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Question
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…
Solution
- Reference: These words are from the poem “Confessions of a Bom Spectator” written by Ogden Nash.
- Context: The poet says these while contemplating the probability of swapping places with them.
- Explanation: The poet has limp and bashful spirit which feeds on other people’s heroic deeds. The zealous players maim one another to win laurels. The thrill and excitement of all kinds of sports and games pleases the poet but he is wise enough to stay out and be a spectator because he has modest of physiques. He admits he would rather share a drink with them in a pub or dine with them in a restaurant. He is even ready to buy the most expensive tickets, as expensive as radium, to see them play the rough games but never compete with them.
- Comment: The poet shows his happiness to treat them with a costly drink since he enjoys being a spectator.
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