5.2 The Kites - Class 6 - Poorvi (New)

BhashaLab
38 minutes ago
4 min read

Poet: Daphne Lister

Textbook: Poorvi – Grade 6

Genre: Poem (Imaginative/Descriptive)

Summary (150–200 words)

The poem The Kites by Daphne Lister is an imaginative description of how a child views kites flying in the sky. The child compares the kites to colourful birds flying high in the wind. Watching them, the child dreams of becoming as small and light as air, so as to ride on a kite and sail through the sky. The kites are imagined as having paper wings on which the child could drift and listen to the songs sung by the wild wind.

The child imagines the thrill of looking down from above over the park and rooftops of the town. From such a height, people would stare in amazement and wish they were the child, flying freely in the air. The poem captures both the innocence of childhood imagination and the joy of freedom, play, and wonder. It also conveys a longing for adventure and a world beyond the ordinary.

Character Sketch (The Child in the Poem)

Curious and observant, enjoys watching kites.
Imaginative, dreams of being small and light enough to ride on a kite.
Innocent, associates kites with birds, songs, and joy.
Adventurous, longs to experience the freedom of flight.
Childlike wonder makes the imagery lively and relatable.

Themes

Theme	Description
Imagination	The child imagines flying on a kite like a bird in the sky.
Freedom	Flying represents joy, adventure, and the freedom to explore.
Childhood Innocence	The poem reflects a child’s simple dreams and creative vision.
Wonder of Nature	Wind, sky, and height are celebrated as part of playful adventure.

Literary Devices

Device	Example	Explanation
Simile	“Like coloured birds”	Compares kites to birds.
Imagery	“Drift upon the paper wings”	Creates a vivid mental picture.
Alliteration	“Wild wind”	Repetition of consonant sound for effect.
Personification	“Songs that the wild wind sings”	Wind is given human ability to sing.
Repetition	“High, high in the air”	Emphasizes height and excitement.
Rhyme	sky–fly, down–town, stare–air	Creates musical quality.

Title Justification

The title The Kites is apt because the entire poem is based on the child’s imaginative reflections while watching kites in the sky. The kites inspire the child to dream of flying, adventure, and freedom. They are central to the poem’s imagery and themes, making the title simple, direct, and suitable.

One-Mark Questions

How does the poet describe the kites in the first stanza? Answer: The poet describes the kites as flying high in the air. They are compared to colourful birds moving in the wind.
What does the child wish in the poem? Answer: The child wishes to be small and light as air. This would allow the child to climb on a kite and sail in the sky.
What songs does the child hear while drifting on the kite? Answer: The child hears the songs of the wild wind. These songs represent the music of nature heard while flying high.
What does the child imagine seeing from the sky? Answer: The child imagines looking down over the park and the rooftops of the town. This view excites the child’s imagination.
How do the people react when they see the child on the kite? Answer: The people stand below and stare in amazement. They wish they could be like the child, flying high in the air.

Three-Mark Questions

How does the poet use imagination in describing the child’s wish? Answer: The poet imagines the child becoming as small and light as air. The child dreams of riding on a kite and drifting on paper wings. This imaginative idea captures innocence and longing for adventure.
Explain the comparison of kites with birds in the poem. Answer: The poet compares kites to coloured birds flying in the sky. Just like birds, kites soar freely with the wind. This simile enhances the beauty and liveliness of the poem.
What is the significance of the wild wind in the poem? Answer: The wild wind is described as singing songs. It symbolizes freedom, movement, and energy. For the child, it adds music and joy to the dream of flying.
Why do people stare at the child in amazement? Answer: People stare because the child imagines riding on a kite high in the sky. Such a sight is unusual and makes them wish to experience the same freedom.
What message does the poem give about childhood dreams? Answer: The poem suggests that childhood is filled with imagination, freedom, and wonder. Dreams like flying on a kite reflect innocence and creativity. Such dreams make childhood beautiful.

Value-Based Question

What lesson does the poem teach us about imagination and dreams? Answer: The poem teaches us that imagination and dreams give joy, creativity, and hope. Just like the child dreams of flying on a kite, people should cherish their dreams. Imagination helps us think beyond limits and adds colour to life. It reminds us to value innocence and creativity as essential parts of growing up.

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