘Fire and Ice’ is certainly an extended
metaphor. The metaphor of ‘Fire and Ice’ is used very effectively to
solidly convey a clear message to the readers. The poem acts like a
moral mirror for readers to assess their standing in the world. Fire
metamorphically represents and refers to violent human emotions
like anger, cruelty, brutality, etc., while the term ice refers to cold
human feelings such as hatred, jealousy, indifference, etc., that
might destroy the world.
The poet has used both fire and ice as great metaphors to imply
that both of the destructive forces are powerful enough to bring
doom to the world. These metaphors convey that violent and cruel
human emotions are a threat to the world.
10. Explain the symbols used in the poem ‘Fire and Ice’ by Frost.
Answer: In Frost's poem, 'fire' symbolizes human desires and
materialistic greed, leading to conflict and destruction. Conversely, 'ice'
represents cold emotions like hatred, resulting in similar destructive
consequences. Frost's juxtaposition of these elements suggests that
both unchecked desire and indifference can bring about conflict,
offering a concise reflection on the dual destructive forces within
human nature.
PRASHANT KIRAD
A Tiger in the Zoo

Stanza 1
He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.':
Explanation: The tiger in the small cage has bright stripes and
moves quietly with soft paws. Even though it's a strong creature,
the tiny space makes it upset. The tiger stays quiet because it
knows it can't do anything about being stuck in the cage.
Stanza 2
He should be lurking in shadows,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
Explanation: The tiger in the cage dreams of its real home. It
should be hiding in the shadows, quietly moving through the forest,
waiting for a deer to pass by so it can catch a good meal. The poet
wants to tell us that a tiger's real life is in the wild, not in a cage.
Stanza 3
He should be snarling around houses
At the jungle's edge,
Buring his white fangs, his claws,
Terrorisung the village!
Explanation: The poet says a wild tiger should roam near the king's
edge, roaring to show its teeth and claws, scaring villagers. This is
how a tiger is meant to be, wild and free, not confined.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Stanza 4
But he's locked in a concrete cell,
His strength behind bars,
Stalking the length of his cage,
Ignoring visitors.
Explanation: The poet suggests that the boy is learning about loss
through losing his ball. The boy is also learning how to stand up and
move on from losses, understanding the true nature of loss.
Stanza 5
He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
Explanation: In these lines, the poet says that even at night, the tiger
is disturbed. It hears the final sound of the zoo officials' patrolling
cars. The tiger looks at the bright stars in the sky with hopeful eyes,
wishing for freedom.

Repetition: Repetition of words/phrases in the same line
Velvet quit, quiet rage
brilliant eyes, brilliant stars
Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the some line
He stalks in his vivid stripes
But he’s locked in a concrete cell
Metaphor Comparison between two different objects without using
“like” and as.’
Pads of velvet
Rhyme Scheme for the first, second, and fifth stanzas is abcb, and
for the third and fourth stanzas is abcd.
Personification Attributing human qualities to non-human things.
Tiger is referred as ‘he’
PRASHANT KIRAD
1 . He stalks in his vivid stripes,
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(i) What has been personified in the given lines?
(a) Tiger (b) Leopard (c) Lion (d) Hyena
(ii) Where is the tiger at present?
(a) In the forest (b) In a circus (c) In a cage (d) In a room
(iii) Mention any one quality of the animal under reference
(a) Quiet (b) Desperate (c) Vivid stripes on his body (d) Roaring
(iv) Which word in the stanza may also mean graphic or picturesque
(a) Strips (b) Velvet (c) Quiet (d) Vivid
(v) Why is the tiger in 'quite a rage'?
(a) Movement restricted (b) Freedom curtailed (c) Not fed properly (d) Both (a)
and (b)
Ans. (i) (a) Tiger (ii) (a) In the forest (iii) (c) Vivid stripes of his body (iv) (d)
Vivid (v) (d) Both (a) and (b)
2. He should be lurking in the shadow,

Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.
(i) According to the extract, the poet wishes for the tiger to be 'sliding' through the
foliage as this would
(a) assist in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the predator's sound
(b) aid in camouflaging the presence of the predator before it rushes in.(c) help the predator
pounce on the prey comfortably without getting tired.
(d) support the predator's vision as it eyes its prey.
(ii) Which fact DOES NOT connect with the significance of the water hole for the tiger?
(a) Many tigers chase prey into the water and hold the victim's head underwater until it drowns
(b) Prey feed in the water on water-bles and often wander into the middle of the water hole,
where they are vulnerable and easy for the tiger to kill.
(c) Prey that has quenched its thirst ensures consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.
(d) Chasing the panicked prey from shallow to deep water where the tiger grabs it.
(iii) Pick the option that DOES NOT use 'lurking'
correctly to fill in the blank.
(a) The thug was ........... in the alley late evening, for unsuspecting passers-by.
(b) The hyena was .......... in its den after a good meal.
(c) The detective cautioned her team about the ..... dangers likely to impact the
Case.
Ans. (i) (a) assists in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the

predator's sound. (ii) (c) Prey that has quenched its thirst
ensures the consumption of hydrated meat for the tiger.
(iii) (b) The hyena was .....in its den after a good meal
PRASHANT KIRAD

1. Is it safe to allow tigers to live in their natural habitat these
days?
Answer: Although it is ideal for tigers to live in the wild, today, it
will mean certain death for them. Fast-diminishing jungles and the
danger posed by poachers have pushed tigers to the brink of
extinction, making their natural home unsafe.
2. The tiger in the poem ‘A Tiger in the Zoo’ has some obvious
limitations, describe them in contrast to its natural habitat.
Answer: The tiger in the zoo was confined to a small space. He
was angry that he couldn’t be free to move, hunt, and do what he
pleased forced to be a showpiece; and the cage’s bars obstructed
his view of the starry night. This was all unlike his natural habitat
where he hunted fiercely and slept fitfully.
3. Why do you think the tiger was stalking in the cage? What
does it show?
Answer: I think the tiger was feeling restless and uneasy in that
small cage. He seems to be frustrated and helpless as he cannot
come out of the cage in the open and enjoy his freedom. He did not
want to be a mere showpiece and a source of entertainment for
human beings.
4. What difference do you find in the mood of a tiger

when he is in a zoo and when he is in a forest?
Answer: In the zoo, in his small cage and devoid of freedom, the
tiger feels unhappy rather frustrated, restless, and angry. In the
forest, he enjoys moving majestically wherever he wants and
terrorizes the villagers by displaying his sharp teeth and claws. He
is happy in the forest, enjoying his liberty and surroundings, but
not in the zoo.
PRASHANT KIRAD
5. How does the tiger terrorize the villagers? Does he have any
intention of killing them?
Answer: Sometimes, the tiger roams around freely and comes

near the edge of the jungle. He comes very near to the houses
of the villagers which are situated on the outskirts of the
jungle. Roaming there, he opens out his white sharp teeth and
paws to terrorize the villagers. He has no intention of killing
them as he never attacks until he is provoked to do so.
6. How does the tiger feel locked in the concrete cell of
the zoo? Why does he ignore the visitors
Answer: The tiger is an animal of the wild. He is’ a denizen of the
forest. Being locked in a concrete cell of the zoo, he feels quite
helpless. His immense strength is of no use to him as he is put
behind bars. He only stalks the length of his cage. He ignores the
visitors who came to see him after buying their tickets. He
doesn’t want to present himself as an object of entertaining
others.
7.Freedom can’t be bargained at any cost. What message
does Leslie Norris give to the readers in ‘A Tiger in the
Zoo’?
Answer: Not only humans but animals too cherish freedom. Freedom
can’t be bargained. In this case, a tiger may be well-fed and protected.
However, the curtailment of his freedom keeps him in a ‘quiet rage’. He
resents being behind the bars. He is a different animal when he is in his
natural habitat, the jungle. He roams around the water hole and
ambushes his favorite plump deer.
8. Animals, big and small, is being used by humans for their

