🐅 How to Tell Wild Animals – Summary (Class 10 English First Flight)
Complete detailed summary in English & Hindi with key points, exam notes, and moral lessons. Helpful for CBSE & MP Board Class 10 preparation.
👤 Author Introduction – Carolyn Wells
Carolyn Wells (1862–1942) was an American author and poet famous for her humorous and light-hearted writing style. She wrote mystery novels, children’s literature, and comic verses. In “How to Tell Wild Animals”, she uses wit and humor to describe dangerous wild animals in an amusing and memorable way.
Image: Illustration – Wild animals described humorously
📖 Summary in English
The poem “How to Tell Wild Animals” by Carolyn Wells is a humorous explanation of how one might recognize different wild animals if encountered in the forest. The poet uses funny comparisons and exaggerations to describe the animals, turning a frightening subject into an entertaining experience.
In the beginning, the poet tells us that if we ever go to the jungles of East, and a large and terrifying beast comes before us and immediately kills us, then it must be the Asian Lion. Through this, the poet humorously says that we would know the lion’s identity only when it is too late.
Next, the poet describes the Bengal Tiger. If a wild animal with black stripes on yellow skin suddenly jumps on you and starts eating you, then it is surely a Bengal Tiger. Again, the poet presents the animal in a scary yet funny way.
The poet then shifts to the Leopard. If an animal with spots leaps upon you and attacks you again and again, then you have definitely met a Leopard. Even if you cry for help, it won’t leave you. The repetition of attack is shown in a comic tone.
Further, the poet describes the Bear. If you are hugged very tightly by a huge beast in the jungle, you can be sure it is a Bear. But this hug is not affectionate—it is deadly.
Moving on, the poet mentions the Crocodile. If you see tears in the animal’s eyes while it is eating you, then it is a Crocodile. This refers to the famous phrase “crocodile tears,” meaning false or pretended sadness.
Finally, the poet humorously explains the Hyena and the Chameleon. A Hyena can be recognized by its laughter-like sounds, and a Chameleon is difficult to spot because it changes its color to match its surroundings. Unlike the other wild animals, a chameleon doesn’t attack, but its unique quality is camouflage.
Thus, through playful and exaggerated descriptions, the poet entertains the readers while also teaching the distinct qualities of wild animals.
Image: Animals of the jungle – tiger, lion, leopard
📖 Summary in Hindi
“How to Tell Wild Animals” कविता में कवयित्री कैरोलिन वेल्स ने जंगल के खतरनाक जंगली जानवरों का वर्णन हास्यपूर्ण और रोचक ढंग से किया है।
वह कहती हैं कि यदि कोई विशाल और डरावना जानवर हमें तुरंत मार डाले तो समझ लेना वह एशियाई शेर है।
यदि पीली खाल पर काली धारियों वाला जानवर अचानक आप पर झपट पड़े और खाने लगे तो वह बंगाल टाइगर है।
यदि कोई धब्बेदार जानवर बार-बार आप पर छलांग लगाकर हमला करे तो वह चीतल (Leopard) है। चाहे आप मदद के लिए चिल्लाएँ, वह नहीं रुकेगा।
यदि कोई बड़ा जानवर आपको कसकर गले लगा ले तो वह भालू है, परंतु उसका यह आलिंगन घातक है।
यदि कोई जानवर खाते समय रोता हुआ लगे तो वह मगरमच्छ है। यह “crocodile tears” यानी नकली आँसुओं का प्रतीक है।
लकड़बग्घा की पहचान उसकी हँसी जैसी आवाज़ से होती है और गिरगिट की पहचान उसका रंग बदलने की क्षमता है।
इस प्रकार कवयित्री ने खतरनाक जानवरों का हास्यपूर्ण चित्रण करके बच्चों को मनोरंजक ढंग से जानकारी दी है।
📝 Key Points to Remember
- Poet describes wild animals with humor and exaggeration.
- Lion → kills instantly; Tiger → striped and attacks suddenly.
- Leopard → attacks repeatedly; Bear → deadly hug.
- Crocodile → pretends to cry while eating; Hyena → laughter sound.
- Chameleon → changes color, hard to spot.
- Moral: Humor can make even frightening things easy to learn.