CBSE Class 10 English First Flight A Tiger in the Zoo Poem Summary & Notes

CBSE Class 10 English First Flight book Chapter 2 contains one poem,  A Tiger in the Zoo, which is written by Leslie Norris. Here, we have provided an explanation of the CBSE Class 10 English Poem Tiger in the Zoo. Along with the explanation, the poem’s summary is also provided in the form of the CBSE Notes to help students easily understand the context of the poem. Students can refer to the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight A Tiger in the Zoo Poem Summary and Notes for their exam preparation and quick revision.

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CBSE Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo Poem Summary

The poem explains the situation of a tiger in the zoo. The poet narrates a tiger’s erstwhile life in the jungle when he was a free animal and now when he is caged in the zoo. The poem begins by describing the physical features of the tiger, which is kept in a little cage. The poet then goes on to describe how a tiger’s life would have been if he was in the jungle. In the end, the poet once again explains the situation of the tiger in the cage. The poet says that cage life has changed the personality of the tiger. He further elaborates that the tiger was a powerful and brave animal in the jungle, and villagers were terrified by his power. However, now the tiger has been confined in the cage and has turned into a helpless and powerless animal.

CBSE Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo Poem Explanation Notes

A Tiger in the Zoo poem, along with the explanation, is provided below. Students can have a look at it to get a deeper understanding of the poem.

A Tiger in the Zoo Poem Explanation Notes

He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage.

He should be lurking in shadow,

Sliding through long grass

Near the water hole

Where plump deer pass.

He should be snarling around houses

At the jungle’s edge,

Baring his white fangs, his claws,

Terrorising the village!

But he’s locked in a concrete cell,

His strength behind bars,

Stalking the length of his cage,

Ignoring visitors.

He hears the last voice at night,

The patrolling cars,

And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.

LESLIE NORRIS

In the opening stanza, the poet describes the appearance of the tiger in the zoo. He says that the stripes on the tiger’s body are visible from a far distance. These stripes are darker in colour than the rest of his body structure. The tiger moves in the cage but can walk only a few steps as the cage is small. He walks quietly due to its smooth velvet pads. The tiger is full of anger, but he suppresses it due to his helplessness.

In the second stanza, the poet imagines the life of the tiger in the jungle. He describes the other side of the tiger when he is a free animal. The poet says that, in the natural habitat, i.e., the dark forest, the tiger would have been lying in the shadow of the tree or hiding in the long grass to prevent other animals from noticing his movement. In this way, he would reach the water hole where all the animals of the forest come to drink water. When a deer would pass through the water hole, he would attack him and have him as a meal for the day.

In the third stanza, the poet says that the tiger would be growling at the edge of the jungle near the village. The tiger would show his white long sharp teeth and long carved nails while moving here and there to scare the villagers. Here, the poet wants to convey that if we destroy the forests, then tigers will forcefully come out to towns and villages for their food. Thus, they will become the cause of terror for humans.

In the fourth stanza, the poet stops imagining the tiger’s forest life and returns to the real condition. The poet says that the tiger is locked in a strong cell, which is made up of sturdy material. He has all the strength and power, but he is still behind bars. The tiger moves slowly and quietly in his cage and pays no attention to people who are coming to see him.

In the last stanza, the poet says that the tiger does not sleep at night. He hears the sound of the patrolling car. The noise of the patrolling car disturbs the tiger and does not allow him to sleep. He keeps staring at the stars with his brilliant eyes. He gets lost in his thoughts and wonders why he has been imprisoned in the cage.

We hope this CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Poem Notes A Tiger in the Zoo must have helped students in their exam preparation. Stay tuned to BYJU’S for the latest update on CBSE/ICSE/State board and other competitive exams. Also, get the CBSE study material, such as sample papers, textbooks, syllabus, NCERT solutions, question papers, etc., for board exam preparation. You can also find essays for topics such as Independence Day, Republic Day, Women Empowerment, Constitution of India & etc.