CBSE Class 10 English How to Tell Wild Animals Assignment

How to Tell Wild Animals

INTRODUCTION—
The poem revolves around the dangerous ways to identify wild animals. The poet tries to distinguish one animal from the other in a humorous way. The poem is, thus, very educative and informative which tells us about various features of wild animals.

SUMMARY—
It is a humorous poem. The poet suggests some dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. The suggested ways create humour. He says if you ever visit the jungles in the east and you happen to encounter a lion, a tiger or a leopard, you’ll be able to identify them by the way they attack upon you. The idea of ‘Identifying while dying’ makes you laugh.
He also tells you to identify a bear from its friendly, hard bear-hug, a hyena from its laugh and a crocodile from its weeping while swallowing its victim. If you see nothing on the tree, then there is a chameleon as it has the quality to change its colour according to its surroundings.

Explanation of the Poem

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: The poet here says if by chance you happen to go to any forest in the east, you are likely to encounter a huge and terrible animal moving towards you. You will notice that a large beast roars loudly at you and you feel that you are going to die due to fear, then you will come to know that it is the Asian Lion.

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: The poet says that it is very likely that while roaming in the forest, you are greeted by a wild beast. His majestic body is covered with black stripes on a yellow hide. The poet cautions if you notice this beast and if he eats you, then this simple rule will teach you that it is a ‘Bengal Tiger’.

3. If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has leapt on you,
You’ll know it is the Leopard.
He will do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again

Explanation: The poet here helps the readers to identify a Leopard. He says if you happen to walk in the forest, you might encounter a beast with spots on his skin. When this wild beast will jump at you, you will understand that it is a Leopard as he will keep jumping on you and will tear you apart. Moreover, it will be of no use then to shout or cry with pain because he will continue pouncing on you. So you should be careful. 

4. If when you’re walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard
Be sure it is a bear.
If you have any doubt, I guess
He will give you just one more caress.

Explanation: The poet says that while you are walking in your yard, you may encounter a creature there.When this creature hugs you very very tightly, then believe that it is a Bear. The poet further says that in case of any doubt, you will find that the Bear will embrace you once again till death.

5. Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyenas thus;
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

Explanation: The poet, here, helps to differentiate the Crocodile from the Hyena. He says that a Hyena always laughs as it swallows its victim. A laughing Hyena’s voice resembles human’s laughing sound. A crocodile on the other hand, is said to shed tears while eating its prey.

6. The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing;
He has not any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
This the Chameleon you see.

Explanation: The poet describes a chameleon in this stanza. He says a chameleon is a small garden lizard.It doesn’t have ears or wings. The poet, further, says if you are unable to see a thing on the tree, then chances are that a chameleon is sitting there.

Extract Based Questions 

Read the following extracts and answer the questions/complete the sentences that follow :

1. If strolling forth, a beast you view, 
Whose hide with spots is peppered ?
As soon as he has leapt on you
You’ll know it is the leopard.
He will do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only leap and leap again

Question. What is the hide peppered with ?
(i) stripes
(ii) lines
(iii) circles
(iv) spots
Answer.(iv) spots

Question. What does the leopard do ?
(i) jumps
(ii) runs
(iii) leaps
(iv) walks
Answer. (iii) leaps

Question. Which word in the stanza refers to ‘animal’ ?
(i) hide
(ii) beast
(iii) peppered
(iv) leapt
Answer.(ii) beast

Question. Give the rhyming word in the peppered.
(i) view
(ii) you
(iii) pain
(iv) leopard
Answer. (iv) leopard
 
 

2. Though to distinguish beasts of prey 
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyenas thus;
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

Question. Who would be confused to differentiate between the crocodile and hyena ?
(i) novice
(ii) peppered
(iii) tawny
(iv) beast
Answer.(i) novice

Question. The crocodiles in the forest are identified by their ........................... .
(i) colour
(ii) shape
(iii) tears
(iv) skin
Answer.(iii) tears

Question. Whose smile is delightful ?
(i) Lioness
(ii) Tigress
(iii) Hyena
(iv) Fox
Answer.(iii) Hyena

Question. Find out the word from the passage which means the same as ‘puzzled or confused’.
(i) nonplus
(ii) novice
(iii) caress
(iv) merry
Answer.(i) nonplus
 

3. Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodiles you always may
Tell from the Hyenas thus :
Hyenas come with merry smiles
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.

