1.
✦ Character Sketch of Nelson Mandela
(From the lesson: “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” – First Flight)
Nelson Mandela is portrayed as a courageous, determined, and selfless leader who
dedicated his entire life to the cause of freedom and equality in South Africa. He
emerges as a man of unshakable moral strength, who believes that no one is born
hating another person because of colour or background. According to Mandela,
courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it, and he shows this
quality throughout his struggle against apartheid.
Mandela is also depicted as a humble and compassionate human being. Even after
spending 30 years in prison, he shows no bitterness or desire for revenge. Instead,
he focuses on building a peaceful, democratic nation. He values freedom, justice,
and human dignity, not only for himself, but for all people, both black and white.
His character reflects a true statesman, a visionary who believes that the oppressor
and the oppressed alike need to be liberated from hatred. His patience,
perseverance, and faith in humanity make him an inspiring global icon of peace and
equality.
---
2. ✦ Character Sketch of Anne Frank
(From the lesson: “From the Diary of Anne Frank” – First Flight)
Anne Frank is portrayed as a highly intelligent, sensitive, and imaginative young girl.
Through her diary entries, she appears honest, straightforward, and deeply
reflective. Anne uses her diary as a friend named “Kitty”, revealing her inner feelings
with innocence and sincerity.
She is shown to be a keen observer who notices the behaviour of people around her,
especially her teachers, friends, and family. Though young, Anne displays a
remarkable maturity in understanding human nature and the harsh realities of the
world during World War II.
Her sense of humour, lively nature, and positive outlook shine through her writing.
Despite the fear and uncertainty of living in hiding, Anne tries to remain hopeful and
optimistic. She dreams of becoming a writer, imagines a peaceful future, and
believes that “people are really good at heart.”
Anne Frank’s character reflects courage, resilience, determination, and a strong will
to live with dignity even in the darkest times.
---
3. ✦ Character Sketch of Horace Danby
(From the lesson: “A Question of Trust” – Footprints Without Feet)
Horace Danby is depicted as a clever, skilled, but unusual thief. He is a middle-aged
man who appears respectable and lives a quiet life. He even employs two servants
and reads books in his spare time. However, underneath this respectable image,
Horace has a weakness for rare and expensive books, which leads him to steal once
every year.
Although he commits theft, Horace is not evil or violent. He steals only to buy books,
and he believes he is careful and trustworthy. Unfortunately, his overconfidence
becomes his downfall. When he is tricked by a lady posing as the owner of a house,
Horace ends up being arrested while the real thief escapes.
His character portrays the theme of irony and misplaced confidence. Horace is
intelligent but not wise enough to judge people accurately. His love for books,
punctual habits, neatness, and nervousness around women make him a unique and
memorable character.
---
4. ✦ Character Sketch of James Herriot
(From the lesson: “A Triumph of Surgery” – Footprints Without Feet)
James Herriot, the narrator, is presented as a gentle, compassionate, and
knowledgeable veterinary surgeon. He is deeply committed to his profession and
shows genuine concern for the animals he treats. In this story, he worries about
Tricki, an overfed pet dog, and immediately understands that the dog’s illness is due
to excessive pampering by its owner, Mrs. Pumphrey.
Herriot is practical in his approach. Instead of giving costly medical treatment, he
provides Tricki with simple measures like exercise, controlled food, and natural play
with other dogs. His treatment reflects his wisdom, patience, and understanding of
animals’ real needs.
He is also honest and humble. Although Mrs. Pumphrey showers him with gifts and
praises, Herriot remains focused on Tricki’s well-being. His responsible and caring
nature makes him a model doctor, respected by both owners and animals.
---
📌 CONCLUSION
Each character—Mandela, Anne Frank, Horace Danby, and James Herriot—
represents a different facet of human nature:
Courage and leadership (Mandela)
Hope and sensitivity (Anne Frank)
Irony and human weakness (Horace Danby)
Compassion and responsibility (James Herriot)
✦ PART A — REPORTED SPEECH (Direct & Indirect
Speech)
1. RULES OF REPORTED SPEECH (Class 10)
Rule 1: Change of Tense
When reporting verb is in past tense, the tense changes:
• Simple Present → Simple Past
• Present Continuous → Past Continuous
• Present Perfect → Past Perfect
• Simple Past → Past Perfect
Example:
Direct: He said, “I like apples.”
