FABLE

 FABLE
Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The mountain and the squirrel

Had a quarrel;"

Explanation: This line introduces the two main characters, a big mountain and a small squirrel, who are having an argument. Just like people sometimes argue, these two natural elements are having a disagreement.

"And the former called the latter 'Little Prig.'"

Explanation: Here, the mountain insults the squirrel by calling it a name, "Little Prig." It's like the mountain is being mean or making fun of the squirrel.

" Bun, replied,

‘You are doubtless very big.’"

Explanation: In response to the insult, the squirrel, named Bun, responds calmly, acknowledging the mountain's size by saying, "You are big, I know." Bun is showing maturity by not responding with more insults.

"But all sorts of things and weather
must be taken in together"

Explanation: Bun explains that life includes many different things, just like the weather changes. He suggests that we should consider all these different things together, not just one at a time.

"To make up a year 
And a sphere"

Explanation: Bun gives examples to explain his point further. He says that just as different seasons come together to make a year, all the land and water together make the Earth round.

"And i think it no disgrace
to occupy my place."

Explanation: Here, Bun tells the mountain that it's okay to be small. He's not embarrassed about his size; he's happy with who he is and where he is.

"If i'm not so large as you,
you are not so small as I"

Explanation: Bun points out that even though he's small compared to the mountain, the mountain isn't small either. He's saying they're different, but neither one is better or worse than the other.

"And not half so spry"

Explanation: Bun notes that while the mountain is big, it's not quick like him. He's emphasizing that everyone has their strengths, and being quick is one of his.

"I will not deny you make 
A very pretty squirrel track;"

Explanation: Bun compliments the mountain by saying it leaves behind pretty trails, but he reminds it that being big isn't the only important thing in life. There are other things to appreciate too.

"Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;"

Explanation: Here, Bun highlights the idea that everyone is good at different things. He's saying it's okay to be different because diversity is what makes life interesting.

"If I cannot carry forest on my back,

Neither can you crack a nut."

Explanation: Finally, Bun admits that he can't do everything, just like the mountain can't do everything. He is emphasizing that everyone has limitations, and that's okay.

This poem teaches us to appreciate our differences and understand that everyone has value, regardless of their size or abilities.

A. Answer the following questions.

1. Who is called a 'little prig'? What does the term mean?
The squirrel is called a 'little prig' by the mountain.
The term ‘little Prig’ means someone who considers herself /himself to be superior and better than others.

2. What makes up 'a year and a sphere'? Quote from the poem.
various elements makes up 'a year and a sphere'. For example, different seasons make up a year, and all the land and water together make the Earth round.

3. The squirrel acknowledged some qualities of the mountain. What were they?

The squirrel acknowledged some qualities of the mountain. They are-
i. the mountain has a big size.
ii. it leaves behind beautiful marks or paths wherever it goes, making the area look nice.

4. What talents did the squirrel have which the mountain lacked?

The squirrel was really fast and could move around quickly. But the mountain couldn't move fast like Bun could.

5. Is the title 'Fable' suitable for this poem? Give reasons for your answer.
Absolutely! The title "Fable" is perfect for this poem. It's like a fable because it has animals—like the mountain and the squirrel—talking and teaching us important lessons. In fables, animals act like people and show us the right way to behave. Similarly, in this poem, the mountain and the squirrel's conversation teaches us about accepting others and understanding different viewpoints.

C. Complete the summary of the squirrel's speech by filling in the blanks. You can use the words from the poem or their synonyms in the correct form.

The squirrel says that there is no doubt that the mountain is big, but it takes all sorts of things and weather to make a year and a sphere. He does not find it disgraceful to occupy his own place in the world. The mountain is not as small and spry as the squirrel, while the squirrel is not as large as the mountain. The squirrel likes the pretty track on the mountain. It is clear that the talents in the world are distributed wisely. Just like it cannot carry a forest on its back, the mountain is unable to break a nut.