Summary: Upon the Songs of Whales | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

Introduction:

The poem celebrates the beauty and significance of whales in the sea. It describes a mesmerizing encounter with a humpback whale and explores various types of whales and their unique characteristics.

Stanza 1:

The finest singer in the sea
I heard upon this morn
And in that strange, sonorous tone
A universe was born.

Explanation:  In the first stanza, the poet introduces us to a profound experience they had while hearing the most exquisite singer in the sea. This singer, whose voice is likened to the creation of a universe, likely represents a whale, known for their complex and haunting vocalizations. The use of the phrase "a universe was born" metaphorically emphasizes the expansive and awe-inspiring impact of the whale’s song, suggesting that the sound is so powerful and beautiful it could give rise to an entire cosmos, capturing both the enormity and the mystique of the oceanic world.

Stanza 2:

The low melodic wailing touched
And roused me from my sleep
As the humpback lithe and languid
Made a turn and sounded deep.

Explanation:  This stanza depicts the moment the poet is awakened from sleep by the enchanting song of a humpback whale, described as both "melodic" and "wailing." The terms "lithe" and "languid" highlight the graceful, effortless movements of the whale as it navigates through the water, turning and diving ("sounded deep") into the depths. The whale’s song is so vivid and moving that it serves as a natural alarm clock, rousing the poet to consciousness with its beauty and depth.

Stanza 3:

And as my mind awakes it turns
To whales large and small
To the snowy white beluga
The canary of them all.

Explanation: 
As the poet fully awakens, their thoughts broaden to include various species of whales. The mention of the "snowy white beluga," referred to as the "canary of them all," draws a comparison to the canary bird, known for its melodious voice, thus highlighting the beluga’s distinctive and pleasant vocalizations. This stanza reflects a moment of contemplation and appreciation for the diversity and uniqueness of whale species, each contributing its voice to the ocean's chorus.

Stanza 4:

The clicking bursts of sperm whales
And the California grey
 The fin whale speaks across the sea
 To those a world away.

Explanation: Here, the poet discusses the distinct sounds made by different whale species. The "clicking bursts" of the sperm whales and the vocalizations of the "California grey" and the "fin whale" illustrate the variety of communications across species, which can resonate over great distances in the ocean. These acoustic signals are vital for social interactions and navigation across the vast marine landscape, indicating a complex, interconnected whale society.

Stanza 5:

The short and long-finned pilot whales
With whistles quite complex
 The striking graceful orcas
Speak in different dialects.

Explanation:  This stanza delves into the sophisticated communication methods of pilot whales and orcas. The "whistles quite complex" of the pilot whales and the varied "dialects" of orcas suggest a highly developed social structure and linguistic diversity within these cetacean communities. The poet emphasizes the intelligence and elegance of these creatures, underscoring their ability to communicate in nuanced and elaborate ways.

Stanza 6:

But it is the great blue whale
 That makes the loudest cry
 Though it is far too rare today
With such an awful why.

Explanation: The poet laments the plight of the great blue whale, which, despite having the loudest call in the animal kingdom, is endangered. The "awful why" hints at the tragic, largely human-driven reasons behind their dwindling numbers, such as hunting, pollution, and habitat loss. This stanza serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of even the most formidable natural phenomena.
Stanza 7:

But on this wondrous morning
I Am filled with joyous glee
That God has given life to whales
And gave to them the sea.

Explanation:  Concluding on a note of hope and reverence, the poet expresses a profound joy and gratitude for the existence of whales. This joy is seen as a gift from God, reflecting a spiritual appreciation for the natural world. The stanza encapsulates a sense of wonder and thankfulness for the marine life that enriches our planet, emphasizing a divine or cosmic significance in the creation and sustaining of these magnificent beings.

Theme and Message:

The poem celebrates the beauty, diversity, and significance of whales in the ocean. It highlights the unique characteristics of different whale species and emphasizes the importance of preserving their existence. Despite the challenges they face, the poem ends on a hopeful note, appreciating the wonder of life in the sea and acknowledging it as a divine gift.

List of Difficult Words and Meanings:

Sonorous - producing a deep, full, rich sound.

Melodic - pleasant-sounding; melodious.

Languid - slow and relaxed.

Beluga - a species of white whale.

Sperm whales - a large whale known for its clicking sounds.

Fin whale - a large whale species with distinctive fin shapes.

Dialects - forms of language unique to a particular region or group.

Loudest - producing the highest volume of sound.

Joyous - full of joy; happy.

Glee - great delight or pleasure.