Indirect: He said that he liked apples.
Rule 2: No Change in Tense When Reporting Verb Is in
Present/Future
• “says” / “will say” → tense remains same
Rule 3: Change of Pronouns
Pronouns change according to the meaning:
• I → he/she
• you → I/we/they
• we → they
Rule 4: Change of Time & Place Words
Direct SpeechReported Speechnow → thenhere → theretoday → that dayyesterday →
the previous daytomorrow → the next daylast night → the previous night
Rule 5: No Inverted Commas
Replace them with that / if / whether / to.
Rule 6: Reporting Questions
• Use asked instead of said
• Replace ? with if/whether for Yes/No questions
• WH-questions keep the WH-word
Rule 7: Reporting Commands & Requests
Use ordered / requested / advised + to-verb
Rule 8: Reporting Exclamations
Use exclaimed with joy/sorrow/wonder.
20 Examples of Reported Speech (Class 10 Level)
• Direct: He said, “I am busy.”
Indirect: He said that he was busy.
• She said, “I will help you.”
→ She said that she would help me.
• They said, “We are going home.”
→ They said that they were going home.
• He said, “I have finished my work.”
→ He said that he had finished his work.
• She said, “I bought a dress.”
→ She said that she had bought a dress.
• They said, “We will win the match.”
→ They said that they would win the match.
• He said, “I can swim.”
→ He said that he could swim.
• She said, “I must leave now.”
→ She said that she had to leave then.
• He asked, “Do you like chocolate?”
→ He asked if I liked chocolate.
• She asked, “Where are you going?”
→ She asked where I was going.
• He asked, “Why are you crying?”
→ He asked why I was crying.
• Father said to me, “Work hard.”
→ Father advised me to work hard.
• The teacher said, “Don’t talk.”
→ The teacher ordered them not to talk.
• She said, “Please help me.”
→ She requested me to help her.
• He said, “Hurrah! We won!”
→ He exclaimed with joy that they had won.
• Riya said, “Alas! I failed.”
→ Riya exclaimed with sorrow that she had failed.
• He said, “I like tea.”
→ He said that he liked tea.
• She said, “My mother is cooking.”
→ She said that her mother was cooking.
• They said, “We saw a movie yesterday.”
→ They said that they had seen a movie the previous day.
• The boy said, “I am reading a book.”
→ The boy said that he was reading a book.
✦ PART B — SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT (Class 10
Rules)
1. RULES OF SUBJECT–VERB AGREEMENT
Rule 1: Singular Subject → Singular Verb
• He plays cricket.
Rule 2: Plural Subject → Plural Verb
• They play cricket.
Rule 3: ‘I’ and ‘You’ take plural verbs
• I am (exception)
• You are, You play
Rule 4: Subjects joined by ‘and’ take plural verb
• Riya and Sita are friends.
Rule 5: When two nouns are one idea → singular verb
• Bread and butter is my breakfast.
Rule 6: ‘Each’, ‘Every’, ‘Either’, ‘Neither’ → Singular verb
• Each boy was present.
Rule 7: Collective noun → Singular verb
• The team is winning.
Rule 8: Singular indefinite pronouns → Singular verb
Everyone / someone / nobody → takes singular verb
Example: Everyone is here.
Rule 9: Distance, weight, amount → Singular verb
• Five kilometers is a long walk.
Rule 10: Nouns connected by ‘or/nor’
Verb agrees with nearest subject.
• Either Riya or her friends are coming.
• Either the students or the teacher is late.
20 Examples of Subject–Verb Agreement
• She plays football.
• They play football.
• I am happy.
• You are late.
• Rohan and Sohan are brothers.
• Bread and jam is tasty.
• Everyone is excited.
• Each student was present.
• The team is practicing.
• Ten rupees is not enough.
• Neither Riya nor her friends are coming.
• Either the boys or the teacher is wrong.
• The list of items is long.
