UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo Question Answer (2026)
Complete guide to A Tiger in the Zoo class 10 UP Board including summary in Hindi and English, central idea, explanation, board questions and PDF download.
📌 A Tiger in the Zoo – Central Idea (Class 10 UP Board)
📌 A Tiger in the Zoo – Central Idea (Class 10 UP Board)
The central idea of the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” is the contrast between a tiger living in captivity and a tiger living freely in its natural habitat. The poet shows how the tiger in the zoo is confined within the narrow limits of a cage, while in the jungle it would move freely, hunt confidently and rule its territory. Through this comparison, the poem highlights the loss of freedom and dignity that the tiger experiences inside the zoo.
In the zoo, the tiger walks slowly inside his concrete cell, taking a few quiet steps with suppressed anger. His strength is locked behind bars, and he ignores the visitors who come to see him. At night, he listens to the sound of patrolling cars and silently looks at the bright stars, showing his helpless condition.
In contrast, the tiger in the wild would hide in the long grass, move near the water hole and terrorize the village at the jungle’s edge. This strong contrast between the cage and the jungle forms the core of the A Tiger in the Zoo central idea class 10 UP Board. The poem conveys a powerful message about freedom, natural instinct and the cruelty of captivity.
Thus, the UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo poem teaches students that animals, like humans, value freedom. It encourages readers to think about whether zoos truly protect animals or limit their natural life.
📖 A Tiger in the Zoo Summary in English
📖 A Tiger in the Zoo – Summary in English (Class 10 UP Board)
The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” describes the sad condition of a tiger kept inside a zoo and contrasts it with the life he would have lived in the jungle. The poet presents two different pictures — one of captivity and the other of freedom. In the zoo, the tiger walks slowly inside his small cage. His movements are limited to a few steps, and his strength remains trapped behind iron bars. Though he is powerful, he appears helpless and full of silent anger. He ignores the visitors who come to look at him.
The poet then imagines how the tiger should have been in his natural habitat. In the jungle, he would move freely through the tall grass, hide near the water hole and hunt deer. He would roam fearlessly near the edge of the forest and create terror among the villagers. The jungle represents freedom, power and natural instinct.
At night, the caged tiger hears the sound of patrolling cars and quietly stares at the shining stars. This shows his loneliness and frustration. The UP Board A Tiger in the Zoo summary clearly highlights the theme of freedom versus captivity. Through this poem, students understand how confinement affects the natural life of wild animals.
📖 A Tiger in the Zoo Summary in Hindi
📖 A Tiger in the Zoo – Summary in Hindi (Class 10 UP Board)
कविता “A Tiger in the Zoo” में कवि ने चिड़ियाघर में बंद बाघ की स्थिति का वर्णन किया है और उसकी तुलना जंगल में रहने वाले बाघ से की है। चिड़ियाघर में बाघ एक संकरे पिंजरे में कैद है। वह अपने मखमली पंजों पर धीरे-धीरे चलता है, परंतु उसके अंदर क्रोध और बेचैनी छिपी हुई है। उसकी शक्ति सलाखों के पीछे बंद है और वह देखने आने वाले लोगों की ओर ध्यान भी नहीं देता। उसकी चाल में उदासी और असहायता दिखाई देती है।
कवि कल्पना करता है कि यदि वही बाघ जंगल में होता तो वह लंबी घास में छिपकर शिकार करता, जल स्रोत के पास घूमता और जंगल के किनारे गांव वालों में भय उत्पन्न करता। जंगल का जीवन स्वतंत्रता, साहस और स्वाभाविक शक्ति का प्रतीक है।
रात के समय चिड़ियाघर में बंद बाघ गश्त करती हुई गाड़ियों की आवाज सुनता है और चमकते हुए तारों को देखता रहता है। यह दृश्य उसकी अकेलेपन और निराशा को दर्शाता है। इस प्रकार UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo कविता स्वतंत्रता और कैद के बीच के अंतर को स्पष्ट करती है। कविता हमें यह सोचने पर मजबूर करती है कि जंगली जानवरों के लिए स्वतंत्र जीवन कितना महत्वपूर्ण है।
📘 Stanza Wise Explanation (Hindi + English)
📘 A Tiger in the Zoo – Stanza Wise Explanation (Class 10 UP Board)
🟢 Stanza 1
“He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage.”
