Read the poem A Tiger in the Zoo by Leslie Norris again, and then, complete the following tasks: (i) Identify the words that describe the movements and actions of the tiger in the cage and in the wild. Arrange these words in two columns. (ii) Identify the words that describe the two places (the zoo and the wild). Arrange these words in two columns. Finally, share your ideas about how the poet uses words and images to contrast these two situations.

Model Answer & Options

Source: Textbook

(i) Movements and Actions: In the cage: confined, pacing, sluggish, restrained. In the wild: prowling, leaping, majestic, free. (ii) Descriptions of the Places: Zoo: artificial, sterile, limited. Wild: natural, vibrant, expansive.

The poet contrasts the two situations by using vivid words and images that emphasize the tiger’s loss of natural freedom when confined. In the cage, the movements are described as restricted and mechanical, mirroring the sterile environment of captivity. In contrast, in the wild, the tiger’s actions are portrayed as graceful and unbridled, reflecting the richness and vastness of its natural habitat. This juxtaposition not only highlights the physical differences between the two settings but also underscores the emotional impact of confinement versus the inherent beauty and freedom of the natural world.

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