• The dogs bark loudly.
• The girl wants to read.
• The boys want to play.
• Somebody is knocking at the door.
• None of the information is correct.
• Physics is a difficult subject.
• Five kilometers is a long distance to walk.
ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH (CLASS 10 CBSE FORMAT)
FORMAT OF AN ANALYTICAL PARAGRAPH (CBSE
10th)
• Introduction – Mention what the chart/graph/table shows.
• Body
• Present key facts
• Compare trends
• Highlight highest and lowest values
• Mention significant changes
• Conclusion – Summarize the overall trend in 1–2 lines.
Example 1 — Analytical Paragraph (Based on Bar
Graph)
QUESTION 1:
The bar graph below shows the number of students participating in different
school activities in one academic year. Write an analytical paragraph in about
150–180 words.
Activities:
• Sports – 80 students
• Music – 50 students
• Art – 70 students
• Debate – 40 students
• Dance – 60 students
ANSWER (Analytical Paragraph):
The given bar graph illustrates the number of students who participated in five
different school activities during an academic year. The activities shown are Sports,
Music, Art, Debate, and Dance, with their respective participation levels.
According to the data, Sports has the highest participation, with 80 students
taking part. This is followed by Art, which attracted 70 students, indicating its
popularity among learners with creative interests. Dance also had a good response,
with 60 participants, making it the third most preferred activity. Music, however,
witnessed a moderate participation of 50 students. The least selected activity was
Debate, with only 40 students participating, showing that fewer students are
inclined toward competitive speaking activities.
Overall, the graph reveals that sports and artistic activities such as art and dance
are more popular among students than music and debate. The data suggests a
strong preference for physical and creative activities in the school.
Example 2 — Analytical Paragraph (Based on Pie
Chart)
QUESTION 2:
The pie chart below shows how a teenager spends his daily time. Write an
analytical paragraph in 150–180 words.
Time Allocation:
• Sleeping – 35%
• School – 25%
• Homework – 15%
• Screen Time – 15%
• Other Activities – 10%
ANSWER (Analytical Paragraph):
The given pie chart highlights the daily time distribution of a teenager, divided
among sleeping, school, homework, screen time, and other activities.
The largest portion of time, 35%, is allocated to sleeping, which is expected for a
growing teenager. The second major part of the day is spent at school, accounting
for 25% of the total time. Homework and screen time are equally important
activities, with both taking up 15% each. This indicates that the teenager spends as
much time studying after school as he does using electronic devices. The smallest
portion, 10%, is spent on other activities such as playing, hobbies, or household
tasks.
Overall, the chart shows a balanced distribution of time, with adequate hours
devoted to rest, education, and leisure. However, screen time and homework
together occupy a significant portion, suggesting a demanding academic and digital
lifestyle.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (2 Examples)
Example 1 – Increasing Air Pollution (100–120 words)
45, Shanti Nagar
Bhopal – 462001
3 July 2025
The Editor
The Hindustan Times
Bhopal – 462002
Subject: Rising air pollution in the city
Sir/Madam,
Through your respected newspaper, I wish to draw attention to the alarming rise in
air pollution in Bhopal. Smoke from vehicles, unregulated industrial emissions, and
constant construction work have deteriorated air quality. People, especially children
and elderly citizens, are suffering from cough, asthma, and headaches. Despite
several warnings, many factories continue to operate without pollution-control
equipment. The authorities must take strict action by conducting regular checks,
encouraging public transport, and increasing green cover. Immediate steps are
required to prevent further harm to public health.
Yours sincerely,
Ankit Sharma
Example 2 – Poor Condition of Roads (100–120 words)
22, Green Park
Delhi – 110017
15 August 2025
The Editor
The Times of India
New Delhi – 110001
Subject: Poor condition of roads in Green Park
Sir/Madam,
I wish to highlight the terrible condition of roads in Green Park, which has become
a major concern for residents. The roads are filled with potholes, and open drains
overflow during rains, making them unsafe for pedestrians and drivers. Several
minor accidents have already occurred, and schoolchildren face great difficulty
while walking. Despite repeated complaints to the local authorities, no action has
been taken. I request the authorities to immediately repair the roads and ensure
proper drainage facilities. This issue needs urgent attention to avoid further
inconvenience and accidents.