In this stanza, the poet describes the tiger inside the zoo. The tiger walks proudly in his bright striped body but his movement is limited to a few steps within the cage. His paws are soft and silent, yet he is full of suppressed anger. The phrase “quiet rage” shows that although he does not roar loudly, he is deeply disturbed inside. This part clearly shows the helpless condition of the tiger in captivity.
🟢 Stanza 2
“He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.”
Here, the poet imagines how the tiger should have been in the jungle. Instead of being locked in a cage, he should be hiding in the shadows of the forest. He would move smoothly through tall grass near a water hole and wait for deer to pass by. This stanza represents the tiger’s natural habitat, where he is free and powerful. The contrast between the zoo and the jungle becomes clear in this part.
🟢 Stanza 3
“He should be snarling around houses At the jungle’s edge, Baring his white fangs, his claws, Terrorising the village!”
In this stanza, the poet further describes the tiger’s natural strength. In the wild, the tiger would growl near the edge of the jungle and show his sharp teeth and claws. His presence would create fear in nearby villages. This highlights his power and authority in his natural environment. It shows how strong and fearless the tiger is meant to be.
🟢 Stanza 4
“But he’s locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars, Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors.”
The poem now returns to the reality of the zoo. The tiger is locked inside a strong concrete cage. His strength is useless because it is trapped behind iron bars. He walks from one end of the cage to the other and ignores the visitors who come to watch him. This stanza clearly expresses the sadness and frustration of captivity.
🟢 Stanza 5
“He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars, And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars.”
In the final stanza, the tiger is shown alone at night. He listens to the sound of patrolling cars and looks silently at the shining stars. The bright stars symbolize freedom, which is beyond his reach. His silent staring reflects loneliness and longing for freedom. The stanza ends the poem on a thoughtful and emotional note, emphasizing the theme of freedom versus captivity in UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo.
📚 Word Meanings
📚 A Tiger in the Zoo – Word Meanings (Class 10 UP Board)
- Stalk: To walk proudly or slowly (अकड़कर चलना)
- Vivid: Bright and clear (स्पष्ट, चमकीला)
- Stripes: Lines on the tiger’s body (धारियाँ)
- Cage: A place surrounded by bars (पिंजरा)
- Pads: Soft parts under the paws (पंजों का निचला नरम भाग)
- Velvet: Soft and smooth cloth (मखमल)
- Quiet Rage: Silent anger (निश्चल क्रोध)
- Lurking: Hiding secretly (घात लगाकर छिपना)
- Sliding: Moving smoothly (धीरे-धीरे सरकना)
- Water Hole: Place where animals drink water (जल स्रोत)
- Plump: Fat or fleshy (मोटा, ताजा)
- Snarling: Growling angrily (गुर्राना)
- Fangs: Long sharp teeth (नुकीले दाँत)
- Claws: Sharp nails of animals (नुकीले पंजे)
- Terrorising: Creating fear (आतंकित करना)
- Concrete: Hard building material (सीमेंट से बना ठोस पदार्थ)
- Cell: Small enclosed room (कोठरी)
- Strength: Power (शक्ति)
- Bars: Iron rods (सलाखें)
- Ignoring: Paying no attention (अनदेखा करना)
- Visitors: People who come to see (आगंतुक)
- Patrolling: Moving around to guard (गश्त करना)
- Brilliant: Very bright (चमकदार)
- Stars: Shining objects in the sky (तारे)
- Habitat: Natural home of animals (प्राकृतिक निवास)
- Captivity: State of being confined (कैद)
- Instinct: Natural behaviour (स्वाभाविक प्रवृत्ति)
- Helpless: Without power (असहाय)
- Loneliness: Feeling of being alone (एकाकीपन)
- Freedom: State of being free (स्वतंत्रता)
📝 A Tiger in the Zoo Question Answer (Short Type)
📝 A Tiger in the Zoo – Short Question Answers (Class 10 UP Board)
-
Who is the poet of “A Tiger in the Zoo”?
