POETRY

1. The Tiger in the Zoo and How to Tell Wild Animals both deal with the theme of
wild animals. Compare and contrast the portrayal of wild animals in both these poems.
2. In The Ball Poem and Amanda!, the themes of loss and freedom are explored in
different ways. Discuss how these themes are presented in the two poems and how
they reflect the emotional journeys of the characters.
3. Dust of Snow and The Trees both involve nature as a central element. How do these
poems use nature to convey hope and renewal, and in what ways are their approaches
different?
4. Compare the tone and mood of Fire and Ice with that of Fog. How do the poets use
nature to reflect human emotions in each poem?
5. In For Anne Gregory and The Tale of Custard the Dragon, the poets use a mix of
humor and serious reflection. Compare how humor is used to communicate a deeper
message in both poems.
6. The Ball Poem and The Tiger in the Zoo both deal with the theme of freedom and
captivity. Compare the ways in which the poets explore the ideas of loss, freedom, and
imprisonment in both poems.
7. Amanda! and The Trees both explore the theme of longing for freedom. How do the
poems present this desire, and how do the speakers' feelings contrast in each case?
8. Dust of Snow and Fire and Ice both discuss the concept of destruction but in
contrasting manners. Compare how the elements of snow and fire are used to convey
the themes of conflict and resolution in each poem.
9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon and A Tiger in the Zoo both feature animals as
central figures. How do these poems depict the role of animals in human life and the
emotional connections between humans and animals?
10.In The Trees and Fog, the natural world is depicted in contrasting ways. Compare
how each poem uses its respective natural imagery to comment on the human
experience.
 KEY WORDS
1. The Tiger in the Zoo and How to Tell Wild Animals:
o Theme: Both poems explore wild animals, but with different focuses.
o The Tiger in the Zoo: Focuses on captivity and the suffering of the tiger in the
zoo, highlighting its frustration and lost freedom.
o How to Tell Wild Animals: Light-hearted and humorous, using observational
characteristics to differentiate wild animals, but with no emotional depth like in
"The Tiger in the Zoo."
o Contrast: One emphasizes the misery of captivity, the other humorously
categorizes wild animals.
2. The Ball Poem and Amanda!:
o Loss and Freedom:
 The Ball Poem: Depicts the loss of a ball as a metaphor for the loss of
innocence and growing up. The speaker learns to deal with loss and
realize its inevitability.
 Amanda!: Deals with the theme of a child’s yearning for freedom from
societal restrictions. Amanda's internal world contrasts with her external
reality, highlighting her desire to escape control.
o Contrast: "The Ball Poem" focuses on the inevitability of loss, while
"Amanda!" is about the restriction of personal freedom.
3. Dust of Snow and The Trees:
o Nature as Hope and Renewal:
 Dust of Snow: A small moment in nature (a snowflake falling) brings a
positive shift in the speaker's mood, suggesting that even small acts can
change one's outlook.
 The Trees: Describes the renewal of trees and their attempt to break free
from captivity (urban life), symbolizing hope for growth and freedom.
o Contrast: "Dust of Snow" uses a small act of nature for personal renewal, while
"The Trees" symbolizes broader natural freedom and growth.
4. Fire and Ice and Fog:
o Tone and Mood:
 Fire and Ice: A philosophical tone discussing the destructive nature of
desire (fire) and hatred (ice). It conveys a sense of inevitable destruction.
 Fog: A calm, serene tone, describing the fog's quiet, almost mystical
presence. The mood is peaceful and mysterious.
 o Contrast: "Fire and Ice" conveys destruction and conflict, while "Fog" conveys
peace and stillness.
5. For Anne Gregory and The Tale of Custard the Dragon:
o Humor and Deeper Message:
 For Anne Gregory: Humorous in its portrayal of Anne’s quest for love,
but also addresses deeper issues of superficiality in love and
relationships.
 The Tale of Custard the Dragon: Light-hearted and whimsical with
humorous characters, but also carries a deeper message about bravery,
even in unexpected forms.
o Contrast: Both poems use humor, but "For Anne Gregory" is more focused on
romantic and social issues, while "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" deals with
courage.
