This comprehensive guide to How to Tell Wild Animals, a humorous poem from the Class X NCERT textbook First Flight, is designed to help students deepen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Through a detailed summary, thematic analysis, extract-based MCQs, and a stanza-by-stanza explanation, we explore Carolyn Wells‘ playful approach to identifying wild creatures with wit and caution. Perfect for Class X students, this post aims to make the poem both enjoyable and easy to grasp, ensuring that exam preparation is engaging and effective.
Summary of How to Tell Wild Animals
In How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells, the poet humorously describes ways to identify wild animals in the jungle. She warns readers with funny and exaggerated tips on spotting dangerous creatures. If you encounter a large, tawny beast roaring fiercely, it’s likely an Asian Lion. A tiger with black stripes on yellow might make you its meal, while a leopard, spotted all over, would keep leaping at you. Bears are known for their strong, tight hugs, and crocodiles and hyenas are distinguished by their expressions—hyenas laugh, but if it’s crying, it’s a crocodile! Lastly, the quiet chameleon blends into its surroundings so well, it almost disappears. This playful poem teaches about wild animals in a light-hearted and memorable way.
Theme of How to Tell Wild Animals
The poem How to Tell Wild Animals by Carolyn Wells combines humour and curiosity to explore the theme of identifying wild animals. It playfully describes different animals like the lion, tiger, leopard, and bear, giving “tips” on recognising them—often through risky or funny encounters. The poet uses lively language to show the beauty and danger of wild creatures, making readers laugh while reminding them of the caution needed around animals in the wild. Through humorous exaggerations, the poem highlights that nature is fascinating but also unpredictable, encouraging us to respect and admire these animals from afar.
How to Tell Wild Animals – Stanza-by-Stanza Explanation
Stanza 1:
The poet says that if you’re ever in the jungles of the East, you might meet a large, tawny (yellow-brown) creature. If this animal roars as if it’s the last sound you’ll hear, it’s an Asian Lion! This line adds drama and humour, suggesting that the roar itself is terrifying enough to hint at danger, helping you “tell” the lion apart.
Stanza 2:
If you’re roaming and spot a noble-looking beast with black stripes on a yellow background, it could be a Bengal Tiger. To confirm, the poet jokes that if it attacks and “eats” you, then it’s definitely a tiger! The poet makes a funny twist on identifying animals, warning readers by the animal’s actions.
Stanza 3:
Here, the poet talks about a spotted animal. If this animal pounces on you repeatedly, then it’s a Leopard. She warns that screaming in pain won’t stop it from leaping again. This adds a playful caution about the leopard’s persistence.
Stanza 4:
If, in your own backyard, a creature hugs you very tightly, then you’ve likely encountered a Bear. The poet amusingly hints that the “hug” would be so strong, it leaves no doubt it’s a bear. If you’re still unsure, another “caress” will confirm it!
Stanza 5:
The poet helps us identify two tricky animals here, the Crocodile and the Hyena. She jokes that hyenas look like they’re laughing, while crocodiles are known for “crocodile tears” or fake crying. This makes it easy to tell who’s who by their “expressions.”
Stanza 6:
The last stanza is about the chameleon, a tiny, wingless lizard. It has no ears and can blend so well with its surroundings that it’s almost invisible. If you see an empty branch, the poet says, it’s probably a chameleon, as its camouflage makes it seem to disappear!
This humorous poem, How to Tell Wild Animals, combines clever descriptions and warnings, making it memorable and fun for readers.
Thinking about the Poem(Q&A of How to Tell Wild Animals)
1. Does ‘dyin’ really rhyme with ‘lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
No, ‘dyin’ doesn’t exactly rhyme with ‘lion’, but it’s close. You could say it with a stretched accent to make them sound similar, adding to the playful tone.
2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
The poet suggests identifying a lion by its loud, terrifying roar and a tiger by its attack if you happen to get close. This identification method, while humorous, suggests you’ll only be sure when it’s too late to run!
3. Do you think the words ‘lept‘ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?
No, ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ are not spelt correctly. The poet spells them this way to make the poem more playful and fun, adding a rhythmic, lively feel to the language.
4. Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug — such as bears are thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)?
