Notes For West Bengal Students

  Fable Ralph Waldo Emerson Summary of the poem The poem ‘Fable’ is about a conversation between a squirrel and a mountain. The mountain, proud of its size and might, starts an argument with the squirrel by calling it a ‘Little Prig’, a term used for someone who behaves as if they are morally superior to others. The squirrel, named Bun, acknowledges the mountain’s size but argues that all things, regardless of their size, have a purpose and contribute to the world. It emphasizes that everything must work together to maintain balance. The squirrel also points out that while the mountain may be large and powerful, it lacks the agility and flexibility of the squirrel. The poem effectively conveys the worth of each creature’s existence and teaches us to appreciate everyone, no matter how insignificant they appear to us.   Contextual word meaning of the poem 'Fable'. Fable: A fable is a short tale that teaches a lesson12. In the context of this poem, the fable is t...

  My Own True Family Ted Hughes   “My Own True Family” is a poem by Edward James ‘ Ted’ Hughes , a noted English poet who was the Poet Laureate of Great Britain from 1984 till his death. His famous works include “Birthday Letters”, “The Hawk in the Rain”, and "Tales from Ovid". The poem begins with the speaker venturing into an oakwood in search of a stag. There, he encounters an old woman who claims to hold his secret in her bag. Upon opening the bag, the speaker finds himself surrounded by a tribe and tied to a stake. The tribe identifies themselves as oak trees and the speaker’s true family. They accuse him of indifference towards their suffering and demand a promise: for every oak tree felled, he must plant two. If he fails to make this promise, they threaten him with death. This dream beneath the boughs alters the speaker. When he emerges from the oakwood and returns to human company, he walks like a human child, but his heart is a tree. The poem is an allego...