6. The Ball Poem and The Tiger in the Zoo:
o Freedom and Captivity:
 The Ball Poem: The ball represents something lost, symbolizing the
larger theme of loss of childhood or innocence.
 The Tiger in the Zoo: The tiger is confined and suffers due to captivity,
contrasting the tiger’s desire for freedom with its physical and emotional
imprisonment.
o Contrast: Both poems deal with loss and captivity, but "The Ball Poem" is
about emotional loss, and "The Tiger in the Zoo" is about physical captivity.
7. Amanda! and The Trees:
o Longing for Freedom:
 Amanda!: Amanda expresses her desire for freedom from societal
expectations and personal restrictions imposed by adults.
 The Trees: The trees long for freedom from their captivity, symbolizing
the universal need for freedom and growth.
o Contrast: "Amanda!" focuses on the individual’s desire for personal freedom,
while "The Trees" symbolizes a more collective yearning for natural freedom.
8. Dust of Snow and Fire and Ice:
o Destruction through Snow and Fire:
 Dust of Snow: Uses the image of snow falling to symbolize an
unexpected moment of positivity, turning the day around and countering
any negativity.
  Fire and Ice: Uses fire and ice as metaphors for the destructive powers of
human emotions—fire for desire, ice for hatred—implying potential
destruction of the world.
o Contrast: "Dust of Snow" shows a gentle, restorative force, while "Fire and
Ice" portrays destructive forces of passion and hatred.
9. The Tale of Custard the Dragon and A Tiger in the Zoo:
o Animals and Human Life:
 The Tale of Custard the Dragon: Features a dragon as the central
character, symbolizing courage, humor, and unspoken heroism.
 A Tiger in the Zoo: Depicts a tiger in captivity, focusing on the animal’s
frustration and longing for freedom, symbolizing the impact of human
control on nature.
o Contrast: Both poems feature animals, but one (Custard) portrays the animal as
a hero, while the other (Tiger) highlights the suffering and loss of freedom.
10.The Trees and Fog:
o Natural Imagery and Human Experience:
 The Trees: Uses the imagery of trees attempting to break free to reflect
themes of liberation, growth, and renewal.
 Fog: Depicts fog as a mysterious presence, reflecting the human
experience of confusion, uncertainty, and quiet introspection.
o Contrast: "The Trees" uses natural imagery to signify hope and freedom, while
"Fog" portrays nature as a metaphor for uncertainty and stillness.
 PROSE
1. A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom both highlight the
themes of hope, struggle, and resilience. Compare how the characters in each story
demonstrate these qualities in the face of adversity.
2. His First Flight and The Black Aeroplane both involve the theme of overcoming
fear through flight. How do the central characters in each story face their fear, and what
does it reveal about their personalities?
3. From the Diary of Anne Frank and Madam Rides the Bus both portray young
protagonists navigating challenges in their respective worlds. Compare how Anne Frank
and the girl in Madam Rides the Bus experience personal growth.
4. Glimpses of India, I: A Baker from Goa and Glimpses of India, II: Coorg both
provide insights into the unique cultures of India. Compare the cultural aspects highlighted
in both texts and their significance to the Indian way of life.
5. The Sermon at Benares and The Proposal both deal with human nature and social
expectations. Compare how each story reflects the tensions between personal desires and
societal pressures.
6. A Letter to God and From the Diary of Anne Frank both portray human beings
enduring difficult circumstances. Compare how the themes of faith and hope are explored
in both these texts.
7. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Proposal both focus on
individuals dealing with societal norms. Compare how the central characters in these texts
respond to their environments and how their actions are shaped by social expectations.
8. His First Flight and Madam Rides the Bus both explore themes of independence and
self-discovery. How do the characters in each story experience moments of growth that
reflect their journey toward maturity?
9. Glimpses of India, I: A Baker from Goa and The Black Aeroplane both reflect
elements of local culture and personal experience. Compare how these texts use personal
narratives to depict unique aspects of life and culture.
