"Be the Best of Whatever You Are" by Douglas Malloch is an inspiring poem that encourages the reader to strive for personal growth and self-improvement, regardless of their circumstances. The poem serves as a reminder that everyone has a purpose and role to play, whether big or small, and that success is achieved by putting forth one's best effort.
The poem begins by acknowledging that not everyone can be at the top of the hill like a tall pine tree, but even if one is a scrub in the valley, one should strive to be the best scrub by the side of the rill. In other words, the poet suggests that one should not be disheartened if one cannot be the very best in the grand scheme of things; instead, one should focus on being the best in their own situation.
Throughout the poem, Malloch uses various examples from nature to further convey the idea that success is determined by individual effort and enthusiasm rather than size or outward appearance. The poet mentions that if one cannot be a bush, they should be a bit of the grass that makes a highway happier. Similarly, if one cannot be a muscle, one should be a lively bass in the lake. These examples emphasize that there is value and significance in every role, whether big or small.
The poem also highlights the importance of teamwork and acknowledges that we cannot all be captains, but rather, we need to be a crew working together. There is work for everyone, and the tasks may differ in size and importance, but each job must be done to the best of one's ability.
In conclusion, Malloch's "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" is a heartwarming and inspiring poem that serves as a reminder to embrace one's role in life, no matter the scale, and to strive for excellence in everything, one does. The poem teaches us that true success comes from being the best version of ourselves – in any circumstance – and promotes the idea of self-growth, determination, and personal accomplishment.
Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 - The English Channel Coursebook - Class 8 - English
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Back Questions - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
‘It isn’t by size that you win or you fail -
Be the best of whatever you are!’
- What does ‘size’ mean here?
- In what sense could we fail?
- What does it mean to be the best of whatever you are?
Be the best of whatever you are!’
- In this context, 'size' refers to one's position, status, or role in society or life. It suggests that success or failure is not determined by how important or big one's role is but rather by how well one performs in that role, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
- Failure, in this sense, could mean not living up to one's potential or not giving one's best effort in whatever role or task they are in.
- To be the best of whatever you are means to fully embrace your role or task and perform your best in it, whether small or big. It entails putting your heart and soul into it and striving for excellence, so you can be genuinely proud of your efforts and contributions.
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In what way can grass make the highway happier?
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Unlock now 🔓Why is it reasonable to say we can’t all be captains?
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Unlock now 🔓How does the poet show the importance of every kind of work?
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Unlock now 🔓What can you say about the powers of observation of the poet? How well do you think he has used seemingly insignificant things to put forward his point?
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Unlock now 🔓Back Exercises - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
What is the key idea being conveyed in the poem? Tick () the statements.
- We should not aim for great things.
- All do not have the same abilities.
- We must focus on what we can do well.
- We must put in enough effort to do our best.
- Differences are not a good thing.
- Everyone, no matter their circumstances, has the ability to do their best.
My choices are 2, 3, and 4. The key idea being conveyed in the poem is that we must focus on what we can do well and put in enough effort to do our best, even if our abilities and circumstances differ from others. We should not aim for great things that are beyond our potential and instead recognize and work on our strengths.
Complete these definitions for similes and metaphors.
- A _____________ is a comparison between two different objects with at least one common feature.
- A _____________ is a comparison between two different objects but their common feature is compared as if both objects were one and same.
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Unlock now 🔓Tick the correct answers.
- Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. (simile/metaphor)
- He swims like a fish. (simile/metaphor)
- One should shine like a star in what one does. (simile/metaphor)
- Be the greenest grass to make the highway happy. (simile/metaphor)
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Unlock now 🔓Read these words from the poem and use them in similes and metaphors of your own. Use your Imagination to make the comparisons.
- Pine
__________________________________________________________ - Tree
____________________________________________________________ - Bass
_________________________________________________________ - Lake
____________________________________________________________ - Crew
____________________________________________________________ - Highway
___________________________________________________________
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Unlock now 🔓Quiz - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Vocabulary - Flashcards - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
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About the Author - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Douglas Malloch (1877-1938) was an American poet known for his inspirational and motivational works. He was often referred to as the "Lumberman's Poet" due to his experience working in the forestry industry, which had a significant influence on his poetry. Malloch was born in Muskegon, Michigan, and started his writing career working for local newspapers.
Malloch's poetry emphasizes the value of determination, perseverance, and making the most of one's given circumstances. He believed in the power of individual potential and in the importance of striving for personal growth and self-improvement. His poems resonated with readers because of their uplifting themes and straightforward language, making them accessible to people from all walks of life.
In addition to being a poet, Malloch was also a popular speaker and an influential member of various literary and forestry associations. His works have been praised for their sincerity, emotional depth, and meaningful messages that continue to inspire readers today.
Summary - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Personal Growth and Self-improvement
The poem emphasizes the importance of striving for personal growth and self-improvement, no matter one's current circumstances or status. It encourages the reader to focus on being the best version of themselves, regardless of how small or insignificant their role may seem.
2. Determination and Perseverance
Malloch promotes....
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Unlock now 🔓Symbols - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
In "Be the Best of Whatever You Are," Douglas Malloch uses several symbols from nature to illustrate his message of personal growth, determination, and accepting one's role in life:
1. Pine tree and scrub: The pine tree on the top of the hill symbolizes a person with greater achievements or a larger role in society. In contrast, the scrub....
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Unlock now 🔓Poetic Devices - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Douglas Malloch uses various poetic devices in "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" to create a vivid, meaningful, and impactful poem. Some of the most notable devices include:
1. Imagery: Malloch uses vivid imagery to create mental images that help the reader understand and connect with the poem's message. For example, the contrast ....
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - Be the Best of Whatever You are (Section A) Unit 6 | The English Channel Coursebook | Class 8 Literature | English
Scrub: (noun) An area covered with short and underdeveloped plants.
The scrub near the riverbank was teeming with various types of wildlife.
Rill: (noun) A tiny stream of water.
We enjoyed the soothing sound of the rill as it flowed through the meadow.
Muskie: (noun) A type of fish found in freshwater bodies.
The fisherman proudly displayed his impressive muskie catch.
Bass: (noun) A common fish known for its distinct taste.
We grilled the.....................
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