How to Tell Wild Animals Class 10 English First Flight Poem 4 Summary is available here. This summary is created by the subject experts of CBSE Wale. The poem is included in the First Flight reader book, which is the main English textbook for CBSE Class 10 students. By reading this summary, students can understand the poem better and improve their English language skills.
How to Tell Wild Animals Class 10 English First Flight Poem 4 Summary
How to Tell Wild Animals Short Summary
In the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” the writer talks about dangerous wild animals in a funny way. First, she describes an Asian lion which has tawny skin and roars very loudly. Then she talks about the Bengal tiger which is a royal animal and can attack and kill a person. She also explains about the leopard which has black spotted skin and can attack a person without stopping. The writer then tells us about the bear which kills people by hugging them tightly. She also talks about hyenas and crocodiles which have unique facial expressions when they hunt their prey. Finally, she mentions the Chameleon which can change its colour to match its surroundings and looks like a lizard but without ears and wings.
How to Tell Wild Animals Short Summary In Hindi
“How to Tell Wild Animals” कविता में लेखक खतरनाक जंगली जानवरों के बारे में मजाकिया अंदाज में बात करता है। सबसे पहले, वह एक एशियाई शेर का वर्णन करती है जिसकी त्वचा सांवली होती है और बहुत जोर से दहाड़ती है। फिर वह बंगाल टाइगर के बारे में बात करती है जो एक शाही जानवर है और एक व्यक्ति पर हमला करके उसे मार सकता है। वह तेंदुए के बारे में भी बताती है जिसकी त्वचा पर काले धब्बे होते हैं और वह बिना रुके किसी व्यक्ति पर हमला कर सकता है। लेखक फिर हमें उस भालू के बारे में बताता है जो लोगों को कसकर गले लगाकर उन्हें मार डालता है। वह लकड़बग्घे और मगरमच्छों के बारे में भी बात करती हैं, जब वे अपने शिकार का शिकार करते हैं तो उनके चेहरे के भाव अनोखे होते हैं। अंत में, वह गिरगिट का उल्लेख करती है जो अपने रंग को अपने परिवेश से मेल खाने के लिए बदल सकता है और छिपकली की तरह दिखता है लेकिन कान और पंखों के बिना।
How to Tell Wild Animals Summary
The poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is written by poetess Carolyn Wells. The poet is talking about dangerous wild animals in a funny and interesting way. She describes each animal one by one, starting with the Asian lion, which has tawny skin and can roar very loudly. If we see this lion in the jungles of the east, it may scare us to death. Next, she talks about the Bengal tiger, which is a royal animal that can attack and kill people. She jokes that if we get eaten by a beautiful black-striped animal, it is probably a Bengal tiger.
Then, the poet talks about the leopard, which has black-spotted skin and can attack a person quickly. If we cry out in pain, it may not stop attacking us. Next, she introduces the bear, which hugs tightly and can kill a person that way.
The poet then asks if we know how to recognize animals that hunt their prey. She explains that hyenas always have a smiling face, and crocodiles have tears in their eyes when they hunt. Finally, she talks about the Chameleon, which looks like a lizard but doesn’t have ears or wings. The only way to tell them apart is by this information. The Chameleon can change its colour to blend in with its surroundings.
To help us understand, the poet explains that if we look at a tree and only see the tree, there may be a chameleon sitting on it. The chameleon would have changed its colour to brown, making it look like a branch of the tree.
