CBSE Class 10 First Flight Chapter 20: Fog - NCERT Solutions

Solution:

1. Carl Sandburg, the poet, perceives the fog as being very similar to a cat.
2. The fog arrives very quietly and subtly, much like a cat that moves around on its 'little feet' without making any sound.
3. The pronoun 'it' in the third line of the poem refers to the fog.
4. No, the poet does not explicitly state that the fog is like a cat using words like 'is' or 'as'. Instead, he employs a metaphor, drawing a comparison by transferring the characteristics of a cat to the fog.

Three specific details in the poem that suggest the fog is like a cat are:

• The fog arrives and moves silently, just as a cat walks on its soft, little feet.
• The fog is described as sitting and looking over the harbour and the city, a posture reminiscent of a cat observing its surroundings.
• The fog covers the area and then moves on, similar to how a cat might settle down briefly before leaving.

Solution:

This question asks students to complete a table by finding metaphors and explaining similarities, and then to write a poem. The table completion and poem writing are creative tasks for the student.

Table Completion Guidance:

Students should identify a metaphorical comparison for each word and explain the shared characteristic. For example:

• Storm: Could be compared to a lion because both are powerful, destructive, and make loud noises (roaring/thunder).
• Tiger: Could be compared to a shadow because both are elusive, move stealthily, and can be dangerous.
• Train: Could be compared to a dragon due to its long body, powerful engine (breathing fire/steam), and the sound it makes.
• Snake: Could be compared to a river because both have a long, winding, flowing form.
• Fire: Could be compared to a hungry beast because both consume whatever they encounter and can be difficult to control.
• Sun: Could be compared to a golden coin because both are round and bright, representing value and light.
• School: Could be compared to an ant colony where many individuals work together towards a common goal.
• Temple: Could be compared to a peaceful garden offering tranquility and a place for reflection.
• Home: Could be compared to a nest providing safety, comfort, and a place to return to.

Poem Writing Guidance:

Students are encouraged to visualize a storm's power, sound, and aftermath. They should choose an animal and use metaphorical language to describe the storm's characteristics, such as its ferocity, its destructive path, or its eventual calming, drawing parallels with the chosen animal's traits (e.g., a storm like a raging bull, a howling wolf, or a charging rhinoceros).

Solution:

No, the poem 'Fog' does not possess a discernible rhyme scheme. The lines do not end with words that rhyme in a consistent pattern. Consequently, the poem is classified as 'free verse', which is a form of poetry characterized by its lack of regular meter and rhyme.