Question. How can a hyena be recognized ? By
(i) its colour
(ii) its appearance
(iii) it size
(iv) its smile
Answer.(iv) its smile

Question. Hyenas and crocodiles are ........................... in nature.
(i) somewhat different
(ii) same
(iii) somewhat same
(iv) different
Answer.(iv) different

Question. Who weeps according to the poet ?
(i) crocodile
(ii) alligator
(iii) tiger
(iv) lion
Answer.(i) crocodile

Question. What is the rhyme scheme of this stanza ?
(i) ababcc
(ii) aaabcc
(iii) ababbc
(iv) aabbcc
Answer.(i) ababcc
 

4. The true Chameleon is small, 
A lizard sort of thing;
He has not any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
This the Chameleon you see.

Question. With whom is chameleon compared with ?
(i) Frog
(ii) Lizard
(iii) Mongoose
(iv) Snake
Answer.(ii) lizard

Question. Which creature is focussed in this stanza ?
(i) lizard
(ii) mongoose
(iii) snake
(iv) chameleon
Answer.(iv) chameleon

Question. He has not any ....................... at all.
(i) tail
(ii) wings
(iii) eyes
(iv) ears
Answer.(iv) ears

Question. Which other reptile is spoken about ?
(i) lizard
(ii) frog
(iii) snake
(iv) crocodile
Answer.(i) lizard
 

Short Answer Type Questions 

Question. What is the brief summary of the poem ?
Answer. The poet tries to distinguish different animals in a humorous manner. He is also educating the reader by describing the various features of wild animals. He is introducing all the animals of East one by one in a very practical way.

Question. What features of a bear are described in the poem ?
Answer. The bear hugs tightly when he sees him. It clasps its prey tightly with both its forepaws and brings him to death.It again holds it tightly finally killing him.

Question. Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east. 
Answer. The different animals are Bengal Tiger, Asian Lion, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile, Hyena, Chameleon and Lizard.There is no mention of any bird in the poem.

Question. How can you differentiate between a tiger and a leopard ?
Answer. A tiger has black stripes on its yellow coloured coat, but a leopard has spots on its body. A tiger kills its prey to satisfy its hunger, whereas a leopard can even kill for pleasure.

Question. Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer. The poet is fed up with the world of human beings. He no more feels proud of being a man. He wants to turn away from human beings and wants to exchange places. He wants to live with animals.Their self-satisfaction, independence and contentment impresses the poet to join them.

Question. Why does the poet want to take a turn?
Answer. The poet is fed up living in the world of humAnswer. They are always confused. They are arrogant. They don’t have a clear conscience and weep over their sins throughout the night. On the other hand, animals are contented, calm and possess all the ‘tokens’ of virtue that humans have given up. So, he wants to exchange places and live with animals.

Question. Why do animals don’t kneel down to their fellow beings or ancestors? How do humans react to them?
Answer. Animals don’t show unnecessary respect to their fellow beings and to their ancestors. They don’t indulge in such unnecessary civilities and formalities. On the other hand, humans express their respect not only to their ancestors but also to their fellow beings. They have a tendency to indulge in unnecessary civilities and decencies.

Question. How, according to the poet, are animals superior to humans?
Answer. The animals are superior to humans in that they are calm and contented. They commit no sin. They do not run after wealth like man. They never complain about their condition.

Question. Why is the poet so much impressed with animals?
Answer. Animals possess all the noble virtues that are necessary for an ideal living. They are contented and never complain about their fate. They are independent and don’t show unnecessary respect for their ancestors or to their fellow beings. They are not selfish and don’t suffer from the mania of possessing and owning things. So, he is highly impressed with animals.

