HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

About the Poetess – Carolyn Wells

Carolyn Wells was an American poet. She was born

in Rahway, New Jersey, in the United States of
America on 18 June 1862, to Anna Wells and
William Wells. She was married to Hadwin
Houghton. After finishing her school, she worked
as a librarian for the Rahway Library Association.
Her first book was published in 1896.

INTRODUCTION

This humorous poem suggests some dangerous ways to identify wild animals. The poet gives a beautiful
description of the Asian Lion and the Bengal Tiger. Then he points out about the Leopard and the Bear. He
describes the Hyena for its smiling face and the crocodile for its tears. Then the poet describes how the
Chameleon changes its colour.

Central Idea of the Poem

The poet, Carolyn Wells, treats even ferocious animals and beasts with a coat of gentle but weird humour. If
you see a huge terrible beast coming to you in the eastern forests and if you are dying when he roars, then
know it is an Asian Lion. The humour is created by various beasts of prey differently.

The Bengal tiger is noble but ‘eats you’ the moment he notices you. The leopard with peppered spots will
only ‘lep and lep again’. The seemingly friendly hug leads to fatal results. The crocodile’s weeping and
hyena’s merry but weird smile deceive their victims.

Style

The style of the poem is humorous. This humorous poem suggests some ‘dangerous ways’ to identify wild
animals. The use of words and emotions are not only humorous but ironical as well. It is ironical that the
‘noble’ Bengal Tiger eats you the moment he sees you. It does no good to roar with pain when you are in
front of the spotted leopard. The friendly hug of the bear is deadly. The weird but merry smile of hyenas and
weeping of crocodiles trap their victims to death. The rhyme scheme of the stanzas is: ab, ab, cc

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

The poet takes liberties with the language to create the desired poetic effect. For example, the words Lepe
and `lep’ in the third stanza are deliberately not spelt correctly to create the rhyming effect.

1. If you go by the chance to the jungles of the countries lying in the east, you will see a grand and majestic
wild beast. If in those thick forests if you see a large and terrible animal with dark yellowish skin, you
should be sure that he is the Asiatic lion. And if he roars loudly and the roar terrifies you to death, then you
are hearing the roar of an Asiatic lion.

2. If you are roaming around in the forest and you see a noble beast, you must understand that you are face
to face with the Bengal Tiger. This noble beast has black stripes over his yellowish hide. He is so quick that
the moment you notice him, he will eat you at once. This is the simple rule of distinguishing the Bengal
Tiger.

3. If you are walking leisurely in the forest and view a beast, it might be a leopard. His hide is covered with
dark spots. The moment he sees his prey, he pounces upon it. His attack is sudden. There is no escape from
him even if you cry with pain. He will continue jumping at you and start eating you before you understand
that he is a leopard.

4. If you are walking around your yard, you may meet a creature there. The moment he sees you, he hugs
you very hard. If he does it so, you must be sure that you are hugged by a bear. If you have any doubt in
your mind, then he will just give you another tight hug. This hug may seem friendly but it can be fatal.

5. It is not an easy job for an inexperienced person to distinguish beasts of prey. He will be confused in
distinguishing them. He may not be able to distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile. Hyenas are very
deceptive. They will attack their victims with weird smiles and kill. them. Crocodiles pretend to be weeping
before attacking and killing their victims.

6. A true chameleon is a small animal. It looks like a lizard. It has no ears at all. It doesn’t have a single wing
either. If you see only this creature on the tree and not any other thing, you must be sure that you are seeing a
chameleon.
HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS
Main Points of the Poem

1. The Asiatic lion is a grand and majestic wild beast.

2. It is found in the jungles of the eastern countries of Asia.
3. It is a huge yellowish coloured beast.
4. It roars terribly loud and its loud roar can terrify you to death.
5. If you meet such a ferocious and powerful animal, you must be sure that he is the Asian Lion.
6. The Bengal Tiger is a noble wild beast.
7. The tiger has black stripes all over his yellowish hide.
8. The moment you see him, he will not spare but eat you at once.
9. When you are strolling forth a forest, you can find a beast.
10. He is the leopard.
11. His hide is peppered with spots.
12. There is no escape from him even if you cry in pain.
13. He will continue pouncing on you and eat you to death.
14. If you are walking in your yard, you can be face to face with a bear.
15. The bear hugs you very hard.
16. His hug is not friendly.
17. He may press you so hard that his hug may bring your death.
18. An inexperienced person can’t distinguish beasts of prey.
19. the lie will not be able to distinguish a hyena from a crocodile.
20. Hyenas and crocodiles have very deceptive appearances.
21. Hyenas smile merrily before attacking and killing their victims.
22. Crocodiles pretend to be weeping before pouncing upon their prey and killing them.
23. A true Chameleon is a small animal like a lizard.
24. He has no ears at all.
25. Neither has he a single wing.
26. If you see such a creature on a tree, then you are seeing a chameleon.

