3.3. How to Tell Wild Animals - Class 10 - First Flight

Author: Carolyn Wells

Textbook: First Flight

Genre: Poem (Humorous Poetry)

Summary (150-200 words)

The poem How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells is a humorous take on identifying wild animals in the jungle. Instead of giving safe or logical descriptions, the poet describes each animal through exaggerated and dangerous encounters. For example, the Asian Lion can be recognized if it roars while attacking you, and the Bengal Tiger is identified if it eats you. Similarly, the Leopard leaps on its victim repeatedly, the Bear can be known by its deadly “bear hug,” and the Crocodile can be told apart from the Hyena because crocodiles shed false tears while hyenas seem to laugh. Finally, the poet describes the Chameleon, a harmless creature with no ears or wings, which blends into its surroundings so perfectly that one might not see it at all. Through comic exaggeration and witty language, the poem presents wild animals in an amusing way, making learning about them entertaining and memorable. The playful tone and rhythm highlight the poet’s intent to mix humour with information, leaving the reader both amused and thoughtful.

Character Sketch

• Asian Lion

  • Large and tawny (yellowish-brown).

  • Found in eastern jungles.

  • Roars fiercely and attacks prey.
    

• Bengal Tiger

  • Noble wild beast with black stripes on yellow skin.

  • Dangerous and powerful predator.

  • Attacks and eats people instantly.
    

• Leopard

  • Skin peppered with dark spots.

  • Known for leaping on victims repeatedly.

  • Extremely agile and fierce.
    

• Bear

  • Recognized by its strong, crushing “bear hug.”

  • Deadly despite appearing friendly.
    

• Hyena

  • Appears to laugh with a merry smile.

  • Symbol of cruelty disguised in amusement.
    

• Crocodile

  • Pretends to weep while swallowing victims.

  • Associated with the phrase “crocodile tears.”
    

• Chameleon

  • Small, harmless lizard-like creature.

  • Has no ears or wings.

  • Camouflages so well that it becomes invisible on a tree.

Themes

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Title Justification

The title “How to Tell Wild Animals” fits the poem perfectly as it humorously pretends to be an instructional guide to identifying wild animals. However, instead of giving safe, scientific tips, it offers comical and exaggerated suggestions like getting eaten or hugged by animals. This ironic twist makes the title both funny and catchy, drawing the reader into the playful tone of the poem.

One-Mark Questions

1. How can the Asian Lion be recognized, according to the poet?

Answer: The Asian Lion can be recognized by its tawny color and loud roar as it attacks in the eastern jungles.

2. How does the poet suggest we identify the Bengal Tiger?

Answer: The Bengal Tiger can be identified by its black stripes on yellow skin and its deadly attack on people.

3. What does the Leopard do repeatedly when it attacks?

Answer: The Leopard leaps on its victim again and again without stopping.

4. How does the poet describe the Crocodile’s nature? Answer: The Crocodile’s nature is shown by its habit of shedding false tears while swallowing its prey. 5. What are the physical features of the Chameleon as described in the poem? Answer: The Chameleon is small, has no ears or wings, and camouflages itself on trees.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the poet humorously describe the danger of meeting a Lion and a Tiger Answer: The poet humorously describes the Asian Lion as a tawny beast that roars while killing, and the Bengal Tiger as a noble animal that eats its prey. Instead of logical features, the poet explains identification through dangerous encounters. This exaggeration creates humour while still portraying the fierceness of the animals.

2. What qualities of the Leopard are highlighted in the poem? Answer: The Leopard is described as having skin covered with dark spots. Its main quality is its repeated leaping on victims, even when they roar with pain. This continuous attack shows the leopard’s agility and ferocity, while the exaggerated description adds humour.

3. How are the Hyena and Crocodile distinguished in the poem? Answer: The Hyena is described as laughing with a merry smile, while the Crocodile sheds false tears as it swallows victims. This humorous comparison reflects popular beliefs about these animals and highlights the poet’s playful style.

4. What image of the Bear is presented in the poem? Answer: The Bear is presented as giving a strong “bear hug,” which is deadly instead of affectionate. The poet exaggerates the hug into a crushing attack, turning a friendly gesture into a humorous yet dangerous act.

5. What is the significance of the Chameleon’s description in the poem? Answer: The Chameleon is depicted as small, earless, and wingless, blending perfectly with its surroundings. The poet humorously suggests that if nothing is seen on the tree, then it must be the Chameleon. This shows the playful tone of the poem.

Value-Based Question

Question: What lesson does the poem convey about the way we perceive dangerous situations in life? Answer: The poem conveys that dangerous situations can sometimes be looked at with humour and wit, without diminishing their seriousness. By describing fierce animals in a comic manner, the poet teaches that fear can be lessened when we find joy in creativity and perspective. The lesson is that even in tough or frightening circumstances, maintaining humour and imagination can help us cope and learn.

This note has been reviewed by: Ameya Joshi, Rainbow International School, Thane

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