Yes, similar expressions exist in many languages. For example, in Hindi, “magarmach ke aansu” (crocodile tears) means fake crying, and “sherdil” (lion-hearted) describes bravery, like a lion’s courage.
5. Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this ‘correctly’? Why is the poet’s ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem?
The correct way would be “A novice might be nonplussed.” The poet’s ‘incorrect’ line fits better in the poem, creating a more rhythmic flow and giving a unique style that adds to its humour.
6. Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)?
Yes, poets often play with language for style. In Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky, he invents nonsense words like “slithy” and “mimsy” to create a magical feel. Similarly, humorous poetry in Hindi, like Hasyakavita, uses playful language and puns to make people laugh.
7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
I enjoy the line, “If he roars at you as you’re dyin’, You’ll know it is the Asian Lion.” The mix of humour and danger, plus the casual way of introducing the lion’s roar, makes it funny. It combines serious and silly language, creating an amusing contradiction.
How to Tell Wild Animals – Extract-Based MCQs
Stanza 1
Extract:
“If ever you should go by chance
To jungles in the east;
And if there should to you advance
A large and tawny beast,
If he roars at you as you’re dyin’
You’ll know it is the Asian Lion.”
Questions:
- What colour does the poet describe the Asian Lion as?
- A) Grey
- B) Tawny
- C) Black
- D) White
Answer: B) Tawny
- Which poetic device is used in the line “If he roars at you as you’re dyin’”?
- What does the poet suggest you do if a lion roars at you in the jungle?
- A) Run away
- B) Laugh at it
- C) Recognise it as the Asian Lion
- D) Try to pet it
Answer: C) Recognise it as the Asian Lion
Stanza 2
Extract:
“Or if some time when roaming round,
A noble wild beast greets you,
With black stripes on a yellow ground,
Just notice if he eats you.
This simple rule may help you learn
The Bengal Tiger to discern.”
Questions:
- How does the poet describe the appearance of the Bengal Tiger?
- A) Black stripes on white fur
- B) Black stripes on yellow fur
- C) Spots on brown fur
- D) Plain yellow fur
Answer: B) Black stripes on yellow fur
- What does the word ‘discern’ mean in this stanza?
- A) Hide
- B) Eat
- C) Recognise
- D) Roam
Answer: C) Recognise
- What humorous way does the poet suggest to identify a Bengal Tiger?
- A) By listening to its roar
- B) By its friendly greeting
- C) By seeing if it attacks you
- D) By its size
Answer: C) By seeing if it attacks you
Stanza 3
Extract:
“If strolling forth, a beast you view,
Whose hide with spots is peppered,
As soon as he has lept on you,
You’ll know it is the Leopard.
‘Twill do no good to roar with pain,
He’ll only lep and lep again.”
Questions:
- What feature does the poet highlight about the leopard’s skin?
- A) Stripes
- B) Spots
- C) Scales
- D) Plain
Answer: B) Spots
- What does the word ‘peppered’ imply about the leopard’s appearance?
- A) It has a spicy smell
- B) It is spotted all over
- C) It is striped
- D) It is plain and smooth
Answer: B) It is spotted all over
- According to the poet, what will the leopard do if you shout in pain?
- A) Run away
- B) Stop attacking
- C) Pounce again
- D) Start crying
Answer: C) Pounce again
Stanza 4
Extract:
“If when you’re walking round your yard
You meet a creature there,
Who hugs you very, very hard,
Be sure it is a Bear.
If you have any doubts, I guess
He’ll give you just one more caress.”
Questions:
- What action does the poet associate with a bear in this stanza?
- A) Hugging tightly
- B) Roaring loudly
- C) Pouncing repeatedly
- D) Running away
Answer: A) Hugging tightly
- What does the poet suggest the bear’s “caress” will feel like?
- A) Gentle and soft
- B) Uncomfortable but kind
- C) Very strong and possibly painful
- D) Light and playful
Answer: C) Very strong and possibly painful
- What tone does the poet use to describe the bear’s hug?
- A) Serious
- B) Humorous
- C) Romantic
- D) Frightening
Answer: B) Humorous
Stanza 5
Extract:
“Though to distinguish beasts of prey
A novice might nonplus,
The Crocodile you always may
Tell from the Hyena thus:
Hyenas come with merry smiles;
But if they weep they’re Crocodiles.”
