ANIMAL POEM
so placid and self-contain’d,I stand and look at them long and long.
They do not sweat and whine about their condition,
They do not lie awake in the dark and weep for their sins,
They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God,
Not one is dissatisfied, not one is demented with
the mania of owning things,
Not one kneels to another, nor to his kind that
lived thousands of years ago,
Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.
So they show their relations to me and I accept them,
They bring me tokens of myself, they evince
them plainly in their possession
I wonder where they get those tokens,
Did I pass that way huge times ago and negligently drop them
*Step-wise Explanation of the Poem "Animal" by CBSE Class 10:*
*Step 1: Read the poem carefully and understand the overall meaning.*
The poem "Animal" by CBSE Class 10 is about the speaker's admiration for animals. The speaker believes that animals are more placid and self-contained than humans. They are happy with what they have and do not complain or worry about the things they do not have. Humans, on the other hand, are always complaining and worrying about something. They are also obsessed with material possessions and social status.
*Step 2: Identify the key themes and ideas of the poem.*
The key themes and ideas of the poem are:
* The simplicity and contentment of animals
* The greed and dissatisfaction of humans
* The importance of living in the present moment
* The need to be grateful for what we have
*Step 3: Analyze the poet's use of language and imagery.*
The poet uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message, including:
* *Imagery:* The poet uses vivid imagery to create a clear picture of the animals in the reader's mind. For example, he describes the animals as being "Tawny" and "lithe."
* *Personification:* The poet gives the animals human qualities, such as the ability to think and feel. For example, he writes that the animals "never complain" and "never lie awake at night."
* *Metaphor:* The poet compares and contrasts humans and animals throughout the poem. For example, he writes that humans are "greedy and dissatisfied" while animals are "placid and self-contained."
*Step 4: Interpret the poem's meaning and significance.*
The poem's meaning and significance can be interpreted in different ways. On one level, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and simplicity of animals. On another level, the poem is a critique of human greed and dissatisfaction. The poem also suggests that we can learn a lot from animals, such as how to live in the present moment and be grateful for what we have.
*Step 5: Apply the poem's message to your own life.*
The poem's message can be applied to our own lives in a number of ways. For example, we can learn from the animals to be more content with what we have and to worry less about the things we do not have. We can also learn from the animals to live in the present moment and to appreciate the simple things in life.
*Conclusion*
The poem "Animal" is a thought-provoking poem that challenges us to think about our relationship with animals and with nature. The poem's message is still relevant today, and it is a poem that everyone should read and reflect on.
The poet says that he is desirous of living with animals as they are calm and self-contained. He appreciates the numerous qualities of animals. The self-contained nature of animals explains that they are happy in their own lives and do not interfere in others’ lives. They are satisfied with what they have and do not have the greed to earn more than others. Moreover, animals’ calm nature shows that they do not run after materialistic things like humans. They are at peace in all situations. The ups and downs in their life do not bother them. They know how to deal with such situations.
In the second stanza, the poet says that animals do not complain about their life. Whatever the conditions are, they never sweat and cry. Neither do they stay awake till late at night; nor do they cry for their wrongdoings. They are very truthful and do their duties toward God. They are not like humans who do things just to showcase their duties in the name of God. Animals are satisfied with themselves. They do not behave crazily and madly to own things. They are free from their desires and longings.
In the third stanza, the poet says that animals do not bend down on their knees in front of others. He has never seen any animals doing so to show their devotion to others. They have not done this for their ancestors who lived thousands of years ago. Further, the poet says that animals do not show respect to others the way humans do. They are not double faced, showing themselves good in front of others and having evil thoughts running in their minds. They never feel unhappy and live their life in joy on the earth. Here, the poet conveys that one animal eats another animal as food, but they never hide this. They exhibit their behavior in front of others as they are. There are no hidden or fake things among animals like humans. That’s why the poet accepts them the way they are. He further says that animals bring happiness in his life and make him feel the way he is. Animals do not hide anything and show their possessions.
In the end, the poet says that he wonders where animals got these good qualities from. He further asks himself, did he lose his good qualities or has he left them somewhere carelessly a long time back. He feels that humans lost their good qualities and passed them to the animals.
Important question
QUESTION 1Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer;
In this line here, the poet wants to turn from human into an animal. This turning is symbolic of the poet’s detachment from human beings and their nature and his appreciation of the animal kind.
question Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
AnswerAnimals do not cry and complain over their conditions. They do not. commit sins and therefore do not weep for them. They are also very satisfied creatures and have no desire to possess material things. Humans, on the contrary, complain all the time, commit all sorts of sins and are affected with the madness of owning things.
In the second stanza, the poet says that animals do not complain about their life. Whatever the conditions are, they never sweat and cry. Neither do they stay awake till late at night; nor do they cry for their wrongdoings. They are very truthful and do their duties toward God. They are not like humans who do things just to showcase their duties in the name of God. Animals are satisfied with themselves. They do not behave crazily and madly to own things. They are free from their desires and longings.