How to Tell Wild Animals Summary In Hindi
कविता “How to Tell Wild Animals” कवयित्री Carolyn Wells द्वारा लिखी गई है। कवि खतरनाक जंगली जानवरों के बारे में मजाकिया और दिलचस्प तरीके से बात कर रहा है। वह प्रत्येक जानवर का एक-एक करके वर्णन करती है, जिसकी शुरुआत एशियाई शेर से होती है, जिसकी त्वचा सांवली होती है और वह बहुत जोर से दहाड़ सकता है। अगर हम इस शेर को पूर्व के जंगलों में देखते हैं, तो यह हमें डराकर मार सकता है। इसके बाद, वह बंगाल टाइगर के बारे में बात करती हैं, जो एक शाही जानवर है जो लोगों पर हमला कर सकता है और उन्हें मार सकता है। वह मज़ाक करती है कि अगर हमें कोई सुंदर काली धारी वाला जानवर खा जाता है, तो वह शायद बंगाल टाइगर है।
फिर, कवि तेंदुए के बारे में बात करता है, जिसकी त्वचा पर काले धब्बे होते हैं और यह किसी व्यक्ति पर जल्दी से हमला कर सकता है। यदि हम दर्द से कराहते हैं, तो हो सकता है कि वह हम पर हमला करना बंद न करे। इसके बाद, वह भालू का परिचय देती है, जो कसकर गले लगाता है और इस तरह एक व्यक्ति को मार सकता है।
इसके बाद कवि पूछता है कि क्या हमें पता है कि अपने शिकार का शिकार करने वाले जानवरों को कैसे पहचाना जाए। वह बताती हैं कि लकड़बग्घे का चेहरा हमेशा मुस्कुराता रहता है और जब वे शिकार करते हैं तो मगरमच्छों की आंखों में आंसू आ जाते हैं। अंत में, वह गिरगिट के बारे में बात करती है, जो छिपकली की तरह दिखता है लेकिन उसके कान या पंख नहीं होते हैं। उन्हें अलग बताने का एकमात्र तरीका यह जानकारी है। गिरगिट अपने रंग को अपने परिवेश के साथ मिलाने के लिए बदल सकता है।
हमें समझने में मदद करने के लिए, कवि समझाते हैं कि यदि हम एक पेड़ को देखते हैं और केवल पेड़ को देखते हैं, तो हो सकता है कि उस पर एक गिरगिट बैठा हो। गिरगिट ने अपना रंग बदलकर भूरा कर लिया होगा, जिससे वह पेड़ की एक शाखा जैसा दिखाई देगा।
The Explanation of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
Stanza 1
If ever you should go by chance
To jungles in the east;
And if there should to you advance
A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you’re dyin
You’ll know it is the Asian Lion…
Important Word Meaning
Should go by chance: “Should go by chance” is a phrase that means “if you happen to go” or “if you happen to travel by coincidence”. In the context of the stanza, the poet is suggesting that if someone ever finds themselves in the jungles of the East, they might encounter an Asian Lion.
In the east: The phrase “in the east” generally refers to the geographical region of the world that is situated to the east of Europe. This can include countries in Asia, such as China, India, and Japan, as well as other areas like the Middle East. In the context of the stanza, the poet is suggesting that if someone happens to be travelling in the jungles located in this region, they might come across an Asian Lion.
Should to you: The phrase “should to you” is an old-fashioned way of saying “if.” In modern English, we would say “if there should be” or simply “if.” The poet is using this phrase to introduce the hypothetical scenario of encountering a large and tawny beast in the jungles of the east.
Advance: In the given context, “advance” means to move forward or come forward, typically in a threatening or aggressive manner. The poet is describing the approach of a large and tawny beast that may come towards someone in the jungles of the east.
Tawny beast: “Tawny” means a brownish-orange colour, often associated with the colour of lion’s fur. In the given context, “tawny beast” refers to a large, wild animal in the jungle that has a brownish-orange coat, possibly a lion or other big cat.
Roars: “Roars” refers to the loud, deep sound made by a wild animal, such as a lion or tiger. In the given context, it means that the animal produces a loud and intimidating sound, possibly as a warning or to establish its dominance.
As you’re dyin: The phrase “as you’re dyin'” means that the person who encounters the large and tawny beast is in grave danger and could possibly die due to the beast’s attack. The phrase implies that the person is on the brink of death or very close to it.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” talks about encountering a large and tawny beast in the jungles of the East. If the beast roars at you and you feel like you are going to die from fear, then you have encountered an Asian Lion. The poet is using humour and exaggeration to describe the ferocity and danger of the lion, and is also creating a sense of adventure and excitement in the idea of encountering wild animals in the jungle.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel o in “you should go”, “should to you” and “roars at you as you”.
Personification: The poet has used ‘he’ instead of ‘it’ for the animal.
