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In stanza 1, what is the tiger doing? She stalks a steel-branched jungle And paces concrete grass, Though her stripes afford poor camouflage - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2016
Question A
In stanza 1, what is the tiger doing? She stalks a steel-branched jungle And paces concrete grass, Though her stripes afford poor camouflage. Behind the metal bars.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In stanza 1, what is the tiger doing? She stalks a steel-branched jungle And paces concrete grass, Though her stripes afford poor camouflage - Junior Cycle English - Question A - 2016
Step 1
In stanza 1, what is the tiger doing?
Answer
The tiger is pacing in the cage. This is evident as she stalks a steel-branched jungle and paces on concrete grass, which indicates her movement within the confines of her environment. Her stripes, intended for camouflage, ironically do little to hide her behind the metal bars of the zoo.
Step 2
In stanza 2, what can the tiger see when she looks out of her cage?
Answer
When the tiger looks out of her cage, she can see the horizon, a city’s drizzle, and distant mountains. This reflects her limited perspective, as she is confined to the zoo yet is acutely aware of the world beyond its boundaries.
Step 3
What do you think the poet is dreaming about in stanza 4? Explain your answer.
Answer
In stanza 4, the poet seems to be dreaming about a sense of freedom and a life beyond the cage. The phrase 'my imagination stirs' suggests a longing for possibilities. The tiger's world has always been the zoo, contrasting with the expansive skies and the notion of dreams that belong to the poet. This implies that the poet envisions a better existence, possibly one that includes freedom and adventure in the wild.
Step 4
Do you think that the tiger in the poem is happy? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer
The tiger is not truly happy. She is confined within the walls of the zoo, where her natural instincts are suppressed. She can see the horizon, which symbolizes freedom, yet she cannot reach it. The act of pacing indicates restlessness and distress, showing that her true happiness lies beyond the limits of her cage.
Step 5
Do you like the way the poet uses descriptive images in this poem? Explain your answer.
Answer
I appreciate the poet's use of descriptive images as they vividly convey the stark contrast between the tiger's natural habitat and her current confinement. The imagery of 'steel-branched jungle' and 'concrete grass' creates a powerful visual that emphasizes her plight. Additionally, phrases like 'the distant mountains' and 'the horizon shimmer' evoke a sense of longing, making the poem resonate emotionally. The clever use of imagery effectively highlights themes of captivity and yearning for freedom.