The poem A Tiger in the Zoo by Leslie Norris contrasts the life of a tiger in captivity with its natural existence. You will find a Summary, theme, word meaning, line-by-line explanation, questions with answers, extract-based MCQs and important questions for your cllass 10 Board exam preparation.
Summary of A Tiger in the Zoo by Leslie Norris
In A Tiger in the Zoo, Leslie Norris depicts a tiger confined within a zoo, expressing the frustration and sorrow of an animal deprived of its natural habitat. The poem shifts between two contrasting scenes: one showing the tiger pacing in a cage, powerless and restricted, and the other envisioning its life in the wild, where it would roam freely, hunt, and assert its power. Through vivid imagery, Norris reflects on the sorrow and loss experienced by the tiger due to captivity, as well as humanity’s impact on animals and nature. This poem is a powerful commentary on the unnatural conditions imposed upon wild creatures.
Theme of A Tiger in the Zoo
The primary theme of A Tiger in the Zoo revolves around freedom versus confinement. The poem shows the tiger as a symbol of suppressed freedom, emphasizing the sadness and frustration that come with captivity. Norris underscores the natural world as the rightful place for wild animals, contrasting the dignity and strength they possess in the wild with the helplessness they endure in captivity. Through this, the poet also criticizes humanity’s interference with wildlife.
Word Meaning
| Words | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stalks | Walks slowly and silently, as if hunting |
| Pads | Soft part of the animal’s feet |
| Vivid | Bright, clear, and detailed |
| Rage | Intense anger |
| Baring | Showing, exposing |
| Ignoring | Not paying attention to |
| Strength | Physical power and energy |
Line-by-Line Explanation of A Tiger in the Zoo
- He stalks in his vivid stripes – The tiger, with its bright stripes, moves slowly in the zoo.
- The few steps of his cage, – He can only take a few steps within the small cage.
- On pads of velvet quiet, – The tiger’s feet, soft like velvet, make no noise as he moves.
- In his quiet rage. – The tiger is silently angry due to his confinement.
- He should be lurking in shadow, – The poet imagines him hiding in the wild, ready to pounce.
- Sliding through long grass – Moving gracefully and silently in the long grass.
- Near the water hole – Near a water source where prey might come to drink.
- Where plump deer pass. – He would naturally hunt plump deer near the water.
Questions and Answers of A Tiger in the Zoo
- What is the main theme of the poem?
- The main theme is the contrast between the freedom of a tiger in the wild and its confinement in a zoo.
- How does the poet describe the tiger’s movements in the cage?
- The poet describes the tiger’s movement as quiet and controlled, showing its suppressed anger.
- What does the tiger in the zoo represent in the poem?
- The tiger represents animals that are deprived of freedom and their natural habitats.
- Where would the tiger be if it were free?
- If free, the tiger would be lurking in the wild, hunting near a waterhole where deer come to drink.
- How does the poet make us sympathize with the tiger?
- By showing the tiger’s restricted movement and silent rage, the poet evokes empathy for its plight.
Extract Based MCQs
I. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“He stalks in his vivid stripes,
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.”
- How does the tiger move in the cage?
- a) Loudly
- b) Quietly
- c) Quickly
- d) Slowly
Answer: b) Quietly
- What does the word “vivid” refer to in this context?
- a) The brightness of the tiger’s stripes
- b) The tiger’s quiet nature
- c) The tiger’s anger
- d) The sound of the tiger’s movements
Answer: a) The brightness of the tiger’s stripes
- What emotion does the tiger display in these lines?
- a) Happiness
- b) Sorrow
- c) Rage
- d) Fear
Answer: c) Rage
II. Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow:
“He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass,
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.”
- What should the tiger be doing, according to the poet?
- a) Hiding in the wild
- b) Roaming in the zoo
- c) Sleeping in the cage
- d) Playing with other animals
Answer: a) Hiding in the wild
- What kind of place is the poet referring to?
- a) A forest
- b) A city
- c) A desert
- d) A mountain
Answer: a) A forest
- What animal would the tiger hunt in the wild?
- a) Rabbits
- b) Deer
- c) Foxes
- d) Birds
Answer: b) Deer
Important Questions
- How does Leslie Norris contrast the life of a tiger in captivity with its life in the wild?
- Discuss the role of imagery in enhancing the theme of confinement in the poem.
- What is the significance of the tiger’s “quiet rage” in the poem?
- How does A Tiger in the Zoo reflect human impact on wildlife?
- Why does the poet feel that the zoo is an unnatural place for the tiger?
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