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About the Poet | |
Key Points of the Poem | |
Detailed Summary | |
Theme/Message | |
Literary Devices | |
Difficult Words |
Carolyn Wells, born in New Jersey, USA in 1862 and passing away in 1942, was deeply involved in writing from 1900 onward. She wrote over 170 books, including children's stories and detective novels. Her famous works include "Patty Fairfield," "A Nonsense Anthology," and "The Rubaiyat of Motor Car." She was praised for her witty and humorous writing style, evident in works like "How to Tell Wild Animals," where she creatively presents ideas to captivate readers.
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…
The poet is telling the readers that how they can recognize various animals in the jungles of the east. So, in first stanza she says that if the reader comes across an animal whose skin is yellowish brown in colour and if it roars at him so strongly that he can die out of fear, it means that he has encountered an Asian Lion. She has humorously explained the Asian Lion which could kill a person with its roar.
Or if sometime 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.
In this passage, the author describes a majestic animal that inhabits the jungle and is considered part of a noble lineage. This creature has a coat of yellowish hue adorned with striking black stripes. The author employs a darkly humorous tone as she explains that if one finds oneself in the unfortunate circumstance of being attacked and consumed by such an animal, it becomes rather moot to determine its precise species. In other words, the gruesome fate of being devoured renders the distinction between different wild animals irrelevant. The author's use of dark humor adds a layer of irony to the description, highlighting the grim reality of encountering such formidable predators in the wild.
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.
In this stanza, the poet describes a scenario where one encounters an animal while leisurely strolling through the jungle. This animal possesses a coat adorned with distinctive spots. The poet emphasizes the speed and agility of this creature, noting that it can swiftly leap upon its prey. This immediate pouncing action serves as a clear indicator of the animal's identity: it is unmistakably a leopard. Furthermore, the poet paints a vivid picture of the relentless nature of the leopard's attack, suggesting that even if one were to cry out in pain, it would be futile as the leopard would continue its assault without pause. Through this description, the poet effectively communicates the defining characteristics and behavior of the leopard in a manner that is both descriptive and engaging.
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.
In this passage, the poet describes a situation where one encounters a creature while walking in the lawn area of their house. This creature exhibits a behavior of embracing tightly, resembling a warm hug. The poet asserts that this behavior is characteristic of a bear. Moreover, to dispel any lingering doubts about the animal's identity, the poet suggests that the creature will continue to embrace and touch the person gently. This gentle and affectionate behavior serves as a clear confirmation of the animal's identity as a bear. Through this description, the poet effectively conveys the distinct behavior of bears in a manner that is both clear and illustrative.
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;
In this verse, the poet acknowledges the challenge faced by newcomers in identifying predatory animals. To aid readers in this task, the poet provides a distinction between two such animals. Firstly, the poet notes that hyenas, known for their predatory nature, typically appear to be smiling. Conversely, the poet describes crocodiles as always being in tears, emphasizing their menacing presence. Despite their differing physical characteristics, both animals are depicted as dangerous predators. By offering this comparison, the poet seeks to assist readers in distinguishing between these formidable creatures, thereby enhancing their understanding of the natural world and its potential hazards.
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.
In this stanza, the poet introduces the chameleon, a small reptile often mistaken for a lizard. However, the poet highlights key differences between the two creatures: chameleons lack ears and wings. Furthermore, the poet describes the chameleon's remarkable ability to change its color to blend in with its surroundings. This adaptive skill allows the chameleon to camouflage itself effectively, making it virtually invisible to predators and unsuspecting passersby. As a result, if one were to encounter a tree devoid of other visible inhabitants, the poet suggests that it is likely a chameleon perched upon it. By seamlessly blending into its environment, the chameleon exemplifies nature's ingenuity and the marvels of adaptation. Through this description, the poet not only educates readers about the distinguishing features of the chameleon but also underscores the fascinating diversity of the natural world.
Theme
Message
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1. What is the main theme of the poem "How to Tell Wild Animals"? |
2. Who is the poet of "How to Tell Wild Animals"? |
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