CBSE Class 10 English NCERT Solutions: How to Tell Wild Animals

No, the word 'Dyin' does not naturally rhyme with 'lion'. The standard pronunciation of 'lion' ends with an '-on' sound, while 'Dyin' has an '-in' sound. However, if one intentionally pronounces 'lion' in a way that sounds more like 'lying' (pronounced 'lie-in'), then it could create a near rhyme with 'Dyin'. The poet likely uses this near rhyme for a specific effect within the poem's rhythm and tone.

The poet suggests identifying a lion by its large size and its 'huge black spots' (though later clarified as tawny color) and the fact that it 'greets you' with a roar when it attacks its prey. A tiger, on the other hand, is described as a 'noble' animal with 'black stripes on a yellow coat' and it attacks silently. According to the poet, one can identify these animals when encountering them while 'you are pacing round your cage' or 'roaming in the jungle'.

The words 'lept' and 'lep' are not spelt according to standard English grammar. The correct spelling for 'lept' would be 'leapt' (the past tense of leap), and 'lep' is an intentional misspelling of 'leap'. The poet spells them this way to maintain the poem's rhythm and rhyme scheme. This deliberate alteration of spelling is a form of poetic license, used here to fit the meter and create a slightly humorous or informal tone.

A 'bearhug' is commonly understood as a very tight, strong embrace, often given affectionately, but in the context of the poem, it refers to the way a bear might crush its prey. The poem humorously suggests this hug is deadly. Similarly, hyenas are popularly believed to laugh, and crocodiles are said to weep ('crocodile tears') when they are about to eat their prey, implying insincerity. Yes, there are many similar expressions in other languages. For instance, in Hindi, 'Magarmach ke aansu' (crocodile tears) refers to fake crying. The phrase 'Haathi ke daant dikhane ke aur, khane ke aur' suggests that appearances can be deceiving, like an elephant's tusks which are for show but not for eating. 'Girgit ke tarah rang badalna' means to change colors like a chameleon, implying someone is fickle or untrustworthy.

The line 'A novice might nonplus' could be grammatically corrected to 'A novice might be nonplussed' or 'A novice might be nonplused'. However, the poet's version, 'A novice might nonplus', is considered better within the context of the poem because it rhymes with the word 'thus' in the preceding line ('Thus you will know the Leopard's spots, / Thus you will know the Leopard thus'). This specific phrasing, though grammatically unconventional, serves the poetic purpose of maintaining the rhyme scheme and rhythm, contributing to the poem's overall flow and humor.

Poets frequently take liberties with language, a practice known as 'poetic license'. This allows them to alter words, grammar, or syntax to achieve specific effects like rhyme, rhythm, or emphasis. For example, in English poetry, words might be shortened or archaic forms used. In the provided example, 'prest' is used instead of 'pressed' to rhyme with 'breast'. Many humorous poems exist in various languages. For instance, in Hindi, poets like Harindranath Chattopadhyay or even some verses by Kabir often contain playful language and lighthearted observations that evoke humor.

The humor in 'How to Tell Wild Animals' stems from both the amusing ideas presented and the playful use of language. A line that stands out for its humor is, 'If there is something leaping on you... It will do no good by way of petting you.' The idea of casually being 'leaped' upon by a wild animal and the absurd suggestion that petting it would be useless is funny. Another humorous aspect is the description of the leopard, 'He'll only lep and lep again,' where the repeated, slightly awkward-sounding 'lep' emphasizes the animal's energetic, perhaps clumsy, movements, adding to the lighthearted tone.