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Question
Which are the different ways in which the frog asserts his importance?
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Solution
The frog tries to prove his importance in many ways. He proudly claims that his loud croak is superior to the nightingale’s sweet song. He constantly croaks to attract attention and overpower others. By acting loudly and confidently, he attempts to frighten smaller creatures. He also insists that his croaking is essential to the life of the bog. These actions reflect his arrogance and his desire to dominate and gain recognition among the creatures of Bingle Bog.
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RELATED QUESTIONS
MarkMarkListed below are some character traits of people. A few of these are positive qualities, while others are not. Tick mark the ones you feel are desirable qualities in a person.
| Characteristic | Tick Mark | Characteristic | Tick Mark | Characteristic | Tick Mark |
| Insensitive | High - headed | Manipulative | |||
| Humorous | Egoistic | Patronizing | |||
| Naïve | Humble | Submissive | |||
|
Opportunistic |
Foolish | Arrogant | |||
| Creative | Original | Conniving | |||
| Disapproving | Helpful | Innocent | |||
| Commanding | Calculative | Condescending | |||
| Benevolent | Crafty | Scheming | |||
| Simple | Wise | Rude | |||
| Overbearing | Generous | Boastful | |||
| Sly | Gentle | Proud | |||
| Territorial | Aggressive | Servile |
Before you read the poem complete the word - web with the words that we associate with a Frog and a Nightingale
Now that you have read the poem, add more personality traits to the word-web of the frog and the nightingale as depicted in the poem. Then complete the given table. (Some of the words in the box below may help you. You may also use the words given in Q. 1.)
| Character | Extract | Personality traits |
| Nightingale | Sorry - was that you who spoke? | Polite, Timorous |
| Frog |
Yes,… you see, I'm the frog who owns this tree In this bog I've long been known For my splendid baritone. |
|
| Nightingale | Did you…did you like my song? | |
| Frog | Not too bad - but far too long The technique was fine, of course, But it lacked a certain force. | |
| Frog | Without proper training such as I And a few others can supply You'll remain a mere beginner, But with me you'll be a winner. | |
| Nightingale | But I can't sing in this weather | |
| Nightingale | …This is a fairy tale - And you're Mozart in disguise Come to earth before my eyes. | |
| Frog | Come, my dear - we'll sing together. | |
| Frog | We must aim for better billing You still owe me sixty shillings. |
|
| Frog | Brainless bird - you're on the stage Use your wits and follow fashion. Puff your lungs out with your passion. | |
| Frog | …I tried to teach her, But she was a stupid creature. |
| Dismissive Nervous Timid Presumptuous Superior Fawning Shy Polite Meek Possessive Dominating Mercenery |
Divide yourselves into groups of four or five and brainstorm on any one of the given situations in order to create an imaginary dialogue or a comic strip. Keep in mind the characters and situations while doing so. Representatives from each group could then present the dialogues / read them to the class.
| Situations a. The efforts made by the other creatures of the bog to still the frog's determination 'to display his heart's elation'. b. The first time the Nightingale sings. c. The nightingale is awestruck when the frog introduces himself. d. The practice session when it is raining. e. The nightingale is reprimanded by the frog when the box office crashes. |
The frog’s ultimate aim was to ______.
The animals’ reaction to the nightingale’s song caused the frog to ______.
Identify the reason why the nightingale accepted the frog’s tutelage.
Support the view that the creatures of Bingle bog liked the nightingale’s singing.
Answer the following question briefly.
Why is the frog's joy both sweet and bitter?
Discuss the following question and write the answer in your note-books.
Do you think the nightingale is 'brainless'? Give reasons for your answer.
Discuss the following question and write the answer in your note-books.
Inspite of having a melodious voice and being a crowd puller, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. How far is she responsible for her own downfall?
Discuss the following question and write the answer in your note-books.
Do you agree with the Frog's inference of the Nightingale's character? Give reasons for your answer.
The Frog and the Nightingale is a spoof on the present society. Study the Mind Map given below. Divide yourselves into groups, select a box and discuss the statement given. Then present your views to the class.
Topics for CLASS DISCUSSION
a. How a person tries to put down another when that person is succeeding in his or her life.
b. Our self-image is often based on what others make us believe we are. A poor selfimage can do irreparable damage to us. Do you agree with this statement?
Elaborate with suitable reasons and examples.
The nightingale has scaled the heights of success. But now the audience is dwindling, the frog is unhappy and reprimands her all the time. She is mentally and physically exhausted and fears failure. As the nightingale, write a diary entry highlighting her fears and analyzing the reasons for her failure.
Write an obituary for the nightingale. You may begin like this: May the kind soul……… (or you may make use of your own beginning)
Even though both, the frog from Vikram Seth’s poem, The Frog and the Nightingale and Abel's children from the play, The Dear Departed, display greed, there are differences. Elaborate, in about 150 words, how the greed of the frog and that of Abel's children differ in motivation, actions, relationship, and consequences.