Ans. The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” is written by Leslie Norris. -
Where is the tiger in the poem?
Ans. The tiger is confined inside a cage in a zoo. -
How does the tiger walk inside the cage?
Ans. He walks proudly in his vivid stripes but takes only a few steps within the cage. -
What does the phrase “quiet rage” mean?
Ans. It means the tiger is full of silent anger and frustration. -
Where should the tiger be instead of the zoo?
Ans. The tiger should be in the jungle, his natural habitat. -
What would the tiger do in the jungle?
Ans. He would hide in tall grass, hunt deer and roam freely. -
What does the tiger do near the water hole?
Ans. He would wait near the water hole to hunt passing deer. -
How does the tiger behave near the jungle’s edge?
Ans. He would growl and show his sharp teeth and claws, creating fear. -
What is the tiger’s condition in the zoo?
Ans. He is locked in a concrete cell with his strength behind bars. -
Why does the tiger ignore visitors?
Ans. He feels frustrated and does not care about the people watching him. -
What does the tiger hear at night?
Ans. He hears the sound of patrolling cars at night. -
What does the tiger look at during the night?
Ans. He stares at the bright stars in the sky. -
What do the bright stars symbolize?
Ans. They symbolize freedom and the outside world. -
What is the central idea of A Tiger in the Zoo class 10 UP Board?
Ans. The poem contrasts the life of a caged tiger with a free tiger in the jungle. -
15. How does the tiger feel in the zoo?
Ans. He feels angry, helpless and lonely. -
16. What message does the poem convey?
Ans. The poem conveys that wild animals deserve freedom. -
17. What contrast is shown in the poem?
Ans. The contrast between captivity in the zoo and freedom in the jungle. -
18. Why is the tiger’s strength useless in the zoo?
Ans. His strength is trapped behind bars and cannot be used. -
19. What is the theme of the poem?
Ans. The theme is freedom versus captivity. -
20. Why is this poem important for UP Board Class 10 English?
Ans. It is an important chapter in class 10 English poetry and frequently asked in board exams.
🔥 A Tiger in the Zoo Board Questions (Long Type)
A Tiger in the Zoo – Long Question Answers (Top 10 | 5 Marks | 150–200 Words | UP Board)
-
Explain the central idea of the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo”.
Ans. The central idea of the poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” is the contrast between freedom and captivity. The poet shows the painful condition of a tiger kept inside a zoo and compares it with the powerful image of a tiger in the jungle. In the zoo, the tiger walks slowly within the limits of his cage. His strength is trapped behind iron bars, and he appears helpless despite being a strong animal. He ignores visitors and carries silent anger in his heart. On the other hand, the poet imagines how the tiger should be roaming freely in the jungle, hiding in tall grass, hunting deer and creating fear near the village. Through this comparison, the poem highlights that freedom is essential for all living beings. It sends a strong message about the cruelty of keeping wild animals in captivity. -
Describe the condition of the tiger in the zoo.
Ans. The tiger in the zoo is confined within a small concrete cell. He walks proudly in his vivid stripes but can only take a few steps inside the cage. His movements are restricted, and his strength remains useless behind the bars. Though he is powerful, he cannot express his natural instincts. He ignores the visitors because he feels frustrated and helpless. At night, he listens to the sound of patrolling cars and looks silently at the shining stars. His bright eyes reflect loneliness and longing for freedom. The zoo environment limits his natural behaviour, making him appear calm but full of suppressed anger. This description clearly shows the sad condition of a wild animal forced to live in captivity. -
How does the poet describe the tiger in his natural habitat?
Ans. In his natural habitat, the tiger is strong, fearless and free. The poet imagines him hiding in the shadows of the jungle and sliding smoothly through tall grass. He waits near the water hole where deer pass by. He shows his sharp teeth and claws and creates fear near the jungle’s edge. In the wild, the tiger moves confidently and lives according to his natural instincts. He is the ruler of the forest and symbolizes power and authority. Unlike the helpless tiger in the zoo, the jungle tiger is energetic and active. This contrast emphasizes how captivity robs the tiger of his natural dignity and freedom. -
What contrast does the poet show between the zoo and the jungle?
