Source: Textbook

In the third stanza of the poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals', do you think the words ‘lept‘ and ‘lep’ are spelt correctly according to standard English rules? Explain why the poet might choose to spell them in this manner.

Model Answer

No, in the poem 'How to Tell Wild Animals', ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ are not spelt correctly according to standard English rules. The poet intentionally uses these non-standard spellings to capture a colloquial tone and mimic informal speech. This playful deviation adds humor and rhythm to the poem, enhancing its lighthearted and ironic style. By altering the spelling, the poet not only draws attention to the casual nature of the narrative but also emphasizes the absurdity of the situations described. This creative use of language invites readers to enjoy the poem’s unique voice and quirky charm.