Fable: WBBSE Class 10 English questions and answers

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Get here the summary, questions, answers, textbook solutions, extras, and pdf of Lesson 2 “Fable” by Ralph Waldo Emerson of the West Bengal Board (WBBSE) Class 10 (Madhyamik) English (second language) textbook “Bliss”. However, the given notes/solutions should only be used for references and should be modified/changed according to needs.

Summary

“Fable” is a short poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that tells the story of a quarrel between a mountain and a squirrel. The mountain belittles the squirrel by calling it a ‘Little Prig,’ prompting the squirrel to defend itself. The squirrel acknowledges that while the mountain is indeed larger, size alone does not define their worth or abilities. The poem emphasises the importance of accepting and valuing the unique talents and characteristics of different individuals, as each has its own role to play in the world.

“Fable” is a simple yet profound poem, employing personification and a light-hearted tone to convey its message. Through the conversation between the mountain and the squirrel, Emerson explores the theme of individuality and the acceptance of differences.

The poem opens with the mountain mocking the squirrel for its size, showcasing the arrogance of the mountain and the tendency of some individuals to look down upon others based on superficial traits. However, the squirrel’s response highlights the importance of recognizing that various elements and factors contribute to the world’s balance and harmony. By stating that “all sorts of things and weather / Must be taken in together,” the squirrel suggests that each being, regardless of size or ability, has a role to play in the grand scheme of things.

The squirrel’s assertion that “If I’m not so large as you, / You are not so small as I, / And not half so spry” demonstrates a sense of pride in its abilities and further emphasizes that size does not determine one’s worth or importance. It also highlights the different skills and capabilities each being possesses, and how these traits complement one another.

The closing lines of the poem, “Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; / If I cannot carry forests on my back, / Neither can you crack a nut,” convey the core message of the poem—that each individual has unique strengths and limitations, and that these differences should be celebrated rather than used as a basis for judgment or ridicule.

Emerson’s “Fable” serves as a reminder to respect and appreciate the diversity of talents and abilities found in the world. By using the analogy of the mountain and the squirrel, the poem encourages readers to look beyond superficial qualities and focus on the inherent value of every individual. The poem’s simple structure and playful tone make it accessible to readers of all ages, but its message is universal and timeless, promoting empathy and understanding in a world marked by differences.

Textual questions and answers

Comprehension exercises

1. Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:

(a) The quarrel was between the mountain and the

Answer: (iv) squirrel

(b) Bun has no doubt that the mountain is

Answer: (ii) big

(c) Unlike a mountain, a squirrel can crack a

Answer: (i) nut

2. State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/phrases/words in support of your answer:

(a) The mountain called the squirrel “Little Bun”. (____)

Supporting statement: ____________________

Answer: False, The mountain called the squirrel ‘Little Prig.’

(b) The squirrel is sprier than the mountain. (____)

Supporting statement: ____________________

Answer: True, “You are not so small as I, And not half so spry.”

(c) The mountain can carry forests on its back. (____)

Supporting statement: ____________________

Answer: True, “If I cannot carry forests on my back,/Neither can you crack a nut.”

3. Answer the following questions:

(a) Who had a quarrel with the squirrel?

Answer: The mountain had a quarrel with the squirrel.

(b) What is not a disgrace to the squirrel?

Answer: It is not a disgrace for the squirrel to occupy its place, despite being smaller than the mountain.

(c) What is it that the squirrel doesn’t deny?

Answer: The squirrel doesn’t deny that the mountain makes a very pretty squirrel track.

Grammar in use

4. Replace the underlined words with suitable phrasal verbs from the list given below. Change the form of verbs where necessary. There is one extra phrasal verb in the list:

(a) Rabi met his friend in the park.

Answer: Rabi came across his friend in the park.

(b) Tanushree cannot tolerate cruel behaviour to animals.

Answer: Tanushree cannot put up with cruel behavior to animals.

(c) His proposal was rejected.

Answer: His proposal was turned down.

5. Change the voice of the following sentences:

(a) Lock the door.

Answer: Let the door be locked.

(b) Ashim knows the solution to this problem.

Answer: The solution to this problem is known by Ashim.

(c) had written a letter.

Answer: A letter had been written.

Writing activities

6. Write a letter to your friend (within 100 words) advising her/him to visit the public library in her / his locality as frequently as possible.

Answer: Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wanted to share a suggestion with you that I believe will be beneficial. I highly recommend visiting the public library in your locality as frequently as possible.

A frequent visit to the library will enable you to investigate a range of subjects, widen your horizons, and deepen your comprehension in general. In addition, it offers a tranquil setting where you may concentrate on your reading and academic work.

Make the most of this priceless resource, and you’ll undoubtedly gain from it and enjoy it.

Happy reading and take care!

Yours sincerely,
Name

7. Write a paragraph (within 100 words) on the benefits of early morning exercises using the following points: good for health- fresh air-keeps one active throughout the day

Answer: Exercise in the morning has several advantages for our physical and mental health. Early in the morning is a great time to work out since it exposes us to fresh air, which is energising and helps us focus. This revitalising experience sets a favourable tone for the rest of the day and keeps us up and active. Frequent morning workouts improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength, and help us maintain a healthy weight, all of which are beneficial for our health. Also, the commitment and dedication needed for morning workouts help us develop wholesome habits that improve our way of life as a whole.

Extra/additional questions and answers

1: What are the two main characters in the poem?

Answer: The two main characters in the poem are a mountain and a squirrel.

2: What caused the quarrel between the mountain and the squirrel?

Answer: The mountain called the squirrel a “little prig.”

3: How does the squirrel respond to the mountain’s insult?