Question. What is the message that Walt Whitman wants to give to the readers through this poem?
Answer. There is nothing great about being humans. They have degraded themselves to the extent that animals appear to be noble and superior beings in their comparison. No doubt, humans did possess those ‘tokens’ of love, innocence, simplicity, contentment and independence. But they have given up such ‘tokens’ long ago. Animals still share those noble virtues and appear to be nobler than humans.

Question. They do not sweat and whine about their condition.
Who are ‘‘they’’? What are the things they do not do?
Answer. ‘‘They’’ refer to animals. They do not sweat and complain about their condition.

Short Answer Type Questions-II

Question. Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Explain.
Answer. Yes, human beings do kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago. Animals don’t suffer from this tendency. In this regard, the law of equality operates there. They don’t bother about their ancestors. On the other hand, humans have a tendency to show respect to those who have shown rare heroism, bravery and spiritual values. Humans have a tendency to deify such great ancestors.
They assumed the status of gods and prophets over a long period of time. Humans worship such ancestors.

Question. What are the ‘tokens’ that the poet says he may have dropped long ago, and which the animals have kept for him? Explain. (Hint: Whitman belongs to the Romantic tradition
that includes Rousseau and Wordsworth, which holds that civilisation has made humans false to their own true nature. What could be the basic aspects of our nature as living beings that humans choose to ignore or deny?)
Answer. These ‘tokens’ represent all that is best in ethics and behaviour. These tokens stand for love,kindness, honesty, affection, sympathy, mutual respect and honour, etc. These were the ‘tokens’ of noble virtues that humans once possessed. Now humans have given up all such tokens of noble virtues. They suffer from the mania of possession, greed and arrogance. On the other hand, animals retain all such ‘tokens’ even now. They are always contented with their lot. They are calm and don’t suffer from inflated egos or arrogance. They have a clear conscience and never weep over their sins.

Question. Why does the poet say “They bring me tokens of myself”? What are those ‘tokens’?
Answer. There was a time when both humans and animals possessed noble virtues of love, peace, contentment,and simplicity. With the passage of time, humans gave up all such tokens of noble virtues. They indulged in greed, arrogance and the mania of possession. The road of noble virtue, which humans and the poet himself, left long ago, is still followed by animals. They are contented, humble and free from the burden of conscience. They remind the poet of those noble qualities which he has lost.

Question. How can you identify the Asian Lion?
Answer. The poet in the humorous way says that if a person goes to the jungles in the east and if a large and brownish wild animal roars while killing him, the dying man can know that it is the Asian Lion.

Question. How can you identify the Bengal Tiger?
Answer. A person can identify the Bengal Tiger when a beast with black stripes on yellow body meets and eats him. This is how he can make out that it is the Bengal Tiger.

Question. How can a man know that the beast is leopard? OR Describe some features of the leopard.
Answer. Leopard has spots on its body. It is a dangerous and powerful animal. It has the quality of leaping again and again. It leaps over its prey at once. It eats its prey.

Question. How does the poet tell us to identify a bear?
Answer. The poet says that if, while walking round the courtyard of his house, a person meets there a creature who hugs him very, very hard, then he be can be sure that it is a bear.

Question. How does the poet distinguish the hyena from crocodile?
Answer. The poet tells us how to distinguish a hyena from crocodile. A hyena is an animal who can laugh. The poet says that if a creature greets a person while smiling merrily, then that creature is hyena. If a creature sheds tears while swallowing a person, then it is a crocodile.

Question. What does the poet tell us about a chameleon?
Answer. The poet tells us that a chameleon is found on a tree. It is a creature which can change its colour according to its surrounding. It is very difficult to see a chameleon on the tree because it changes its colour according to the colour of the tree.

Question. Do you know what a ‘bear hug’ 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);
Answer. A ‘bear hug’ is the bear’s tight embrace. Hyenas never laugh. But their faces look like that. Crocodiles do not weep but tears come when they swallow their victims.