Literary Devices in ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’

Alliteration – Repetition of consonant sounds in closely connected words
Roaming, round – ‘’r’ sound is repeated.
‘lep and lep again’ – ‘l’ sound is repeated.
‘Your yard’ – ‘y’ sound is repeated
‘He hasn’t’ – ‘h’ sound is repeated
‘at all’ – ‘a’ sound is repeated (assonance)
‘Be sure… bear’ – ‘b’ sound is repeated
Inversion – changing structure of a sentence
‘And if there should to you advance’
‘The Bengal tiger to discern’ – To discern a Bengal tiger
Oxymoron – juxtaposition of contradictory words
Noble wild – noble and wild are opposite characteristics
Allusion – direct or indirect reference to a thing
Asian lion
Bengal tiger
Repetition – repeating the same word for the sake of emphasis
Lep and lep
Very, very hard
Poetic license – freedom of the writer to ignore usual rules.
‘dyin’ – dying
‘lept’ – leapt
‘Twill – it will
‘Lep and lep’ – leap and leap
HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS
‘A novice might nonplus’ – a novice might be nonplussed (newcomer might be confused)
‘Tis’ – it is
Irony – use of word to mean something else. Usually opposite of what is stated
‘Caress’ – actually the hug will kill you
Imagery – using word to create visual image or sense impression
‘black stripes on yellow ground’
‘Whose hide with spots is peppered’
Paradox – Juxtaposing contradictory statements
If there is nothing on the tree,
’Tis the chameleon you see.
Hyperbole – exaggerating a statement to make it comical.
‘A noble wild beast greets you,’
‘If there is nothing on the tree’
Word Meanings – ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’
ground: background
discern: make out; identify
hide: animal skin
peppered: here, covered with spots
caress: a gentle, loving touch
novice: someone new to a job
(be) nonplus (sed) (usually only in the passive): (be) puzzle(d), confuse(d), surprise(d)

Short Answer

1.How can you identify the Asian lion and the Bengal Tiger? [CBSE 2015]

The Asian Lion has a large body and a brownish-yellow coat. It roars loudly when it attacks its prey. On the
other hand, the Bengal Tiger has black stripes on its yellow coat. It silently attacks its prey.

2.Write the sum and substance of the poem, “How to Tell Wild Animals”.

The poet, Carolyn Wells, in the poem suggests some of the dangerous ways to identify the wild animals. The
poem is full of humorous examples when the poet tries to distinguish one animal from the other. Moreover,
the poem educates us by describing the various features of wild animals.

3.How can you distinguish between a tiger and a leopard? [CBSE 2011]

A tiger has black stripes on its yellow coat. A leopard on the other hand, does not have any stripes. It has
spots peppered on its body. Moreover, a tiger kills only when it is hungry, while a leopard can kill for the
pleasure of killing by pouncing continuously on its prey.

4.How can you distinguish between a hyena and a crocodile?

A hyena laughs as it swallows its victim, whereas a crocodile weeps as it swallows its victim.

5.What are the distinctive features of the Asian lion as given in the poem?

The Asian Lion is large in stature. It is brownish-yellow in colour. It roars very loudly. The sound of its roar
is so terrible to hear that it can make one almost die due to fear. The Asian Lion is found in the forests of
East Asian countries.

6.What does the Bengal Tiger look like? What is so distinct about him?

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

The Bengal Tiger roams freely in the forest. It is noble and majestic in stature. It wears black stripes on a
yellow hide. When it notices someone it tries to eat him. The Bengal tiger attacks its prey very silently and
grasps it with his terrifying teeth.

7.How does a leopard behave when he sees someone? [CBSE 2016]

As leopard has black spots all over its body. As soon as it sees someone, it leaps over him at once. It keeps
on pouncing continuously on its victim, attacks him and starts eating him.

8.How does the poet describe the bear?

The poet describes the bear in a humourous way. He says that as soon as a bear sees a human being, it hugs
him tightly. It clasps its prey tightly with both its hands and squeezes him to death. If he is still alive, he
gives him another tight hug to kill him.

9.What is so weird about the Hyena and the crocodile? [CBSE 2014]

Some animals such as the hyena and the crocodile are famous for their weird behaviour. For example, a
laughing hyena’s voice resembles human’s laughing sound. Moreover, a hyena laughs while swallowing it’s
prey, while a crocodile shed tears.

10.Describe a few characteristics of a chameleon.

A chameleon is a garden lizard and is an expert at camouflage. It changes its colour as per its surroundings.
This ability of camouflage helps it in saving it from the hunters. A chameleon does not have – any ears or
wings.

