CBSE Class 10 First Flight NCERT Solutions: Animals (Chapter 18)

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 First Flight, Chapter 18, "Animals". The solutions delve into the poem's central theme of the poet's preference for the simple, honest, and self-sufficient life of animals over the complex and often deceitful nature of humans. It explores concepts like symbolic turning, human vices versus animal virtues, the reverence for ancestors, and the 'tokens' of innate human goodness that are lost with civilization. These solutions offer clear explanations and interpretations, aiding students in understanding the poem's deeper meanings and preparing effectively for their exams.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectFirst Flight
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 18

Chapter summary

Chapter 18 of the First Flight textbook, titled "Animals", is explored through these NCERT Solutions. The solutions focus on analyzing the poem's core message: the contrast between the perceived purity and contentment of animals and the flawed nature of humanity. Key aspects discussed include the poet's desire to 'turn' away from human society, the specific negative traits of humans (complaining, sinning, materialism) that animals lack, and the symbolic meaning of 'tokens' representing lost virtues. These solutions aim to enhance comprehension of the poem's themes and literary devices.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the symbolic meaning of the poet's desire to 'turn' and live with animals.
  • Identify and contrast the behaviors and characteristics of humans and animals as depicted in the poem.
  • Analyze the concept of 'tokens' representing lost human virtues.
  • Interpret the poem's commentary on civilization's impact on human nature.
  • Discuss the themes of honesty, self-sufficiency, and contentment in relation to animals.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Poem Analysis
  • Symbolism in Poetry
  • Human Nature vs. Animal Nature
  • Critique of Civilization
  • Themes of Contentment and Honesty
  • Interpretation of 'Tokens'
  • Poet's Detachment from Human Society
  • Romantic Tradition in Literature

Important topics

  • Contrast between Human and Animal Behavior
  • Symbolic Meaning of 'Turn'
  • Interpretation of 'Tokens'
  • Poem's Message on Civilization
  • Themes of Honesty and Contentment

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

I think I could turn and live with animals... Notice the use of the word 'turn' in the first line. What is the poet turning from?
Solution: The poet uses the word 'turn' to signify a deliberate shift or departure. He is turning away from the complexities, artificialities, and perceived flaws of human existence and society. This turning represents his desire to escape the human world, with its constant complaining, sinning, and materialism, and to embrace the simpler, more honest, and self-sufficient life that he observes in animals.

Question 2

Mention three things that humans do and animals don't.
Solution: The poem highlights several key differences between humans and animals:
  1. Complaining: Humans often cry and complain about their circumstances, whereas animals are depicted as content and accepting of their conditions.
  2. Committing Sins: Humans are portrayed as beings who commit sins, leading to potential guilt or regret, a concept not applied to animals in the poem.
  3. Materialism: Humans are driven by the 'madness of owning things' and a desire for material possessions, a trait that animals do not exhibit. Animals are shown to be satisfied with what they have without excessive desire for accumulation.

Question 3

Do humans kneel to other humans who lived thousands of years ago? Discuss this in groups.
Solution: Yes, humans do kneel or show reverence to other humans who lived thousands of years ago. This is evident through various cultural practices, traditions, and historical commemorations. For instance, people venerate historical figures, religious leaders, or ancestors through rituals, monuments, and storytelling. This act reflects a deep-seated human tendency to connect with the past, honor legacy, and maintain cultural continuity. Students can discuss specific examples from their own cultures or history where such reverence is shown.

Question 4

What are the 'tokens' that the poet says he may have dropped long ago, and which the animals have kept for him? Discuss this in class. (Hint: Whitman belongs to the Romantic tradition that includes Rousseau and Wordsworth, which holds that civilisation has made humans false to their own true nature. What could be the basic aspects of our nature as living beings that humans choose to ignore or deny?)
Solution: The 'tokens' mentioned by the poet are not literal objects but symbolic representations of the inherent virtues and the true, natural essence of human beings. These tokens likely refer to qualities such as honesty, innocence, self-sufficiency, contentment, and a lack of hypocrisy – qualities that the poet observes in animals and believes were once present in humans but have been lost or suppressed due to the corrupting influence of civilization. The hint suggests that, like Romantic poets, Whitman believed civilization distances humans from their authentic nature. The basic aspects of our nature that humans might ignore or deny include our natural instincts, our capacity for simple contentment, and our innate honesty, which are often overshadowed by societal pressures, ambition, and the pursuit of artificial values.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the literal meaning of 'turn' with its symbolic significance.
  • Failing to differentiate between human vices and animal innocence.
  • Misinterpreting the 'tokens' as literal objects rather than symbolic virtues.
  • Overlooking the poem's critique of societal norms and materialism.

Revision tips

  • Read the poem carefully and then review the solutions to connect specific lines with their interpretations.
  • Focus on understanding the contrast drawn between human and animal behavior.
  • Pay close attention to the explanation of symbolic terms like 'turn' and 'tokens'.
  • Discuss the poem's themes with classmates to solidify understanding and explore different perspectives.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the poet wish to 'turn' towards, as mentioned in the first line?

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic attributed to animals in the poem?

Q3. According to the poem, what do humans do that animals do not?

Q4. What do the 'tokens' that animals have kept for the poet symbolize?

Q5. The poem suggests that civilization has made humans:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'Animals' in Chapter 18 of Class 10 First Flight?

The main theme is the contrast between the perceived purity, simplicity, and contentment of animals and the complex, flawed, and often deceitful nature of humans, with the poet expressing a preference for the animal world.

What does the poet mean by 'turning' and living with animals?

The poet's 'turning' is symbolic. He wishes to detach himself from the negative aspects of human society—like complaining, sinning, and materialism—and embrace the calm, honest, and self-sufficient existence he observes in animals.

What are the 'tokens' mentioned in the poem?

The 'tokens' are symbolic representations of the innate virtues and true nature of human beings, such as honesty, innocence, and self-containment, which the poet feels humans have lost over time.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand the poem's deeper meanings, analyze its themes and symbolism, and prepare effectively for their board examinations.

What specific human flaws are highlighted in contrast to animals?

The poem highlights human tendencies to complain about their conditions, to commit sins, and to be driven by the 'madness of owning things', which are presented as absent in the animal kingdom.

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