Exam-oriented note for Poem 7: The Duck and the Kangaroo from English Beehive – Class IX, with a point-wise summary and detailed Q&A:
Poem 7: The Duck and the Kangaroo
Poet: Edward Lear
Point-wise Summary
- The poem is a humorous conversation between a Duck and a Kangaroo.
- The Duck wishes to travel the world but is confined to a boring pond.
- It admires the Kangaroo’s ability to hop around freely and asks for a ride.
- The Duck promises to sit still, wear wool to stay warm, and not annoy the Kangaroo.
- The Kangaroo agrees but worries about the Duck’s cold feet.
- The Duck assures it has taken all precautions.
- They begin their journey, hopping around the world together, living happily.
Theme
- Friendship and cooperation
- Desire to explore the world and overcome limitations
- Imagination and fantasy
- Mutual understanding and respect in relationships
Word Meanings
- Nasty – Unpleasant
- Pond – A small body of water
- Reflection – Careful thought
- Objection – A reason for disapproval
- Journey – Travel from one place to another
- Pleasure – Joy or happiness
Literary Devices
- Personification: The duck and kangaroo talk like humans
- Rhyme Scheme: aabb in each stanza
- Alliteration: “Dee, said the Duck,” “world so wide”
- Imagery: Descriptions like “pond,” “world so wide,” and “Kangaroo’s hop” create vivid pictures
- Repetition: The word “said the Duck” is repeated to maintain rhythm and humor
Important Questions and Answers
1. What is the Duck’s desire?
The Duck wishes to leave the boring pond and travel the world, exploring new places, just like the Kangaroo.
2. Why does the Duck approach the Kangaroo?
The Duck cannot travel on its own and admires the Kangaroo’s ability to hop around freely. So it politely requests a ride.
3. How does the Duck plan to travel with the Kangaroo?
The Duck promises to sit still, bring socks and a cloak to avoid catching cold, and not say anything annoying.
4. What concern does the Kangaroo raise?
The Kangaroo worries that the Duck’s wet and cold feet might give him rheumatism (a disease causing pain in joints).
5. How does the Duck address the Kangaroo’s concern?
The Duck assures the Kangaroo that it will wear worsted socks and a cloak and smoke a cigar to stay warm and dry.
6. What does the poem teach us about friendship?
True friendship requires communication, compromise, and trust. The Duck and Kangaroo show understanding and mutual respect.
7. What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is playful, light-hearted, and imaginative. It uses humor to entertain and inspire.
8. What makes this poem a ‘nonsense verse’?
The idea of a duck and a kangaroo talking and traveling together is fantastical and absurd, making it a classic example of a nonsense poem.
9. What does the journey symbolize in the poem?
The journey symbolizes the desire to break free from limitations and live life to the fullest with the support of a friend.
10. What makes the Duck and Kangaroo a good team?
The Duck is thoughtful and careful, while the Kangaroo is adventurous. Together, they balance each other and make their dream journey possible.
Would you like to continue with Chapter 8: A House Is Not a Home next?
