Textbook Solution: Birds of a Feather | Class 7 English Alive PDF Download

A. Choose the correct option.

Q1: The poet thinks that the grackle

(a) doesn't have an ability to feel for others.

(b) is a sensitive bird and loves other birds.

(c) is a kind bird who never bullies.

Ans: (a) doesn't have an ability to feel for others.

Q2: The grackle

(a) never harms human beings.

(b) attacks if someone troubles him.

(c) is a shy bird.

Ans: (b) attacks if someone troubles him.

Q3: In the evening the sky is full of

(a)  storks.

(b)  grackles and storks.

(c)  all kinds of birds.

Ans: (a) storks.

Q4: The birds are flying to the northlands where

(a) their old nests are waiting for them.

(b) they will have to make their new homes.

(c) the rest of the birds are.

Ans: (a) their old nests are waiting for them.

Q5: The storks are homing to

(a) their friends the Grackles.

(b) the darkling woods.

(c) the nests on top of trees.

Ans: (b) the darkling woods.

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: How did the poet find the grackle's voice?

Ans: The poet found the grackle's voice to be less than mellow, implying it was harsh and unpleasant.

Q2: Why did the poet call the grackle's heart black?

Ans: The poet called the grackle's heart black to symbolize its sinister or malevolent nature.

Q3: How did the grackle bully attractive birds?

Ans: The grackle bullied more attractive birds through hoodlum deeds and vulgar words, showcasing aggressive and dominating behavior.

Q4: Where were the storks flying to?

Ans: The storks were flying to the northlands, following a path taught by their generations.

Q5: What awaited storks in the northlands?

Ans: In the northlands, hope and old nests awaited the storks, symbolizing a return to familiar and safe places.

Q6: How did the storks fly?

Ans: The storks flew smoothly and sleekly, described as homing to the darkling woods where secrets sleep with them.

C. Think and answer these questions.

Q1: Why did the poet call the grackle an ornithological debacle?

Ans: The poet called the grackle an ornithological debacle due to its unpleasant characteristics and disruptive behavior, humorously noting it as a disaster in the bird world.

Q2: Do you think the poet hated the grackle? Why/Why not?

Ans: It's possible the poet did not actually hate the grackle but used humor and exaggeration to critique its behavior and traits. The term "debacle" suggests a humorous disdain rather than genuine hatred.

Q3: Although both the poets present the birds in completely different ways, do you think there are still some common elements between the two poems? Share your thoughts.

Ans: Both poems reflect on nature and birds, though their tones and subjects differ. "The Grackle" critiques with humor, while "Storks Fly North" celebrates natural cycles and migrations. A common element is the profound observation of bird behavior and the poetic expression of these observations.