Answer: The squirrel replies by acknowledging the mountain’s size but emphasizing that they both have their own unique qualities and roles.

4: What does the squirrel mean by “all sorts of things and weather / Must be taken in together / To make up a year, / And a sphere”?

Answer: The squirrel means that different elements and characteristics are needed to make up a complete, well-rounded world.

5: What does the squirrel say is not a disgrace?

Answer: The squirrel says it is not a disgrace to occupy its place in the world.

6: How does the squirrel compare its size to the mountain’s size?

Answer: The squirrel says that while it is not as large as the mountain, the mountain is not as small or as agile as the squirrel.

7: What does the squirrel say about the mountain’s squirrel track?

Answer: The squirrel says the mountain makes a very pretty squirrel track.

8: What does the phrase “Talents differ; all is well and wisely put” mean?

Answer: It means that everyone has different skills and qualities, and everything is arranged in a way that makes sense and is beneficial.

9: What can the squirrel do that the mountain cannot?

Answer: The squirrel can crack a nut, which the mountain cannot do.

10: What is the overall theme of the poem?

Answer: The overall theme of the poem is the importance of appreciating and valuing the unique qualities and roles of different individuals.

11: Who is the author of this poem?

Answer: The author of this poem is Ralph Waldo Emerson.

12: What does the word “prig” mean in the context of the poem?

Answer: In the context of the poem, “prig” means a self-righteous or overly proper individual.

13: What is the primary literary device used in the poem?

Answer: The primary literary device used in the poem is personification.

14: What is the message conveyed through the poem?

Answer: The message conveyed through the poem is that everyone has their own unique strengths and that it is essential to appreciate and respect those differences.

15: Mention two qualities of the mountain.

Answer: The mountain can make a very pretty squirrel track and can carry forests on its back.

Extra/additional MCQs

1. Who are the main characters in the poem?

A) A mountain and a river B) A squirrel and a tree C) A mountain and a squirrel D) A squirrel and a bird

Answer: C) A mountain and a squirrel

2. What does the mountain call the squirrel?

A) Little friend B) Tiny creature C) Little prig D) Small fellow

Answer: C) Little prig

3. What does the squirrel say about occupying its place in the world?

A) It is a disgrace. B) It is a privilege. C) It is a burden. D) It is not a disgrace.

Answer: D) It is not a disgrace.

4. What does the squirrel say about talents?

A) They are the same for everyone. B) They differ for each individual. C) They are not important. D) They are a burden.

Answer: B) They differ for each individual.

5. What can the squirrel do that the mountain cannot?

A) Move quickly B) Crack a nut C) Climb trees D) Change the weather

Answer: B) Crack a nut

6. Who is the author of the poem?

A) Emily Dickinson B) William Wordsworth C) Ralph Waldo Emerson D) Robert Frost

Answer: C) Ralph Waldo Emerson

7. What literary device is primarily used in the poem?

A) Alliteration B) Rhyme C) Personification D) Onomatopoeia

Answer: C) Personification

8. What is the overall theme of the poem?

A) The beauty of nature B) The importance of friendship C) The passage of time D) The value of unique qualities and roles

Answer: D) The value of unique qualities and roles

9. What does the squirrel acknowledge about the mountain?

A) It is doubtless very big. B) It is unimportant. C) It is smaller than it seems. D) It is not as strong as it appears.

Answer: A) It is doubtless very big.

10. What century was the poem written in?

A) 18th century B) 19th century C) 20th century D) 21st century

Answer: B) 19th century

11. In the poem, what does the word “prig” mean?

A) A small animal B) A self-righteous or overly proper individual C) A type of tree D) A mountain peak

Answer: B) A self-righteous or overly proper individual

12. What does the phrase “all is well and wisely put” imply?

A) Everything is chaotic and random. B) Everything is arranged in a beneficial and logical way. C) Everything is predetermined. D) Everything is in a constant state of change.

Answer: B) Everything is arranged in a beneficial and logical way.

13. How does the squirrel compare its size to the mountain’s size?

A) It admits it is smaller but also more agile. B) It claims to be larger than the mountain. C) It argues that size does not matter. D) It insists they are equal in size.

Answer: A) It admits it is smaller but also more agile.

14. What does the squirrel say about the mountain’s squirrel track?

A) It is ugly. B) It is dangerous. C) It is very pretty. D) It is too small.

Answer: C) It is very pretty.

15. What is the message conveyed through the poem?

A) The importance of humility B) The need for cooperation C) The value of appreciating and respecting differences D) The significance of courage and determination

Answer: C) The value of appreciating and respecting differences

Extra/additional true/false/supporting statement

1. The squirrel believes that different elements and characteristics are needed to make up a well-rounded world. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: True, “But all sorts of things and weather / Must be taken in together / To make up a year, / And a sphere.”

2. The mountain and the squirrel are the same size. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: False, “If I’m not so large as you, / You are not so small as I.”

3. The squirrel is proud of occupying its place in the world. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: True, “And I think it no disgrace / To occupy my place.”

4. The mountain is able to crack a nut. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: False, “Neither can you crack a nut.”

5. The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing unique qualities and roles. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: True, “Talents differ; all is well and wisely put.”

6. The squirrel can carry forests on its back. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: False, “If I cannot carry forests on my back.”

7. The mountain is just as agile as the squirrel. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: False, “And not half so spry.”

8. The squirrel compliments the mountain’s squirrel track. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: True, “I’ll not deny you make / A very pretty squirrel track.”

9. The poem uses personification as its primary literary device. (____) 

Supporting statement: ____________________ 

Answer: True, The poem personifies the mountain and the squirrel by giving them the ability to communicate and have a quarrel.