selfish ends? What is your opinion regarding the exploitation
of animals? Mention some examples that you can see as a
possible solution to this problem.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Answer: Animals, big and small are indeed being used by humans for their
selfish ends. We use them for our benefit. Animals are killed, poached,
and captured for commercial benefits. Humans have encroached on their
space and sheltered them in zoos which is truly inhuman. In the poem, the
poet has shown the plight of a tiger. He is captured and confined in a small
cage. He is frustrated, angry, and restless. It longs for freedom.
Confinement brings bondage and bondage is cruel. Every day we see many
animals suffering due to humans. Monkeys are captured and made to dance
on roads, Elephants are chained and forced to lift heavy loads. Many
animals are sheltered in zoos for the entertainment of human beings. They
are kept in poor conditions. They are treated inhumanely. We should learn
to respect nature and its inhabitants. After all, these animals share the
earth with us.
9. Some animals are becoming extinct; the tiger is one such
animal. What do you think could be the reason? Should this
decrease in number be stopped? Why?
Answer: Tigers face a dire threat from poaching and habitat loss
caused by human activities. Hunted for commercial gains like fur and
traditional medicines, their habitats are also disappearing due to
agricultural expansion. This not only reduces prey availability but
also endangers the intricate forest ecosystem. Urgent protection
measures are crucial to save these iconic creatures and maintain the
balance of our ecosystems.
10. Give contrasting pictures of the tiger in his natural
habitat and the locked cage of the zoo. How does he feel and
behave differently in both places?
Answer: The jungle is the natural home of the mighty tiger, where it
roams freely, expertly hunting prey like plump deer at water holes.
Occasionally, it ventures near villages, displaying its power but rarely
attacking unless provoked. Yet, the same majestic creature is reduced to
a pathetic existence in a zoo, confined behind bars, becoming a mere
spectacle for visitors. The tiger's quiet rage is evident as it paces its
cage, staring at the vast night sky, a poignant reminder of its lost
freedom.
PRASHANT KIRAD
how to tell wild animals

Stanza 1
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
Explanation: In the East's jungles, a big animal with yellow-brown fur roars loudly.
If it scares you to bits, congratulations, you've met an Asiatic Lion.
Stanza 2
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.
Explanation: Best, you might spot a huge, noble creature with black stripes on its
yellow coat. If it attacks, consider yourself face-to-face with the mighty Bengal
Tiger.
Stanza 3
If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he 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.
Explanation: While wandering leisurely in the forest, you'll encounter a

creature adorned with dark spots. Once it pounces on you, realize it's the
elusive leopard. Despite cries, the relentless jumps leave no escape.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Stanza 4
If when you're walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is Bear.
If you have any doubts, I guess
He'll give you just one more caress.
Explanation: In your yard, if something big gives you a super tight hug, it's a bear.
Doubt it? The bear hugs again, and it's not a friendly one it might even be
dangerous.
Stanza 5
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.
Explanation: In the wild, it's hard to tell animals apart. Hyenas laugh when
attacking, and crocodiles cry while eating. Don't wait for sounds – both are risky.
Stay safe!
Stanza 6
The true Chameleon is small,
Al lizard sort of things;
He hasn't any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
Tis the Chameleon you see..
Explanation: Chameleons are tiny, like garden lizards, without ears or wings. If you
can't see something on a tree, it's probably a chameleon. It changes colors to hide
from enemies.
Poetic Devices used in the Poem
Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the same line
roaming round
lep and lep again
who hugs you very very hard
A novice might nonplus
Paradox A figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself
A noble wild beast greets you
PRASHANT KIRAD
EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS
1.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 ….
(a) State features of an Asian Lion.
(b) What happens when the lion roars?
(c) What do you mean by ‘tawny’ ?
(d) What is the physical appearance of the lion is the stanza?
Answer:
(a) An Asian Lion is large and brownish-yellow in colour.
(b) When the lion roars, it is very scary and it feels like we
are going to die.
(c) ‘Tawny’ means brownish-yellow in colour.
(d) The lion in the stanza is large and tawny.
2. 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.
(a) How can you recognise a Tiger?
(b) Why does the poet call him a noble animal? [CBSE 2015]
(c) How is Bengal Tiger different from the other animals?
(d) What does the word ‘ground’ means here?
Answer:
(a) A tiger can be recognised with the black stripes on his
yellow hide.
(b) The poet calls a him a noble animal as he is very impressive
in size and does not roar loudly.
(c) Bengal Tiger is different from the other animals as he is
quiet and roams silendy.
(d) It means the hide or the background that is the skin of
the Tiger.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs
1. Elaborate on the poet's warning about encountering a large and
tawny beast in the jungles of the East. What significance does the roar
of this beast carry, and why is it considered a crucial identifier?
Answer: The poet cautions about encountering a large and tawny

beast in the jungles of the East, emphasizing that if this creature
roars at you in a manner that could induce fear leading to one's
demise, it is unmistakably the Asiatic Lion. The significance lies in
the distinctive roar, serving as a crucial identifier to differentiate
this formidable beast from other creatures in the wild.
2. Delve into the poet's portrayal of the Bengal Tiger and the
suggested outcome of an encounter. What symbolic features
distinguish this noble wild beast, and how does the poet
communicate the potential danger?
Answer: The poet vividly portrays the Bengal Tiger as a noble wild
beast with black stripes on a yellow background. The suggested
outcome of encountering this majestic creature is ominous, as the
poem implies that if the Bengal Tiger happens to eat you, it might
not end well for the observer. The symbolic features of black
stripes on a yellow coat serve as distinguishing marks, adding a
layer of danger to the portrayal of this wild predator.
3. Explore the poet's description of a Leopard and the
cautionary advice provided regarding its behavior. How does
the Leopard's hide and actions contribute to its identification,
and what is the poet's message about the potential dangers?
Answer: The poem details the Leopard with a hide adorned with
spots, and the cautionary advice revolves around its behavior. If a
Leopard leaps on you, the poet warns that roaring with pain won't be
effective, as the Leopard will persistently continue to leap. The
distinctive hide and aggressive actions of the Leopard contribute to
its identification, and the poet conveys a message about the potential
dangers associated with encountering this wild feline.
PRASHANT KIRAD
4. Explain the scenario painted by the poet concerning a creature that

hugs you very hard in your yard. What emotions does the hug convey,
and how does the poet suggest confirming the identity of this
creature? What further action does the poet predict from this
creature?
Answer: The poet describes a scenario where a creature in your yard
hugs you very hard, and the emotions conveyed through this embrace are
intense. The poet suggests that if there are doubts about the creature's
identity, it will provide just one more tight caress, underscoring the
powerful and potentially dangerous nature of the encounter. The hug
becomes a distinctive feature, and the poet predicts another caress if
uncertainties persist.
5. Examine the poet's comparison between Hyenas and Crocodiles,
focusing on their behaviors and how one can distinguish between the
two. What role do smiles and weeping play in this differentiation, and
what underlying message does the poet convey about their natures?
Answer: The poet draws a comparison between Hyenas and Crocodiles,
emphasizing their behaviors as key differentiators. Hyenas, characterized
by merry smiles, stand in stark contrast to Crocodiles, which weep. The
smiles and weeping become symbolic representations of their natures,
providing a distinctive feature to tell them apart. The underlying message
suggests that even though their appearances might be misleading, their
behaviors serve as reliable indicators of their true identities.
6. Investigate the poet's description of the true Chameleon, examining
its physical characteristics and unique traits. How does the Chameleon
adapt to its surroundings, and what role does the absence of
something on a tree play in recognizing this creature?
Answer: The poet describes the true Chameleon as a small lizard devoid of
ears and wings. The Chameleon's unique trait lies in its ability to change
color to match its surroundings. The absence of something on a tree
becomes a significant clue, indicating the presence of a Chameleon. The
poet underscores the adaptive nature of the Chameleon, using its color-
changing ability as a distinct feature for recognition in the wild.
PRASHANT KIRAD
7. Dig into the poet's portrayal of Hyenas and the significance attributed to
their merry smiles. How does this characteristic contribute to the
recognition of Hyenas, and what commentary does the poet offer about their
demeanor?
Answer: The poet portrays Hyenas with merry smiles, assigning
significance to this characteristic as a recognizable feature. The merry
smiles become a key element in distinguishing Hyenas from other
creatures. The poet's commentary suggests that these smiles are not
merely expressions but indicative of the Hyenas' nature, providing valuable
information for those navigating the complexities of the wild.
8.'Many animals can be identified according to the poets' suggestion.
Name the animals. Which ones would you like to identify? Are there
any lessons for us from this poem?
Answer: The poet humorously warns against identifying dangerous animals,
like the Bengal Tiger and leopard, by risking one's life. Instead, recognizing
a tiger's black stripes and a leopard's peppered spots from a safe distance
is advised. However, embracing the bear, metaphorically depicted as a "bear
hug," is considered a less perilous pursuit. The poet uses wit to caution
readers against getting too close to these creatures.
9. How does the poet differentiate Crocodiles and Hyenas based
on their behaviors, particularly with merry smiles and weeping?
Answer: The poet uses merry smiles for Hyenas and weeping for Crocodiles
as symbolic markers. The broader message is that recognizing these
creatures requires understanding their behaviors, not just their
appearances.
10. How does the poet describe the true Chameleon, emphasizing its
physical attributes and adaptive capabilities?
Answer: The poet portrays the true Chameleon as a small creature without
ears and wings. Its distinct feature is its color-changing ability, aiding in
adaptation to surroundings. The absence of something on a tree is a key
indicator of a Chameleon. Overall, these unique traits contribute to easy
recognition in various natural environments.
PRASHANT KIRAD
The Ball Poem