11.Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east. [Board Term-I, 2016-17,
B09VSNP]
The different animals are bengal tiger, Asians Lion, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile, Hyena, Chameleon. There is
no mention of any bird in the poem. [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2016]

1 2.What features of a bear are described in the poem ?

The bear hugs him tightly when he sees a human being. It clasps its prey tightly with both its fore paws and
brings him to death. It again holds it tightly finally killing him.

13.How can you differentiate between a tiger and a leopard ?

A tiger has black stripes on its yellow coloured coat, but a leopard has spots on its body. A tiger kills its prey
to satisfy its’ hunger, whereas a leopard can even kill for pleasure.

14.What is the brief summary of the poem ?

The poet tries to distinguish different animals in a humorous manner. He is also educating by describing the
various features of wild animals.

15. How does one identify a chameleon?

A chameleon resembles a lizard and is a small, wingless, fearless creature. The poet says that when
there is nothing visible on the tree, there is the chameleon camouflaged with the tree.

16. Name the different animals and birds found in the jungles of the east.

Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bear, Hyena, Crocodiles and Chameleons.

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

17. What is the famous saying associated with crocodiles and what does it mean?

The famous saying associated with crocodiles is that of ‘shedding crocodile tears’. It actually
means tears or expressions of sorrow that are insincere, and are said to be so named from a belief that
crocodiles wept while devouring their prey.

18. Peppered spots, tawny beast and noble wild beast live in the jungles along with some others. Name
them.

The leopard, the lion and the Bengal Tiger live along with the bear, hyenas, crocodiles and
chameleons.

19. What is the theme of the poem — ‘How to Tell Wild Animals’?

The theme of the poem is to create humour. The poet creates humour by suggesting dangerous
ways of identifying wild animals. You can identify most of the beasts while they are attacking you. Instead
of shouting for help or trying to protect yourself, you are busy identifying the attacker—the idea creates
humour.

20.What does the poet say about the Asian Lion in this poem? [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-A)]

thie poet says that the Asian Lion is a large beast. He is brownish-yellow in colour. He is found in
forests of the eastern countries of the world. His roar is very loud and terrifying.

21. How does the Bengal Tiger look? What is so distinct about a hint?

The poet says that the Bengal Tiger roams in the forest and looks noble. His skin is yellow and
there are black stripes on it. As soon as the Bengal Tiger notices someone he tries to eat him.

22. What do you learn about the leopard from this poem?

The poem tells us that a leopard has spots on his skin. As soon as he sees someone he leaps over
him at once and starts eating. He is so terrifying and powerful.

23. How does the poet describe the bear?

The poet suggests that the bear can enter a human colony also. That is why you can encounter a
bear even in your yard. As soon as the bear comes near a human being, he embraces him. This embrace
appears loving. But in fact, it can be fatal.

24. Why does the poet say that a bear’s ‘hug’ may confuse a novice?

It is the tendency of a bear to kill his victim by embracing him. He hugs the victim so tight that he
usually dies. But a novice who does not know the ways of bears may misunderstand his hug. He may think
that it is a loving embrace.

25. What does the poet say about the crocodile and the hyena?

The poet describes the crocodile and the hyena humorously. The hyena seems to be laughing. In
fact, it does not laugh. Only its face appears so. On the other hand, the crocodile has tears in his eyes when It
eats its victim. it appears as if he is shedding tears at the death of his victim. But this is not so.

26. How will you recognise the Bengal Tiger?

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS
 He is a very grand and impressive animal. His hide is yellowish. There are black stripes all over
his body. He is very agile. The moment he notices someone, he will simply eat away that creature at once. If
any animal fulfils all these traits, he must be the Bengal Tiger.

27. How will you recognise the leopard?

The leopard is very agile and is always ready to pounce upon its prey. His hide is spotted all over
with dark spots. If he sees you, he will pounce upon you. There will be no use of crying with pain. He will
show no mercy and jump at you once again.

28. How will you recognise a bear from other animals?

If you are walking around your courtyard, you can meet a creature there. If he hugs you very hard,
then, be sure he is the bear. His embrace is very hard and tight. If you have any doubt about it, he will give
you just one more caress.

29. Can a novice distinguish among wild animals? How can hyenas be distinguished from crocodiles?

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It is very difficult for a novice to distinguish among wild animals. He can be easily confused. But
it is very easy to distinguish between crocodiles and hyenas. Hyenas come with merry smiles. Crocodiles
can be recognised by the tears in their eyes.

30. How will you recognise a chameleon?

A chameleon is a small creature. It looks like a lizard in appearance. It is strange that he doesn’t
have any ears. Nor does he have a single wing. If you see such a creature sitting on a Tree, be sure he is a
chameleon.

