Chapter 2.1
Get into pairs and attempt the following :
“The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.”- Mark Twain.
answer : Discuss with your partner what Mark Twain means from the above quote. Write in your own words.
Mark Twain’s quote suggests that as he got to know people better, he started appreciating his dog more. People can often be selfish, judgmental, or act in ways that are hard to understand. With time, human relationships can become stressful and complicated. But dogs are different — they are always loyal, loving, and happy just to be with you. They don’t judge or expect too much. Twain might be saying that the honesty and simplicity of a dog’s companionship are sometimes more comforting than dealing with human behavior.
3. At times, especially when you are frustrated, you wish you were an animal/ a bird/ a fish/ a butterfly and not a human being. Say which of the above you would choose to transform to and give 3 or 4 reasons for your choice.
I wish I could be a ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
answer: If only I were a bird! I wouldn’t have to worry about long study hours or exam stress. Instead of sitting in a classroom, I’d be gliding freely in the sky, far away from textbooks and pressure. No more traffic or rush to coaching classes — I’d simply fly wherever I need to go. Learning about bird migration? I’d live it firsthand, joining flocks across continents. Forget rote learning — I’d learn by doing. Honestly, turning into a bird during exam season feels like the perfect way to escape all the stress.
- Complete the following.
(a) The poet wishes he could …………………………………………………………..
(b) Animals do not complain about …………………………………………………………..
(c) Animals do not merely discuss …………………………………………………………..
(d) Animals are not crazy about …………………………………………………………..
answer: (a) The poet wishes he could turn and live with the animals.
(b) Animals do not complain about their condition.
(c) Animals do not merely discuss their duty to God.
(d) Animals are not crazy about owning things.
- State whether the following statements are true or false.
(a) Animals are self-reliant.
(b) Animals quarrel for their possessions.
(c) Animals do not worship other animals.
(d) Humans have given up many good qualities.
(e) Animals suffer humiliation.
(f) The poet has retained all his natural virtues.
answer : (a) Animals are self-reliant. True
(b) Animals quarrel for their possessions. False
(c) Animals do not worship other animals. True
(d) Humans have given up many good qualities. True
(e) Animals suffer humiliation. False
(f) The poet has retained all his natural virtues. False
- Identify the Figures of Speech in the following lines.
(a) I stand and look at them long and long.
Ans: Repetition
The word “long” is repeated to emphasize the poet’s deep admiration and prolonged observation of the animals.
(b) They do not sweat and whine about their condition.
Ans: Parallelism
The sentence uses a parallel structure ("sweat and whine") to compare the calm nature of animals with the complaining nature of humans.
(c) They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God.
Ans: Alliteration
The repetition of the ‘d’ sound in “discussing their duty to God” creates a rhythmic effect, which is an example of alliteration.
(d) …… not one is demented with the mania of owning things.
Ans: Hyperbole
The phrase “demented with the mania” is an overstatement used to show how obsessed humans are with possessions, unlike animals.
(e) They bring me tokens of myself.
Ans: Metaphor
“Tokens of myself” symbolizes the inner virtues or qualities that the poet sees in animals, which he believes once existed in humans too.
(f) No one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.
Ans: Double Negative
This line uses two negatives (“no one” and “unhappy”) to express a positive and universal truth about equality and peace among animals.
Read the poem again and write an appreciation of the poem in a paragraph format with the help of given points.
Point Format
The title of the poem: Animals
The poet: Walt Whitman
Rhyme scheme: free verse (no rhyme scheme)
Figures of speech : Repetition, Alliteration, Hyperbole, etc.
The theme/central idea : Animals are better than humans.
Answer:
The poem “Animals” by Walt Whitman is quite thought-provoking. It compares the lives of animals with those of humans and shows how animals are more content and peaceful. The poem doesn’t follow a fixed rhyme scheme, but it includes poetic devices such as repetition, metaphor, hyperbole, and alliteration to express its message effectively.
The poet seems to admire the simplicity and honesty in the way animals live. Unlike humans, they don’t complain, show off, or chase after material things. I think that’s a strong point — animals do seem more at peace. While I believe both humans and animals have their strengths, the poem definitely makes us reflect on our own behavior and values. It’s a meaningful reminder to live more simply and sincerely.
- What is the poet’s initial feeling towards animals?
(a) Fearful
(b) Indifferent
(c) Admiring
(d) Disgusted
answer: (c) Admiring
2.The line “They do not sweat and whine about their condition” refers to:
(a) Animals’ physical comfort
(b) Animals’ lack of complaints
(c) Animals’ strength
(d) Animals’ fear of humans
answer: (b) Animals’ lack of complaints
3. The line “Not one kneels to another” suggests that animals:
(a) Are all the same
(b) Respect each other deeply
(c) Don’t have social classes
(d) Are all afraid of humans
answer: (c) Don’t have social classes
(c) A longing for a simpler life
answer:(c) A longing for a simpler life
5. Identify the poetic device-
Identify the poetic device-
“They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins”
(a) Alliteration
(b) Hyperbole
(c) Metaphor
(d) Repetition
answer: (d) Repetition
6. What does the poet find distasteful?
(a) Animals’ appearance
(b) Animals’ lack of intelligence
(c) Discussions about religious duty
(d) Animals’ way of life
7. What is the tone of the poem?
(a) Angry
(b) Playful
(c) Longing
(d) Humorous
answer: (c) Longing
