Introduction: A Tiger in the Zoo - Class 10 PDF Download

About the Author- Leslie Norris
Leslie Norris – A Short Biography

Leslie Norris was a famous Welsh poet and short story writer. He was born in 1921, in Wales. Leslie Norris had decided even at an early age that he would become a poet. He was very much interested in the poems of Dylan Thomas and Vernon Watkins. His first poem was published in 1938 but his first book of poetry came out in 1943. In July 1942, Norris married Catherine, better known as Kitty. They moved to England and trained themselves to be teachers. He shot to fame with his first publication ‘Finding Gold’. His works won various awards including the Cholmondeley Poetry Prize and the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Award. Leslie died in 2006. 

INTRODUCTION 

‘ATiger in the Zoo’ is a lovely poem by Leslie Norris.I’ltis poem contrasts a tiger in the zoo to the tiger in its natural habitat. The poem moves from the zoo to the jungle, and back again to the zoo. In his natural surroundings, the tiger is happy and joyful. But in a cage, he is full of rage and trouble. The poem shows the great importance of freedom.

Central Idea of the Poem 

The tiger is a proud creature. It is a shame that such a powerful, agile and untamable animals should be caged in a zoo. In his natural and wild habitat, he doesn’t need the help of any kind to hunt its own food. His hunting of deer at the water hole may seem rather cruel. He hunts not for pleasure but for food. His presence in the natural habitat is necessary to maintain the balance of the food chain. Sometimes, the tiger may stray into human habitation. He only displays his strength and ferociousness. But he doesn’t harm anyone till he is provoked. Even in the cage, he ignores all those who come to the zoo to see him as entertainment. Like human beings, the tiger too loves and values his freedom. He shows his anger, hatred and even defiance by walking about in rage in his cage. Human progress should not be at the cost of destroying the natural habitats of untamable and proud animals like the tiger. 

Style 

The poem consists of 5 stanzas, each is made up of 4 lines. The rhyme scheme is: abcb; abcb; abcb; abcb; abcb. The poem has two distinct settings. The first setting is that of the zoo where the tiger is put in a cage. The second setting is that of the natural wild habitat of the tiger which should have been his real place. The personification of the tiger is evident as the poet calls him ‘he’, and not ‘it’. The metaphor ‘pads of velvet’ is used effectively in the third line of the first stanza. The tense tone represents the hidden rage of the tiger.

Word-Meaning

Stalk—to walk in an angry or proud way Vivid—very bright, Stripes—long lines on the body, Cage—a box made of bars or wire, Pads—cushion, Velvet—a soft silk cloth Quiet—making very little noise, Rage—violent anger