Yours faithfully,
Riya Kapoor
LETTER OF COMPLAINT (2 Examples)
Example 1 – Defective Mobile Phone (100–120 words)
H-122, Sector 10
Noida – 201301
10 July 2025
The Manager
Mobile World Electronics
Noida – 201301
Subject: Complaint regarding defective mobile phone
Sir,
I am writing to complain about a Samsung Galaxy M32 mobile phone that I
purchased from your showroom on 5 July 2025 (Bill No. 2458). Within a few days of
use, the phone began malfunctioning. The battery drains extremely fast, the screen
flickers, and the device heats up even during light use. This clearly indicates a
manufacturing defect. I request you to kindly replace the device or issue a full
refund at the earliest. I am attaching the bill for your reference. I expect prompt
action so that the matter can be resolved quickly.
Yours faithfully,
Rahul Mehta
Example 2 – Irregular Water Supply (100–120 words)
Plot 13, Siddharth Colony
Nagpur – 440018
2 September 2025
The Executive Engineer
Water Supply Department
Nagpur Municipal Corporation
Subject: Complaint regarding irregular water supply
Sir,
I wish to bring to your notice the irregular and insufficient water supply in our
locality for the past two weeks. Water is supplied for only twenty minutes a day, and
even during that time, the pressure is extremely low. Residents are unable to meet
daily needs such as drinking, washing, and bathing. This has created a serious
problem for students, office-goers, and elderly people. Despite earlier complaints,
no improvement has been made. I request you to kindly take immediate action and
restore a regular and adequate water supply.
Yours sincerely,
Manisha Patil
LETTER OF ENQUIRY (2 Examples)
Example 1 – Enquiry About Photography Course (100–120
words)
A-55, Lake View Apartments
Kolkata – 700029
12 March 2025
The Director
Pixel Photography Institute
Kolkata – 700032
Subject: Enquiry about 3-month photography course
Sir,
I wish to enquire about the three-month certificate course in photography offered
at your institute. I am a Class 10 student interested in developing professional
photography skills. Kindly provide details regarding the course fee, class timings,
eligibility criteria, and practical training facilities. I would also like to know if the
institute offers placement assistance or internship opportunities after
completion. Your prompt response will help me decide and plan my schedule
accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
Priya Sen
Example 2 – Enquiry About School Transport (100–120
words)
House No. 9, Rose Enclave
Jaipur – 302021
22 April 2025
The Principal
Sunrise Public School
Jaipur – 302022
Subject: Enquiry regarding school transport facility
Sir/Madam,
I am seeking admission for my daughter in Class 6 and would like to enquire about
the school bus facility. Kindly provide information about the bus routes covered,
pickup and drop timings, safety measures, GPS tracking, and the monthly transport
fee. Additionally, I would like to know whether an attendant accompanies the
students in the bus. This information will help me plan her commute conveniently
and safely. I request you to share the details at your earliest.
Yours truly,
Amit Verma
LETTER FOR PLACING ORDER (2 Examples)
Example 1 – Order for Sports Items (100–120 words)
Sports In-Charge
Model Public School
Lucknow – 226010
5 August 2025
The Manager
National Sports House
Lucknow – 226003
Subject: Order for sports items
Sir,
Our school requires the following sports items for the new academic session:
• 10 Footballs
• 12 Badminton Rackets
• 8 Volleyballs
• 6 Cricket Bats
Please ensure that all items are of good quality and durable material. Kindly pack
the goods carefully and deliver them to the school address within a week. Payment
will be made after receiving and checking the items. We expect timely delivery as
our sports event is approaching.
Yours faithfully,
(Arjun Singh)
Sports In-Charge
Example 2 – Order for Books (100–120 words)
Librarian
Bright Future School
Pune – 411004
20 June 2025
The Manager
Readers’ Book Shop
Pune – 411001
Subject: Placing order for school library books
Sir,
Please supply the following books for our school library:
• NCERT Class 10 Physics – 20 copies
• NCERT Class 10 Math – 20 copies
• First Flight (English) – 15 copies
• Footprints Without Feet – 15 copies
The books should be in good condition, with proper binding. Kindly send the bill
along with the delivery. Payment will be released immediately after receiving the
books. We request you to deliver the order within five days, as the new session is
about to begin.
