CBSE Class 10 First Flight Chapter 14: A Tiger in the Zoo NCERT Solutions

Here are the words from the poem describing the tiger's movements/actions and the two places, arranged in columns:

Tiger's Movements and Actions:

Description of Places:

Poet's Use of Words and Images:

The poet uses contrasting imagery and vocabulary to highlight the tiger's plight. In the cage, words like 'locked', 'concrete cell', and 'few steps' emphasize confinement and restriction. The tiger's actions are reduced to 'stalking' within its limited space and a 'quiet rage', showing suppressed power. In contrast, the wild is depicted with words like 'shadow', 'long grass', and 'water hole', evoking a sense of freedom, natural habitat, and opportunity for hunting ('plump deer'). The tiger's actions in the wild are powerful and natural – 'lurking', 'sliding', 'stalking', 'baring his white fangs', and 'terrorising the village', showcasing its true nature and dominance. This contrast effectively conveys the tiger's suffering and longing for its natural environment.

The repetition of words like 'quiet' and 'brilliant' is a deliberate poetic device used by the poet to enhance the poem's impact and meaning.

Effect of repeating 'quiet':

• 'Velvet quiet': This phrase refers to the soft, silent pads of the tiger's feet. It emphasizes the stealth and grace of its movement, even within the confines of the cage. However, this quietness is juxtaposed with its inner state.
• 'Quiet rage': This is an oxymoron. The tiger is filled with rage and ferocity, wanting to hunt and be free, but its rage is 'quiet' because it is trapped in the cage. It cannot roar or attack; its power is suppressed, leading to a silent, internal fury. The repetition of 'quiet' underscores the tiger's helplessness and the stifled nature of its existence.

Effect of repeating 'brilliant':

• 'Brilliant eyes': This describes the tiger's sharp, intense eyes, full of life and perhaps longing.
• 'Brilliant stars': This refers to the bright, distant stars in the night sky.

By using 'brilliant' for both the tiger's eyes and the stars, the poet creates a connection. The tiger stares at the stars with its own magnificent eyes, perhaps dreaming of the vast, beautiful world it belongs to. This repetition highlights the tiger's inherent magnificence and its yearning for the freedom represented by the expansive, star-filled night sky, contrasting with its current limited reality.

Overall, the repetition adds depth, beauty, and emotional intensity to the poem, emphasizing the tiger's inner turmoil and its lost connection with the wild.

The poems 'A Tiger in the Zoo', 'The Tiger' by Peter Niblett, and 'The Panther' by Rainer Maria Rilke all explore the theme of animals in captivity and their psychological state. Discussing the necessity and alternatives to zoos involves considering various perspectives:

1. Necessity of Zoos for Protection and Conservation:

• Arguments for: Zoos can play a role in conservation by breeding endangered species in controlled environments, protecting them from poaching, habitat loss, and natural predators. They can serve as 'arks' for species on the brink of extinction. Zoos also contribute to scientific research on animal behavior, biology, and health.
• Arguments against: Critics argue that the conditions in many zoos are inadequate, leading to stress, abnormal behaviors (like pacing), and reduced lifespan for animals. They question whether conservation efforts in zoos truly benefit wild populations or merely preserve animals in artificial settings.

2. Usefulness of Zoos for Educating the Public:

• Zoos provide opportunities for people, especially children, to see wild animals up close, fostering an appreciation for wildlife and nature. This exposure can raise awareness about conservation issues and inspire people to support wildlife protection efforts.
• However, the educational value can be limited if the animals are unhealthy, display abnormal behaviors due to stress, or if the enclosures do not accurately represent their natural habitats. Education should focus on the animal's natural life and conservation needs, not just its presence in a cage.

3. Alternatives to Zoos:

• Sanctuaries and Rescue Centers: These facilities often focus on providing a more naturalistic environment and specialized care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild, prioritizing animal welfare over public display.
• Wildlife Reserves and National Parks: These are large, protected natural habitats where animals can live freely, offering the best alternative for conservation and allowing observation in a more natural setting, though often with limited accessibility.
• Virtual Reality and High-Quality Documentaries: Technology allows for immersive educational experiences that can showcase animals in their natural habitats without the ethical concerns associated with captivity.
• In-situ Conservation: The most effective approach is protecting animals in their natural habitats through habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community engagement, rather than relying on ex-situ (off-site) measures like zoos.

In conclusion, while zoos may serve a purpose in conservation and education for certain species, their necessity and methods are debated. Ethical considerations regarding animal welfare and the development of more naturalistic environments or effective in-situ conservation strategies are crucial when evaluating alternatives.