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How to Tell Wild Animals - NCERT Class 10, First Flight, Chapter 3, Poem 4 - Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions, MCQ
Detailed summary and explanation of the humorous poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals' by Carolyn Wells, with important questions, answers, extra questions, and MCQs from NCERT Class X, First Flight.
Updated : 3 weeks ago
Introduction
"How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carolyn Wells is a humorous poem that provides amusing yet dangerous ways to identify wild animals in their natural habitats. The poem introduces the reader to different animals like the Asian Lion, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile, Hyena, and Chameleon in a lighthearted manner. It uses humor and exaggeration to create fun ways of recognizing these animals, turning an otherwise serious subject into a playful learning experience. The poem is written with a strong rhythmic structure, which adds to its comedic effect and makes it a delightful read for young students.
Summary
Summary in English
The poem "How to Tell Wild Animals" describes various wild animals in a humorous and exaggerated way. The poet suggests dangerous methods to identify each animal. For instance, if you are in a jungle in the east and encounter a large, tawny beast that roars at you just as you are dying, it’s the Asian Lion. Similarly, if you meet a wild beast with black stripes on a yellow background, and it starts eating you, you’ll know it’s the Bengal Tiger.
The poet goes on to describe the Leopard, which has a spotted hide. If it leaps on you, it will keep attacking, no matter how much pain you’re in. Then comes the Bear, which hugs you very tightly. If you're still uncertain whether it's a Bear, the poet humorously suggests that the bear will give you another tight hug to help you decide.
The poem also contrasts the Hyena and the Crocodile. The Hyena has a "merry" smile, while the Crocodile, known for its tears, cries as it devours its prey. Lastly, the poem describes the Chameleon, a small lizard-like creature that changes its color to blend into its surroundings. If you can’t see anything on the tree, it’s because the Chameleon has camouflaged itself.
Through witty rhymes and playful language, Carolyn Wells turns what could be a dangerous activity—identifying wild animals—into a humorous guide for young readers. The poem uses irony and exaggeration to highlight how risky these methods of animal identification are, making the poem both amusing and educational.
Summary in Hindi
कविता "How to Tell Wild Animals" (कैसे जंगली जानवरों को पहचाना जाए) कारोलिन वेल्स द्वारा लिखी गई एक हास्यपूर्ण कविता है, जो विभिन्न जंगली जानवरों को मजाकिया और अतिरंजित तरीके से पहचानने के तरीकों का वर्णन करती है। कवि सुझाव देता है कि यदि आप पूर्वी जंगलों में जाते हैं और आपको एक बड़ा, पीले-भूरे रंग का जानवर मिलता है जो आप पर गर्जना करता है, तो वह एशियाई शेर है। इसी प्रकार, अगर आपको एक जंगली जानवर मिलता है जिसके पीले शरीर पर काले धब्बे होते हैं, और वह आपको खाने लगता है, तो वह बंगाल टाइगर है।
कवि इसके बाद तेंदुए का वर्णन करता है, जिसकी खाल पर धब्बे होते हैं। अगर तेंदुआ आप पर कूदता है, तो वह बार-बार कूदेगा और आपको दर्द महसूस कराने के बावजूद हमला करता रहेगा। इसके बाद कवि भालू का वर्णन करता है, जो आपको बहुत जोर से गले लगाता है। अगर आपको अब भी संदेह है कि यह भालू है या नहीं, तो भालू एक और गले लगा कर आपको पूरी तरह से यकीन दिला देगा।
कविता में हाइना और मगरमच्छ का भी जिक्र किया गया है। हाइना "खुशमिजाज" मुस्कान के लिए जाना जाता है, जबकि मगरमच्छ अपने शिकार को खाते समय आंसू बहाता है। अंत में कवि गिरगिट का वर्णन करता है, जो एक छोटा छिपकली जैसा प्राणी है जो अपने परिवेश के अनुसार रंग बदल लेता है। अगर आपको पेड़ पर कुछ भी नजर नहीं आ रहा है, तो इसका मतलब है कि गिरगिट ने खुद को छिपा लिया है।
इस कविता के माध्यम से कारोलिन वेल्स ने व्यंग्य और अतिशयोक्ति का प्रयोग करते हुए, जानवरों की पहचान के खतरनाक तरीकों को हास्यपूर्ण अंदाज में प्रस्तुत किया है। कविता में मजेदार तुकबंदी और सरल भाषा का इस्तेमाल किया गया है, जो इसे बच्चों के लिए एक दिलचस्प और मनोरंजक कविता बनाता है।
How to Tell Wild Animals - Thinking About the Poem: Questions and Answers
1. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
No, ‘dyin’ does not naturally rhyme with ‘lion’ in standard pronunciation. However, the poet intentionally alters the word ‘dying’ to ‘dyin’ to create a rhyme with ‘lion’. If pronounced casually, the two words can be made to sound similar, giving the poem a playful and humorous effect.
2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
The poet suggests that you can identify the lion when it roars at you just as you’re "dyin’" (as you're close to death). The Bengal Tiger, on the other hand, can be identified by its black stripes on a yellow body, and by the fact that it may start eating you. The poet humorously implies that the only way to tell these wild animals is when you are in life-threatening situations with them.
3. Do you think the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
No, the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ are not spelled correctly. The correct spelling is ‘leapt’. The poet intentionally uses this incorrect spelling to maintain the rhythm and rhyme of the poem. The playful spelling adds to the humorous tone of the poem and keeps the reader engaged with its whimsical language.
4. Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug — such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)?
Yes, a ‘bearhug’ is a strong and friendly embrace, but here it is used humorously to describe a bear's aggressive nature. Similarly, hyenas are known for their laughter, and crocodiles are said to weep while attacking, leading to the expression ‘crocodile tears’. In various languages, there are similar expressions about animals. For example, in Hindi, there’s an expression “गधे के सिर पर सींग” (literal: horns on a donkey's head) to describe something that’s impossible or absurd, just as we associate wild animals with exaggerated behaviors.
5. Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this ‘correctly’? Why is the poet’s ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem?
The correct way to write the line would be “A novice might be nonplussed.” However, the poet’s ‘incorrect’ version fits better in the poem’s rhythm and adds a playful touch. By shortening the phrase, the poet keeps the line light and humorous, enhancing the overall tone of the poem.
6. Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)?
Yes, many poets take liberties with language to create a certain effect. For example, in English, E. E. Cummings is known for breaking grammatical and structural rules to convey deeper meaning. In Hindi, Surendra Sharma’s humorous poetry often uses playful language and puns to evoke laughter. These poetic liberties add charm and a unique voice to the poetry, making it more memorable and impactful.
7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
One particularly humorous line is: “If he roars at you as you’re dyin’, You’ll know it is the Asian Lion.” The casual use of "dyin’" to rhyme with "lion" is both playful and darkly funny, suggesting that only in the moment of imminent danger can you recognize the lion. The mix of danger and humor is what makes the poem so entertaining.
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