In the third stanza, the poet says that animals do not bend down on their knees in front of others. He has never seen any animals doing so to show their devotion to others. They have not done this for their ancestors who lived thousands of years ago. Further, the poet says that animals do not show respect to others the way humans do. They are not double faced, showing themselves good in front of others and having evil thoughts running in their minds. They never feel unhappy and live their life in joy on the earth. Here, the poet conveys that one animal eats another animal as food, but they never hide this. They exhibit their behavior in front of others as they are. There are no hidden or fake things among animals like humans. That’s why the poet accepts them the way they are. He further says that animals bring happiness in his life and make him feel the way he is. Animals do not hide anything and show their possessions.
In the end, the poet says that he wonders where animals got these good qualities from. He further asks himself, did he lose his good qualities or has he left them somewhere carelessly a long time back. He feels that humans lost their good qualities and passed them to the animals.
Important question
QUESTION 1Notice the use of the word ‘turn’ in the first line, “I think I could turn and live with animals…”. What is the poet turning from?
Answer;
In this line here, the poet wants to turn from human into an animal. This turning is symbolic of the poet’s detachment from human beings and their nature and his appreciation of the animal kind.
question Mention three things that humans do and animals don’t.
AnswerAnimals do not cry and complain over their conditions. They do not. commit sins and therefore do not weep for them. They are also very satisfied creatures and have no desire to possess material things. Humans, on the contrary, complain all the time, commit all sorts of sins and are affected with the madness of owning things.
*Competency-Based Learning Questions and Answers:*
1. *Question:* How does the poem "Animals" encourage students to explore the beauty of nature?
- *Answer:* The poem "Animals" serves as a poetic lens through which CBSE Class 10 students can delve into the intricacies of nature. By vividly describing the various facets of animals, it prompts students to appreciate and connect with the beauty inherent in the animal kingdom.
2. *Question:* What specific poetic devices are employed in the CBSE Class 10 poem "Animals" to convey the essence of nature?
- *Answer:* The poem skillfully incorporates poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and personification. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative language, it paints a vibrant picture of animals, enabling students to grasp the beauty of nature through the lens of poetry.
3. *Question:* How can students relate the themes of the poem to their own experiences or observations of animals in the natural world?
- *Answer:* The poem provides a platform for students to draw parallels between the verses and their personal encounters with animals. By reflecting on their observations and experiences, students can deepen their understanding of the poem and establish a meaningful connection with the themes presented.
4. *Question:* Discuss the role of competency-based learning in exploring and analyzing the poem "Animals" for CBSE Class 10 students.
- *Answer:* Competency-based learning in the context of this poem involves not just memorizing verses but comprehending the deeper meanings. Students are encouraged to analyze the poem's themes, identify poetic devices, and express their interpretations. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of literature, promoting critical thinking and analytical skills.
5. *Question:* How can educators leverage the poem "Animals" to enhance language and communication skills among CBSE Class 10 students?
- *Answer:* Educators can use the poem as a catalyst for language development by encouraging students to articulate their thoughts and interpretations. Discussing the poem in a group setting, analyzing its nuances, and expressing ideas in written form can significantly contribute to honing language and communication skills.
6. *Question:* In what ways can the poem "Animals" serve as a source of inspiration for creative expression among CBSE Class 10 students?
- *Answer:* The poem's rich imagery and evocative language provide a fertile ground for creative expression. Students can be encouraged to create their own poems, artwork, or even short stories inspired by the themes presented in "Animals," fostering creativity and originality in their expressions.
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QUESTIONS WITH VALUE POINTS
Value-Based Questions:
Question: How does the poem "Animal" reflect the importance of empathy towards the creatures described?
Answer: The poem emphasizes the significance of empathy by vividly portraying the lives of animals. It prompts readers to recognize the shared emotions and experiences of these creatures, fostering a sense of compassion.
Question: Discuss how the poem encourages readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment.
Answer: The poem underscores the delicate balance between animals and their habitats. It encourages readers to reflect on the interconnected web of life, promoting a sense of responsibility towards preserving ecosystems.
Question: In what ways does the poem convey the theme of respect for nature and its inhabitants?
Answer: Through its portrayal of animals and their natural behaviors, the poem instills a sense of respect for the inherent value of every living being. It invites readers to consider the role of each creature in the larger tapestry of nature.
Question: How does the poem "Animal" inspire a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship and conservation?
Answer: By illustrating the beauty and vulnerability of animals, the poem motivates readers to take an active role in environmental conservation. It promotes a sense of responsibility towards protecting the habitats and well-being of these creatures.
Question: Discuss the role of understanding and awareness in fostering positive attitudes towards animals, as depicted in the poem.
Answer: The poem highlights the importance of understanding and awareness in shaping attitudes towards animals. It suggests that by gaining knowledge about their lives and behaviors, individuals can develop a deeper appreciation and empathy for the animal kingdom.
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