Inversion: The format of the sentence has been changed in “And if there should to you advance”.
Imagery: The poet creates a vivid image of a person encountering a large and tawny beast in the jungles of the east, and the beast roaring at them as they are dying.
Enjambment: It is the continuation of a sentence to the next line without a break.
Stanza 2
Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.
Important Word Meaning
Roaming round: “Roaming round” means wandering or strolling around aimlessly without any particular destination in mind.
Noble wild beast: In this context, “noble wild beast” refers to a majestic and powerful wild animal. The poetess is using this phrase to describe the Bengal Tiger in a grand and impressive manner.
Greets you: In this context, “greets you” means to approach and encounter someone or something. So the stanza is saying that if you happen to come across a noble wild animal while wandering around, pay attention to its appearance and behaviour.
Black stripes: “Black stripes” is a description of the pattern on the fur of an animal, specifically referring to the Bengal Tiger in this stanza of the poem.
Yellow ground: “Yellow ground” refers to the tiger’s coat which is yellow in colour.
Discern: The word “discern” means to perceive or recognize something, usually with the use of the senses or intellect. In the context of the stanza, the author is suggesting that by following the simple rule of noticing if the animal with black stripes on a yellow ground eats you, one can recognize the Bengal Tiger.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is talking about the Bengal Tiger and how to identify it. The stanza suggests that if someone is wandering around and they see a wild beast with black stripes on a yellow body, they should pay attention to whether the beast eats them. The implication is that if the tiger attacks and eats them, then it is a Bengal Tiger. The poem suggests that this is a simple rule to remember in order to identify the Bengal Tiger. The tone of the stanza is playful and humorous, despite the serious and dangerous nature of the animal being described.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words like the repetition of letter r in “roaming round”.
Inversion: The format of the sentence has been changed in “The Bengal Tiger to discern”.
Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel ‘o’ in ‘Or if some time when roaming round”.
Personification: The poet has used he instead of it for the animal.
Imagery: The stanza creates a visual image in the reader’s mind through its description of a wild beast with black stripes on a yellow ground.
Stanza 3
If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has lept on you,
You’ll know it is the Leopard.
Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again.
Important Word Meaning
Strolling forth: “Strolling forth” means walking casually or taking a leisurely walk.
Hide with spots: “Hide” refers to the skin or fur of an animal, and “spots” refer to markings or patterns on the skin or fur that are different from the base colour. So “hide with spots” means the skin or fur of the animal has spots or markings on it.
Peppered: In this context, “peppered” means covered or sprinkled with spots, as if with black pepper.
Lept: “Lept” is the past tense of the verb “leap” which means to jump or spring a long way, to jump over or across something, or to jump or move suddenly in a particular direction.
Twill do no good to roar with pain: “Twill” is a contraction of “it will”. The phrase “do no good” means that something will not be effective or useful. So the line “Twill do no good to roar with pain” means that if the leopard has already attacked and is biting the person, screaming in pain won’t help.
Lep: “Lep” is a variation of the word “leap” which means to jump or bound with force and energy. In the context of the stanza, it refers to the action of the leopard jumping on its prey.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” describes how to identify a leopard in case someone encounters one while strolling. The stanza states that if someone sees a beast with spotted skin and the beast jumps on them immediately, they will know it is a leopard. The author warns that crying out in pain may not be effective because the leopard will not stop attacking. The last line indicates that the leopard will continue to pounce and leap even if someone screams or makes noise.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel ‘o’ in “strolling forth a beast you view”, “Whose hide with spots” and “do no good to roar”.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words like repetition of letter ‘h’ in “he has”.
Repetition: The word ‘lep’ has been repeated in the last line.
Personification: The poet has used ‘he’ instead of ‘it’ for the leopard.
Consonance: Prominent sound of the consonant ‘L’ in “Hell only lep and lep again”.
Poetic Licence: The spelling of a word has been changed to create a rhythm in the poem in “lept instead of leapt is written’.
Stanza 4
If when you’re walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear.
If you have any doubts, I guess
He’ll give you just one more caress.
Important Word Meaning
Round your yard: “Round your yard” means walking around your garden or the outdoor area surrounding your house.