Ans. The poet presents a strong contrast between the zoo and the jungle. The zoo is described as a place of confinement where the tiger is locked in a concrete cell. His strength is trapped behind bars, and his movements are limited. In contrast, the jungle is open, natural and full of life. There, the tiger can roam freely, hunt deer and live according to his instincts. The zoo represents imprisonment and helplessness, while the jungle represents freedom and power. Through this comparison, the poet highlights the importance of natural habitat for wild animals. -
How does the tiger behave at night in the zoo?
Ans. At night, the tiger becomes more silent and thoughtful. He hears the last voice and the sound of patrolling cars moving outside. In the quiet darkness, he looks up at the bright stars with his shining eyes. This image suggests his loneliness and deep longing for freedom. The stars symbolize the world beyond his cage, which he cannot reach. His silent staring reflects sadness and frustration. The night scene adds emotional depth to the poem and strengthens the theme of captivity versus freedom. -
What message does the poem convey about zoos?
Ans. The poem questions the idea of keeping wild animals in zoos. It suggests that captivity limits their natural instincts and freedom. The tiger, though strong and powerful, becomes helpless inside the cage. His natural life of hunting and roaming freely is replaced by confinement and boredom. The poet indirectly encourages readers to think about whether animals truly belong in cages. The poem emphasizes that freedom is essential for all living beings and that captivity affects their dignity and happiness. -
Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?
Ans. The tiger ignores the visitors because he feels frustrated and angry. He does not care about the people who come to watch him. For him, they are meaningless since they cannot give him freedom. His silent rage and pride prevent him from seeking attention. This behaviour shows his inner dissatisfaction and helplessness. The poet uses this detail to show that the tiger still has dignity despite being confined. -
Discuss the theme of freedom in the poem.
Ans. Freedom is the main theme of the poem. The tiger’s natural life in the jungle represents independence, strength and dignity. In contrast, the zoo represents captivity and restriction. The poet shows that without freedom, even a powerful animal like a tiger becomes helpless and frustrated. The poem teaches that every living being values freedom. It encourages readers to respect the natural rights of animals. -
How does the poet use imagery in the poem?
Ans. The poet uses vivid imagery to create clear pictures in the reader’s mind. Phrases like “vivid stripes,” “pads of velvet quiet,” and “long grass” create strong visual images. The description of the tiger stalking in the cage and sliding through the jungle helps readers imagine both situations clearly. The image of the tiger staring at the stars at night adds emotional depth. These images strengthen the contrast between captivity and freedom. -
Do you think zoos are necessary? Give your opinion with reference to the poem.
Ans. The poem suggests that captivity limits the natural life of animals. While zoos may protect some endangered species, they cannot replace the freedom of the jungle. The tiger in the poem appears lonely and frustrated despite being safe. His natural instincts remain unfulfilled. Therefore, although zoos may have educational value, they cannot provide the true environment that wild animals deserve. The poem encourages us to think carefully about the balance between protection and freedom.
📊 MCQs – A Tiger in the Zoo Class 10 UP Board
📊 A Tiger in the Zoo – MCQs (Top 30 | Class 10 UP Board)
-
The poet of “A Tiger in the Zoo” is –
(a) Robert Frost
(b) Leslie Norris
(c) William Wordsworth
(d) John Keats
Answer: (b) -
Where is the tiger in the poem?
(a) Jungle
(b) Forest edge
(c) Zoo
(d) Village
Answer: (c) -
The tiger walks in his –
(a) bright colours
(b) vivid stripes
(c) dark body
(d) silent shadow
Answer: (b) -
The tiger’s steps in the cage are –
(a) many
(b) few
(c) endless
(d) powerful
Answer: (b) -
“Quiet rage” means –
(a) Loud anger
(b) Silent anger
(c) Happiness
(d) Fear
Answer: (b) -
In the jungle, the tiger would hide in –
(a) caves
(b) water
(c) long grass
(d) trees
Answer: (c) -
The tiger waits near the –
(a) mountain
(b) water hole
(c) road
(d) village
Answer: (b) -
What does the tiger hunt in the wild?
