5.2 Magnifying Glass - Class 8 - Poorvi (New)

Author: Frank Ravizza

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Poem

Summary

Magnifying Glass is a poem that celebrates the power of observation and curiosity through the simple scientific tool—a magnifying glass. The poet describes how even ordinary objects such as chalk, moss, or a drop of water can reveal hidden marvels when seen through the lens. With the magnifying glass, a tiny speck of chalk appears filled with shells, moss resembles a vast forest, and a drop of water looks like a hive of bees. The poet also marvels at the spider spinning webs with its delicate claws and spinnerets, while silly flies stumble into its trap. The magnifying glass thus becomes a symbol of wonder, transforming small things into something marvellous. Towards the end, the poet extends this imagination to the celestial world, saying that with lenses, even the moon might appear within human reach. The poem encourages curiosity, deeper observation, and appreciation of nature’s hidden details, blending science with poetic imagination.

Character Sketch

• The Speaker

  • Curious observer, filled with wonder.

  • Uses the magnifying glass to explore nature’s hidden details.

  • Sees extraordinary beauty in ordinary objects.

  • Represents the scientific spirit combined with imagination.

• The Spider

  • Described as deft and skilful in weaving webs.

  • Possesses “tigerish claws,” symbolising both power and delicacy.

  • Represents nature’s creativity and precision.

• The Magnifying Glass (as a symbolic character)

  • Acts like “magic,” revealing unseen worlds.

  • Transforms simple objects into marvellous discoveries.

  • Symbolises curiosity, science, and discovery.

Themes

Poetic Devices

Title Justification

The title Magnifying Glass is appropriate because the poem revolves around how this simple tool uncovers hidden wonders. It transforms tiny, ordinary things into marvellous spectacles, blending science with imagination. The magnifying glass becomes a metaphor for curiosity, discovery, and the joy of observing the world more closely, making the title both literal and symbolic.

One-Mark Questions

1. What does the poet see in a scrap of chalk through the magnifying glass? Answer: The poet sees myriad shells in a scrap of chalk through the magnifying glass, revealing hidden patterns.

2. How is moss described in the poem? Answer: Moss is described as resembling a vast forest of flowers and trees when seen through the magnifying glass.

3. What does a drop of water look like under the magnifying glass? Answer: A drop of water looks like a hive of bees under the magnifying glass, showing movement and life.

4. How does the poet describe the spider? Answer: The spider is described as deft, with tigerish claws, spinning delicate web-silk from its spinnerets.

5. What imaginative possibility does the poet suggest with lenses? Answer: The poet suggests that with lenses, even the moon could seem within reach, emphasising curiosity and exploration.

Three-Mark Questions

1. How does the magnifying glass transform ordinary objects into wonders? Answer: The magnifying glass transforms ordinary objects by revealing hidden details invisible to the naked eye. A chalk scrap shows shells, moss resembles a forest, and water appears like a hive of bees. These transformations fill the observer with awe, showing the magic of science and observation.

2. How is the spider portrayed in the poem? Answer: The spider is portrayed as skilful and fascinating. The poet describes its deft movements, tigerish claws, and ability to spin delicate webs from spinnerets. This detailed observation highlights nature’s creativity and the marvels revealed through careful watching.

3. What role does imagery play in the poem? Answer: Imagery plays a key role by vividly describing magnified views of small objects. Phrases like “forest in an inch of moss” and “hive of bees in a drop of water” create striking mental pictures. This imagery helps readers appreciate the hidden beauty of nature.

4. How does the poem connect science with imagination? Answer: The poem connects science with imagination by presenting the magnifying glass as both a tool and magic. While it scientifically enlarges details, the poet imagines forests, hives, and even the moon seeming closer. This blend makes science wondrous and creative.

5. Why does the poem end with the idea of reaching the moon? Answer: The poem ends with the idea of reaching the moon to extend curiosity from small earthly details to celestial wonders. It symbolises the boundless potential of science and human imagination. The ending inspires exploration beyond visible limits.

Value-Based Question

Q. What lesson does the poem Magnifying Glass teach students? Answer: The poem teaches students to nurture curiosity, observe closely, and find wonder in ordinary things. It shows that science and imagination together reveal hidden beauty and knowledge. The message is that learning begins with observation and that even small discoveries can lead to greater exploration and appreciation of the world.

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