Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

It paused as with suspicion of my pen, And then came racing wildly on again To where my manuscript was not yet dry; Then paused again and either drank or smelt with loathing, for again it turned to fly.

1. How does the poet describe the movements of the speck? (Analysis)
2. What is the significance of the word ‘suspicion’ in Line 1 here? (Analysis)
3. How did the mite seem to drink or smell the ink? (Understanding)
4. What is a manuscript? How would it be dry? (Understanding)
5. What did the mite do in terror? (Understanding and Analysis)

Answer 1

1. The poet describes the speck as moving in a careful and unpredictable manner. It paused as if it was suspicious of the pen, then raced forward quickly, stopped again, and moved away after sensing the ink.
2. The word ‘suspicion’ suggests that the mite was alert and cautious. It seemed to sense that the pen or ink could be dangerous and carefully observed it before moving ahead. This shows the mite’s awareness and intelligence.
3. The mite seemed to drink or smell the ink with loathing, meaning it disliked it. After sensing the ink, it quickly turned away and moved to escape from it.
4. A manuscript is a piece of writing written by hand. It would be dry when the ink used for writing had completely settled and no longer appeared wet on the paper.
5. In terror, the mite quickly turned away and ran towards the edge of the paper to escape from the ink. Its reaction showed its instinct for survival and its awareness of danger.