(a) Rabbits
(b) Birds
(c) Deer
(d) Dogs
Answer: (c) -
The tiger is locked in a –
(a) wooden hut
(b) iron house
(c) concrete cell
(d) glass room
Answer: (c) -
His strength is behind –
(a) trees
(b) bars
(c) houses
(d) grass
Answer: (b) -
The tiger ignores –
(a) villagers
(b) hunters
(c) visitors
(d) guards
Answer: (c) -
At night, the tiger hears –
(a) birds
(b) rain
(c) patrolling cars
(d) thunder
Answer: (c) -
The tiger stares at the –
(a) moon
(b) forest
(c) stars
(d) visitors
Answer: (c) -
The stars symbolize –
(a) fear
(b) freedom
(c) anger
(d) danger
Answer: (b) -
The theme of the poem is –
(a) War
(b) Nature
(c) Freedom vs Captivity
(d) Adventure
Answer: (c) -
The tiger’s paws are described as –
(a) Hard
(b) Sharp
(c) Velvet quiet
(d) Dirty
Answer: (c) -
The tiger should be snarling at the –
(a) zoo gate
(b) jungle’s edge
(c) forest cave
(d) river bank
Answer: (b) -
The tiger shows his –
(a) ears
(b) fangs and claws
(c) tail
(d) eyes
Answer: (b) -
The tiger feels –
(a) excited
(b) joyful
(c) angry and helpless
(d) relaxed
Answer: (c) -
The word “lurking” means –
(a) running
(b) hiding secretly
(c) jumping
(d) roaring loudly
Answer: (b) -
The poem contrasts –
(a) tiger and lion
(b) zoo and jungle
(c) day and night
(d) hunter and tiger
Answer: (b) -
The tiger moves in the cage with –
(a) freedom
(b) limited steps
(c) excitement
(d) speed
Answer: (b) -
The jungle represents –
(a) fear
(b) captivity
(c) freedom
(d) weakness
Answer: (c) -
The zoo represents –
(a) independence
(b) protection
(c) imprisonment
(d) happiness
Answer: (c) -
The tiger’s eyes are described as –
(a) dull
(b) sleepy
(c) brilliant
(d) weak
Answer: (c) -
The tone of the poem is –
(a) humorous
(b) serious and thoughtful
(c) joyful
(d) romantic
Answer: (b) -
The tiger’s natural habitat is –
(a) city
(b) zoo
(c) jungle
(d) village
Answer: (c) -
The poem highlights the importance of –
(a) power
(b) freedom
(c) wealth
(d) strength
Answer: (b) -
The tiger’s rage is described as –
(a) loud
(b) quiet
(c) violent
(d) wild
Answer: (b) -
The poem belongs to –
(a) prose
(b) drama
(c) poetry
(d) essay
Answer: (c)
📘 Extract Based Questions (New Pattern 2026)
📘 A Tiger in the Zoo – Extract Based Questions (Class 10 UP Board)
-
Read the extract and answer the questions:
He stalks in his vivid stripes The few steps of his cage, On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage.
(a) Where is the tiger?
(b) What does “quiet rage” mean?
(c) Why are his steps few?
Answers:
(a) The tiger is in a zoo cage.
(b) It means silent anger.
(c) Because he is confined in a small cage. -
Read the extract:
He should be lurking in shadow, Sliding through long grass Near the water hole Where plump deer pass.
(a) Where should the tiger be?
(b) What would he hunt?
(c) What does this stanza describe?
Answers:
(a) In the jungle.
(b) Deer.
(c) The tiger’s natural habitat. -
Read the extract:
He should be snarling around houses At the jungle’s edge, Baring his white fangs, his claws, Terrorising the village!
(a) What is the tiger doing here?
(b) What do “fangs” refer to?
(c) What feeling is created?
Answers:
(a) He is growling near the jungle’s edge.
