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

    Updated: Jun 10



    Chapter : How to Tell Wild Animals

    Author: Carolyn Wells

    Textbook: First Flight

    Genre: Poem (Humorous Poetry)


    📝 Summary

    This poem is a humorous guide on how to identify wild animals based on their behavior—often in very dangerous situations! The poet uses rhyme and wit to describe the Asian Lion as a large, tawny beast that roars loudly. The Bengal Tiger is identified by its black stripes on yellow fur and its tendency to eat you. The Leopard is spotted and leaps at its prey repeatedly, regardless of your cries. A Bear is known for giving a tight, deadly hug or "bearhug." The poet cleverly tells us that a Hyena smiles, while crocodiles pretend to cry—hence the phrase "crocodile tears." Lastly, the poet mentions the Chameleon, a small creature that lacks ears and wings and is so well-camouflaged that if nothing is visible on the tree, it must be the chameleon. Through exaggeration, playful language, and unexpected twists, the poem entertains while introducing us to animal traits in a quirky manner.


    👤 Character Sketch

    Not applicable, as the poem is not character-based but descriptive and humorous in tone.


    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Humour in Nature

    Uses funny situations to describe dangerous wild animals.

    Playful Use of Language

    The poem plays with rhyme and rhythm for comic effect.

    Irony and Absurdity

    Identifying animals while being attacked is ironically presented as “simple.”

    Survival and Caution

    The poem subtly reminds us how risky wild animals can be, under the humour.

    ✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

    Device

    Example

    Effect

    Rhyme

    dyin' – lion, yard – hard

    Creates rhythm and humour.

    Alliteration

    He’ll only lep and lep again

    Repetition of consonant sound adds to the comic feel.

    Irony

    This simple rule may help you learn…

    Saying it’s simple while describing deadly encounters is ironic.

    Imagery

    A large and tawny beast…

    Vividly describes the appearance of animals.

    Hyperbole

    If he roars at you as you’re dyin’…

    Exaggeration for humorous effect.

    Pun

    Bearhug, crocodile tears

    Double meanings used cleverly for wit.

    📖 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. Which animal is described as a ‘large and tawny beast’?

      → The Asian Lion.


    2. What does the Bengal Tiger do to help identify it?

      → It may eat you.


    3. According to the poem, how does the Leopard behave?

      → It leaps at you repeatedly.


    4. How can you identify a Bear, as per the poem?

      → It hugs you very tightly.


    5. Why are crocodile tears mentioned in the poem?

      → Because crocodiles are said to weep while eating their prey.


    ✅ Three-Mark Questions

    1. How does the poet use humour to describe dangerous situations?

      → The poet uses exaggeration and irony to present fatal animal encounters as amusing lessons. For example, being eaten by a tiger is called a way to “discern” it, making the poem funny and ironic.


    2. What is the poet’s description of the chameleon?

      → The chameleon is described as a small, wingless, and earless creature that blends into its surroundings so well that if you see nothing on a tree, it must be the chameleon!


    3. Why are the Leopard’s actions described with repetition?

      → The phrase “lep and lep again” shows the leopard’s repeated attacks. The repetition adds to the rhythm and humour, while also hinting at the animal’s aggressive nature.


    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q: What does the poem teach us about observing and respecting nature? → Though written in a humorous tone, the poem reminds us that wild animals, despite their beauty, can be dangerous. It encourages us to be alert, not reckless, in their presence and to learn about nature with curiosity, respect, and a touch of humour.

    Let me know if you'd like a printable worksheet, comprehension quiz, or a classroom activity based on this poem!

    End


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