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FIRE AND ICE — ANALYSIS (CBSE CLASS 10)

Fire and Ice is an aphoristic poem (It conveys a lot of meaning in very few words). It discusses the possible causes of the apocalypse (the absolute end of the world). Well, these causes are not only physical (those discussed in the poem on the literal level) but also emotional: fire that symbolises desire and ice that symbolises hatred, both have the power to bring an end to the human civilisation. The poem was written in 1920, shortly after the first World War. On the literal level, the poem accurately describes the ways in which the world could end: either everything will burn or everyone will be frozen to death. The poem, in a way, also draws inspiration from Dante's Inferno (a 14th century writing describing a journey into Hell). The poem's most striking feature is its cool, conversational style. The tone of the poet does not seem to be discussing something serious and alarming rather something which is matter-of-fact and inevitable. (Notice the use of the word 'great&

DUST OF SNOW CBSE CLASS 10 - ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY/ EXPLANATION

Since we already know from our reading of Frost's The Road Not Taken in class 9 that he is always fascinated with nature, here in class 10 we have another poem that has nature surrounding it: much smaller but all the more deep in what it conveys to us readers. Look at the poem: how small, isn't it? Like a nursery rhyme. But it has a deep meaning and a strong lesson worth learning. Theme: Significance of small things in life, healing power of nature. Structure: The poem is just one line. Well, this is a pleasant surprise when you realise this. But indeed it is: one line divided into 8 smaller phrases, neatly forming a poem. Analysis:  First Stanza - There's no clue about what had been or what the poet was going through. He immediately begins with what actually happens to him. What we can reckon is that the poet is sitting under a hemlock tree. A crow comes and sits on a branch of the tree and shakes off some snow (fine particles of snow like crystals) from it, due to the sw

The Story of Cricket -- Answers

Working with the text  Ans 1. Baseball, golf, hockey, billiards. Ans 2. The Parsis were the first Indian community to take to cricket because they were in close contact of the British that was a result of trade and business interest and their affinity towards western culture. Ans 3. 'A Happy Ending' refers to the Parsi team's victory over the Bombay Gymkhana at a cricket match in 1889. Ans 4. Television coverage expanded the audience for cricket. It took cricket to small towns and villages. It made it possible for people to watch live matches from their homes. Children got the chance to watch international cricket and imitate their heroes. Ans 5. China or Russia were never British colonies and therefore cricket was never introduced there as it was in India. Its popularity in India with the masses has led to its large viewership. Ans 6. The game's equipment refers to the items needed to play the game like the bat, ball, stumps, bails and the protective equipment like hel

Informal Letter Writing (For class 6 to 8)

An informal letter is a personal letter written to parents, friends and relatives. Its language is personal and its style is informal. *Sample of an informal letter* Write a letter to your friend who is in hospital due to COVID. 16, Premganj Jhansi 28 June 2021 Dear Rohan, Everything is fine here. I was shocked when I learnt that you had got COVID. I was worried to hear that you had been hospitalized. When I spoke to Neeta aunty, I was relieved to hear that you have been recovering well. You have to take good care of yourself. I am sure your family is doing every bit for you. Please stay strong and cheerful. I am confident you will be home soon. I will soon come to see you at home.  Yours lovingly Shyam

The Kite - CBSE Class 6 - Comprehension Questions

 Q.1 What is meant by 'blue' in the poem's first line? Ans. 'Blue' has been said for the clear sky as it is blue in colour. Q.2 What has the kite been compared to? Ans. The kite has been compared to a ship, using a simile. It is a ship with just one sail. Q.3 Where does it ride? Ans. It rides on the tides of the wind. Q.4 When does the kite pull itself higher in the sky? Ans. It does so when there is a strong gust of wind. It sits on the top of the gust and pulls itself higher. Q.5 What happens when wind falls? Ans. When wind falls, the kite rests by easily floating in the air. Q.6 What is the name given to the kite's string? What sound does it create? Ans. The kite's string has been called its tail in the poem. It creates a snapping (striking) sound when it becomes taut.  Q.7 What is the 'raggeder thing' that happens with a kite? What is meant by it? Ans. The 'raggeder thing' that happens with a kite is when it gets stuck on the top of a tre

Formal Letter based on a given situation -- CBSE Class 10

Write a letter to the Commissioner of Police of your city requesting him to organise traffic rules awareness week for the general public. You are Aman/ Amita, 25, Adarsh Nagar, Lucknow. 25, Adarsh Nagar Lucknow 23 June 2021 The Commissioner of Police Lucknow Commissionerate Lucknow Subject: Request to organise 'Traffic Rules Awareness Week' Sir, I am writing to you to bring your attention towards the rising indifference among the riders of our city towards road safety and awareness of traffic rules. This has become a major problem of Lucknow that's far from being controlled. Lives of thousands of riders, bystanders and pedestrians are endangered by the irresponsible behaviour of some careless riders. We can witness an increasing trend of over-speeding in almost all areas of the city, a few like Vidhan Bhawan Road being an exception due to the high number of traffic policemen deployed there. The problem does not end at over-speeding. Many teenagers below the age of 18 are dr

A Tiger in the Zoo -- CBSE Class 10 -- Summary and analysis

The poem is a remarkable piece of writing which addresses a relevant universal theme. The poet has juxtaposed the life of a tiger in the concrete cell of a zoo with his life of freedom in a jungle. (Juxtaposition means when two things or situations are placed close to each other for the purpose of stark comparison.) In the first stanza we see the tiger's suppressed voice from the zoo. He is in a helpless state where he can only walk the length of his concrete cell. His anger is also suppressed as he cannot do anything about his pitiable state. An animal which commands so much of respect and fear not only from animals but also from human beings, is entirely at the mercy of the zoo-keepers. In the second and third stanzas, the tiger is seen living a life of complete liberty in a jungle. He waits in ambush to hunt "plump deer" for his meal. He "snarls around houses at the jungle's edge" showing his sharp teeth. This sound, let alone sight, is enough to terroriz