3.5 The Donkey - Class 6 - Kumarbharati

Author: Anonymous

Genre: Poem (Descriptive / Animal Poem)

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The poem The Donkey is a touching description of a newborn donkey. The poet observes the little animal just one day after its birth. Its head is too big for its weak neck, and its long, shaky legs cannot hold it steady. The baby donkey tries to gambol and frisk playfully but fails because it has not learned the trick yet. Its soft grey coat curls at the neck in a lovely way, and its innocent face looks wistful, as if it is already thinking deeply about life. The donkey stumbles around bravely but soon lies down to rest. Seeing its weakness and helplessness, the poet prays that the world will be kind and good to the little donkey. The poem expresses tenderness, sympathy, and concern for innocent creatures.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem highlights innocence, weakness, and the need for kindness towards young animals. It conveys compassion for helpless creatures and reminds us of the importance of treating them with care.

Character Sketches

The Baby Donkey

• Just one day old, weak, and fragile.

• Has a head too big for its neck and shaky legs.

• Tries to play but stumbles clumsily.

• Soft grey coat makes it look endearing.

• Appears wistful, as if reflecting on life.

• Symbolises innocence and helplessness.

  
  

The Poet (Narrator)

• Observes the donkey with care and affection.

• Sympathises with its weakness and struggles.

• Prays that the world treats the young donkey kindly.

• Represents compassion and humanity.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “The donkey tried to gambol.”

   Answer: The infinitive is to gambol. It shows the donkey’s attempt.

   
   

2. Passive Voice

   Change the voice: The poet observed the donkey.

   Answer: The donkey was observed by the poet.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Use ‘may’ in a sentence based on the poem.

   Answer: The donkey may grow strong if treated with care.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Change into future tense: The donkey looked weak and slim.

   Answer: The donkey will look weak and slim.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Make a Wh-question for the underlined part: The donkey had a soft grey coat.

   Answer: What did the donkey have?

   
   
   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Question: What do you feel when you see a newborn animal?

   Answer: A newborn animal makes me feel happy and tender. Its innocence and helplessness inspire me to protect and care for it.

   
   

2. Question: Why does the poet pray for the donkey?

   Answer: The poet prays for the donkey because it looks weak, fragile, and helpless. He hopes the world will treat the innocent creature with kindness.

   
   

3. Question: Do you think animals should be treated kindly? Why?

   Answer: Animals should be treated kindly because they too have feelings. Kindness ensures their safety, health, and happiness.

   
   

4. Question: Have you ever seen a baby animal struggling to walk? Describe your experience.

   Answer: I once saw a calf struggling to walk just after birth. It fell many times but kept trying. It looked innocent and determined, which made me admire its effort.

   
   

5. Question: What message does this poem give to humans?

   Answer: The poem gives the message of compassion towards animals. It reminds us to be kind, caring, and protective of helpless creatures.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The donkey in the poem was one month old. → False (It was only one day old.)

2. The donkey’s legs were shaky and long. → True

3. The donkey was very confident in frisking and gambolling. → False (It failed to play properly.)

4. The poet described the donkey’s coat as soft and grey. → True

5. The poet did not care about the donkey’s future. → False (He prayed for its well-being.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Question: How does the poet describe the newborn donkey?

   Answer: The poet describes the newborn donkey as weak, slim, and helpless. Its head was too big for its neck, and its long shaky legs could not support it.

   
   

2. Question: What attempts does the donkey make to play?

   Answer: The donkey tries to gambol and frisk playfully, but it is not sure of the trick. Its movements are clumsy and uncertain.

   
   

3. Question: Why does the poet call the donkey’s face wistful?

   Answer: The donkey’s face is called wistful because it appears thoughtful and full of longing, as if it is already reflecting on the challenges of life.

   
   

4. Question: What prayer does the poet make for the donkey?

   Answer: The poet prays that the world may be kind and good to the little donkey, as it looks so weak and helpless.

   
   

5. Question: What values does the poem The Donkey highlight?

   Answer: The poem highlights compassion, kindness, and sensitivity towards innocent creatures. It teaches us to protect and care for animals.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The poem The Donkey is a sensitive portrayal of a newborn donkey’s innocence and weakness. The poet beautifully describes its big head, shaky legs, soft grey coat, and wistful face. The donkey’s attempts to play and its helplessness make the reader feel sympathy and affection. The prayer at the end adds emotional depth, showing the poet’s concern for the little creature. The simple language, rhyme, and gentle tone make the poem touching and memorable. It leaves a strong message that kindness and compassion towards animals are essential values of humanity.

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