How to tell Wild Animals
1. Does ‘ dyin’ realy rhyme with lion’? Can you say it in such a way that it does?
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2. How does the poet suggest that you identify the lion and the tiger? When can you do so, according to him?
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3. Do you think the words ‘ lept ‘ and ‘ lep ‘ in the third stanza are spelt correctly ? Why does the poet spell them like this ?
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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 ) ?
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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 ?
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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)?
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7. Much of the humour in the poem arises from the way language is used,although the ideas are funny as well. If their are particuler lines in the poem that you especialy like, shair these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.
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