Stanza 1
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':
Explanation: The poem starts with the poet looking at the boy who has
lost his ball. The poet wants to know about him and his reaction after
losing his ball. The poet himself saw the ball bouncing happily down the
street and then falling into the water. The poet says that there is no use
to tell the boy that there are other balls. Because, he would get many
other balls, but he would never be able to get the lost ball and the
memories associated with it.
Stanza 2
An ultimate shaking grief fixes the boy
As he stands rigid, trembling, staring down
All his young days into the harbor where
His ball went. I would not intrude on him;
A dime, another ball, is worthless.
Explanation: The poet talks about a boy who lost his ball. The boy is
sad and just stands there, staring at where the ball went. The poet
doesn't want to disturb the boy's thoughts because losing the ball will
teach him about sadness and loss. The poet knows that a new ball can
be bought for a small amount, but he doesn't mention it because the
boy was really attached to his old ball from childhood.
Stanza 3
.......... 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
PRASHANT KIRAD
Explanation: The poet says the boy is learning about responsibility in a

world of possessions. People may lose things and buy new ones, but
money can't bring back the memories connected to the lost items.
Stanza 4
He is learning, well behúsnul his desperate eyes,
This epistemology of loss, how to stand up
Knowing what every man must one day know
And most know many days, how to stand up.
Explanation: The poet suggests that the boy is learning about loss
through losing his ball. The boy is also learning how to stand up and
move on from losses, understanding the true nature of loss.

Repetition: Repetition of words/phrases in the same line
What, what
Balls, balls
Alliteration Repetition of initial consonant sounds in the some line
What, What
Balls, balls
buys a ball back
Metaphor Comparison between two different objects without the use
of componison words The lost ball here is a metaphor of the bor's
childhood With the loss of the ball, the childhood of the boy is also
lest
What is the boy now, who has lost his ball,, 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.
1. What has happened to the boy?
Answer: The boy was very sad as he had lost his ball.
2. Why does the poet say No use to say – O there are other balls?
Answer: The poet says so as the loss of the ball is of a major consequence to
the boy.
3. Which word means happily‘?
Which word means ‗happily‘?
Answer: Merrily means happily.

PRASHANT KIRAD

1. 1. If you were the poet, which toy would you use, instead of a ball.
Give a reason for your response.
Answer: Toys have a very special place in the lives of children. If I
were a poet, I would use a doll instead of a ball. The reason for using
a doll would be that a child keeps the doll with extreme care and love
as a baby. A doll appears soft and harmless and Children connect by
befriending their dolls. The loss of ball would express the pain and
difficulty in accepting the bitter truth more efficiently
2. Do you think the ‘I’ in the poem is the poet or an observer?
Give a reason for your choice of response.
Answer: The ‘I’ in the poem, is the poet as in a few lines the poet
says that he doesn’t want to intrude on the inconsolable boy.
Instead, he wants to leave the boy alone to develop a new sense of
responsibility.
3. Suggest a suitable by-line for ‘The Ball Poem” with a reason
for your choice. [CBSE OD, 2020]
Answer: The by-line can be ‘Loss growing up and Transformation, This is
something of a coming of age that is seen through the lens of loss and
suffering. The child comes to understand the world better when he
understands that he is never going to get his lost ball back. It is gone for good
and there is nothing anyone can do about it. The child undergoes a
transformation.
4. Recount your reaction to the loss of a favourite object as a
very young child. Would you have behaved the same way now?
Explain with reason.
Answer: In my early childhood, there was a poignant incident when I lost my
cherished piggy bank, a delightful giraffe-shaped treasure from my father's
overseas travels. The emotional toll was immense, and I spent hours in tears.
Reflecting on that moment today, I recognize that my reaction was a genuine
response to my first encounter with the pain of losing something beloved. Now,
as I've matured, my perspective has evolved. I wouldn't respond with the same
intensity to a similar loss. Growing up has brought an understanding that
experiencing loss is an inherent and inevitable aspect of life. It's a realization
that has tempered my reactions and allowed me to navigate the ebb and flow
of life with a more composed outlook.
PRASHANT KIRAD
5. What feelings do you think, might be experienced, at the loss

