First Flight (Poem): A Tiger in the Zoo

Topics in this chapter

• Captivity and Freedom
• Zoo Versus Natural Habitat
• Tiger’s Emotions and Power
• Animal Cruelty and Conservation
• Imagery, Symbolism, and Devices
• Structure and Night Setting

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-F6EDC0

   What does the phrase 'stalks in his vivid stripes' convey about the tiger in the first stanza of the poem?

   1. A.He is running away from hunters in the forest.
   2. B.He is proudly and quietly moving around in his limited cage space.
   3. C.He is hiding behind tall grass to hunt prey.
   4. D.He is playing with other animals in the zoo.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-949D93

   Why are the tiger's pads described as 'velvet quiet'?

   1. A.Because they are soft like velvet and make no sound when he walks.
   2. B.Because they are covered in soft fur for winter.
   3. C.Because they have been injured and cannot make noise.
   4. D.Because the zookeepers wrapped them in cloth.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-E272FD

   Where should the tiger actually be lurking according to the poem, and what animals are found there?

   1. A.In an open grassland, hunting zebras and elephants.
   2. B.Near a water hole, sliding through long grass to catch plump deer.
   3. C.Deep inside a dark cave, avoiding human contact.
   4. D.On a snowy mountain ridge, chasing mountain goats.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-EB02E1

   How does the tiger behave around the houses near the jungle, and what is the purpose of this behavior?

   1. A.He plays with domestic dogs and cats to make friends.
   2. B.He begs for food from the villagers.
   3. C.He snarls around houses at the jungle's edge, terrorizing the villagers by showing his white fangs and claws.
   4. D.He hides quietly behind doors to protect the villagers from poachers.
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-2602D8

   What is the significance of the tiger being locked in a 'concrete cell' instead of roaming the jungle?

   1. A.It highlights his safety and protection from hunters.
   2. B.It emphasizes the loss of his freedom, natural instincts, and majestic spirit due to human captivity.
   3. C.It shows how modern technology helps animals live longer.
   4. D.It proves that tigers prefer artificial shelters to forests.
   See the answer and solution