Creature: The word “creature” refers to any living being or animal, especially one that is not human. In this context, it refers to an animal that might be found in one’s yard, such as a bear.
Hugs: The word “hugs” in this stanza refers to the act of the bear tightly embracing or holding onto the person. It is used metaphorically to describe the physical force with which a bear might attack or maul someone.
Be sure: “Be sure” is a phrase that means to be certain or confident about something. In the context of the stanza, it means that if someone is hugged very hard by a creature in their yard, they can be certain that it is a bear.
Caress: A caress is a gentle and loving touch or gesture, often used to show affection.
Explanation
In this stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” the speaker is advising the reader on how to identify a bear. The speaker suggests that if the reader encounters a creature in their yard that hugs them very tightly, then it is most likely a bear. The use of the phrase “very, very hard” emphasises the strength and power of a bear’s embrace. The last two lines of the stanza humorously suggest that if the reader has any doubts about the identity of the creature, the bear will provide a definitive answer with one more tight hug.
Poetic Devices
Assonance: Prominent sound of the vowel ‘e’ in “You meet a creature there’.
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words like the repetition of letter ‘w’ in “when walking”, ‘b’ in “be bear” and ‘h’ in “hugs you very, very hard”.
Personification: The poet has used ‘he’ instead of ‘it’ for the animal.
Enjambment: It is the continuation of a sentence to the next line without a break.
Stanza 5
Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles
Important Word Meaning
Beasts of prey: “Beasts of prey” refers to animals that hunt and kill other animals for food. These animals are also known as predators, and they occupy the top of the food chain. Examples of beasts of prey include lions, tigers, wolves, and crocodiles.
Novice: Novice refers to a person who is new to or inexperienced in a particular activity, especially in an art, science, or profession.
Nonplus: “Nonplus” means to puzzle or perplex someone, to render them unable to react or respond. In this context, it means that someone who is not experienced in distinguishing between predatory animals may find it difficult to differentiate between them.
The Crocodile you always may: This means that it is always possible to distinguish a crocodile from other beasts of prey.
Tell from the Hyena thus: This line means that you can distinguish a crocodile from a hyena by observing a particular behaviour.
Merry smiles: “Merry smiles” in this context refers to the facial expression of the hyena which looks like a smile. The poet is using a bit of irony because hyenas are actually known to be fierce predators, but they are often depicted as smiling or laughing.
Explanation
This stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is a playful way of teaching how to distinguish between a crocodile and a hyena. The first line acknowledges that it may be difficult for a beginner to differentiate between the two, but then the stanza goes on to provide a simple rule to follow. The rule is that hyenas come with “merry smiles,” which suggests they are happy and friendly creatures. On the other hand, crocodiles are known to be vicious and dangerous, and the stanza suggests that if they “weep,” it is a deceptive ploy to lure in their prey. So, the final line of the stanza states that if a beast appears to be crying, it is most likely a crocodile in disguise.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words like the repetition of letter ‘n’ in “novice nonplus” and ‘t’ in “Tell from the Hyena thus”.
Contrast: The stanza contrasts the behaviour of hyenas and crocodiles, using the contrasting descriptions of “merry smiles” and “if they weep”.|
Enjambment: It is the continuation of a sentence to the next line without a break.
Stanza 6
The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
Tis the chameleon you see.
Important Word Meaning
Sort of thing: “Sort of thing” is an informal phrase that is used to describe something that is difficult to categorise or define precisely. In this context, it means that the true Chameleon is a small creature that belongs to the lizard family, but it has unique characteristics that set it apart from other lizards, making it a little hard to define precisely.
Tis: “Tis” is an archaic contraction of “it is” or “this is.” It is not commonly used in modern English.
Explanations Of Stanza 6
This stanza of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” talks about the true Chameleon, a small lizard-like creature that doesn’t have ears or wings. It gives a simple rule for identifying a Chameleon – if there is nothing on the tree, it is probably a Chameleon. This suggests that the Chameleon can blend in perfectly with its surroundings, to the point where it becomes difficult to spot. The stanza emphasises the Chameleon’s unique features, such as the lack of ears and wings, and uses rhyme and repetition to make it memorable.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: It is the repetition of a letter at the start of closely placed words like the repetition of letter ‘h’ in the line “he hasn’t”.