of a mobile phone, for a youngster today? Explain how these would
be different from those felt by the boy in the poem. [CBSE OD,
2020]
Answer: The feelings of a youngster on the loss of his mobile phone
today would be very different from those felt by the boy in the poem.
The boy in the poem was a little kid. It was his first experience of
losing a thing beloved to him. However, a youngster today might not
react in such a sad way as kids today are not so attached with their
possessions. They have become more materialistic with time.
6. How is the lost ball, the metaphor of the lost childhood of the
boy? Why doesn't the poet want to 'intrude on' the boy by
offering him money to buy another ball?
Answer: As the boy's beloved ball bounces away and slips into the
harbor, the seemingly trivial event unfolds into a poignant metaphor
for the loss of sweet childhood innocence. The boy's deep emotional
connection with the ball reflects the irreplaceable nature of moments
that slip away. The symbolism is clear — just as a new ball cannot bring
back the lost one, no amount of worldly wealth can reclaim the purity
of a lost childhood. The poet, avoiding moralizing, invites the boy to
introspect and internalize the profound nature of his loss, encouraging
him to move forward in life, acknowledging and embracing the
inevitable changes.
7. Imagine you are the boy’s elder sibling. He tells you about the
loss of the ball on reaching home. How would you assure him? You
may begin your reply like this:
I don’t think you should take this to heart. You see…
Answer: I don’t think you should take this to heart. You see there will be
several moments when a person will have to suffer the bitter loss of their
beloved possessions. That’s a part and parcel of life. Losses are inevitable.
People do lose materials and even relations. But that doesn’t bring life to
standstill, right? People move on. I want you to be brave enough to accept
the reality and get over it
PRASHANT KIRAD
8. How did the boy react after his ball fell into the water of
the harbour?
Answer: The ball took a quick dip in the water, catching the boy off guard
and leaving him feeling unexpectedly upset. He stood there, not able to
move, and stared at the spot where the ball disappeared. It seemed as if
he was lost in thoughts about his childhood, a time that had slipped away
forever, much like his lost ball. The waves gently brushing the shore
served as a backdrop to the moment, emphasizing the sense of
irreversibility in both the lost ball and the fleeting days of youth.
9. Why does the poet say: ‘No use to say ‘O there are other
balls’?
Answer: At first glance, losing the ball might appear
commonplace, something not worth getting worked up about.
After all, boys often misplace such items, and they can easily be
replaced since they're not too expensive. However, the boy's
reaction suggests a deeper emotional impact. It's not just about
the cost of the ball; it's about the irreplaceable sentimental
value attached to it. Likewise, the boy's inconsolability hints at
the profound loss of something priceless – his childhood. Money
can't bring back the specific ball he cherished, and wealth can't
restore the innocence and joy of his lost childhood.
10. What is the message that John Berryman gives to the
readers in ‘The Ball poem’?
Answer: In ‘The Ball Poem’ John Berryman gives a very positive
message. Gain and loss, getting and losing are the essentials in the
cycle of life. One should learn epistemology or the knowledge and
nature of the loss. Our childhood with all its attachments and sweet
memories has gone forever never to come back again. We should not
weep over the losses that we have suffered. Let us learn to live and
move ahead in life forgetting all inconsolable losses.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Amanda
Stanza 1
Don't bite your nails, Amanda!
Don't hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
Explanation: Amanda's mother scolded her for nail-biting and
slouching, urging her to break the bad habits. With a stern
"Amanda!" she expressed frustration at her daughter's behavior.
Stanza 2
(There is a languid, emerald sea,
where the sole inhabitant is me-
a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)
Explanation: Lost in her imaginative world, Amanda envisions
herself as a lone mermaid in a stunning green sea. She dreams of
gracefully navigating the gentle southern waves, convinced that
life as a mermaid would be tranquil and serene.
Stanza 3
Did you finish your homework, Amanda?
Did you tidy your room, Amanda?
I thought I told you to clean your shoes,
Amandal
Explanation: Amanda's mother questions her about the tasks at
hand, asking if she completed her homework and tidied her room as
instructed.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Stanza 4
(I am an orphan, naming the street.
I pattern soft dust with my hushed, bare feet.
The Silence is golden, the freedom is sweet.)
Explanation: Amanda, lost in her imagination, ignores her
surroundings. She envisions herself as a carefree orphan wandering
barefoot in the warm dust, reveling in the freedom to explore and do
as she pleases in her imaginative world.
Stanza 5
Don't eat that chocolate, Amanda
Remember your acne, Amanda
WII you please look at me when I'm speaking to
you, Amanda
Explanation: Amanda's mother warns her not to eat chocolates due to
past acne issues. Despite being lost in her thoughts, her mother sternly
insists that she pays attention and listens closely.
Stanza 6
(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)
Explanation: Lost in her imagination, Amanda envisions herself as
Rapunzel, living peacefully in a tower without worries. Emphasizing her
solitude, she declares that, as Rapunzel, she'd keep her hair up and
never allow anyone to enter her tower.
Stanza 7
Stop that sulking at once, Amanda
You're always so moody, Amanda!
Anyone would think that I nagged at
you, Amanda!
Explanation: Amanda's mom tells her to hide her annoyance and moodiness,
cautioning against showing distress from constant instructions.
PRASHANT KIRAD
1.Don’t bite your nails, Amanda!
Don’t hunch your shoulders, Amanda!
Stop that slouching and sit up straight,
Amanda!
a) Amanda is getting instructions for what purpose?
Ans: Amanda is getting instructions as a part of her upbringing. Her
conduct and manners are being refined for future purposes.
(b) Give a synonym for ‘hunch’.
Ans: Bend.
(c) What does the speaker of the above lines instruct Amanda in
the first stanza?
Ans: Amanda is getting instructed to bite her nails and sit lazily with
her shoulders bent.
(d) What is the literary device used in the third line?
Ans: The Literary device used in the third line is Alliteration. ‘Stop
that slouching and sit up straight’.
2. There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me

– a mermaid, drifting blissfully.)
(a) Why are these lines given within brackets?

Ans: These lines are given within brackets because they reveal the
inner thoughts of Amanda. Brackets are used for visual contrast
between what Amanda is saying and what her mother is instructing.
(b) Give the word from the passage that means free free-flowing
act of going with the motion and force.
Ans: Drifting means the free-flowing act of going with the motion.
(c) What is the role of the mermaid here?
Ans: The Mermaid is a part of Amanda’s fantasy in her own created
world. As a mermaid sails in a sea carelessly and effortlessly,
similarly Amanda longs to do so in a place where she is all by herself.
(d) Which word in the extract means the opposite of ‘sorrowful’?
Ans: Blissfully is the opposite of a sorrowful
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs
1. Is the purpose of someone constantly giving instructions to
Amanda being fulfilled? Explain.
Answer: No, Amanda sulks and becomes moody when her mother
gives her too many instructions. She does not listen to her mother
and doesn’t care to follow them but she can’t dare to ignore them
either so, she sulks. Parents in their endeavour to make their
children well-behaved, give them too many instructions.
2. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not

like to do what she did. Identify and state the reasons for
her decision.
Answer: On a snowy morning, the poet traveled with a heavy
heart. The landscape was cloaked in snow dust, and his spirits
mirrored the gloom. A crow perched on a hemlock tree altered the
scene by shaking it, causing a gentle snowfall on the poet. This
simple act transformed his mood, turning his sadness into
happiness and bringing a sense of relaxation.
3. What message does the poet want to give through the

poem — ‘Amanda’?
Answer: The poet wants to convey that parents in their endeavor
to make their children well-behaved, mannerly having good habits,
give them too many instructions or nag (always finding fault) them.
They should adopt positive measures, acceptable to children.
Otherwise, they will stop listening to them and indulge in
daydreaming as Amanda did.
4. How does Amanda behave when the poem starts? What

does the speaker ask her not to do?
Answer: When the poem beings, we find that Amanda is biting her
nails. She is hunching her shoulders.
PRASHANT KIRAD
She is sitting in a slouching posture. That is why the speaker asks

her to behave normally. He asks her not to bite her nails and hunch
her shoulders. She should sit up straight.
5. What does the speaker tell Amanda in the end? What is the
speaker afraid of?
Answer: The speaker thinks that Amanda is sulking and moody. He
thinks that Amanda is always moody. He asks her not to sulk because
he is afraid that people will think that he is nagging Amanda.
6. Do you think that Amanda doesn’t like to be controlled and
instructed not to do one thing or the other? Give a reasoned
answer.
Answer: Amanda loves her freedom. She doesn’t want it to be curtailed.
She wants to lead her kind of life. If she is asked what to do and what
not, she feels that her freedom is curtailed. She doesn’t bother to
answer her mother when she goes on instructing her what to do and
what not.
7. List the things that Amanda’s mother doesn’t want her to do.
Answer: Her mother doesn’t want her to hunch her shoulders and
bend her body down. She stops her from eating chocolates as it would
not be good for her pimpled face. She wants her to stop sulking as
others would think that she is being nagged by her mother.
8. Why does Amanda’s mother ask her to stop sulking?
Answer: Amanda’s mother thinks that she is moody as her mood is
always shifting. If she puts on an unhappy appearance, others will blame
her mother. They will think that she is being constantly nagged by her
mother.
9. What could Amanda do if she were a mermaid?
Answer: Amanda is a little girl. She is a symbol of every child who is
instructed by her parents to do or not to do this or that. If she were a
mermaid she would blissfully drift in the sea.
10. What is the fear of the speaker that is explained in the last stanza?
Answer: In the last stanza, the speaker advises Amanda not to remain
moody and sulking. The reason behind this is that she does not want to
expose it before others. Otherwise, people will think that she was teased
by the speaker. It was her fear.
PRASHANT KIRAD
The trees
Stanza 1
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.
Explanation: The poet imagines trees from her house moving to the previously
empty forest, which was devoid of life. These trees, initially brought indoors for
decoration, are now returning to nature, suggesting a cycle of human interaction
with the environment.
Stanza 2
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.
Explanation: The poet envisions trees silently working at night to break free from
the house. Roots crack the veranda floor, leaves press against windows, and
branches, constrained indoors, slowly emerge like patients leaving a clinic, adjusting
to newfound freedom.
Stanza 3
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.
Explanation: The poet, seated in her house, writes letters on a fresh night with a
full moon. The scent of leaves and lichen reaches her like a voice from within.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Stanza 4
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.
Explanation: The speaker hears tree sounds that will vanish as they move into
the forest overnight. Breaking glass signals their rush, colliding and getting
stuck. In the open, the wind meets them eagerly. In the forest, tall trees
stand, branches covering the moon, resembling a broken mirror.

1.I sit inside, doors open to the veranda writing long letters in which I
scarcely mention the departure of the forest from the house.
(a) Find the word from the passage which means ‘hardly’.
(b) What is she doing?
(c) Where are the trees in the poem?
(d) What do you mean by veranda?
Answer:
(a) The word is scarcely.
(b) She was writing long letters.
(c) The trees are inside the house in the poem.
(d) Veranda means a platform with an open front built on the
ground floor of a home.
2. My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent. Listen.