Questions:
- According to the poet, what expression does a hyena show?
- A) A fierce look
- B) A cheerful smile
- C) Tears of sadness
- D) No expression
Answer: B) A cheerful smile
- What does the word ‘nonplus’ mean here?
- A) Entertain
- B) Confuse
- C) Run away
- D) Chase
Answer: B) Confuse
- How can one tell a crocodile from a hyena, as per the poet?
- A) Crocodiles cry, but hyenas smile
- B) Hyenas roar, but crocodiles are silent
- C) Crocodiles have stripes, hyenas do not
- D) Hyenas swim, but crocodiles do not
Answer: A) Crocodiles cry, but hyenas smile
Stanza 6
Extract:
“The true Chameleon is small,
A lizard sort of thing;
He hasn’t any ears at all,
And not a single wing.
If there is nothing on the tree,
‘Tis the chameleon you see.”
Questions:
- How does the poet describe the appearance of a chameleon?
- A) Large and winged
- B) Small, without ears or wings
- C) Colourful and loud
- D) With spots and ears
Answer: B) Small, without ears or wings
- What unique trait does the chameleon have, according to the poet?
- A) It changes colour to blend in
- B) It makes loud noises
- C) It has bright wings
- D) It can swim well
Answer: A) It changes colour to blend in
- Why does the poet say “If there is nothing on the tree, ‘Tis the chameleon you see”?
- A) Because chameleons are too tiny to notice
- B) Because they blend in so well, they seem invisible
- C) Because they are afraid to be seen
- D) Because they fly away quickly
Answer: B) Because they blend in so well, they seem invisible
Important Questions from How to Tell Wild Animals
1. Why does the poet use humour in How to Tell Wild Animals to describe dangerous animals?
The poet uses humour to make the descriptions of wild animals memorable and engaging. Instead of serious warnings, she uses playful language to help readers enjoy learning about these animals without fear.
2. How can you recognise the Asian Lion, according to the poet?
The poet says you’ll know it’s an Asian Lion if a large, tawny beast roars loudly as if it’s your last sound. This dramatic roar is a humorous hint of the lion’s danger.
3. What ‘rule’ does the poet give for identifying a Bengal Tiger?
The poet jokes that if a tiger with black stripes on yellow fur attacks you, then you’ve found a Bengal Tiger. This humorous rule suggests danger in a playful way.
4. Why does the poet say it’s pointless to roar with pain if a leopard attacks?
The poet says leopards will “lep” again, ignoring your cries. This highlights the leopard’s persistence, suggesting that screaming won’t help if it’s already pounced on you!
5. What is a ‘bearhug’ in the poem, and how does the poet describe it?
A ‘bearhug’ is a strong, tight hug associated with a bear. The poet amusingly warns that the bear’s hug will be so powerful that it could crush you, making it impossible to mistake it for anything else.
6. What qualities help us tell a crocodile from a hyena, as mentioned in the poem?
According to the poet, hyenas appear to smile, while crocodiles are said to “weep” fake tears. This funny contrast helps readers tell the two animals apart by their “expressions.”
7. What makes the chameleon in the poem unique?
The chameleon can blend into its surroundings so well that it becomes invisible. The poet humorously suggests that if you see “nothing” on the tree, it’s probably the chameleon.
8. In How to Tell Wild Animals, why might a ‘novice’ be confused when distinguishing wild animals?
A beginner might be puzzled by the similar-looking animals, like crocodiles and hyenas. The poet acknowledges that identifying them isn’t always easy, adding a humorous touch to the challenge.
9. How does the poet use rhyme and rhythm in the poem? Give an example.
The poet uses rhyme and rhythm to make the descriptions catchy and funny. For example, “dyin’” is made to rhyme with “lion,” even though it’s not an exact rhyme. This adds a playful feel to the poem.
10. What is the overall message of How to Tell Wild Animals, and how does the poet convey it?
The poem uses humour to show that while identifying wild animals is fascinating, it can also be dangerous. Through playful language and rhyme, the poet reminds readers to appreciate these creatures from a safe distance.
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