Question. The poet uses humour in a perfect manner in her poem— ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’ to bring smile on the face of readers. In our daily life also, humour is the best medicine for every ailment. Do you agree? Comment. OR “Humour is the perfect medicine for all diseases”. Discuss this statement by taking examples from the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”. Answer. The poet talks about wild animals in a funny manner. All the dangerous, wild animals like lions, tigers, leopards, bears, hyenas, crocodile, chameleon have been portrayed humorously. The poet describes their dangerous activities in such a manner that they produce laughter.

Question. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
Answer: No ‘dying does not rhyme with ‘lion’. It is for this reason that the poet has used ‘dyin’ so that when we pronounce it, it rhymes with ‘lion’.

Question. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
Answer: The poet suggests that if a large and tawny beast comes towards us, then it is an Asian lion. We can identify it when it roars at us while, we are dying with fear. When while roaming, we come across a wild beast that is yellow in colour with black stripes, it is Bengal tiger. We can identify it when it eats us.

Long Answer Type Question 

Question. State in your own words the humour which lies in the poem.
Answer. The poet ‘Carolyn Wells’ creates humour by describing different wild animals. The poet explains the different characteristics of different animals in a very funny and interesting manner. The poet’s language refreshes the reader’s mood and makes him happy. Humour in the poem is the best medicine for every ailment in life. Humour increases our energy and decreases our pain. The poem suggests some dangerous ways of identifying wild animals. The suggested ways create humour. Thus, the poem is a vitalizer. The poem is thus very educative and informative which tells us about various features of all wild animals.

Question. Why is the poet so much impressed with animals that he wants to change sides and wishes to live with them?
Answer. The poet feels that humans have degraded themselves beyond redemption. Nothing great has been left with human beings. He is fed up with their behaviour and wants to escape from the world of humAnswer. No doubt, humans were not so bad at one time. They shared ‘tokens’ of love, sympathy, contentment and innocence with animals. However, the spirit of greed, overambition, and arrogance overpowered them. They gave up the path of virtue and the ‘tokens’ of love and sympathy. They are confused. The burden of their sins and misdeeds lies heavy on their hearts and souls. On the other hand, animals still maintain the old virtues left by man long ago. They are contented, self-sufficient, simple and free from confusions and the burden of sins and misdeeds. So, the poet wants to change sides and wants to be a part of the animal-world.

Question. In the poem, Walt Whitman is critical of man’s nature and behavior. Discuss.
Answer. The poet uses words such as ‘demented’ and ‘mania’ for never ending desire of human beings to own things. These words show that the poet is comparing this desire to a kind of madness. The poet is right in doing so as this desire makes us greedy and traps us in a vicious circle of aspiring for more and more. Animals that are free from any possession are also free from sins, worries and complaints. In order to gain more wealth, all the important values such as morality and kindness are sacrificed by humAnswer. Excessive desire for material things is taking away man from the natural state in which God created him. Man needs to relearn the natural way of living from animals and find peace and contentment that he is lacking.

Question. Do you think the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
Answer. No, the words ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ are spelt incorrectly. The poet has spelled them like this in order to maintain the rhythm of the poem. When spelled this way, they rhyme with the first part of ‘leopard’, thus giving emphasis to ‘leopard’ in each line.

Question. The poet has used some special qualities to describe the animals and create humour in the poem. Each of us also has some special qualities which make us quite different from others. Do you agree with this statement? Comment with reference to the poem ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’.
Answer. The poet has used the selected words and expressions to describe the animals and to create humour. For example she says, “A noble beast greets you’ for “The Bengal Tiger”, “A bear – hugs you” “Crocodiles weep” and ‘Hyena smiles’. Like these animals, each of us has some special qualities which make us quite different from others. For example, we face many people in a day, but even then we can easily recognize them only through their voice or through their special habits. These distinctive qualities give them a unique identification. This, statement is absolutely right. Question 3. 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? Answer: The line “Novice might nonplus” can be correctly written as “A novice might be nonplussed’. The poet’s incorrect line is better in the poem as it maintains the rhyme scheme of the poem. By writing it incorrectly, ‘nonplus’ rhymes with “Thus’.