The glass is breaking. The trees are stumbling fofward 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. [CBSE 2016]
(a) Why would the whispers be silent tomorrow?
(b) Why are the trees stumbling?
PRASHANT KIRAD
(c) Which word in the stanza means the same as ‘Quiet’?

(d) Which poetic device has been used in the sixth line of the stanza?
Answer:
(a) The whispers will be silent because the trees will move
outside to the forest.
(b) The trees are stumbling because they hurry to move
outside after breaking the glass.
(c) The word is ‘Silent’.
(d) Simile has been used using ‘like’ for comparison.
Top 10 PYQs
1. i) Find three things in the first stanza, that cannot happen in a
treeless forest.
(ii) What picture do these words create in your mind: ―… sun bury
its feet in shadow..? What could the poet mean by the sun‘s feet?‘
Answer: (i) The three things mentioned in the first stanza that
cannot happen in a treeless forest are:
a. Birds sitting on the tree branches.
b. The hiding of insects in the branches of trees
c. The sun’s its feet in the shadow of the trees in the forest.
(ii) The sun‘s feet are the rays of the sun that reach the earth
after falling on the leaves of the trees and finally, reach the
earth‘s surface.
2. Why do you think the poet does not mention the forest's departure
from the house in her letters? (Could it be that we are often silent
about important happenings that are so unexpected that they
embarrass us? Think about this again when you answer the next set of
questions.)?
PRASHANT KIRAD
Answer: The poet did not mention the departure of the forest
from her house because it is a part of human nature to ignore the
important matters of their life. We all know that trees are so
important for our survival on earth. But still, human beings are
cutting them to make profits without even thinking of the
aftermath.
3. Does the poem present a conflict between man and nature?
Compare it with A Tiger in the Zoo. Is the poet suggesting that
plants and trees, used for interior decoration‘ in cities while
forests are cut down, are ‘imprisoned‘ and need to break out‘?
Answer: Yes, the poem presents a conflict between man and
nature. Man is causing deforestation by cutting down trees for his
own use. On the other hand, he decorates his house with the
trees. We are damaging our environment without even thinking
about the end results. By clearing up the forests, we are
endangering ourselves. So is with the animals too. We are ruining
their natural habitat and killing them for our fun or food but on
the other hand, we are keeping them in the cages on the pretext
of safeguarding them by making sanctuaries and zoos. So, it is
true that we are in a direct conflict with nature and making the
other living beings prisoners, be it the trees or animals
4. On the other hand, Adrienne Rich has been known to use
trees as a metaphor for human beings; this is a recurrent image
in her poetry. What new meanings emerge from the poem if you
take its trees to be symbolic of this particular meaning?
Answer: If trees are to be taken as a symbol for human beings,
then the poem will define the efforts of humans to free themselves
from the clutches of the desire to achieve everything. All the
human beings are under a constant pressure of being at the top in
every field
PRASHANT KIRAD
If trees are to be taken as a symbol for human beings, then the poem
will define the efforts of humans to free themselves from the
clutches of the desire to achieve everything. All the human beings are
under a constant pressure of being at the top in every field
5. What is the central theme that runs through the poem?
Answer: The central theme of the poem revolves around the dynamic
relationship between nature, human presence, and the cyclical processes
of life. The poet intricately captures the movement of trees from the
confines of a house into an initially barren forest, highlighting the
interconnectedness of the natural world.
6. Can you elaborate on the poet's depiction of the forest during
the nighttime?
Answer: Certainly. During the nighttime, the poet portrays the forest as a
desolate space, lacking the usual vibrant life one associates with nature.
Birds are absent from their branches, insects refrain from hiding, and the
sun fails to cast its shadows on the forest floor. This nocturnal emptiness
sets the stage for the transformative journey the trees embark on,
promising to fill the forest with life by the break of dawn.
7. How does the poet characterize the process of the trees leaving
the house?
Answer: The departure of the trees is depicted as a laborious and
deliberate process. Throughout the night, the roots of the trees work
persistently to disentangle themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass, small twigs become stiff with exertion,
and long-cramped boughs shuffle under the roof, akin to newly discharged
patients navigating the doors of a clinic. This vivid imagery illustrates the
arduousness of the trees' journey from confinement to freedom.
8. What symbolic significance does the breaking glass hold in
the poem?
Answer: The breaking glass serves as a pivotal moment in the poem,
symbolizing the urgency and determination of the trees to break free. As the
glass shatters, the trees hurry to move outside, colliding and getting stuck in
their haste. This breaking point marks a transition, a moment of liberation for
the trees, and signifies the transformative power of nature in asserting its
presence.
PRASHANT KIRAD
9. How does the poet employ the moon as a metaphor in the

poem?
Answer: The moon serves as a powerful metaphor in the poem,
particularly when the trees move into the forest. Described as broken like
a mirror, the moon symbolizes a profound transformation in the landscape.
This metaphor suggests that the arrival of the trees in the forest alters
the established order, much like the fragments of a broken mirror
refracting light, creating a new and evolving perspective on the natural
world.
10. What is the significance of the poet's choice to focus on the sense
of smell and its connection to the departure of the forest from the
house?
Answer: The poet, in emphasizing the smell of leaves and lichen,
introduces a sensory dimension to the poem. This olfactory imagery not
only engages the reader's senses but also symbolizes a lingering
presence. The scent acts as a voice that reaches into the rooms,
suggesting a connection between the departing forest and the memories
or traces it leaves behind. It adds a layer of emotional depth, prompting
contemplation on the lasting impact of nature's departure from the
domestic space.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Fog
Stanza 1
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then, moves on.
Explanation: The poet describes the arrival of fog as a silent

presence, likening it to a cat that approaches with delicate steps.
Much like a cat that sits quietly, observing its surroundings by
folding its knees, the fog settles over the harbor and city,
enveloping everything in its ethereal embrace. Eventually, akin to
the cat's silent departure, the fog quietly dissipates from the
harbor and city, leaving behind a tranquil atmosphere.
Central Idea of the Poem: The central theme of the poem revolves
around the portrayal of the natural occurrence of fog. The poet draws
a captivating parallel between the arrival and departure of the fog and
the quiet, unobtrusive movements of a cat. Much like a cat's silent
approach and disappearance, the fog subtly envelops and then
withdraws from its surroundings. The poet emphasizes the
unobtrusiveness of both the cat and the fog, highlighting how their
presence goes unnoticed, causing minimal disturbance to the observer.

Analogy Metaphor/Personification Comparison of fog to a cat
Rhyme Scheme No rhyme. The poem is in free verse.
PRASHANT KIRAD
"The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and
city on silent haunches and then moves on."
1. What is the fog compared to in the extract?

Answer: The fog is compared to little cat feet.
2. How does the fog observe the surroundings in the extract?
Answer: The fog sits on silent haunches and looks over the harbor
and city.
3. What does the phrase "silent haunches" imply about the
nature of the fog?
Answer: The phrase suggests that the fog creeps with a certain
stealth or grace.
4. What might the movement of the fog signify in the context of
the extract?
Answer: The movement of the fog could suggest a transient and
ephemeral nature, as it comes and goes, observing the
surroundings briefly.
2. The fog comes on the little cat's feet. It sits looking over the
harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.
(a) What does the poet mean by little cat feet?
Answer: Litde cat feet here represent a cat's silent and careful
steps. The way fog comes resembles the steps of a cat.
(b) What do haunches mean?
Answer: Haunches mean hips.
(c) How is the fog looking over the harbor and the city?
Answer: The fog looks over the harbour and the city, sitting on its
haunches like a cat.
(d) “It sits looking….” what is the poetic device used here?
Answer: A metaphor is used here.
PRASHANT KIRAD

