2.4 How Doth the Little Crocodile (Parody of “How Doth the Little Busy Bee”) – Class 7 – Balbharati

Author: Lewis Carroll (Parody of Isaac Watts’ poem How Doth the Little Busy Bee)

Genre: Parody Poem / Humorous Verse

Textbook: English Balbharati – Class 7

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem How Doth the Little Crocodile by Lewis Carroll is a parody of Isaac Watts’ moral poem How Doth the Little Busy Bee. While Watts praises the bee for its hard work and industry, Carroll humorously replaces the bee with a crocodile, turning the tone upside down. The crocodile “improves its shining tail” and pours water of the Nile over its golden scales, showing beauty and charm. But instead of working honestly like the bee, the crocodile spreads its claws and smiles gently to lure little fishes into its jaws. The poem uses cheerful language to describe a dangerous act, which makes it comic and ironic. By imitating the style of Watts’ original, Carroll creates humour while also mocking false appearances.

Theme / Central Idea

The central idea is irony: while the bee stands for hard work and honesty, the crocodile represents deceit and danger hidden under charm. The poem shows how appearances can mislead, creating humour through parody.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Parody – The entire poem imitates Watts’ poem How Doth the Little Busy Bee in a comic way.

2. Imagery – “Pour the waters of the Nile on every golden scale” – creates a vivid picture.

3. Irony – The crocodile smiles cheerfully while planning to eat fishes.

4. Alliteration – “gently smiling jaws” – repetition of ‘j’ sound.

5. Personification – The crocodile is given human actions like smiling and welcoming.

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme is abab in both stanzas.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Which do you prefer – the bee or the crocodile? Why?

   I prefer the bee because it represents honesty, hard work, and usefulness to society. The crocodile, though amusing, symbolises trickery and harm.

   
   

2. Why do you think Carroll chose the crocodile for his parody?

   Carroll chose the crocodile because it is dangerous and sly, opposite to the bee. This contrast creates humour and irony, making the parody effective.

   
   

3. Do you think appearances can be deceptive? How?

   Yes, appearances can be deceptive. The crocodile looks cheerful and smiling but hides danger. In real life too, people may appear kind while planning harm.

   
   

4. What lesson can we learn from comparing the bee and crocodile?

   The lesson is that true worth lies in honest work, not in outward beauty or charm. Bees help society, while crocodiles mislead with false smiles.

   
   

5. Do you enjoy parody poems? Why?

   Yes, parody poems are enjoyable because they use humour and irony to teach lessons. They make us laugh while also making us think.

True or False (5)

1. The poem praises the crocodile for its honesty. → False (It shows its deceit.)

2. The crocodile pours the waters of the Nile on its scales. → True

3. The crocodile spreads its claws neatly. → True

4. The fishes are safe in the crocodile’s smiling jaws. → False (They are in danger.)

5. The poem imitates another well-known poem. → True

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. How is the crocodile described in the poem?

   The crocodile is described as having a shining tail, golden scales, and a cheerful grin. It appears gentle but is actually dangerous.

   
   

2. What trick does the crocodile use to catch fishes?

   The crocodile spreads its claws and smiles gently, pretending to welcome fishes. This false charm lures them into its jaws.

   
   

3. What is a parody and how is this poem one?

   A parody is a humorous imitation of another work. Carroll’s poem imitates Watts’ moral poem about bees but replaces the hardworking bee with a deceitful crocodile, making it comic.

   
   

4. What contrast does the poem present between the bee and the crocodile?

   The bee stands for hard work and honesty, while the crocodile represents trickery and destruction. This contrast creates humour and irony.

   
   

5. What message does the poem indirectly give?

   The poem indirectly teaches that not all smiles are genuine. Hard work is admirable like the bee, but deceit is harmful like the crocodile.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

How Doth the Little Crocodile by Lewis Carroll is a witty parody that humorously imitates Isaac Watts’ poem on bees. By replacing the bee with a crocodile, Carroll creates irony and fun. The imagery of golden scales, cheerful grins, and smiling jaws makes the poem vivid. Its rhyme and rhythm add to its comic effect. While amusing, it also carries a hidden warning against false appearances. The poem is memorable because it cleverly uses humour to make readers think about honesty and deceit.

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