Question 1
Find the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange them in two columns.
| In the Cage | In the Wild |
|---|---|
| Stalks in quiet rage | Lurking in the shadow |
| Stalking the length of his cage | Sliding through long grass |
| Ignoring visitors | Snarling around houses |
| Hears the last voice (patrolling cars) | Baring his white fangs |
| Stares at the stars | Terrorising the 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?
(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?
This repetition is a poetic device used by the poet to increase intensity:
- Quiet: Used to describe the tiger’s padded paws (“velvet quiet”) and his suppressed anger (“quiet rage”). It emphasizes his helplessness, silence, and inability to run or roar freely.
- Brilliant: Used for the tiger’s eyes and the stars. It contrasts the tiger’s longing for freedom (looking at the gleaming stars) with his confinement. It highlights that his spirit and desire for freedom are still burning bright despite being caged.
Question 3
Are zoos necessary for the protection or conservation of some species of animals? Are they useful for educating the public?
Opinion: Zoos can be essential for protection and conservation, especially for endangered species that might be hunted or poisoned in the wild. They also help educate the public and make humans friendly with animals.
However, a zoo is not the right replacement for a forest. In a zoo, an animal feels imprisoned, bound, and not free to move around. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are better alternatives as they provide security as well as natural surroundings for the species to roam freely.
However, a zoo is not the right replacement for a forest. In a zoo, an animal feels imprisoned, bound, and not free to move around. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are better alternatives as they provide security as well as natural surroundings for the species to roam freely.