Class 11 English NCERT Book Woven Words Poetry Lesson 12 Ajamil and the Tigers Question and answers.
Understanding the poem
1. The poem has a literal level and a figurative level. Why has the poet chosen ‘tigers’ and ‘sheep’ to convey his message?
2. What facet of political life does the behaviour of Ajmal illustrate?
3. Why have the words, ‘pretended’ and ‘seemed been used in the lines:
…..pretended to believe every single word of what the tiger king said.
And seemed to be taken in by all the lies.
4. why did Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog’s eyes?
5. ‘He is free to play a flute all day as well fed tigers and fat sheep drink from the same pond with a full stomach for a common bond.”
What do the phrases ‘play the flute al day’ and ‘a common bond’ refer to?
6. The poem is a satire against the present political class. How effectively does it convey the anger and aguish of the common man trapped in the system?
Answer:
1. The poem has a literal level and a figurative level. Why has the poet chosen ‘tigers’ and ‘sheep’ to convey his message?
The poet uses tigers and sheep symbolically to reflect the power dynamics in society. Tigers, as predators, represent the powerful, aggressive forces (like corrupt politicians or those in authority) who can easily prey on the weak. Sheep, on the other hand, symbolize the common people or the weaker sections of society who are often manipulated or victimized. By using these animals, the poet conveys how those in power exploit the common people while pretending to be their protectors or friends.
2. What facet of political life does the behavior of Ajamil illustrate?
Ajamil’s behavior illustrates the cunning diplomacy and appeasement often seen in political life. He chooses to pretend to believe the lies of the tiger king and negotiates a treaty, ensuring both sides are satisfied. His actions reflect how political leaders often prioritize peace, control, and self-preservation over confrontation, even if it means making compromises or turning a blind eye to deception.
3. Why have the words ‘pretended’ and ‘seemed’ been used in the lines: “…pretended to believe every single word of what the tiger king said.” “And seemed to be taken in by all the lies.”
The words ‘pretended’ and ‘seemed’ highlight that Ajamil is fully aware of the lies told by the tiger king but chooses to act as though he believes them. This suggests a deliberate decision on Ajamil’s part to avoid conflict and maintain harmony. It implies that, sometimes, leaders knowingly accept dishonesty to ensure peace and stability, showing how power dynamics often rely on pretense and superficial agreements.
4. Why did Ajamil refuse to meet the sheepdog’s eyes?
Ajamil refused to meet the sheepdog’s eyes because he knew the sheepdog was honest and saw through the tiger king’s lies. By avoiding the sheepdog’s gaze, Ajamil reveals that he is uncomfortable with the moral compromise he is making. This indicates Ajamil’s internal conflict, as he chooses to overlook the truth in favor of maintaining a peaceful solution, even if it is based on falsehoods.
5. ‘He is free to play a flute all day as well-fed tigers and fat sheep drink from the same pond with a full stomach for a common bond.’ What do the phrases ‘play the flute all day’ and ‘a common bond’ refer to?
“Play the flute all day” refers to the carefree and peaceful life that Ajamil can now enjoy because he has successfully maintained harmony between the tigers (the powerful) and the sheep (the common people). It symbolizes how a leader can enjoy peace and stability when both sides are satisfied.
“A common bond” refers to the fact that both the tigers and the sheep are content because their basic needs (hunger) have been addressed. This suggests that when all sides in society are well-fed and their needs are met, they can coexist peacefully, despite their natural differences.
6. The poem is a satire against the present political class. How effectively does it convey
Try this out
Find out the difference between these literary forms (a) fable (b)allegory (c) satire.
Answer:
Here are the differences between the three literary forms: fable, allegory, and satire:
- Fable:
- Definition: A fable is a short story, typically featuring animals, plants, or inanimate objects as characters, that conveys a moral lesson. Fables are often simple in their structure and aim to teach ethical values.
- Key Features:
- Characters are often animals with human traits.
- The message or moral is stated explicitly at the end.
- Popular examples include Aesop’s Fables like “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
- Purpose: To instruct or provide moral education in an engaging, often entertaining way.
- Allegory:
- Definition: An allegory is a story, poem, or picture in which characters, events, and settings symbolize abstract ideas or moral, political, or philosophical concepts. The entire narrative works on two levels: the literal level and the symbolic level.
- Key Features:
- Characters and events represent larger concepts or themes.
- The underlying message is usually more complex and may require deeper interpretation.
- Famous examples include George Orwell’s Animal Farm (which represents the Russian Revolution) and John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress (representing Christian salvation).
- Purpose: To convey a hidden or symbolic message about society, politics, morality, or religion.
- Satire:
- Definition: Satire is a literary form that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws, vices, or shortcomings of individuals, society, or institutions. Satirical works often aim to provoke change or reform by highlighting issues.
- Key Features:
- Uses wit, sarcasm, and irony to make a point.
- May target political figures, social norms, or cultural practices.
- Famous examples include Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels and George Orwell’s 1984.
- Purpose: To critique and provoke thought, often encouraging change by highlighting the absurdities or corruption in society or institutions.
Summary of Differences:
- Fable teaches a direct moral lesson through simple characters, usually animals.
- Allegory uses a narrative to symbolize a deeper, often philosophical or political, meaning.
- Satire uses humor and irony to critique and expose flaws in individuals, institutions, or society.
Each form has its unique way of delivering a message—fables tend to be straightforward, allegories are layered with meaning, and satire tends to be critical and comedic.