10. The Sermon at Benares and A Letter to God both touch upon the themes of
spirituality and materialism. Compare how these themes are explored in the context of
human behavior and personal transformation in both stories.
 KEY POINTS

1. A Letter to God and Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom:

o Struggle and Resilience:
 A Letter to God: Lencho demonstrates hope and faith despite his
hardship, believing that God will provide for him even when faced with
natural calamities.
 Nelson Mandela: Mandela’s life exemplifies resilience in the face of
apartheid, showing determination and hope even in prolonged
imprisonment.
o Comparison: Both texts highlight how adversity is met with unshaken resolve,
but the contexts (natural vs. political struggles) are different.
2. His First Flight and The Black Aeroplane:
o Overcoming Fear:
 His First Flight: The young seagull overcomes his fear of flying,
symbolizing personal growth and courage.
 The Black Aeroplane: The pilot conquers fear amidst a storm,
symbolizing resilience and courage to face the unknown.
o Comparison: Both texts show characters overcoming initial fear through
courage, but the scale and context (flying vs. survival in a storm) differ.
3. From the Diary of Anne Frank and Madam Rides the Bus:
o Personal Growth:
 From the Diary of Anne Frank: Anne matures emotionally and
intellectually, dealing with the pressures of hiding during World War II
and reflecting on human nature.
 Madam Rides the Bus: The young girl experiences a sense of
independence and maturity by riding the bus, symbolizing her growth and
yearning for autonomy.
o Comparison: Both characters seek independence, but Anne’s growth is more
introspective and influenced by external pressures, while the girl's growth is
more about personal freedom.
4. Glimpses of India, I: A Baker from Goa and Glimpses of India, II: Coorg:
o Cultural Insights:
 A Baker from Goa: The story reflects the traditional Goan culture,
highlighting the baker’s role and the importance of age-old customs in
daily life.
  Coorg: Depicts the culture of Coorg, emphasizing the unique traditions,
hospitality, and connection to nature that define the region.
o Comparison: Both highlight regional cultures, focusing on the uniqueness and
charm of local customs, but in different settings and contexts.
5. The Sermon at Benares and The Proposal:
o Human Nature and Social Expectations:
 The Sermon at Benares: The sermon speaks of the transient nature of
life, urging the importance of inner qualities over material possessions.
 The Proposal: The story humorously portrays the tension between
personal desires and societal expectations through the marriage proposal.
o Comparison: Both explore human nature, but while The Sermon at Benares
discusses the importance of inner virtues, The Proposal humorously critiques
social norms.
6. A Letter to God and From the Diary of Anne Frank:
o Faith and Hope:
 A Letter to God: Lencho’s unwavering faith in God, despite the
circumstances, is central to the theme of hope and belief in divine
intervention.
 From the Diary of Anne Frank: Anne struggles with her faith but
continues to hope for a better future, representing resilience amidst
darkness.
o Comparison: Both texts show hope as an essential force, but Lencho’s faith is
literal and fixed, while Anne’s hope is more reflective and evolving in a wartime
context.
7. Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and The Proposal:
o Response to Societal Norms:
 Nelson Mandela: Mandela actively challenges apartheid, responding to
societal injustices with a lifelong struggle for equality and freedom.
 The Proposal: The characters’ actions are driven by societal
expectations, especially marriage, but their personal desires conflict with
these pressures.
o Comparison: Both texts engage with societal norms, but Mandela’s struggle is
political and systemic, while the characters in The Proposal deal with more
personal, social expectations.
8. His First Flight and Madam Rides the Bus:
o Independence and Self-Discovery:
  His First Flight: The young seagull gains independence by overcoming
his fear and learning to fly, symbolizing personal growth.
 Madam Rides the Bus: The young girl experiences a sense of freedom
and independence as she rides the bus alone, showing her maturity.
o Comparison: Both texts deal with the theme of independence, but the seagull’s
journey is physical and symbolic of personal growth, while the girl’s experience
is more about asserting independence in a social context.