(b) Sharp teeth.
(c) Fear and power. -
Read the extract:
But he’s locked in a concrete cell, His strength behind bars,
(a) What does the concrete cell symbolize?
(b) Why is his strength useless?
(c) What theme is highlighted?
Answers:
(a) Captivity and imprisonment.
(b) Because he is confined.
(c) Freedom vs captivity. -
Read the extract:
Stalking the length of his cage, Ignoring visitors.
(a) Why does the tiger ignore visitors?
(b) What does this show about his feelings?
(c) What is the tone here?
Answers:
(a) Because he feels angry and helpless.
(b) Frustration and dignity.
(c) Serious and sad. -
Read the extract:
He hears the last voice at night, The patrolling cars,
(a) What does he hear?
(b) What does this suggest?
(c) When does this happen?
Answers:
(a) The sound of patrolling cars.
(b) Loneliness and isolation.
(c) At night. -
Read the extract:
And stares with his brilliant eyes At the brilliant stars.
(a) What do the stars symbolize?
(b) Why does he stare at them?
(c) What feeling is expressed?
Answers:
(a) Freedom.
(b) He longs for freedom.
(c) Sadness and hope. -
Read the extract:
On pads of velvet quiet, In his quiet rage.
(a) Identify the poetic device used in “quiet rage.”
(b) What contrast is shown?
(c) Describe the tiger’s mood.
Answers:
(a) Oxymoron.
(b) Calm outside but angry inside.
(c) Silent anger. -
Read the extract:
He stalks in his vivid stripes
(a) What image does this line create?
(b) What does “vivid stripes” suggest?
(c) Is the tiger free here?
Answers:
(a) A proud tiger walking in the cage.
(b) Bright and powerful appearance.
(c) No, he is confined. -
Read the extract:
The few steps of his cage.
(a) Why are the steps few?
(b) What does this suggest about the tiger’s life?
(c) What message does the poet convey?
Answers:
(a) Because the cage is small.
(b) His life is restricted.
(c) Wild animals need freedom.
📊 Assertion–Reason Questions
📊 A Tiger in the Zoo – Assertion–Reason Questions (Class 10 UP Board)
Directions: Choose the correct option:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
-
A: The tiger feels angry inside the cage.
R: He is unable to live according to his natural instincts.
Answer: (a) -
A: The tiger ignores the visitors in the zoo.
R: He feels helpless and frustrated in captivity.
Answer: (a) -
A: The jungle represents freedom in the poem.
R: The tiger can roam and hunt freely in the jungle.
Answer: (a) -
A: The tiger is happy inside the zoo.
R: He enjoys watching the visitors daily.
Answer: (d) -
A: The concrete cell symbolizes imprisonment.
R: The tiger’s strength is behind bars.
Answer: (a) -
A: The tiger stalks only a few steps.
R: The cage limits his movement.
Answer: (a) -
A: The bright stars symbolize freedom.
R: The tiger longs for the outside world.
Answer: (a) -
A: The poem highlights the theme of freedom versus captivity.
R: The poet contrasts the zoo with the jungle.
Answer: (a) -
A: The tiger shows his fangs and claws in the zoo.
R: He tries to terrorize the visitors.
Answer: (d) -
A: The tiger hears patrolling cars at night.
R: The zoo is located in a forest area.
Answer: (c)
📖 Case Study Based Questions
📖 A Tiger in the Zoo – Case Study Based Questions (Class 10 UP Board 2026)
-
Case Study 1:
Many wild animals are kept in zoos for protection and public display. Though they are safe, they cannot move freely or live according to their natural instincts.
(a) Which theme of the poem does this situation reflect?
(b) How is the tiger’s strength shown as useless in the zoo?
(c) What emotion does the tiger feel inside the cage?
(d) What message does the poem give about captivity?
Answers:
(a) Freedom versus captivity.
(b) His strength is locked behind bars.
(c) Anger and helplessness.
(d) Wild animals deserve freedom. -
Case Study 2:
In wildlife sanctuaries, animals roam freely, hunt for food and live naturally. Their life is full of movement and independence.