Yours sincerely,
(Neha Malhotra)
Librarian
LETTER FOR CANCELLING ORDER (2 Examples)
Example 1 – Cancellation Due to Delay (100–120 words)
Greenfield School
Meerut – 250002
17 November 2025
The Manager
Elite Stationers
Meerut – 250001
Subject: Cancellation of stationery order
Sir,
This is to inform you that our school had placed an order for various stationery items
on 1 November 2025. However, even after repeated reminders, the items have not
been delivered. As our annual exams are approaching, we urgently require the
materials. Since the delay has caused inconvenience, we are forced to cancel the
entire order. We will be placing a fresh order with another supplier to avoid further
delays. Kindly acknowledge the cancellation at the earliest.
Yours sincerely,
(Principal)
Greenfield School
Example 2 – Cancellation Due to Wrong Items (100–120
words)
23, Lake Town
Kolkata – 700089
8 February 2025
The Manager
City Electronics
Kolkata – 700011
Subject: Cancellation of order due to incorrect items
Sir,
I am writing to inform you that the items delivered against my order placed on 2
February 2025 were incorrect. Instead of the headphone and Bluetooth speaker I
ordered, I received unrelated products. This careless mistake has caused me
inconvenience. I therefore request you to cancel my order and issue a full refund
immediately. Kindly arrange a pickup for the wrong products at the earliest. I hope
such errors will be avoided in the future.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Gupta
1. Dialogue: Nelson Mandela & Bholi
Context: Nelson Mandela is from “Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” (First
Flight), and Bholi is from “Bholi” (Footprints Without Feet).
Nelson Mandela: Ms. Bholi, I have read your story — the way you found your voice,
despite all difficulties, reminds me of my own journey.
Bholi: Thank you, Mr. Mandela. But my struggles were of a different kind — people
mocked me for my speech and scars. You fought a very different fight: for a whole
nation.
Mandela: True. But courage is similar, whether one fights for personal dignity or for
freedom. When I was imprisoned, I had to resist hatred and bitterness to build a new
South Africa.
Bholi: I, too, learned to resist — not by violence but by education, by speaking up.
My teacher encouraged me, and I refused to marry a greedy man who judged me by
my scars.
Mandela: That act of refusal — throwing the garland into the fire — was powerful. It
showed that self-respect is more important than conforming to social expectations.
Bholi: Exactly. And your life teaches me that one person’s voice — even if
considered “weak” — can change many lives. Education gave me confidence. What
gave you strength in prison?
Mandela: Hope, belief in justice, and the idea that oppressed people can still
choose dignity. Your transformation shows that oppression does not always break a
person. It can build them.
Bholi: And your leadership shows how one man’s courage can inspire an entire
country. Maybe together, our stories tell that whether it’s a single girl in a village or a
nation under oppression, freedom — of speech, of dignity — matters.
Analytical Notes:
• This dialogue highlights shared themes of self-respect, education, and courage.
• Bholi’s transformation from a timid, ridiculed girl to someone who boldly refuses a
demeaning marriage reflects her inner strength.
• Mandela’s story, about resisting oppression and building a new society, resonates
with Bholi’s personal fight for dignity.
• Together, they reflect how empowerment can be personal (Bholi) and collective
(Mandela), but both are rooted in belief and resilience.
2. Dialogue: The Tiger (from “A Tiger in the Zoo”) & Mijbil
(the Otter)
Context: The Tiger is from the poem “Tiger in the Zoo” (First Flight), and Mijbil is
from the prose “Mijbil the Otter” (First Flight).
Tiger: Hello, little otter. I see you are free in water, but I… I pace in my cage. My
stripes, once symbols of strength, now feel like chains.
Mijbil: Oh, mighty Tiger! In my world, I learned freedom slowly. When my owner first
brought me from the marshes, I did not know what peace was. But water made me
come alive.
