Class 9 English - MAHARASHTRA
Poetry: The Duck and the Kangaroo
The chapter 'Poetry: The Duck and the Kangaroo' from the Class 9 Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) English textbook features a delightful nonsense poem by Edward Lear. It tells the whimsical story of a dissatisfied Duck who wants to travel the world and persuades a kind Kangaroo to give her a ride on his back. This chapter is important for board exams as it tests students' comprehension of poetic devices, rhyme schemes, and the ability to appreciate humor and friendship in literature. Scoring well requires clear understanding of the text and accurate interpretation of the poet's imaginative style.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Nonsense Verse
A humorous genre of poetry that uses whimsical characters, impossible scenarios, and playful language to entertain readers without serious intent.
Poetic Dialogue
A conversation conducted between characters within a poem, used here to develop the plot and show the negotiation between the Duck and the Kangaroo.
Rhyme Scheme
The patterned end-rhyme structure of the poem (such as AABB or ABAB), which gives the verses a musical and rhythmic flow.
Alliteration
A literary device where consonant sounds at the beginning of neighbouring words are repeated, creating rhythm and musicality in lines.
Poetic License
The freedom a poet takes to alter normal grammar, spelling, or facts to suit the rhyme and meter of the poem, seen in phrases like 'quax' or 'roo'.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) Class 9 English exams, poetry sections usually carry around 5 to 8 marks. Common question types include unseen or seen extract comprehension, identifying figures of speech, writing the appreciation of the poem, and answering short descriptive questions about the plot and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of the poem 'The Duck and the Kangaroo'?
The poem highlights the themes of friendship, mutual help, and the desire to explore the wider world beyond one's immediate surroundings.
Why does the Duck want to leave her home pond?
The Duck feels bored living in the small pond all her life and wishes to see the world beyond it, inspiring her request to ride on the Kangaroo's back.
How does the Kangaroo ensure the Duck is comfortable during the journey?
The Kangaroo asks the Duck to sit steady at the end of his tail and keep her feet quiet to ensure a balanced and safe ride across land and sea.
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