31. What does the bear do?

According to the poet, the bear embraces the human being tight. The description of the bear has
been presented in a humorous style. The bear comes near a human being and embraces very hard. He hugs
very tightly.

32. What humorous descriptions do you find in the poem?

We find some humorous descriptions about the animals in the poem. The poet has created it by the
selection of words and his pattern of explaining. As the Bengal tiger is described noble, the bear hugs and
the hyena smiles.

33. How would you recognise the Asian Lion?

He is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. He is a large and powerful animal. He is yellow-
brownish in colour. He roars so loudly that the very roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. If any
animal has all these traits, he must be the Asian Lion.

Long Answer

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

 1.State in your own words the humour which lies in the poem.
The poet ‘Carolyn wells’ creates humour by describing different wild animals. The poet explains the
different characteristics of different animals in a very funny and interesting manner. The poet’s language
refreshes the reader’s mood and makes him happy. Humour in the poem is the best medicine for every
ailment in life. Humour increases our energy and decreases our pain. Thus the poem is fully a vitalizer.

2.‘Humour is the best medicine for every ailment in life’. Comment. [CBSE 2013]
Humour is infectious. When humour is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness. Humour
strengthens our immune system, boosts our energy, diminishes pain and protects us from the damaging
effects of stress. It is the priceless medicine for every ailment in life. The poet, in the poem ‘How to tell
Wild Animals’ creates humour by describing various beasts of prey. The way the poet explains the things is
very funny yet interesting. The poet has depicted the wildlife very vividly and in a lively manner. While
reading the poem, the readers enjoy the poet’s work and it leaves them refreshed and happy.

3.’Many animals can be identified according to the poets’ suggestion. Name the animals. Which ones
would you like to identify? Are there any lessons for us from this poem?

The poet has listed down the ways of identifying seven animals in the poem, viz., and the lion, the
Bengal Tiger, the leopard, the bear, the hyena, crocodiles and chameleons. As for me, I would like to
identify the bear, the Bengal Tiger and the leopard. However, putting my life on the line just to identify the
tiger and the leopard doesn’t seem worth the risk! So if I see a noble beast with black stripes on yellow, I’II
knows the tiger, and the peppered spots will reveal the leopard. The bear hug, I wouldn’t mind! The poetess,
using humour, seems to warn readers against venturing too close to these animals.

4. The poet has successfully used humour to be able to ‘tell’ or identify ‘Wild Animals’. How do you
think we need lots of it in our daily life?

Humour is the fuel of life. Without it, it would become difficult to continue living. Today, a life of
the common man is typically mired in stress, tension, problems and sadness. It is amazing how the smallest
problems may take on epic proportions for a common person. In such a situation, it becomes necessary to
have a little humour in life. It gives us the much-needed respite from our monotonous routine and helps us
face life more positively. Thus, the poetess’ successful use of humour helps liven our minds and brings a
smile on our faces.

5. Every animal is unique and has some special characteristics. What tricks does the poet adopt in
distinguishing various wild animals?

No doubt, every animal is unique. Every wild animal has his own special trait, colour, size and
characteristics. The Asian Lion is found in the jungles of the eastern regions. It is a huge and mighty creature
with brownish hide. His roar is enough to terrorise a person to death. The Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’ and
impressive wild animal. He has yellowish hide and black stripes all over it. The Leopard has dark spots all
over his body. He is very agile. The moment he sees its prey, he pounces upon it without showing any
mercy. The bear is known by his strong and tight hug. It becomes rather difficult for a novice to distinguish
among wild animals. However, hyenas and crocodiles can be easily recognised. Hyenas come smiling
merrily while crocodiles appear to be weeping. The chameleon is a small creature like a lizard. He has no
ears and doesn’t have even a single wing. You can find him sitting on a tree.

6. Carolyn Wells takes liberties with language and employs humour to describe the wild animals. Give
some examples of humorous descriptions in the poem.

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS

 It depends on the subject matter what style a poet chooses to adopt while writing a poem. The
poem describes wild animals and how to distinguish them. To avoid oversimplification and monotony, the
poet uses ‘humour’ as an effective weapon. The ‘humour’ used in the poem is suggestive and mild. It is not
biting or scathing in effect. If the Asian Lion “roars at you as you’re dying”. The Bengal Tiger is a ‘noble’
wild beast that “greets you” when you are roaming round in the jungle. The unsparing Leopard will show no
mercy and it will “do no good to roar with pain.” If you have any doubts, the bear will “give you just one
more caress.” The poet uses subtle humour when he says: “Hyenas come with merry smiles; But if they
weep they’re Crocodiles”.

HOW TO TELL WILD ANIMALS-CAROLYN WELLS