Tiger: You are lucky — water gives you space, play. But I … roar, but inside, I feel
small. My roar is for show, not for freedom.
Mijbil: Yes, I play with bathtubs and turn taps with my paws. But when I traveled far
to England, I got scared. Freedom is not just space — it's a companion, a voice, a
bond.
Tiger: Could I ever be like you — playful, curious, gentle? Or is my roar doomed to
only echo against cage bars?
Mijbil: Maybe not the same. But you could remember how you were in the wild —
stalking under the moon, free. Don’t forget that fire of wildness. Even in chains, your
spirit matters.
Tiger: Your words give me courage. Perhaps one day — either I find a way out or
someone will hear my true roar. For now, I will imagine the wind in the jungle again,
not the steel of bars.
Analytical Notes:
• The Tiger represents lost freedom and captivity, echoing his situation in the poem
“A Tiger in the Zoo”.
• Mijbil, as a pet otter, symbolizes adaptation, companionship, and intelligent play.
• Their dialogue is about freedom vs captivity, physical vs emotional space, and
memory and hope.
• Mijbil encourages the Tiger to remember its wild self — this reflects empathy and
bridging between animal experiences.
3. Dialogue: Amanda & Valli
Context: Amanda is from the poem “Amanda!” (First Flight), and Valli is from the
prose “Madam Rides the Bus” (First Flight).
Amanda: Hi Valli! You look like you’ve come back from an adventure. You ride the
bus everywhere, don’t you?
Valli: Yes, I love the journey. The bus gives me a kind of freedom I don’t get at home.
What about you, Amanda? You seem dreamy, like you’re always somewhere else.
Amanda: That’s right. I imagine being a mermaid, or Rapunzel, or even an orphan —
somewhere far away from daily life. My thoughts fly more freely than I do.
Valli: I understand. The world outside feels big when I ride the bus — new places,
new people. But when I go back home, I feel small again. Do you feel the same?
Amanda: Exactly. My home feels too small. There’s too much nagging, too many
chores, and I feel boxed in. In my fantasies, there are no fences.
Valli: When I ride, I pretend I own the bus, that I decide where it goes. It’s not just
travel — it’s power. Maybe your daydreams are like that — your escape and your
strength.
Amanda: Yes! And I don’t want to be judged for wishing that. I want my dreams. But
sometimes, I feel guilty, because I know people love me, but I still want to be away.
Valli: Dreams are not bad. They are your way of breathing. And someday, maybe
your dreams and my bus rides will lead to something real — something of our own.
Analytical Notes:
• Amanda is a character who escapes into imagination, yearning for a different life.
• Valli, from “Madam Rides the Bus”, embodies real-world freedom — she actually
rides and explores.
• Their conversation highlights imagination vs reality, longing for freedom, and
self-expression.
• Amanda’s fantasies and Valli’s actual bus journeys both reflect their desire for
autonomy and escape from the constraints of daily life.
1. ✦ Central Theme of “Fire and Ice” – Robert Frost
The central theme of the poem “Fire and Ice” is the destructive power of human
emotions.
Robert Frost uses fire and ice as symbols of desire and hatred:
Fire = uncontrolled desires, greed, lust, and passion
Ice = hatred, coldness, indifference, and jealousy
The poem suggests that either of these emotions is powerful enough to destroy the
world. Frost warns that humans can endanger themselves and society if they allow
such extreme feelings to dominate their lives.
The poem’s message fits well into the CBSE curriculum:
It teaches students that extreme emotions, whether fiery (anger, greed) or icy (hate,
cruelty), can lead to destruction. Moderation, balance, and emotional control are
essential to prevent disaster.
In short:
The poem’s central theme is that human emotions, if left unchecked, can destroy
individuals and the world. Both desire and hatred are equally dangerous.
---
2. ✦ Central Theme of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” – Ogden Nash
The central theme of “The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is that bravery cannot always
be judged by outward appearance and that everyone has hidden strengths.
The poem humorously describes a timid dragon named Custard who is teased by
the other pets for being cowardly. However, when real danger arrives in the form of a
pirate, Custard is the only one who shows true courage and saves everyone.
