Advertisements
Advertisements
प्रश्न
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
There may be a scrap of paper in the hall or on the stair
But it’s useless to investigate…
Advertisements
उत्तर
- Reference: These words are from the poem “Macavity- the mysterious cat” written by T.S. Eliot.
- Context: The poet says these words while discussing the leftover pieces of evidence of the crime.
- Explanation: The Scotland yard police and the flying squads are guardians of peace in London. They keep watching. But whenever Macavity does a crime, he leaves before the police arrive. The clues like an empty larder, rifled jewel case, the disappearance of a treaty, or drawings from the office or admiralty may lead to some shredded bits of paper lying on the floor or the staircase. But these bits of paper can’t help the police nab Macavity. They know it is the work of Macavity but they are helpless.
- Comment: Not a trace is left behind by mysterious Macavity.
APPEARS IN
संबंधित प्रश्न
What do you associate with the title of the poem?
What pleasantries does the poet use to fake cordiality?
What does he desire to unlearn and relearn?
Read the line given below and answer the question that follow.
‘Most of all, I want to relearn How to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror Shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!’
- Why does the poet want to relearn how to laugh?
- Whom does the poet want to relearn from?
- Mention the figure of speech used here.
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
I have learned to wear my faces Like dresses …
Explain the following lines with reference to the context.
I want to be what I used to be.
Not everybody loves to play and participate in games, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Some of us wish to be mere spectators. List out the activities in which you like to be either a performer or a spectator. Share your views with the class.
| Activities | ||
| performer/player | spectator/audience | |
| e.g. | cricket | magician |
| a. | ||
| b. | ||
| c. | ||
| d. | ||
| e. | ||
The poet is satisfied just watching the heroic deeds of others. What could be the reason?
The poet does not wish to exchange position with the runners. Why?
Read the poem again and complete the summary using the words given in the box.
In the poem ‘Confessions of a Born Spectator,’ Ogden Nash talks about how people choose different sports in their lives or decide to become athletes. While admiring the talents of athletes and sportsmen, the poet (i)______he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. Children have different (ii)______and wish to play various games. Each child has in mind something in particular, but the narrator is (iii)______he is not one of the players. Though the narrator (iv) ______the talents of all athletes, he derives satisfaction from watching them, but does not wish to (v) ______places with them. He also sometimes regrets that (vi)______athletes play rough games without caring for the feelings of their sporting rivals. He feels that good sense and caution win over ego. The narrator wholeheartedly offers (vii) ______the modest (viii) ______of athletes. Ultimately the narrator is (ix)______that he himself is not an athlete.
|
thanksgiving exchange glad confesses physiques zealous satisfied aims admires |
The poet does not wish to exchange places with the athletes. How does he justify his view?
Read the given line and answer the question that follow in a sentence or two
When snaps the knee and cracks the wrist….
Identify and explain the use of the literary device in this line.
Underline the alliterated word in the following line.
They do not ever in their dealings…
What sort of encouragement should an athlete in India be given? Give a few suggestions.
Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks with the words given below.
The poet, in a relaxed state of mind, is sitting in a (1) ______. He reflects on how his mood brings (2) ______thoughts, which are inevitably followed by (3)______ones. He feels connected to all of nature, and senses an inherent joy in all (4)______. He has faith in the fact that all the primroses and periwinkles around him (5)______ the air they breathe. He feels that every bird in the grove moves with (6)______. As the twigs catch the breezy air, they do so with the same pleasure (7)______ all life on earth. This joy of nature seems to be heaven-sent. Nature’s holy plan is to offer joy and peace to all forms of life on earth. The poet’s pleasant train of thought slowly leads to the sad reflection of how mankind alone has wrought sorrow and (8)______ upon itself. He firmly believes that man is meant to spend his days blissfully taking part in the vitality and joy surrounding him in (9)______. He therefore concludes rhetorically, emphasizing that he has good reason to (10)______ the distress, man unnecessarily brings upon himself.
| creations | abundance | savour |
| pleasant | suffering | grove |
| lament | pervading | sorrowful |
| ecstasy |
Read the following line and identify the figure of speech used in each extract.
To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran.
Read the following line and identify the figure of speech used in each extract.
What Man has made of Man?
What scene in nature gives you pleasure? Talk for a minute describing a natural scene that gave you a lot of joy. What did you see, hear, smell or feel, that gave you joy?
What makes the fakir stare in wonder?
Where can you encounter Macavity?
Who does the Secret Service suspect when a loss is reported?
Mention any two qualities of Macavity.
Why is Macavity called the ‘Napoleon of Crime’?
Read the given lines and answer the question that follow.
For he’s a fiend in feline shape, a monster of depravity
- How is the cat described in this line?
- Explain the phrase ‘monster of depravity’.
What does the ladder symbolize?
Read the given line and answer the question that follow.
Honour is a property, common to all: In dignity and pride no one need to be poor.
- Who are considered rich?
- What is their asset?
What does ‘flesh’ mean here?
How does the king establish that he and his subjects are equal in the end?
Working with your partner, discuss the following adages and share your views with the class. You may need to give your ideas and justify your point of view. Remember to take turns while making your presentation/short speech.
War begets war