1. 1. Stealth is an important aspect of fog. State any two instances
from the poem “Fog” that suggest the same.
Answer: The poem draws a parallel between the silent movements of
a cat and the quiet progression of fog. Both the cat and the fog
share a discreet nature in their actions— the cat moves noiselessly,
and similarly, the fog sits silently, resembling the cat as it envelops
the city. The poet underscores the resemblance in the hushed and
unobtrusive manner in which both the cat and the fog carry out their
respective activities.
2. Highlight any two characteristics of fog from its description
in the poem and justify your choice of characteristics briefly.
Answer: The fog quietly sneaks into the city without making any
noise. It covers everything in a short time, like a cozy blanket. Then,
just as suddenly, it disappears without a sound, leaving everything
clear again.
3. Is the fog portrayed as a resident of the city or as an
outsider? Support your answer with two such references from
the poem “Fog”.
Answer: The poem depicts "Fog" as an unpredictable visitor, arriving
unexpectedly in the city. It hovers for a while, much like an outsider
exploring a new place, and then suddenly departs, as if moving on to another
destination.
4. Comment, in detail, on the significance of the closing phrase
of the poem- “moves on”.
Answer: The fog arrives quietly and stays over the city for a
short while, just like a cat that silently sits. Like a sneaky cat,
the fog then moves away and disappears without anyone noticing,
much like the cat not staying in one place for long. The poet
wants us to know that the fog is temporary, like something
passing by, not here to stay. It moves to other places, just like
the cat goes away to explore different spots.
PRASHANT KIRAD
5. In the poem “Fog”, the poet features the fog as animated.

If you had to write a similar poem for one other natural
phenomenon, which animal would you use to convey the
characteristics of that particular phenomena? Justify, in detail,
your choice of animal corresponding to it by bringing out
similarities.
Answer: The poem ‘Fog’ describes the advancement of fog toward
the city and harbor. He says the fog comes like a cat comes on its
little feet. This means the fog advances toward the city very slowly
and calmly just like a cat. It unpredictably enters our home.
Similarly, the zig-zag movement of the flowing river can be
compared to the zig-zag movement of a snake. Just like the river
water never flows in a straight manner in the same way the snake
can never walk straight. Its movement is graceful and beautiful.
Many poets have described the wavy motion of the snake with that
of the wavy water.
6. The poet beautifully compares the fog to a cat. Choose any
two animals from ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ that do not have
qualities that can be drawn out to be compared with a fog.
Answer: Yes, I totally agree with the poet’s comparison of fog to a cat. The
poet compared the sneaky, and silent movements of a cat to the movement
of the fog. The way a cat walks into a place with its padded paws without
making any noise and sits there on its “haunches” silently, fog too enters the
city silently and stays there for a short time. Fog moves out of the city in
the same quiet manner as the cat that moves silently without anybody
noticing her absence. Any other image or animal would not have done justice
to the poem as the movements of a cat perfectly define that of fog.
‘How Tell Wild Animals’ that do not have qualities that can be drawn out to
be compared with a fog are the Asian Lion and the Bear. Both of these
animals have a huge and terrible built. Their presence can never be
unnoticed. One can notice them from a far distance Moreover, the loud roar
of the Asian Lion and the black colour the Bear can easily attract everyone’s
attention.
PRASHANT KIRAD
7. Difficulties come but they are not to stay forever. They

come and go. Comment referring to the poem "Fog'.
Answer: None can deny the fact that after every nightfall, there is
sunshine. In other words, sorrows follow happiness. Life has many ups and
downs. We must all accept that problems as a part of life. We should
strengthen ourselves so much that we can face them and stand up to
solve these problems. We should not get carried away. We should learn
that time and tide wait for none.
Fog is also symbolic of darkness but it comes quietly like a cat and goes
away. It symbolizes that if we are not disturbed by difficulties then life
will itself move to the lighter side and things will be easy to confront. We
should always remember that we must face all the problems boldly.
8. How is the fog like a cat?
Answer: The poet draws a captivating comparison between the fog and a cat,
finding striking similarities in their behavior. The poet observes that the fog
arrives with a sense of stealth, akin to the quiet movements of a cat. As the
fog settles, it takes on a posture reminiscent of a cat, sitting and silently
observing the harbor and city. This resemblance becomes more apparent as
the fog, like a cat, eventually moves on to find a new location, highlighting the
appropriateness of likening the fog to the furtive and transient nature of a
cat's presence. The poet's keen observations emphasize the parallel between
these two seemingly disparate entities, weaving a vivid tapestry of imagery
that enhances our understanding of the fog's character.
9. Nature has many wonders that people take for granted and never pay
attention to. How is the poem ‘Fog’ different from this perspective?
Answer: The poet delights in nature, particularly in the uniqueness of
fog. He not only writes about it but also discovers its resemblance to a
cat, showcasing a deep connection to the natural world. This observation
serves as a motivation for others to appreciate and find intriguing
connections in the seemingly ordinary aspects of nature, encouraging a
closer bond with the environment.
10. Why does the poet use the phrase “silent haunches”? Substantiate your
answer with reference to the poem “Fog”.
Answer: The poet employs "silent haunches" to depict the stealthy
presence of fog as it sits over the city and harbor. This phrase mirrors the
quiet posture of a cat on its bent knees. Much like a cat goes unnoticed, the
fog hovers silently over the city without attracting attention.
PRASHANT KIRAD
the tale of custard the dragon

Stanza 1
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.
Explanation: Belinda dwelled in a small white house with four pets – a black kitten, a
grey mouse, a yellow dog, and a little dragon. The poet uses 'realio' and 'trulio' in
the last line as playful expressions for 'really' and 'truly' regarding the little
dragon.
Stanza 2
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.
Explanation: The black kitten was named Ink, the grey mouse was Blink, and
the lively yellow dog was called Mustard for its sharp mustard-colored fur.
Belinda referred to the timid dragon as Custard.
Stanza 3
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 realis, trulio, daggers on his toes
Explanation: The dragon has a short tail, scales covering his stomach, and a
mouth poised for breathing fire. Smoke billows from his chimney-like nose.
His sharp, clawed toes can cut through the air like a dagger.
Stanza 4
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
PRASHANT KIRAD
Explanation: Belinda is compared to a group of brave bears, while the small