9. Glimpses of India, I: A Baker from Goa and The Black Aeroplane:
o Cultural and Personal Experiences:
 A Baker from Goa: The baker’s role in the community reflects the
traditional Goan way of life, emphasizing cultural values and customs.
 The Black Aeroplane: The pilot’s adventure in navigating through the
storm reflects individual perseverance and the human spirit in the face of
danger.
o Comparison: Both reflect personal experiences, but one focuses on cultural
practices while the other highlights an individual’s survival in a challenging
situation.
10.The Sermon at Benares and A Letter to God:
o Spirituality and Materialism:
 The Sermon at Benares: The sermon emphasizes the transience of life
and the importance of inner peace, warning against attachment to material
possessions.
 A Letter to God: Lencho’s belief in divine justice contrasts with his
materialistic view that money alone can solve his problems.
o Comparison: Both texts explore spirituality, but the sermon advocates for
detachment from materialism, while Lencho’s belief focuses more on material
fulfillment.
 SUPPLEMENTARY
1. A Triumph of Surgery and The Making of a Scientist both focus on the theme of
personal ambition and its effects. Compare how the protagonists in both texts pursue their
ambitions and how it shapes their characters and lives.
2. The Thief's Story and The Midnight Visitor both involve themes of crime and
deception. Compare how the main characters in each story use their wit and intelligence to
manipulate situations and the outcomes of their actions.
3. Footprints Without Feet and The Book That Saved the Earth both feature unusual,
thought-provoking scenarios. How do the elements of fantasy and adventure contribute to the
central themes in these stories?
4. A Question of Trust and The Necklace both deal with issues of trust and betrayal.
Compare the consequences of misplaced trust in both stories and how these events affect the
characters involved.
5. Bholi and The Making of a Scientist both feature characters who experience
significant personal growth. Compare how Bholi’s transformation and the scientist's journey
reflect their resilience in overcoming societal and personal challenges.
6. A Triumph of Surgery and The Thief's Story both involve characters who are
motivated by a desire for personal gain. Compare how their actions are driven by self-
interest and the eventual consequences they face.
7. Footprints Without Feet and The Midnight Visitor both present scenarios where the
actions of individuals lead to unexpected outcomes. How do the characters’ decisions
influence the plot and the eventual resolution of each story?
8. The Necklace and A Question of Trust both deal with the theme of appearance
versus reality. Compare how the characters’ perceptions of themselves and others lead to
misunderstandings and consequences.
9. Bholi and The Thief's Story both depict characters who initially appear to be weak or
misguided but undergo significant transformation. Compare the paths of their development
and the forces that shape their changes.
10. The Book That Saved the Earth and A Triumph of Surgery both have elements of
surprise and reversal. Compare how the endings of these stories challenge expectations and
highlight key themes in each text.
KEY POINTS
1. A Triumph of Surgery and The Making of a Scientist:
o Personal Ambition:
 A Triumph of Surgery: Dr. Arnold’s ambition to be recognized as a
skilled surgeon leads him to perform a successful surgery on the dog,
reflecting his drive to prove his abilities.
 The Making of a Scientist: The scientist’s curiosity and ambition to
explore nature drive him to experiment, leading to his eventual success in
the field of science.
o Comparison: Both characters are shaped by their ambition to achieve success,
but Dr. Arnold’s ambition is more professionally motivated, while the scientist’s
is driven by intellectual curiosity.
2. The Thief's Story and The Midnight Visitor:
o Crime and Deception:
 The Thief's Story: The protagonist, a young thief, uses deceit and
manipulation to achieve his goals but is later transformed by the kindness
of the man he tries to rob.
 The Midnight Visitor: The protagonist, a secret agent, uses intelligence
and wit to outsmart his adversaries and succeed in his mission.
o Comparison: Both characters engage in deception, but the thief undergoes a
moral transformation, while the secret agent uses his wit for professional
success.
3. Footprints Without Feet and The Book That Saved the Earth:
o Fantasy and Adventure:
 Footprints Without Feet: The story centers around the mysterious,
invisible man, blending elements of fantasy and adventure as it explores
human curiosity and the unknown.