Consonance: Prominent sound of the consonant ‘g’ – single wing.
Personification: The poet has used “he” instead of “it” for the Chameleon.
Poet of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The poet of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is Carolyn Wells.
About the Poet of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
Carolyn Wells was born on June 18, 1862, in Rahway, New Jersey, and she grew up in a literary household. She started writing poetry and stories as a child and went on to become a prolific author, writing more than 170 books in various genres, including mystery novels, children’s books, and poetry. Her works were widely popular during the early 20th century, and she was known for her light-hearted and witty style. Wells was also a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters and the Women’s National Book Association. She died on March 26, 1942, in New York City.
Theme of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The theme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is the humorous and playful approach towards the identification of wild animals. The poet uses absurd and unlikely scenarios to describe the characteristics of various animals, such as a bear hugging you tightly or a leopard jumping on you. The poem also emphasises the importance of being able to distinguish between different animals, especially in the wild. Overall, the theme of the poem is to entertain and amuse the reader while also conveying some knowledge about wildlife.
Main Idea of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The main idea of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is to provide humorous and satirical instructions for identifying different types of wild animals based on their physical characteristics and behaviours. The poem uses playful language and exaggeration to make readers laugh while also teaching them about the unique traits and habits of various animals. Through this light-hearted approach, the poem also suggests that it is important to be aware of one’s surroundings and to have a basic understanding of the natural world.
Moral of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” does not necessarily have a clear moral, but it does have a message about the importance of being able to identify dangerous animals in order to avoid them. The poem emphasises the idea that many animals may appear similar to one another, but they have distinct characteristics that can help you determine whether they are safe or not. The poem also uses humour and wordplay to make the message more engaging and memorable. Overall, the poem can be seen as a lighthearted cautionary tale about the dangers of interacting with wild animals.
Message of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The message of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is to be aware of the dangers of wild animals and to learn how to identify them in order to avoid them. The poem emphasises the importance of observing the characteristics and behaviour of animals to differentiate between them and to know when to stay away. Additionally, the poem highlights the need to respect the boundaries of wild animals and to avoid disturbing them in their natural habitats.
Conclusion of the Poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is a humorous and satirical poem that presents an entertaining way of learning how to identify wild animals based on their physical characteristics and behaviour. The poet has used various literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, personification, and irony to convey the message in a witty and engaging manner. The poem has no definitive moral but rather serves as an amusing reminder of the diversity and uniqueness of the animal kingdom. Overall, the poem is a lighthearted and enjoyable read that combines education and entertainment in an imaginative way.
Rhyme Scheme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”
The rhyme scheme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is ABABCC.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To The Poem How to Tell Wild Animals
Question 1. What is the title of the poem?
Answer. The title of the poem is “How to Tell Wild Animals”.
Question 2. Who is the author of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The author of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is Carolyn Wells.
Question 3. What is the main theme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The main theme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is the identification of various wild animals.
Question 4. What is the tone of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The tone of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is humorous and playful.
Question 5. What is the meaning of the word “nonplus” in the poem?
Answer. The word “nonplus” means to confuse or puzzle someone in the poem.
Question 6. What is the message of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The message of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is to be aware of the characteristics of wild animals to avoid danger.
Question 7. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The rhyme scheme of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is ABABCC.
Question 8. What is the purpose of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The purpose of the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” is to provide a humorous guide to identify various wild animals.
Question 9. What is the difference between a crocodile and a hyena according to the poem?
Answer. According to the poem, hyenas come with merry smiles while crocodiles weep.
Question 10. What is the message conveyed through the phrase “twill do no good to” in the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The message conveyed through the repetition of the phrase “twill do no good to” in the poem is that it is pointless to resist or struggle when faced with a dangerous wild animal.
Question 11. What is the meaning of the word “caress” in the poem “How to Tell Wild Animals”?
Answer. The word “caress” means to touch or stroke gently and affectionately in the poem.