NCERT Solutions Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 Poem: The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” is an important part of the Class 10 English syllabus.
It highlights the contrast between a tiger’s life in the wild and in captivity. In the wild, the tiger is free, powerful, and confident, roaming the forests without restrictions. In a zoo, however, the tiger is confined to a small space, which restricts its natural behavior and diminishes its strength and pride.
The poem also reflects the poet’s concern for wildlife and the effects of human interference on nature.
Students studying this chapter in Class 10 English can understand themes such as freedom vs. captivity, nature, and the impact of humans on animals. By referring to the A Tiger in the Zoo question answer, learners can effectively prepare for Class 10 board exams, grasp the poet’s message, and appreciate the use of imagery and poetic techniques in the syllabus.
Chapter 2 Poem Class 10 A Tiger in the Zoo Summary
The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” by Leslie Norris describes the difference between a tiger’s life in the wild and in captivity. In the forest, the tiger is powerful, free, and confident, moving swiftly and proudly. In a zoo, however, the tiger is confined to a small space, which restricts its instincts and diminishes its strength and pride.
The poem highlights the impact of human interference on wildlife and conveys the theme of freedom versus captivity. Through vivid imagery, the poet emphasizes the beauty and power of animals in their natural habitat and evokes sympathy for those kept in captivity.
A Tiger in the Zoo Question Answer
Class 10 English “A Tiger in the Zoo” question answer helps students understand the poem’s theme of freedom versus captivity. It explains the tiger’s life in the wild and in a zoo, highlighting human impact on nature. This is an important part of the Class 10 syllabus for exam preparation.
Thinking about the Poem (Page 30-31)
Question 1: Read the poem again, and work in pairs or groups to do the following tasks.
(i) Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.
(ii) Find the words that describe the two places, and arrange them in two columns.
Now try to share ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast the two situations.
Answer:
(i)
| In the Cage | In the Wild |
| Stalks | Lurking in shadow |
| Few steps of his cage | Sliding through long grass |
| Quiet rage | Snarling around houses |
| Locked in concrete cell | Baring his white fangs, his claws |
| Stalking the length of his cage | Terrorising the village |
| Ignoring visitors | |
| Stares with his brilliant eyes at the brilliant stars |
(ii)
| Cage | Wild |
| Few steps of his cage | Shadow |
| Locked | Water hole |
| Concrete cell | Long grass |
| Behind bars | Plump deer |
| Visitors | Houses at the jungle’s edge |
| Patrolling cars | Village |
Question 2: Notice the use of a word repeated in lines such as these:
(i) On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.
(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.
What do you think is the effect of this repetition?
Answer:
The poet uses repetition to create a poetic effect, enhancing the intensity of the tiger’s rage and his silent helplessness within the concrete confines of the cage. The phrase ‘velvet quiet’ refers to the tiger’s soft pads, which move silently, unable to run or leap freely. Trapped in his limited space, the tiger can only pace around the cage.
The term ‘quiet rage’ reflects the tiger’s anger and ferocious nature building up inside him as he longs to run freely into the forest and hunt. His rage is ‘quiet’ because he is confined and powerless. The repetition of ‘quiet’ adds a lyrical charm to the poem. Similarly, the word ‘brilliant’ is used for both the tiger’s eyes and the stars, emphasizing their majestic qualities. The tiger gazes at the brilliant stars with his brilliant eyes, imagining the beautiful, free life he could have led in the forest. In this way, repetition creates a rhythmic effect and adds grandeur to the lines.
Question 3: Read the following two poems — one about a tiger and the other about a panther. Then discuss:
Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public? Are there alternatives to zoos?
The Tiger
The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
Then he thinks.
It would be nice not to be behind bars all
The time
Because they spoil my view
I wish I were wild, not on show.
But if I were wild, hunters might shoot me,
But if I were wild, food might poison me,
But if I were wild, water might drown me.
Then he stops thinking
And…
The tiger behind the bars of his cage growls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage snarls,
The tiger behind the bars of his cage roars.
PETER NIBLETT
The Panther
His vision, from the constantly passing bars,
has grown so weary that it cannot hold
anything else. It seems to him there are
a thousand bars; and behind the bars, no world.
As he paces in cramped circles, over and over,
the movement of his powerful soft strides
is like a ritual dance around a centre
in which a mighty will stands paralysed.
Only at times, the curtain of the pupils
lifts, quietly. An image enters in,
rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles,
plunges into the heart and is gone.
RAINER MARIA RILKE
Answer:
A zoo is a place where various species of animals are kept, including some that are endangered or close to extinction. Even endangered tigers and lions are not completely safe in the wild due to poaching and illegal trading. For this reason, zoos play an important role in the conservation and protection of such species.
They serve as a safe haven for animals while also educating the public about the importance of wildlife and their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Other alternatives to zoos include wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves, and national parks. These options not only help protect and conserve species but also provide animals with a natural habitat amidst the environment.
Question 4:
Take a point of view for or against zoos, or even consider both points of view and write a couple of paragraphs or speak about this topic for a couple of minutes in class.
Answer:
Activity to be done by yourself.