The Duck and the Kangaroo By Edward Lear
📚 1–40: Short Question-Answers
- ✨ Who are the two main characters in the poem?
🔵 The Duck and the Kangaroo. - ✨ What does the Duck wish to do?
🔶 The Duck wishes to go out and see the world. - ✨ Why can’t the Duck move far on her own?
🔷 Because she lives in a nasty little pond. - ✨ What request does the Duck make to the Kangaroo?
🔸 She requests him to give her a ride on his back. - ✨ How does the Duck describe her living place?
🔹 As a “nasty pond” she has lived in all her life. - ✨ What kind of places does the Duck want to see?
🕀 The Duck wants to visit the world beyond the pond. - ✨ How does the Duck propose to travel with the Kangaroo?
🕁 By sitting quietly at the end of his tail. - ✨ What does the Duck promise to do while travelling?
🕂 To be quiet and bring nothing but a cigar case. - ✨ What does the Duck mention about her feet?
🕃 That they are wet and cold. - ✨ Why is the Kangaroo worried?
🕄 Because the Duck’s cold feet may give him rheumatism. - ✨ What solution does the Duck offer for her cold feet?
🕅 She will wear socks and cloak and smoke a cigar. - ✨ Why does the Duck mention smoking a cigar?
🕆 To keep herself warm and dry during the ride. - ✨ What items will the Duck bring for warmth?
🕇 Four pairs of worsted socks and a cloak. - ✨ What does the Duck admire about the Kangaroo?
🕈 His ability to hop continuously over land and sea. - ✨ What quality does the Duck have according to herself?
🕉 Politeness and willingness to adapt. - ✨ How does the Kangaroo respond to the Duck’s request?
🕊 He agrees after some thought. - ✨ What is the tone of the poem?
🕋 Humorous and playful. - ✨ Is the Duck male or female in the poem?
🕌 The poem does not specify, but the Duck behaves politely and lovingly. - ✨ What mode of speech is used throughout the poem?
🕍 Dialogue and rhyme. - ✨ What does the Kangaroo fear from the Duck’s feet?
🕎 Catching rheumatism. - ✨ What poetic form is used in the poem?
🕏 It is a narrative poem with rhyming couplets. - ✨ What does the Duck call the Kangaroo?
🕐 “Dear Kangaroo.” - ✨ Why does the Kangaroo hop away initially?
🕑 To consider the Duck’s request. - ✨ What does “worsted socks” mean?
🕒 Woollen socks used for warmth. - ✨ What kind of humour is used in the poem?
🕓 Light and whimsical humour. - ✨ What lesson can be drawn from the Duck’s efforts?
🕔 Be prepared and respectful when asking for help. - ✨ Why does the Duck want to go on a journey?
🕕 To escape the dull life in the pond. - ✨ How many times does the Duck speak in the poem?
🕖 Three times. - ✨ What does the Duck call her wish?
🕗 Her “dearest wish.” - ✨ What is the Duck willing to do for the ride?
🕘 Sit still, bring socks, a cloak, and a cigar. - ✨ How many pairs of socks does the Duck mention?
🕙 Four pairs. - ✨ What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
🕚 Mostly AABB. - ✨ Does the Kangaroo accept the Duck’s request?
🕛 Yes, eventually he agrees. - ✨ Where do the Duck and the Kangaroo go?
🕜 They go round the world three times. - ✨ How does the Duck feel about the ride?
🕝 Extremely happy and excited. - ✨ What does the poem celebrate?
🕞 Friendship, travel, and fun. - ✨ Is the poem realistic or imaginative?
🕟 Imaginative and fantastical. - ✨ What kind of poem is it?
🕠 A nonsense poem. - ✨ What is the final emotion of both characters?
🕡 Joy and satisfaction. - ✨ What does the poem teach us?
🕢 Be polite, flexible, and creative to fulfil dreams.
📑 41–45: Long Question-Answers (100–120 words each)
- ✨ Describe the Duck’s character using examples from the poem.
🔹 The Duck is polite, adventurous, and thoughtful. She respectfully asks the Kangaroo for a ride, calling him “dear” and expressing admiration for his hopping. She is also clever—to address the Kangaroo’s worry about her cold feet, she promises to wear four pairs of worsted socks and a cloak and even smoke a cigar. This shows that she is willing to go to great lengths for her dream. Her wish to explore the world and see far-off places reveals her curious and imaginative nature. Overall, the Duck is a lovable and determined character who values friendship and dreams. - ✨ How does the poem portray friendship?
🔹 The poem portrays friendship as built on respect, understanding, and mutual cooperation. The Duck expresses her desire kindly and makes adjustments to ensure the Kangaroo’s comfort. In turn, the Kangaroo, though cautious at first, listens and accepts the Duck’s request. The poem shows that friends help one another and can overcome obstacles together. Despite being different creatures, the Duck and the Kangaroo travel together happily. Their joyful journey around the world is a symbol of how true friendship can make life exciting and meaningful. - ✨ What humorous elements are present in the poem?
🔹 The humour in the poem comes from the absurd yet imaginative situation—a Duck riding a Kangaroo. The Duck preparing with four pairs of socks and smoking a cigar is comically exaggerated. The Kangaroo’s concern about catching rheumatism from cold feet adds a silly, human-like concern to an animal. The rhyme and rhythm further enhance the comic tone. Edward Lear, known for his nonsense verse, uses playful language and silly logic that entertains readers while also delivering a subtle message about dreams and cooperation. - ✨ What message does the poem convey to children?
🔹 The poem teaches children to be adventurous, respectful, and accommodating. The Duck has a dream and takes steps to fulfil it without offending or troubling anyone. She prepares and respects the Kangaroo’s concerns. The poem also shows that friendship can happen between different individuals when there is mutual respect. It encourages children to imagine, explore, and be creative while also being polite and thoughtful. - ✨ Describe the journey taken by the Duck and the Kangaroo.
🔹 The journey is described as magical and joyful. After the Kangaroo agrees to the Duck’s request, they set off together with the Duck sitting on the Kangaroo’s back. They travel around the world three times, experiencing new sights and sounds. The poem does not detail specific locations, leaving it to the reader’s imagination. What matters is the companionship and happiness they share. Their journey represents the fulfilment of a dream and the joy that comes from friendship and exploration.
💞 46–50: Value-Based Questions
- ✨ What value does the Duck teach us?
🔹 Respectful communication, preparation, and determination. - ✨ What can we learn from the Kangaroo?
🔹 Open-mindedness and willingness to help others. - ✨ How can differences be overcome in friendship?
🔹 By understanding each other’s needs and adapting willingly. - ✨ Why is imagination important as per the poem?
🔹 It opens new worlds and makes life more exciting and joyful. - ✨ What lesson does the poem leave for students?
🔹 Dream big, be kind, and find joy in shared experiences and friendships.
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