2.1 - Animals - Std 10 - Kumarbharati

BhashaLab
Aug 2
4 min read

Updated: Aug 9

Poet: Walt Whitman

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Genre: Free Verse Poem (Reflective)

Summary:

In this poem, the poet Walt Whitman expresses his admiration for animals and their simple, content lives. He contrasts animals with human beings, who are full of complaints, guilt, greed, and false pride. Animals, on the other hand, live peacefully, are self-sufficient, and accept life as it is. They do not obsess over wealth, do not worship or bow to others, and never discuss religious duties or sins. According to the poet, animals still possess the natural virtues that humans have lost - such as simplicity, honesty, and innocence. He wonders if humans once had these values and simply discarded them over time. The poem reflects the poet's deep connection with nature and his disappointment in the complexity and hypocrisy of human society.

Theme / Central Idea:

The poem emphasizes the spiritual superiority of animals over humans. It contrasts the peaceful, self-contained life of animals with the restless, dissatisfied, and materialistic life of humans. The poet believes that animals still hold on to the virtues that humans have lost.

Word Meanings:

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Placid	Calm and peaceful
Self-contain’d	Self-sufficient; needing no outside help
Whine	Complain in an annoying way
Demented	Mad; mentally disturbed
Mania	Craze or obsession
Tokens (in poem)	Signs or qualities (e.g., virtues)
Evince	Show or reveal
Negligently	Without proper care or attention

Figures of Speech:

Figure of Speech	Line Example
Repetition	“I stand and look at them long and long.”
Alliteration	“They do not sweat and whine…” (repetition of ‘w’ sound)
Hyperbole	“Not one is respectable or unhappy over the whole earth.”
Metaphor	“They bring me tokens of myself.” (tokens = virtues)

Two-Mark Questions

Q1. Why does the poet admire animals more than humans?

→ The poet admires animals because they are peaceful, self-sufficient, and content. Unlike humans, they do not complain, worship others, or chase wealth and reputation. Animals live honestly and simply, which the poet finds admirable.

Q2. What is the meaning of ‘tokens of myself’ in the poem?

→ The phrase ‘tokens of myself’ refers to the virtues of simplicity, honesty, and contentment that the poet once believed were human traits. He finds these values now reflected only in animals and wonders if humans have carelessly lost them.

Q3. How do animals differ from humans in their attitude towards material things?

→ Animals are not obsessed with owning things. They are satisfied with their basic needs. In contrast, humans are filled with greed and constantly chase possessions, leading to dissatisfaction and madness.

Q4. What qualities of animals does the poet appreciate?

→ The poet appreciates that animals are calm, self-contained, non-materialistic, do not worship others, and do not feel guilt. They live without complaints and show dignity and balance in life.

Q5. What tone does the poet use in this poem?

→ The tone of the poem is admiring and reflective. The poet expresses deep respect for animals and a sense of disappointment in human behavior.

True or False:

The poet thinks animals are mad with the mania of owning things. → False
Animals kneel to others or worship their ancestors. → False
Animals show the lost values of humanity. → True

Probable Board Questions

Q1. What does the poet mean when he says, “They do not make me sick discussing their duty to God”?

→ The poet means that animals do not pretend to be religious or boast about their spiritual practices. Unlike humans, they live honestly and do not use religion for show or superiority.

Q2. What human characteristics does the poet criticize in the poem?

→ The poet criticizes humans for being dissatisfied, greedy, fake, and full of complaints. He also disapproves of their obsession with property, guilt over sins, and social hierarchies.

Q3. What message does Walt Whitman convey through this poem?

→ Whitman conveys that animals are morally and spiritually superior to humans. He urges us to reflect on how we’ve lost our natural virtues and encourages a return to simplicity and honesty.

Q4. Describe the poet’s tone and attitude towards animals.

→ The poet’s tone is respectful and admiring. He sees animals as noble beings who possess the virtues humans once had. His attitude is reflective and critical of human flaws.

Appreciation of the Poem

The poem Animals is written by Walt Whitman. The central idea of the poem is that animals are more honest and content than humans. The poet uses free verse and direct comparison to highlight the peaceful and noble nature of animals. Literary devices such as repetition, alliteration, metaphor, and hyperbole enrich the poem’s meaning. The poet’s tone is admiring towards animals and critical of human behavior. The line “They bring me tokens of myself” is powerful and symbolic, showing how animals reflect virtues that humans have lost. I like this poem because it makes us reflect on our behavior and learn from the simplicity of animals.

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