Class 10 English - GUJARAT
Poetry: How to Tell Wild Animals
How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells is a humorous poem prescribed in the Class 10 Gujarat Board (GSEB) English curriculum. The poem introduces students to various wild animals such as the Asian Lion, Bengal Tiger, Bear, Hyena, and Crocodile through dangerous yet comical descriptions. The poet uses clever rhymes and dark humor to teach readers how to identify these beasts in the jungle. For board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, understanding poetic devices like rhyme scheme and enjambment, and answering textual questions based on specific stanzas.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Humor and Satire
The poet uses gentle irony and humor, suggesting dangerous methods to identify wild animals like getting hugged by a bear or eaten by a tiger.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem is written in a strict rhyme scheme (mostly AABBCC for each stanza), which gives it a lighthearted and song-like rhythm.
Poetic Devices
Key devices used include enjambment (carrying over a sentence without a pause) and allusion (references to mythical or well-known animals like the chameleon).
Animal Characteristics
The poem highlights distinct visual and behavioral traits of wild animals, such as the leopard's spots and the hyena's smiling face.
Identification Imagery
Vivid visual imagery is used to paint a picture of each beast, helping students visualize them clearly in their natural habitats.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Gujarat (GSEB) Class 10 English board examination, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Questions usually include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), short answer questions based on extracts, and questions testing the identification of poetic devices and central themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of the poem How to Tell Wild Animals?
The central theme is humor and how to identify dangerous wild animals using funny and risky methods.
How does the poet distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile?
The poet says that hyenas come with merry smiles, while crocodiles always weep or shed tears while eating their prey.
What poetic device is prominently used throughout the poem?
Rhyme is the most prominent device, along with enjambment and clever wordplay to create humor.
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