The poem highlights several key points:
True bravery comes out in real situations, not in bragging.
People (or animals) who seem weak or shy may actually be the bravest.
Pretending to be brave is not real courage.
Every individual has unique qualities that appear at the right moment.
In the CBSE context, the poem teaches students not to judge others by their outer
behaviour or by what they say. Real bravery is proven through actions, not words.
In simple terms:
The theme is that real courage appears only in moments of true danger, and even
the most unlikely individuals can be heroes.
1. ✦ Poetic Devices in “A Tiger in the Zoo” – Leslie Norris
This poem uses various poetic devices to highlight the contrast between a tiger in
captivity and a tiger in the wild.
1.1 Imagery
The poet uses vivid images to make us imagine the tiger:
“He stalks in his vivid stripes” – creates a strong visual picture.
1.2 Personification
The tiger is given human-like qualities:
“He stalks…”
“He should be lurking in shadow”
This makes the tiger appear thoughtful and trapped emotionally.
1.3 Metaphor
The poet compares the cage to a prison without saying it directly.
“Locked in a concrete cell” — indirectly shows the tiger’s suffering.
1.4 Alliteration
Repetition of consonant sounds:
“Stalks in his vivid stripes”
“Brilliantly burns”
1.5 Contrast
The central poetic device of the poem.
The poet contrasts:
Tiger in the wild vs. Tiger in the zoo
This highlights the loss of freedom.
1.6 Repetition
Words are repeated for emphasis:
“He should be…” repeated to show where the tiger belongs.
1.7 Enjambment
Lines flow without punctuation:
Creates smooth and continuous movement in the poem.
---
2. ✦ Poetic Devices in “The Ball Poem” – John Berryman
This poem uses poetic devices to express the theme of loss and growing up.
2.1 Symbolism
The ball symbolizes:
Childhood
Innocence
Precious possessions
Things we lose forever
This is the most important poetic device in the poem.
2.2 Imagery
The poet creates clear images:
“Merrily bouncing, down the street…”
“I saw it go”
These help us feel the boy’s emotional discomfort.
2.3 Personification
The ball is given human-like qualities:
“Balls… are usually lost, and no one buys a ball back.”
Symbolically refers to life experiences.
2.4 Alliteration
Repetition of initial consonant sound:
“Balls, balls”
“No one buys a ball back”
2.5 Metaphor
Loss of the ball = loss of childhood and innocence.
This device makes the poem deeper in meaning.
2.6 Repetition
“No one buys a ball back” – repeated to show the harsh truth of life.
2.7 Enjambment
Lines run into each other without punctuation, showing continuous flow of
emotions.
---
3. ✦ Poetic Devices in “For Anne Gregory” – W.B. Yeats
This poem uses a variety of poetic devices to highlight the theme of inner beauty vs.
outer beauty.
3.1 Refrain
The repeated lines are:
“But I could not love you, dear, / So much loved I all men living.”
This emphasizes that love based on physical beauty is temporary.
3.2 Metaphor
Hair colour symbolizes physical beauty:
“Your yellow hair” → external appearance
Inner beauty = “true love”
3.3 Alliteration
Repetition of consonant sounds:
“Love you, dear”
“Be that beauty”
3.4 Imagery
Vivid images create a visual picture:
“Your yellow hair may be dyed”
Shows how physical beauty can be changed.
3.5 Personification
Beauty is treated like a quality that can deceive:
“Only God, my dear, / Could love you for yourself alone.”
Shows the difference between human and divine love.
3.6 Rhyme Scheme
Stanza 1: AABB
Stanza 2: CCDD
Stanza 3: EEFF
Regular rhyme adds musical quality.
3.7 Contrast
Contrast between:
Outer beauty (golden hair)
Inner beauty (true self)
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CONCLUSION
The poetic devices used in these poems add depth, musical quality, and emotional
impact.
“A Tiger in the Zoo” uses imagery, contrast, and personification to show animal
suffering.
“The Ball Poem” uses symbolism and metaphor to teach life lessons about loss.
“For Anne Gregory” uses metaphor, refrain, and contrast to express the difference
between inner and outer beauty.