CBSE Class 10 English NCERT Solutions: Fog

Solution:

1. Carl Sandburg, the poet, thinks that the fog is very much like a cat.
2. The fog arrives very quietly and subtly, much like a cat that walks without making any sound.
3. In the third line of the poem, the pronoun 'it' refers to the fog.
4. The poet does not explicitly state "the fog is like a cat." Instead, he uses a metaphor to draw a comparison. He implies the similarity by describing the fog's actions and characteristics in ways that are typical of a cat.

Three specific details from the poem that suggest the fog is being compared to a cat are:

• The fog arrives "on little cat feet," indicating a silent, stealthy, and gentle approach, just like a cat walking.
• The fog "looks on" over the harbor and city, suggesting a watchful, observant, and perhaps aloof presence, similar to how a cat surveys its surroundings.
• The fog "sits looking over the harbor and city on haunches," which is a direct comparison to a cat resting in a crouched, seated position, appearing still and contemplative.

Solution:

This question asks students to identify metaphors and create their own poem. The table completion and poem writing are creative tasks for the student.

Metaphor Completion (Example based on provided clues):

The table requires filling in metaphors and explaining the similarity. Here are some examples based on the provided words and concepts:

• Storm: Metaphor - A raging beast. Similarity - Both are powerful, destructive, and can appear suddenly.
• Tiger: Metaphor - A striped shadow. Similarity - Both are elusive, move quickly, and are often associated with danger or power.
• Train: Metaphor - A metal serpent. Similarity - Both have long, segmented bodies and move along a fixed path.
• Snake: Metaphor - A living ribbon. Similarity - Both are long, slender, and move with a fluid motion.
• Fire: Metaphor - A hungry dancer. Similarity - Both consume fuel, move erratically, and can be mesmerizing yet dangerous.
• Sun: Metaphor - A golden eye in the sky. Similarity - Both are prominent, watchful, and provide light and warmth.
• School: Metaphor - A garden of young minds. Similarity - Both are places where growth and development are nurtured.
• Temple: Metaphor - A sanctuary of peace. Similarity - Both offer a place for reflection, solace, and spiritual connection.
• Home: Metaphor - An anchor in life's sea. Similarity - Both provide stability, security, and a sense of belonging.

Poem about a Storm (Example comparing it with an animal):

The thunder growls, a lion's deep roar,

Shaking the earth, demanding more.

Lightning flashes, a serpent's quick strike,

Across the dark sky, a fearsome sight.

The wind howls, a wolf's mournful cry,

As trees bend low beneath the sky.

Then, silence falls, the beast retreats,

Leaving behind calm, quiet streets.

Solution:

No, this poem does not have a discernible rhyme scheme. The lines do not end with words that rhyme in a consistent pattern. For example, the poem begins with 'fog', then 'feet', then 'around', then 'harbor', then 'city', then 'haunches'. There is no repetition of end sounds that would create a rhyme scheme like AABB or ABAB. Because it lacks a regular rhythm and rhyme, the poem is correctly identified as being written in free verse.