Summary: A boy and his dog | Class 6 English Skylark: Summary, Worksheets, Question & Ans PDF Download

About the Poet

Edgar Albert Guest was a prolific English-born American poet who became known as the People's Poet. He was born on August 20, 1881, in Birmingham, England, and moved to the United States with his family as a child. Guest's poetry often focused on themes of everyday life, inspiration, and optimism. He worked as a newspaperman and published more than 11,000 poems during his lifetime. Guest's simple and heartfelt verses resonated with a wide audience, earning him a reputation as a popular poet in the early 20th century.

Key Points of the Poem

• The poem "A Boy and His Dog" by Edgar A Guest consists of 7 stanzas.
• The poem celebrates the unique bond between a boy and his dog, highlighting the deep friendship and loyalty they share.
• It explores the companionship, understanding, and joy that come from the relationship between the boy and his dog.
• The poem emphasizes the unwavering loyalty and love of a dog towards its master, showcasing the dog's faithfulness and devotion.

Detailed Summary

A boy and his dog make a glorious pair;
No better friendship is found anywhere,
For they talk and they walk and they run and they play,
And they have their deep secrets for many a day;
And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

In this stanza, the poet Edgar A. Guest talks about the wonderful friendship between a boy and his dog. They are like a perfect team together. The bond between them is so special that you can't find a better friendship anywhere else. They do everything together – talking, walking, running, and playing. They share secrets that only they know for many days. The boy's dog is not just a pet; he is like a friend who understands the boy's thoughts and feelings. They are always seen together, with the dog faithfully following the boy wherever he goes.

Stanza 2

Getting Started,
The love and loyalty shown by a dog for its master cannot be easily expressed. How
does your pet treat you when you reach home after a long and tiring day?

In this stanza, the poet asks us to think about the love and loyalty that a dog shows towards its owner. This love is so deep and genuine that it's hard to put into words. The poet wants us to imagine coming home after a long and tiring day and how our own pets, if we have them, would greet us. Dogs have a special way of showing their affection and loyalty, often making their owners feel loved and cherished. They have a unique way of making us feel better, especially after a tough day.

Stanza 3

He may go where he will and his dog will be there,
May revel in mud and his dog will not care;
Faithful he’ll stay for the slightest command
And bark with delight at the touch of his hand;
Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals,
Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.
No other can lure him away from his side;
He’s proof against riches and station and pride;
Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery’s breath
Is lost on the dog, for he’s faithful to death;
He sees the great soul which the body conceals—
Oh, it’s great to be young with a dog at your heels!

This stanza celebrates the unwavering loyalty and companionship of a dog towards its owner. The poet describes how a dog will always be by its owner's side, no matter where they go or what they do. Even if the owner indulges in messy activities like playing in the mud, the dog doesn't mind at all. The dog is always ready to obey even the smallest command from its owner and expresses joy when receiving affection. The poet emphasizes that having a faithful dog by your side is like owning a priceless treasure that can never be stolen. Material possessions, wealth, or social status cannot sway the dog's loyalty; it remains devoted until the end. The dog can see beyond outward appearances and recognizes the true essence of a person, making the companionship with a dog truly special and valuable, especially in one's youth.

Theme/ Message

Theme: The primary theme of the poem revolves around the profound bond and companionship between a boy and his dog. It delves into the loyalty, love, and mutual understanding that define their relationship. The poem celebrates the simplicity and purity of the bond they share, emphasizing the joy and comfort that come from their companionship.

Message: Through the depiction of the boy and his dog, the poem conveys a message of unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. It highlights the value of genuine friendship and the emotional support that can be found in the company of a loyal companion. The poem encourages readers to appreciate the unconditional love and unwavering devotion that animals, like dogs, can offer, emphasizing the beauty of such pure relationships.

Difficult Words

• Revel: To take great pleasure or delight in something.
• Command: An authoritative order or instruction.
• Proof: Evidence or argument establishing or helping to establish a fact or the truth of a statement.
• Conceals: Keeps from sight; hides.
• Comrade: A companion who shares one's activities or is a fellow member of an organization.
• Station: A person's social position in relation to others.
• Flattery: Excessive and insincere praise, especially given to further one's own interests.
• Charm: The power or quality of giving delight or arousing admiration.
• Conceals: Keeps from sight; hides.
• Riverbank: The sloping side of a river or stream, often where the water meets the land.