Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
And his footprints are not found in any file of Scotland Yard’s
Solution
- Reference: These words are. from the poem “ Macavity the mystery cat” written by T.S. Eliot.
- Context: The poet says these words about the clever escape Macavity makes after every crime is committed.
- Explanation: Scotland yard police is known all over the world for its capacity to investigate crimes and nab criminals in record time. But many crimes happen in London. Before Scotland Yard or the flying squad could reach the spot of crime, the criminal vanishes without leaving
any trace of the evidence. Scotland yard police wants to nab him with evidence. But his footprints are nowhere to be found. So, Scotland Yard is unable to arrest Macavity. - Comment: The mysterious moves of Macavity stuns even the Scotland Yard.
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
What happens to the poet when he visits someone for the third time?
What does the poet mean when he says ‘good bye’?
What pleasantries does the poet use to fake cordiality?
What does the poet long for?
Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.
hands search my empty pockets
Interpret each of the following expression used in the poem, in one or two line.
to unlearn all these muting things
Explain the following lines with reference to the context.
I want to be what I used to be.
Not everybody loves to play and participate in games, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Some of us wish to be mere spectators. List out the activities in which you like to be either a performer or a spectator. Share your views with the class.
Activities | ||
performer/player | spectator/audience | |
e.g. | cricket | magician |
a. | ||
b. | ||
c. | ||
d. | ||
e. |
Why does the poet feel glad that he does not play any game?
Explain the following with reference to the context in about 50–60 word each.
I am just glad as glad can be That I am not them, that they are not me…
Explain the following with reference to the context in about 50–60 word each.
Athletes, I’ll drink to you, Or eat with you, Or anything except compete with you…
Find out the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.
One infant grows up and becomes a jockey
Another plays basketball or hockey
This one the prize ring hates to enter
That one becomes a tackle or center…
Complete the summary of the poem by filling in the blanks with the words given below.
The poet, in a relaxed state of mind, is sitting in a (1) ______. He reflects on how his mood brings (2) ______thoughts, which are inevitably followed by (3)______ones. He feels connected to all of nature, and senses an inherent joy in all (4)______. He has faith in the fact that all the primroses and periwinkles around him (5)______ the air they breathe. He feels that every bird in the grove moves with (6)______. As the twigs catch the breezy air, they do so with the same pleasure (7)______ all life on earth. This joy of nature seems to be heaven-sent. Nature’s holy plan is to offer joy and peace to all forms of life on earth. The poet’s pleasant train of thought slowly leads to the sad reflection of how mankind alone has wrought sorrow and (8)______ upon itself. He firmly believes that man is meant to spend his days blissfully taking part in the vitality and joy surrounding him in (9)______. He therefore concludes rhetorically, emphasizing that he has good reason to (10)______ the distress, man unnecessarily brings upon himself.
creations | abundance | savour |
pleasant | suffering | grove |
lament | pervading | sorrowful |
ecstasy |
Read the lines given below and answer the question that follow.
And ‘tis my faith that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes…
- What is the poet’s faith?
- What trait of Nature do we see here?
Explain the following line with reference to the context in about four to five sentence each.
Have I not reason to lament
What Man has made of Man?
Work in groups of 4−6. Discuss how you would preserve the environment and protect Nature. One or two representatives may share their ideas with the class.
Describe Macavity’s appearance.
Read the given lines and answer the question that follow.
He sways his head from side to
side, with movements like a snake;
And when you think he’s half asleep,
he’s always wide awake…
- Explain the comparison made here.
- What does he pretend to do?
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
And when you think he’s half asleep, he’s always wide awake
Explain the following line with reference to the context.
He always has an alibi, and one or two to spare
Identify the following personalities and their fields of achievement.
Name | Field | |
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
![]() |
- Mention a remarkable achievement of any of these personalities.
- What quality do you admire the most in each of these achievers?
- What are the qualities that you may share with them?
- Name a few more popular personalities who have made our nation proud.
- ______.
- ______.
- ______.
- ______.
Who are the ‘deserving ones’?
Creative Activity
- Write eight words you associate with success.
- Use the words to write eight lines that mean success to you or how success makes you feel.
- Arrange your lines into a poem.
- Share your poem with the class and post a copy on the notice board.
Fill in the blank with appropriate word from the box and complete the statement suitably:
Alexander the Great, wished to conquer many lands and ______the entire world.
Complete the passage given below, with suitable words from the box:
Lima, a (a)______and (b)______woman, kept (c)______at her colleagues and went on taxing them with hard labour. Though they were (d) ______to her, she being their head, they were offended and filled with (e)______. It so happened, that Lima was (f)______from her high position due to a serious blunder she had committed. Lima, having lost all her (g)______and glory, realized how arrogant she had been. She gave up her pride and with (h)______sought an apology from everyone. She thus turned over a new leaf and bid (i)______to them.
farewell | ceremonious | deposed |
reverence | vain | pomp |
conceited | sorrow | scoffing |
What does the crown of rulers stand for?
Working with your partner, discuss the following adages and share your views with the class. You may need to give your ideas and justify your point of view. Remember to take turns while making your presentation/short speech.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown
Read the poem once again carefully and identify the figure of speech that has been used in each of the following line from the poem:
“Bores through his castle wall, and farewell king!”