Q. 19. Write the central idea of the poem ‘Animal’.
Ans : The poet has depicted the simplicity of the animals and the greediness and complex nature of human beings. He brings out the difference between the two by expressing his contentment on the placid nature on the animals. Their carefree nature impresses the poet and he wants to emulate them.
Q. 20. What is the poet turning from, and who does he want to live with? Why?
Ans : The poet is turning from the society of humans because he finds them complicated and false. He wants to live with animals because they still retain the basic aspects of their nature as a living being which humans left long ago.
Q. 21. Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
Ans : Humans complain about their condition but animals are contented with their lot. Humans commit sins, and then lie awake at night weeping for their sins, but animals don’t. Humans are crazy for hoarding things, but animals aren’t
Q. 22. What are the ‘tokens’, which humans have lost but animals still possess?
Ans : These ‘tokens’ are the basic aspects of their nature as a living being. Humans have lost them with the march of civilization. But animals still possess the basic aspects of this nature as a living being. This is evident from their style.
Q. 23. Write the central idea of the poem ‘The Trees’.
Man has made the forests empty by bringing the trees inside the house. There is no place for the birds to sit, insects to side and sunlight bury rays in the shadows. The suffocating, tinted growth of the plants, their desire to break the walls and windows and breathe in open has, perhaps forced man to liberate them and allow them to go to the forest again.
Q. 24. Why has the forest been empty all these days? Mention three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest?
Ans : The forest has been empty all these days because its trees have been cut down. Three things cannot happen in a treeless forest .Firstly, birds cannot sit there .Secondly, insects can’t hide themselves .Thirdly; the sun cannot bury its rays in shadow.
Q. 25. Where are the trees in the poem The Trees’? How do you know that they have been struggling to break out?
Ans : In the poem, the trees are in the veranda of the poet’s house. They are being used for interior decoration. They have been struggling to break out and go to the forest, their natural habitat. Their roots have been working to separate themselves from the cracks of the veranda floor. Their leaves have been making efforts to move towards the glass. Their twigs have been straining to break the roof and move out.
Q. 26. The poem “The Trees’ presents a conflict between man and nature. Discuss.
Ans : The poem ‘The Trees’ presents a conflict between man and nature. Forest is the natural habitat of trees .But man cuts down forests and plants trees in the courtyards and verandas for interior decoration. Trees are, thus imprisoned in the cities. These trees need to break out and go to the forest, their natural habitat
Q. 27. Write the central idea of the poem ‘Fog’.
Ans : The poet has depicted the cat like nature of the fog which comes stealthily like a cat .The poet draws another comparison by saying that the way the cat sits on its haunches, the dog also appears to be calmly watching the worlds around it like a watchful cat and then quietly it moves.
Q. 28. Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat.
Ans : There are three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat. A cat comes stealthily without making a noise. It sets on its haunches silently looking around. Then it moves on. Similarly, the fog raises quietly .It settles over harbour and city and then moves on. Hence, the comparison of the fog to a cat is appropriate.
Q. 29. Write the central idea of the poem ‘The Tale of custard the Dragon.
Ans : The Ballad ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon’ is a small story of a young girl Belinda who had many cute pets with strange names. She called her pets as Ink, Blink, Mustard and Custard .All the pets and Belinda were very brave. Once they captured a tiger that they called Percival. One day a pirate came inside the house with a pistol. Belinda was scared of the pirate. Both Ink and Blink hid themselves, leaving Belinda helpless. But suddenly Custard jumped into action and ate the pirate.
Q. 30. How did Custard the dragon face the pirate? What was the outcome of their fight?
Ans : Custard the dragon jumped up snorting. He clashed his tail. Thus, he prepared himself to face the pirate. The pirate was amazed at this heroic gesture of the dragon. He gulped some wine to cheer up his drooping spirits. He fired two bullets but missed the aim. In the meantime, Custard the dragon swallowed him.
Q. 31. Write the central idea of the poem For Anne Gregory.
Ans : People are often charmed and fascinated by the beautiful appearance of a person .We should love a person for his qualities of head and heart and not go after his appearance for appearance changes. It is transitory but one’s qualities are lasting and remain with him till he lives. Only God can love one for what one is and for one’s looks.