Ink and Blink can defy lions. Mustard's courage is likened to an angry tiger,
but Custard is the opposite – a coward always seeking refuge in a tight cage.
Stanza 5
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.
Explanation: Mustard mocked Custard for lacking courage, while Percival, known for
bravery, and the others laughed together in the woods at Custard's lack of
boldness.
Stanza 6
Belinda giggled till the shook the house,
And Blink sad Weeck, which is giggling for a mouse,
Ink and Mustard rudely asked his age,
When Custard cried for a nice de cage.
Explanation: Belinda laughed heartily at the dragon, shaking the house with her
laughter. Birik, the mouse, chuckled and made a "Weeck" sound. Ink and Mustard
teased the dragon about his age, and in response, the dragon sought solace in a snug
cage.
Stanza 7
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.
Explanation: While teasing the dragon, they heard an unpleasant sound. Mustard
grew alarmed, and as they looked around, Ink cried 'Meowch,' and Belinda exclaimed
'Ootosh.' They spotted a pirate climbing through the window of the house.
Stanza 8
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.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Explanation: The pirate's menacing appearance was evident with pistols in both
hands and a small sword clenched between his teeth. A black beard adorned his
face, and a wooden leg heightened the sense of danger. It was clear to the
housemates that the pirate intended harm to the residents, both human and pets
alike.
Stanza 9
Belinda puled, and she cried, Help Help!
But Mustard fled with a terrified yelp,
lnk trickled down to the bottom of the household,
And little mouse Blink strategically mouseholed
Explanation: Belinda turned pale with fear at the sight of the pirate, crying out for
help. Despite her brave companions, everyone scattered in fear. Mustard let out a
loud cry and fled, Ink rushed downstairs, and Blink cleverly sought refuge in his
hole.
Stanza 10
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.
Explanation: While teasing the dragon, they heard an unpleasant sound. Mustard
grew alarmed, and as they looked around, Ink cried 'Meowch,' and Belinda exclaimed
'Ootosh.' They spotted a pirate climbing through the window of the house.
Stanza 11
The pirate gaped at Belinda's dragon
And gulped some grog from his pocket flagon,
He fired two ballers but they didn't hit,
And Custard gobbled him, every bit.
Explanation: Custard surprised the pirate by bravely facing him. The pirate took a
drink and shot at Custard, but missed. In the end, Custard swallowed the pirate
whole.
Stanza 12
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
PRASHANT KIRAD
Explanation: Everyone celebrated the pirate's defeat. Belinda hugged Custard, and
Mustard licked him affectionately. No one felt sorry for the pirate's demise. Ink
and Blink danced joyfully around Custard, who had devoured the intruder.
Stanza 13
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
We'd have been three times as brave, we think,
That everybody is braver than me
Explanation: The incident clarified bravery and cowardice. Mustard claimed he'd be
twice as brave as Custard if not nervous, while Ink and Blink declared they'd be
thrice as brave. Custard agreed, admitting everyone there was braver than him.
Stanza 14-15
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
Explanation: Stanzas 14 and 15 repeat the theme of stanzas 1 and 4, with a slight
difference. While stanzas 1 and 4 describe the housemates' past, stanzas 14 and 15
depict their condition after the pirate incident. Despite the event, everything has
returned to normal, with Belinda and her three clever pets making fun of the
"cowardly" dragon.
PRASHANT KIRAD
1. Now the name of the litte black kitten was Ink, And the little gray
mouse, she called her Blink, And the little yellow dog was sharp as
Mustard,
But the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard.
(a) What is the colour of Belinda’s dog?
(b) What were the kitten and the mouse called?
(c) Which word is the stanza means “fear easily”?
(d) ‘Blink’ here is the name of a mouse but what actually the word
means?
Answer:
a) Belinda’s dog is yellow as mustard.
(b) The Kitten was called Ink and the mouse was called Blink
by Belinda.
(c) The word is ‘Coward’.
(d) The word ‘blink’ means to shut and open eyes frequency in
quick succession.
2.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.
(a) Why did everyone laugh?
(b) What did the other three pet call the dragon?
(c) What does realio, trulio mean?
(d) Give the synonym of ‘un merciful
Answer:
(a) Everyone laughed at the Dragon because Belinda tickled him
unmerciful.
(b) The other three pet, Ink, Blink and Mustard rudely called
Custard Percival.
(c) Realio, trulio actually mean really and truly. The words
have been changed by the poet so as to give rhythm to the
poem.
(d) The synonym of‘ un merciful’ is ‘merciless’.
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs
1. Why do you think Custard, the dragon was called a coward? How was
Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? What values
should Belinda have possessed, so that Custard too could have been
among her favourites?
Answer: The dragon appeared to be a coward as he always cried
for a safe cage, so he was called a cowardly dragon. Later, when
the pirate entered the house with pistols in his left and right
hand, everyone was scared and ran away and disappeared, except
Custard who faced him boldly and attacked him, hit him hard with
his forceful tail, and gobbled every bit of him. Belinda should have
been nice to him. She should have made him feel comfortable and
safe in the house, instead of laughing and making fun of him with
other pets. Belinda should have been protective towards him.
2. Describe the fight between the dragon and the pirate.
Answer: The dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and
scales underneath, but everyone laughed at him as he always cried for
a safe cage, whereas everyone boasted about their bravery. But when
the pirate entered, all were scared and ran away, except Custard who
faced him boldly, attacked him, hit him hard with his forceful tail and
gobbled every bit of him. All of them later felt obliged to Custard for
saving their lives.
3. How did they say their admiration for the dragon after the
death of the pirate?
Answer: They became very happy. Belinda embraced him. Mustard
licked him. Ink and Blink jumped round surrounding him. They
expressed their joy in this way. No one mourned for the pirate.
4. What did they say about their bravery after the pirate’s death?
Answer: Mustard, reflecting on the pirate incident, expressed a yearning
for greater bravery, lamenting that nervousness held him back. In
contrast, Ink and Blink boldly claimed they were three times as brave as
him. Surprisingly, Custard concurred, acknowledging their courage
surpassed his own.
PRASHANT KIRAD
This insightful exchange revealed not just the diverse perceptions of

courage among the little companions but also Custard's humility in
acknowledging the bravery of his friends despite his initial portrayal as a
cowardly dragon.
5. How is ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ a ballad?
Answer: This poem seamlessly weaves the elements of a traditional ballad—
adventure, bravery, and romance—with a witty parody, creating a
harmonious blend of storytelling and humor. Through its rhythmic and
rhyming structure, the poem embraces the musicality inherent in ballads,
delivering a delightful cadence. The narrative unfolds around Belinda and
her pets, introducing unexpected humor in Custard, the initially timid
dragon who surprises with an act of bravery. Mustard's humorous regret
and playful banter between Ink and Blink further elevate the parody. This
unique fusion of classic ballad themes and comedic innovation transforms
the poem into a captivating and entertaining literary experience.
6. How did Custard prove to be brave when the pirate came?
Answer: In a sudden burst of surprising bravery, Custard, the dragon,
propelled himself into action with a powerful leap, emitting snorts
reminiscent of a roaring engine. His tail wielded like a formidable weapon,
struck the pirate with a resounding force, echoing sounds of clatter, clank,
and jangle. Each strike seemed orchestrated, creating a symphony of
metallic noises that reverberated through the air. How Custard attacked
the pirate was reminiscent of a robin diving after a worm, showcasing an
unexpected agility and fierceness. This dramatic sequence not only
underscored Custard's newfound courage but also painted a vivid, almost
cinematic image of the fearless confrontation between the dragon and
pirate.
7. How did the pirate react when the dragon attacked him?
Answer: The pirate, taken aback by the dragon's boldness, gazed at
Custard with his mouth agape in sheer disbelief. Seeking solace, he reached
into his pocket and quenched his nerves with a swig of liquor from a flagon.
Determined to reclaim control, the pirate unsheathed his pistol and fired
two bullets in rapid succession, but to his dismay, they missed their mark,
evading the dragon's swift movements.
PRASHANT KIRAD
8. Everyone believed that the Custard was a coward, but when an

opportunity came he showed exemplary courage. Based on y our reading
of the poem, write a paragraph on the topic: 'Courage is a Mind, not of
Muscle'.
Answer: Mark Twain once said that 'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery
of fear-not absence of fear'. Courage is not merely a show of power but the
ability to overcome fear and not allow it to paralyze our minds. Most of us
tend to generalize and call people who shy away from a physical show of
power as being cowards. But the truth lies in the fact that those who
indulge in physical aggression are the ones who are the most insecure. David
was barely one-fourth of Goliath, the giant. Yet David succeeded, in killing
him. He had used his presence of mind and stood successfully over an entire
army. Thus, we must remember that courage is a matter of mind, not
muscle.
9. Do you find The Tale of Custard the Dragon to be a serious or
a light-hearted poem? Give reasons to support your answer
Answer: "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" is a whimsical and almost parodic
poem featuring Belinda's amusingly rhyming pets. Belinda likened to a barrel
of bears, owns a kitten and mouse capable of chasing lions. The little yellow
dog exhibits tiger-like bravery, contrasting with the cowardly dragon,
subject to constant teasing. Surprisingly, when a pirate threatens, Custard
jumps into action, swallowing the intruder whole. Despite Custard's heroism,
the pets revert to claiming they could be braver. Ultimately, the poem
humorously circles back to the dragon's perceived cowardice, providing a
lighthearted twist to the narrative.
10. Why do you think Custard, the dragon was called a coward? How
was Custard able to save all his housemates from the pirate? What
values should Belinda have possessed, so that Custard too could have
been among her favourites?
Answer: Initially labeled a coward, Custard bravely faces a pirate while
others flee. Defeating the intruder with forceful determination, Custard
reveals hidden courage. Belinda, instead of mocking, should have offered
comfort, highlighting the importance of understanding and support in
unexpected situations.
PRASHANT KIRAD
For anne gregory

