"How to Tell Wild Animals" by Carol Wells is a humorous poem that provides a whimsical guide to identifying various wild animals one might encounter in different environments. The poem is composed of six stanzas, each describing a different wild animal and a playful scenario that would help the reader discern the creature.
In the first stanza, the poem takes the reader to the jungles of the East, where they might come across a large, tawny beast. If the beast roars as the reader is dying, they can be sure it is an Asian Lion. The second stanza introduces a noble wild beast with black stripes on yellow ground. The reader is advised to observe if the beast eats them, as this would confirm it is a Bengal Tiger.
The third stanza describes a beast with a spotted hide, the Leopard. The reader is warned that if the animal leaps on them, it will do no good to roar in pain, as the Leopard will simply leap again. The fourth stanza talks about encountering a creature in one's yard that hugs very hard, which is undoubtedly a Bear. The poem playfully suggests that if there are any doubts, the Bear will offer another hug as confirmation.
In the fifth stanza, the poet contrasts the Crocodile and Hyena, stating that while they might appear similar, they can be distinguished by their behaviour. The Hyena approaches with a merry smile, while the Crocodile can be identified by its weeping.
The final stanza introduces the Chameleon, a small lizard-like creature with no ears or wings. The poem states that if there's nothing visible on the tree, it is likely the Chameleon blending in with its surroundings.
Throughout the poem, Carol Wells employs humour and wit to create amusing scenarios that aid in the identification of these wild animals. The poem's lighthearted tone and clever use of language make it an entertaining read while also providing interesting facts about various creatures. In doing so, Wells presents a fun and imaginative way to learn about wild animals, making it a delightful poem for readers of all ages.
How to tell Wild Animals - First Flight - Class 10 - CBSE English
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About the Author - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
Carol Wells is a lesser-known poet who wrote light-hearted and humorous poems, often about animals and nature. One of her most famous poems, "How to Tell Wild Animals," uses wit and playful language to describe various wild animals and how to identify them. Not much is known about her personal life or other works, but her poetry showcases a talent for making readers laugh while imparting simple knowledge.
Summary - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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Themes - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
1. Nature and Wildlife:
The poem "How to Tell Wild Animals" highlights the theme of nature and wildlife by focusing on various wild animals, such as the Asian Lion, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile, Hyena, and Chameleon. The poet not only describes their physical....
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Symbols - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
In "How to Tell Wild Animals," Carol Wells does not rely heavily on symbolism, as the poem is primarily a lighthearted and humorous piece focused on describing various wild animals and their distinct traits. However, there are a few elements in the poem that could be considered symbolic:
1. Roaring and Dying: In the first stanza, the Asian Lion roars as...
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Poetic Devices - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
In "How to Tell Wild Animals," Carol Wells employs various poetic devices to create a humorous and engaging piece about identifying wild animals. Some of the prominent poetic devices used in the poem include:
1. Rhyme: The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, which creates a rhythmic and musical quality that makes the verses enjoyable and memorable.
2. Hyperbole: Wells uses exaggeration...
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How to tell Wild Animals - Questions and Answers | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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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...- Where can one find a lion?
- How has the lion been described?
- What, according to the poet, will assure us that it is the lion?
- Asian lion can be found in the jungles of the East.
- The lion in the poem has been described as a "large and tawny beast," emphasizing its size and golden-brown colour.
- According to the poet, what will assure us that it is a lion is if the large and tawny beast roars at us as we are dying. This is a humorous and exaggerated way of saying that one could identify the lion by its roar during a dangerous encounter.
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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.- Name the poet.
- What poetic device has been used in the first line?
- Why does the poet call him a noble animal?
- How is Bengal Tiger different from the other animals?
- What does the word 'ground' means here?
- Give a synonym for ‘make out'.
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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.- How can one identify a leopard?
- When does one come to know that it is a leopard?
- What is the poetic device used in the above lines?
- Give a synonym for 'strolling'.
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If when you’re walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear.
If you have any doubts, I guess
He’ll give you just one more caress.- How can one identify a bear?
- Give a synonym for 'a gentle, loving touch’.
- What poetic device has been used in the above lines?
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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.- Between which animals would it be difficult to differentiate?
- How does a Hyena differ from a Crocodile?
- Give a famous saying for Crocodile.
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The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
’Tis the chameleon you see.- What does a Chameleon look like?
- What features of Chameleon have been described?
- What ability of Chameleon is highlighted?
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How can one identify the Asian lion and the Bengal tiger?
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Write the sum of the poem ‘How to tell wild animals’.
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How can one distinguish between a tiger and a leopard?
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How can one distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile?
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Back Questions - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
While "dyin'" and "lion" do not form a perfect rhyme, they can be considered a near rhyme or slant rhyme. In this case, the two words share a similar ending sound, but they are not identical. When reading the poem aloud, you can emphasize the "i" sound in "dyin'" and slightly soften the "o" sound in "lion" to make the rhyme seem more natural. This type of rhyme is often used in poetry to create an interesting or unexpected sound pattern.
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How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
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Do you think the words ‘lept‘ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
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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)?
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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?
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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)?
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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.
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Quiz - How to tell Wild Animals | First Flight | Class 10 Literature | CBSE English
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