"The Elephant and the Tragopan" is a thought-provoking poem by Indian writer Vikram Seth that expertly weaves themes of environmentalism, animal rights, and human greed. The poem serves as a dialogue between various animals who have gathered to discuss the impending threat of human encroachment on their habitat. The elephant...............
The Elephant and the Tragopan - Gulmohar - Class 8 - English
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Back Questions - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Literature | English | Class 8
I speak to you as one whose clan/Has served and therefore studied man says the elephant, and it goes on to list a series of different qualities found in man. What strikes you about that list? What, according to the elephant, is in the middle of all such contradictions? Do you agree with this opinion of human nature?
The list of qualities in man provided by the elephant showcases the complexity and contradictory nature of human beings, where they can be mild and vicious, practical-minded and capricious, loving and brutal, sane and mad, and both good and puzzling as the bad. The elephant portrays humans as unpredictable and exhibiting both positive and negative traits, making it difficult to form a definite opinion about them. According to the elephant, at the centre of all these contradictions is "an uneasy selfishness."
This perspective on human nature highlights the duality and inconsistency that can exist within individuals. This assessment is accurate as it presents the unvarnished opinion that all humans exhibit a range of contradictory traits.
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He sees the planet as his fief..... What kind of thinking follows from it?
What is the consequence for the rest of the planet?
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Sign up nowWhen the road comes, the forest goes. Explain what this means in its context. (Why are roads made to a forest?)
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Sign up nowA reservoir is being built by destroying a lot of bamboos, which is eaten by the elephant and the tragopan – the trout thinks happily that the reservoir will provide it with ‘endless space’. How does the elephant correct the trout’s notion? Which line in that stanza means ‘we will all die together’?
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Sign up nowYou will all be homeless, like us all. Who is saying this to whom?
What will make the listeners homeless?
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Sign up nowIn the second stanza, a distinction is made between ‘unanimity’ and ‘proximity’ (fully united-fairly United). Other examples of this are ‘cloth without’ and ‘food within’ (something to cover the outside – pairs in the seventh stanza? Can you see any at the end of the poem?
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Sign up nowLook again at the third stanza (‘He is a creature...’). Consider how much it says about human nature – so many qualities, so well worded and well arranged in contrasting pairs, ending with the most central of them all. Try writing a paragraph appreciating the stanza, with examples of the points you make.
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Sign up nowThe main theme of the elephant’s speech is the selfishness of humans. Is there, however, a sub-theme about some animals secretly hoping to benefit from the loss of other animals? What does the elephant say to the leopard and the trout? Is it likely that such selfishness exists in the animal world as well?
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Sign up nowExtra Questions - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Literature | English | Class 8
They talked for hours, and at the close
At last the elephant arose,
And with a modest trumpet-call
Drew the attention of them all:
- What did the elephant and the tragopan do for hours before the elephant arose?
- How did the elephant draw the attention of all the creatures present?
- What is the significance of the "elephant arising" in the poem? Is there a metaphorical purpose behind this action?
- Based on the modest trumpet-call of the elephant, what can you infer about the poem's tone and the elephant's approach to the gathering?
At last the elephant arose,
And with a modest trumpet-call
Drew the attention of them all:
- The elephant and the tragopan talked for hours before the elephant arose.
- The elephant drew the attention of all the creatures present by making a modest trumpet-call.
- The “elephant arising” signifies that the elephant is taking on a leadership role, initiating the conversation, and speaking up on behalf of the gathered creatures. This action portrays the elephant as a wise and respected figure among them.
- The poem’s tone, as indicated by the modest trumpet-call, seems to be respectful, gentle, and humble. The elephant, as a character, likely seeks to have an open and considerate discussion with the other animals.
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“O Beasts of Bingle gathered round,
Though in our search for common ground
I would not dream of unanimity
I hope our views may reach proximity.
I speak to you as one whose clan
Has served and therefore studied man.
- In the poem, what is the speaker's main objective in addressing the "Beasts of Bingle"?
- What is the speaker's attitude towards finding common ground among the animals?
- How does the speaker claim to have knowledge of man?
- What does the phrase "our views may reach proximity" suggest about the speaker's expectations?
- Can you identify any poetic devices, such as alliteration or rhyme, in this stanza?
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Sign up nowBegins to thrust its way across
These gentle slopes of fern and moss
With ax, explosive, and machine.
Since rhododendron logs burn green
They’ll all be chopped for firewood—
Or logged and smuggled out for good.
As every bird and mammal knows,
When the road comes, the forest goes.
And let me say this to the trout—
The bamboo will be slashed, no doubt,
And what the tragopan and I
Delight to eat, will burn and die.
But what will happen to your stream?
Before the reservoir, your dream
Of endless space, can come about,
The soot and filth will snuff you out.
What tolls for us is your own bell.
- What will begin to “thrust its way” across the slopes of fern and moss?
- What threat do the slopes of fern and moss face?
- What is the poetic device used in “gentle slopes of fern and moss”?
- Why will the rhododendron logs be chopped?
- If the rhododendron logs are used for firewood, why would there be a need to smuggle them out?
- What will happen to the elephant’s and tragopan’s food?
- A trout’s diet is markedly different from the elephant’s, and yet the trout faces the same threat as the elephant: mortal danger. Why is that?
- What does the phrase “snuff you out” mean? What will “snuff out” the trout?
- When the elephant remarks “What tolls for us is your own bell”, what message is it conveying to the trout?
- The poem is centred on the selfishness of humans. How does this stanza accentuate that trait?
- This stanza highlights the destructive streak within human beings and sheds light on the extent to which humans will go to, in order to obtain what they think is rightfully theirs. Explain.
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Sign up nowQuiz - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
Vocabulary - Flashcards - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
About the Author - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
Vikram Seth is a renowned Indian novelist and poet, born on June 20, 1952, in Kolkata, India. He studied at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and then at Stanford University, where he earned degrees in economics and creative writing. Seth is best known for his exemplary works in poetry and fiction, blending various literary styles and themes with impressive versatility.
Seth's writing is characterized by his distinctive narrative style, a marriage of traditional forms and contemporary themes, and a keen insight into the complexities of human emotions. With his powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions, Vikram Seth has garnered a broad international readership and critical acclaim, cementing his position as a prominent figure in contemporary Indian literature.
Summary - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
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Themes - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
1. Human-Animal Relationship:
The poem explores the complex and often contradictory relationship between humans and animals. While some humans appreciate the beauty of nature, animals, and their habitats through art, worship, and storytelling, they simultaneously exploit and destroy....
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Unlock now 🔓Symbols - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
In "The Elephant and the Tragopan," Vikram Seth uses several symbols to convey deeper meanings and enhance the impact of the poem's themes. Some of these symbols include:
1. The Elephant: The elephant represents wisdom, strength, and the voice of reason within the poem. As it speaks on behalf of many species and....
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Unlock now 🔓Poetic Devices - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
Vikram Seth employs various poetic devices in "The Elephant and the Tragopan" to enhance the emotional impact and communicate the poem's themes more effectively. Some of these devices include:
1. Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid descriptions and imagery that help readers visualize the diverse landscapes and animals it talks about. For example,.....
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Unlock now 🔓Vocabulary - The Elephant and the Tragopan | Gulmohar | Class 8 Literature | English
Tragopan: a large Asian bird with a long tail and bright-coloured feathers (like a peacock)
I saw a beautiful tragopan at the zoo with vibrant feathers.
At the close: at the end (of the meeting)
The meeting ended, and at the close, everyone left the room.
Modest: humble
Despite his great .............................
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