Extract 1

He stalks in his vivid stripes
The few steps of his cage,
On pads of velvet quiet,
In his quiet rage.

1. What do the ‘vivid stripes’ symbolise in the extract?

1. a) The tiger’s beauty
2. b) His imprisonment
3. c) His anger
4. d) His uniqueness

2. What is the meaning of ‘pads of velvet quiet’?

1. a) The tiger’s silent and soft walk
2. b) The tiger’s playful steps
3. c) The tiger’s tired movements
4. d) The tiger’s roar

3. How does the phrase ‘quiet rage’ capture the tiger’s state of mind?

4. Explain the contrast between the tiger’s majestic appearance and his actual condition as described here.

5. What theme of the poem is highlighted in this extract?

 

Extract 2

He should be lurking in shadow,
Sliding through long grass
Near the water hole
Where plump deer pass.

1. The word ‘lurking’ in this context means:

1. a) Playing joyfully
2. b) Moving quietly in wait
3. c) Resting lazily
4. d) Hiding in fear

2. The poet contrasts the tiger’s current situation with the one described here. What does this contrast highlight?

1. a) The tiger’s hunting skills
2. b) The tiger’s captivity versus freedom
3. c) The tiger’s laziness
4. d) The tiger’s beauty

3. Why does the poet mention ‘plump deer’? What idea does it suggest about the food chain?

4. How does this extract present the natural role of the tiger in the ecosystem?

5. What deeper message about freedom versus captivity does this extract imply?

 

Extract 3

He hears the last voice at night,
The patrolling cars,
And stares with his brilliant eyes
At the brilliant stars.

1. What does the repetition of the word ‘brilliant’ emphasise?

1. a) The brightness of the tiger’s eyes and the stars
2. b) The tiger’s anger
3. c) The artificial lights of the city
4. d) The hope for freedom

2. What mood is conveyed through the image of the tiger staring at the stars?

1. a) Hope and peace
2. b) Restlessness and longing
3. c) Fear and despair
4. d) Joy and pride

3. How does the mention of ‘patrolling cars’ deepen the sense of confinement?

4. What does the tiger’s act of looking at the stars symbolise in the larger context of the poem?

5. Why do you think the poet ends the poem with this image? What effect does it leave on the reader?

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Answer Key

Extract 1

1. a) The tiger’s beauty

2. a) The tiger’s silent and soft walk

3. The phrase ‘quiet rage’ shows the tiger’s suppressed anger; though silent, his fury is intense and unexpressed.

4. The tiger appears majestic with his stripes, yet his condition is pitiable as he is restricted in a cage.

5. The extract highlights the theme of captivity versus the tiger’s natural freedom and strength.

Extract 2

1. b) Moving quietly in wait

2. b) The tiger’s captivity versus freedom

3. ‘Plump deer’ suggest natural prey in the food chain and symbolise abundance in the wild.

4. It shows the tiger’s natural role as a predator, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

5. The extract emphasises the importance of freedom for animals and critiques captivity.

Extract 3

1. a) The brightness of the tiger’s eyes and the stars

2. b) Restlessness and longing

3. ‘Patrolling cars’ remind us of constant surveillance and restriction in captivity.

4. The stars symbolize freedom, hope, and the vastness of the world outside his cage.

5. The ending emphasises the tragedy of confinement, leaving readers thoughtful about animal freedom.