Chapter Explanation: Birds of a Feather | Class 7 English Alive PDF Download

The Grackle

Introduction:
"The Grackle" is a humorous poem that focuses on the characteristics and behavior of the grackle, a bird often considered less attractive and more aggressive compared to other birds. Through a light-hearted and somewhat critical tone, the poet paints a vivid picture of the grackle’s personality and interactions in the wild.

Stanza 1

The grackle's voice is less than mellow,

His heart is black, his eye is yellow,

He bullies more attractive birds

With hoodlum deeds and vulgar words,

Explanation:

The poem begins by contrasting the grackle's voice to something far from 'mellow,' implying a harsh and unpleasant sound. The description of the grackle's heart as 'black' and eye as 'yellow' symbolically imbues the bird with sinister and untrustworthy traits. The grackle's behavior towards other birds is likened to that of a bully, using physical dominance and harsh language to assert itself. This stanza sets up a negative image of the grackle, emphasizing its unappealing attributes and aggressive nature.

Stanza 2

And should a human interfere,

Attacks that human in the rear.

I cannot help but deem the grackle

An ornithological debacle:

Explanation:

 In the second stanza, the grackle’s readiness to attack humans who interfere with it is highlighted, humorously noting that it targets the rear. This behavior further cements the grackle’s reputation as a troublemaker. The poet’s personal commentary concludes the stanza, humorously declaring the grackle an "ornithological debacle," which means a complete bird-related disaster. This expression wraps up the poet's critical yet amusing take on the grackle.

Theme

The central theme of "The Grackle" revolves around the idea of nature’s less admired creatures and the subjective perception of beauty and behavior in the animal kingdom. It subtly critiques how negative traits are perceived and highlighted, possibly overshadowing other aspects of an animal's existence.

Message

The poem conveys a message about acceptance and the harsh judgments often passed on those who do not conform to conventional standards of attractiveness or behavior. Despite its comedic tone, it makes one reflect on how quick society is to label and judge based on superficial or unfavorable traits.

List of Difficult Words

Grackle - a type of bird known for its glossy black plumage and harsh calls.

Mellow - soft, rich, and pleasant; when used negatively, it implies a lack of strength or character.

Hoodlum - a person who engages in crime and violence; a thug or gangster.

Vulgar - lacking sophistication or good taste; unrefined.

Ornithological - relating to the study of birds.

Debacle - a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.

Storks Fly North

Introduction:
This poem paints a serene picture of storks migrating at dusk, using vivid imagery to depict their journey to the northern lands. Each stanza builds on the evocative scene, intertwining the natural cycle of migration with themes of hope, tradition, and the passing of time. The language is rich and descriptive, creating a sense of peace and continuity.

Stanza 1

dusk

a stork speckled sky

Explanation: "Dusk / a stork speckled sky" sets the scene at twilight, a time of day known for its soft and fading light. The sky is described as being speckled with storks, suggesting a large number of birds scattered across the canvas of the sky, enhancing the beauty of the evening.

Stanza 2

storks are flying

to the northlands

as their generations

have taught them

Explanation: Here, "storks are flying / to the northlands / as their generations / have taught them" speaks to the instinctual migration pattern of the storks, passed down through generations. This natural wisdom of the storks emphasizes the deep-rooted traditions and the continuity of life cycles in nature.

Stanza 3

they are flying

to the northlands

where hope

and old nests await

Explanation: The repetition of "they are flying / to the northlands" reinforces the direction and purpose of the storks' journey. "Where hope / and old nests await" introduces a comforting notion that their destination holds both familiarity and optimism, symbolizing a safe haven where past meets future.

Stanza 4

light fades

as silk

to evening

Ans: "Light fades / as silk / to evening" uses a simile comparing the soft fading light to silk, enhancing the gentle transition from day to night. This imagery evokes a smooth, almost tangible quality to the evening, setting a calm and tranquil mood.

Stanza 5

smooth sleek gliders

homing to the darkling woods

where secrets sleep

with the storks.

Explanation:

 "Smooth sleek gliders / homing to the darkling woods / where secrets sleep / with the storks" captures the graceful motion of the storks as they glide effortlessly towards their destination. The "darkling woods" suggests a mysterious, almost magical place where secrets are kept safe among the storks, further adding to the mystique and depth of their journey.

Theme

The theme revolves around the natural cycle of migration, emphasizing continuity, tradition, and the connection between past and future. It beautifully captures the rhythm of nature and the inherent wisdom of creatures following age-old paths laid down by their ancestors.

Message

The poem conveys a message of trust in natural processes and the comfort found in traditions that guide us through generations. It also reflects on the serene beauty of nature's cycles and the peace that comes with returning to familiar places.

List of Difficult Words

Dusk - the time at the end of the day just before dark.

Speckled - marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color.

Northlands - northern lands, often referring to the colder, remote regions.

Generations - all of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.

Silk - a fine, smooth fabric made from the fibers produced by the silkworm.

Gliders - here, refers to the storks gliding through the air, typically used to describe aircraft without an engine.

Darkling - growing dark or characterized by darkness.

Secrets - things that are kept hidden or not known by others.