4.1 The Vet - Std 8 - Kumarbharati

Author: Guy Boas

Genre: Humorous / Reflective Poem

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 8

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary:

The poem The Vet humorously describes the challenges faced by a veterinarian. Unlike human doctors, who specialize in one area, a vet must know about many animals and birds, each with different problems. The poet lists funny examples, like a lion with a cold, an Arctic fox suffering from heat, a bear eating too many buns, and a giraffe with a stiff neck. The vet is expected to solve all such problems, making him appear almost “omniscient.” The poet concludes by sympathizing with the vet for his tough work and ironically advises youngsters to choose the easier path of becoming a human doctor instead. The poem uses humour, exaggeration, and rhyme to stress the great knowledge and patience required to be a vet.

Theme / Central Idea

The poem highlights the difficulty and variety in a vet’s profession, showing how challenging it is to treat so many animals. It also emphasizes respect for veterinarians while using humour to point out their struggles.

Word Meanings

Figures of Speech (with examples)

1. Hyperbole (Exaggeration) – “If the tortoise hasn’t stirred for several years” – exaggerated to create humour.

   
   

2. Irony – The poet advises becoming a doctor for humans as an “easier” option, though that too is difficult.

   
   

3. Alliteration – “Profoundly I pity the vet” – repetition of ‘p’ sound.

   
   

4. Personification – “If giraffes have had a tiff and their necks are feeling stiff” – animals behave like humans.

Rhyme Scheme

 – Stanzas 1–3 and the last two stanzas follow abcbdb, while stanzas 4–7 follow aabccb.

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. What do you find most humorous in the poem?

   The most humorous part of the poem is the description of animals with human-like illnesses, such as giraffes having a quarrel or a bear being too full of buns. Such exaggerated situations make the poem entertaining. It shows the poet’s clever use of humour.

   
   

2. Do you think the vet’s job is more difficult than that of other doctors? Why?

   The vet’s job is more difficult because he must diagnose animals that cannot speak. Each animal has a different body structure and problem. Unlike human doctors, vets deal with multiple species. This requires immense knowledge and patience.

   
   

3. Why does the poet call the vet ‘omniscient’?

   The poet calls the vet omniscient because he is expected to know everything about every kind of animal. From tiny insects to giant elephants, the vet must find solutions for all. This expectation makes him seem like an all-knowing person.

   
   

4. Do you think the poet really discourages youth from becoming vets?

   The poet does not seriously discourage youth but uses irony to show the difficulty of the job. His advice to choose an easier profession highlights respect for vets. It is meant to entertain while making us realise their importance.

   
   

5. What qualities do you think are essential to be a good vet?

   The qualities essential for a good vet are patience, wide knowledge, love for animals, and quick decision-making. A vet should be observant since animals cannot explain their pain. Compassion and courage are also necessary while treating wild animals.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. The poem describes how simple the vet’s work is.

   → False (It shows the challenges of the job.)

   
   

2. The vet must know about many different animals.

   → True

   
   

3. The Arctic fox in the poem suffers from cold.

   → False (It suffers from heat.)

   
   

4. The poet calls the vet omniscient.

   → True

   
   

5. The poet seriously advises youth never to become vets.

   → False (It is an ironic suggestion.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Why is the vet’s job described as tough in the poem?

   The vet’s job is tough because he must deal with many different animals, each with unique problems. Animals cannot explain their illness, so the vet has to judge from observation. This makes his work more complicated than that of human doctors.

   
   

2. What humorous examples are given to show the vet’s challenges?

   The poem gives funny examples like a lion catching a cold, giraffes with stiff necks, and a bear eating too many buns. These exaggerated images highlight the difficulty of treating animals. The humour also keeps the tone light and entertaining.

   
   

3. What advice does the poet give at the end of the poem?

   At the end, the poet advises youngsters to become human doctors instead of vets. He says this is easier because doctors treat only one species – humans. The advice is ironic and highlights respect for vets.

   
   

4. How does the poem use exaggeration to make its point?

   The poem uses exaggeration by describing impossible situations, like a tortoise not moving for years or a crocodile turning cannibal. These examples stress the wide range of cases vets may face. The exaggeration adds humour while making a serious point.

   
   

5. What message does the poem convey about veterinarians?

   The poem conveys that veterinarians deserve respect for their wide knowledge and patience. They face countless problems that demand skill and courage. Though the poet uses humour, the underlying message is one of admiration.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Vet by Guy Boas is a humorous yet thoughtful poem that highlights the tough responsibilities of veterinarians. Through exaggerated examples, it shows how vets are expected to cure all animals, from lions to tortoises. The rhyme and rhythm make the poem lively, while irony and humour keep it engaging. The poet ends with witty advice, suggesting that being a doctor for humans is easier, though the real message is respect for vets. The poem is memorable for its humour, creativity, and subtle appreciation of the veterinary profession.

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