Stanza 1
"Never shall a young man,
Thrown into despair
By those great honey-colored
Ramparts at your ear,
Love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair."
Explanation: The speaker tells Anne that her beautiful honey-colored hair can
make guys fall in love, but it's more about her looks than who she is inside. The hair
acts like a barrier, preventing anyone from seeing her true self. In the end, no one
seems to love Anne for who she really is.
Stanza 2
"But I can get a hair dye
And set such colour there,
Brown, or black, or carrot,
That young men in despair
May love me for myself alone
And not my yellow hair."
Explanation: Anne suggests dyeing her hair to show that external appearances are
changeable and not as important as inner qualities, hoping men will appreciate her
for who she is inside.
Stanza 3
“I heard an old religious man
But yesternight declare
That he had found a text to prove
That only God, my dear,
Could love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair."
Explanation: Anne responds, suggesting she can dye her hair brown, black, or
carrot-colored. She thinks this change will make men appreciate her inner
beauty rather than being attracted solely to her outward appearance. Anne
wants to emphasize that external features are artificial, changeable, and not
as important or genuine as one's inner self.
PRASHANT KIRAD
1.Never shall a young man, Thrown into despair By those great

honey-coloured Ramparts at your ear, Love you for yourself alone
And not your yellow hair.”
(a) What does ‘ramparts’ mean?
(b) What is the colour of Anne’s hair?
(c) What does the poet mean by, “love you for yourself alone and not
your yellow hair”?
(d) What does ‘despair’ mean in the stanza?
Answer:
(a) Ramparts refers to wall that protects a fort. Here, it has been
used metaphorically to mean the lock of hair around her ear.
(b) Anne’s hair are honey-coloured.
(c) The poet means that young men love Anne for her beautiful looks
and not for her real character.
(d) Despair means hopelessness.
2.“I heard an old religious man But yesternight declare That he had
found a text to prove That only God, my dear, Could love you for
yourself alone And not your yellow hair.”
(a) Who had found a ‘text’?
(b) What does the text prove?
(c) What does ‘yesternight’ mean?
(d) Find a word from the passage which is an antonym of ‘conceal or
hide’.
Answer:
(a) An old religious man had found a text.
(b) The text proves that only God is capable of looking beyond
external beauty, into the soul of a person.
(c) Yesternight means last night.
(d) The antonym is ‘declare’
PRASHANT KIRAD
Top 10 PYQs
1. How does the speaker feel in the first part of the poem, and
what worries them about how others might see them?
Answer: The speaker is engulfed in a sense of deep sadness and
despair in the initial part of the poem. Their primary concern
revolves around the fear that others might only appreciate their
outward appearance, particularly their striking yellow hair, without
truly understanding or valuing their inner self. This fear reflects a
common human apprehension about being superficially judged
based on physical attributes rather than genuine qualities.
2. What does the speaker suggest doing in the second part
to make sure people love them for who they are?
Answer: In the second part of the poem, the speaker
contemplates using hair dye to alter the color of their
hairwhether brown, black, or carrot. The intention behind this
proposed change is to shift the focus away from their visually
appealing yellow hair and encourage people to love them for their
true essence, emphasizing the desire for authentic connections
beyond superficial attractions.
3. Who is the old religious man in the poem, and what does
he say about love?
Answer: The old religious man is a character mentioned in the
poem, and he articulates a perspective on love rooted in
spirituality. According to him, only God possesses the capability to
love someone for who they truly are, untethered from superficial
attributes such as the color of one's hair. This adds a layer of
moral and divine complexity to the theme of love explored in the
poem.
4. What does the term "honey-colored ramparts" mean, and
why is it important in the poem?
PRASHANT KIRAD
Answer: "Honey-colored ramparts" is a metaphorical expression

referring to the speaker's visually appealing yellow hair. This
imagery is vital in the poem as it symbolizes an attractive physical
trait that may act as a barrier, preventing others from seeing
beyond the surface and appreciating the speaker's true self. It
underscores the challenge of being objectified or superficially
perceived based on external characteristics.
5. Why does the speaker want to change their hair color, and
what does it say about what they want in a relationship?
Answer: The speaker contemplates changing their hair color as a
means of challenging societal expectations and fostering genuine
connections. The desire to be loved for who they are, as opposed to
being defined by their yellow hair, reflects a longing for relationships
founded on authenticity and deeper emotional connections. It
highlights the speaker's quest for meaningful bonds that transcend
superficial judgments.
6. What does the old religious man's idea about God's love add
to the story?
Answer: The old religious man's assertion introduces a spiritual dimension
to the poem, suggesting that divine love, represented by God, is the only
form of love devoid of superficial considerations. This concept adds depth
to the speaker's yearning for genuine love, emphasizing the rarity and
purity of love that transcends physical attributes, aligning with a higher
moral or spiritual understanding of genuine affection.
7. Why does the speaker mention "yesternight declare," and
what does it mean?
Answer: The mention of "yesternight declare" implies that the old
religious man shared his insights recently. This temporal aspect
underscores the freshness and immediacy of the speaker's contemplation
of love. The recent declaration holds significance as it catalyzes the
speaker's introspection, prompting them to reconsider their approach to
relationships in light of this newfound perspective.
8. How does the poem talk about how society thinks about
looks, and why is this important?
PRASHANT KIRAD
Answer: The poem subtly addresses societal norms regarding physical

appearance and beauty standards. The speaker's contemplation of changing
their hair color reflects the societal pressure to conform to predefined
notions of attractiveness. This is important because it resonates with real-
life struggles where individuals may feel compelled to meet external
expectations, impacting their self-esteem and influencing how they
navigate relationships.
9. Why is the speaker thinking about changing their appearance,
and how might this relate to what many people feel in real life?
Answer: The speaker contemplates changing their appearance as a
response to societal expectations and a desire for acceptance. This
reflects a common experience where individuals, in an attempt to conform
to societal norms, may consider altering their looks to fit in or be
perceived more favorably. The relatability of this theme mirrors the
societal pressure many people feel to meet external standards, often at
the expense of embracing their authentic selves.
10. What is the main message of the poem about love and
acceptance?
Answer: At its core, the poem conveys a poignant message about the
universal longing for authentic love and acceptance. It emphasizes the
speaker's quest to be loved for their true self, transcending superficial
attributes. The exploration of societal expectations, spiritual dimensions,
and personal struggles resonates with the broader human experience,
urging readers to reflect on the importance of genuine connections and the
challenges of navigating societal pressures in the pursuit of authentic love
and self-acceptance.

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PRASHANT KIRAD

(a) Where did the crow sit?

Sometimes, we feel really happy or really sad. Our happiness

8. As a crow you feel highly insulted by the incorrect

Fire and ice

"But if it had to perish twice,

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8. How will the world end? Support your answer with a

A Tiger in the Zoo

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

2. He should be lurking in the shadow,

Ans. (i) (a) assists in keeping the prey unsuspecting of the

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4. What difference do you find in the mood of a tiger

Answer: Sometimes, the tiger roams around freely and comes

8. Animals, big and small, is being used by humans for their

how to tell wild animals

Explanation: While wandering leisurely in the forest, you'll encounter a

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

1.If ever you should go by chance To jungles in the east;

Answer: The poet cautions about encountering a large and tawny

4. Explain the scenario painted by the poet concerning a creature that

The Ball Poem

Explanation: The poet says the boy is learning about responsibility in a

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Answer: Merrily means happily.

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5. What feelings do you think, might be experienced, at the loss

2. There is a languid, emerald sea, where the sole inhabitant is me

(a) Why are these lines given within brackets?

2. Amanda imagines herself to be Rapunzel, yet would not

3. What message does the poet want to give through the

4. How does Amanda behave when the poem starts? What

She is sitting in a slouching posture. That is why the speaker asks

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

2. My head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent. Listen.

(c) Which word in the stanza means the same as ‘Quiet’?

9. How does the poet employ the moon as a metaphor in the

Explanation: The poet describes the arrival of fog as a silent

Poetic Devices Used in the Poem

1. What is the fog compared to in the extract?

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5. In the poem “Fog”, the poet features the fog as animated.

7. Difficulties come but they are not to stay forever. They

the tale of custard the dragon

Explanation: Belinda is compared to a group of brave bears, while the small

EXTRACT BASED QUESTIONS

This insightful exchange revealed not just the diverse perceptions of

8. Everyone believed that the Custard was a coward, but when an

For anne gregory

1.Never shall a young man, Thrown into despair By those great

Answer: "Honey-colored ramparts" is a metaphorical expression

Answer: The poem subtly addresses societal norms regarding physical

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