(a) Which part of the poem describes such a life?
(b) What does the jungle symbolize?
(c) How does the poet contrast jungle life with zoo life?
(d) Why is freedom important for the tiger?
Answers:
(a) The stanza describing the tiger sliding through long grass.
(b) Freedom and natural habitat.
(c) Zoo shows confinement; jungle shows power and independence.
(d) It allows him to live according to his instincts. -
Case Study 3:
At night, when everything becomes quiet, a confined animal may feel loneliness and longing for its natural home.
(a) What does the tiger hear at night?
(b) What does he look at?
(c) What do the stars symbolize?
(d) What feeling is expressed in this scene?
Answers:
(a) Patrolling cars.
(b) Bright stars.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Loneliness and longing. -
Case Study 4:
A powerful creature may appear calm outside but feel deep frustration inside if its freedom is restricted.
(a) Which phrase in the poem shows this idea?
(b) What literary device is used in “quiet rage”?
(c) Why does the tiger ignore visitors?
(d) What does this show about his inner feelings?
Answers:
(a) “Quiet rage.”
(b) Oxymoron.
(c) Because he feels frustrated.
(d) He has silent anger and dignity. -
Case Study 5:
Zoos are often debated as places of protection or imprisonment. Some believe they conserve animals, while others feel they restrict natural life.
(a) What is the poet’s attitude towards captivity?
(b) How is the tiger’s natural behaviour described in the poem?
(c) What contrast is highlighted throughout the poem?
(d) Do you think zoos are necessary? Give one reason based on the poem.
Answers:
(a) The poet shows sympathy towards the captive tiger.
(b) As strong, fearless and free in the jungle.
(c) Zoo versus jungle life.
(d) Zoos may protect animals but cannot give them true freedom.
📥 UP Board A Tiger in the Zoo PDF Download
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – A Tiger in the Zoo (Class 10 UP Board)
1. What is the central idea of A Tiger in the Zoo?
The central idea of the poem is the contrast between freedom and captivity. The poet shows how a tiger feels helpless and angry inside a zoo, while in the jungle he would be powerful and free. The poem highlights the importance of natural habitat for wild animals.
2. How does the tiger feel in the zoo?
The tiger feels angry, lonely and helpless in the zoo. Though he is strong, his strength is useless behind bars. His silent anger is described as “quiet rage.”
3. What does the tiger do at night in the zoo?
At night, the tiger hears the sound of patrolling cars and stares at the bright stars. This shows his loneliness and longing for freedom.
4. What does the jungle symbolize in the poem?
The jungle symbolizes freedom, natural life and power. It represents the environment where the tiger truly belongs.
5. Why does the tiger ignore the visitors?
The tiger ignores visitors because he feels frustrated and helpless. He does not care about people watching him, as he values freedom more than attention.
6. What message does the poem convey about zoos?
The poem suggests that captivity limits the natural instincts of wild animals. It encourages readers to think about whether animals should be kept in cages.
7. Who is the poet of A Tiger in the Zoo?
The poem is written by Leslie Norris.
8. What is the theme of A Tiger in the Zoo class 10 UP Board?
The main theme is freedom versus captivity. The poem compares the life of a tiger in a zoo with his life in the jungle.
This chapter is part of UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo syllabus. Students preparing for the exam should also revise other poems under class 10 English poetry for better performance.
🔗 Explore More – UP Board Class 10 English Preparation
If you are preparing UP Board Class 10 English A Tiger in the Zoo, make sure to revise other important poetry chapters as well. Understanding similar themes of freedom, nature and human values will strengthen your exam preparation.
- 📘 Read complete explanation of Dust of Snow – Summary & Question Answer (UP Board)
- 🔥 Practice Fire and Ice – Central Idea, MCQs & PDF
- 📖 Complete syllabus coverage at UP Board Class 10 English Question Bank
- 📚 Explore all chapters in English Important Questions Class 10
For better preparation, revise all Class 10 English Poetry chapters together. This will help you understand common themes like freedom, nature and human emotions, which are frequently asked in board exams.