 The Book That Saved the Earth: This is a futuristic, adventurous story
where the power of books is explored through time travel and a battle
against the threat of destroying knowledge.
o Comparison: Both stories are imaginative, using elements of fantasy to explore
deeper themes such as human nature and the value of knowledge.
4. A Question of Trust and The Necklace:
o Trust and Betrayal:
  A Question of Trust: The story revolves around the betrayal of trust
when a person is cheated due to their assumptions, leading to a lesson
about trustworthiness.
 The Necklace: The protagonist's life is dramatically altered due to
misplaced trust and a false sense of wealth and status, highlighting the
consequences of materialism and dishonesty.
o Comparison: Both stories focus on the consequences of misplaced trust but in
different contexts—one with moral lessons about honesty and the other with a
lesson on the dangers of vanity and greed.
5. Bholi and The Making of a Scientist:
o Personal Growth:
 Bholi: Bholi’s transformation from a shy, neglected girl to a confident,
self-assured woman reflects her growth and empowerment.
 The Making of a Scientist: The scientist’s growth is reflected in his
journey from a curious, inquisitive child to an accomplished scientist,
driven by a love of knowledge.
o Comparison: Both characters undergo significant transformation, though
Bholi’s growth is social and emotional, while the scientist’s development is
intellectual and driven by curiosity.
6. A Triumph of Surgery and The Thief's Story:
o Self-Interest:
 A Triumph of Surgery: Dr. Arnold's motivation is self-interest, seeking
to prove his skill and earn recognition by performing the surgery on the
dog.
 The Thief's Story: The thief's motivation is self-interest, wanting to steal
money and escape his difficult life, but he is ultimately influenced by the
kindness of others.
o Comparison: Both characters are initially driven by self-interest, but while Dr.
Arnold’s ambition leads to professional success, the thief’s self-interest is
tempered by a moral awakening.
7. Footprints Without Feet and The Midnight Visitor:
o Unexpected Outcomes:
 Footprints Without Feet: The invisible man’s actions lead to unexpected
consequences, including confusion and chaos as his invisible presence
creates fear and intrigue.
  The Midnight Visitor: The clever solution employed by the protagonist
to escape his predicament shows how decisions taken under pressure can
lead to unexpected but positive outcomes.
o Comparison: Both stories show how characters’ actions result in unexpected
situations, with Footprints Without Feet leaning towards chaos and The
Midnight Visitor leading to a clever resolution.
8. The Necklace and A Question of Trust:
o Appearance vs. Reality:
 The Necklace: Madame Loisel’s obsession with appearance and material
wealth leads to her downfall when she loses the necklace and spends
years in poverty to replace it, only to discover it was a fake.
 A Question of Trust: The protagonist’s assumptions about trust and the
other person’s integrity lead to the realization that appearances can be
deceptive.
o Comparison: Both stories examine how superficial appearances and
assumptions about others can lead to life-altering consequences, emphasizing
the importance of honesty.
9. Bholi and The Thief's Story:
o Transformation:
 Bholi: Initially shy and insecure, Bholi evolves into a strong, independent
woman who makes an important decision about her life, rejecting an
unsuitable marriage.
 The Thief's Story: The thief undergoes a moral transformation,
influenced by the kindness of the man he tried to rob, leading him to
reconsider his life choices.
o Comparison: Both characters experience significant personal transformation,
with Bholi finding her voice and independence, while the thief changes his
ways due to the impact of others’ kindness.
10.The Book That Saved the Earth and A Triumph of Surgery:
o Surprise and Reversal:
 The Book That Saved the Earth: The story culminates in a surprise
twist where the ancient book proves crucial in saving humanity, with a
reversal of expectations about the value of knowledge.
 A Triumph of Surgery: The twist lies in the fact that Dr. Arnold’s
surgery, which initially seemed reckless, ends up being a success,
surprising both the characters and the readers.
o Comparison: Both stories feature unexpected outcomes, with The Book That
Saved the Earth focusing on the power of knowledge and A Triumph of
Surgery emphasizing professional skill and unexpected success.