Q5 of 29 Page 45

Look at the line “A novice might nonplus”. How would you write this correctly’? Why is the poets ‘incorrect’ line better in the poem?

“A novice might nonplus”

The correct form is “A novice might get nonplussed.” In the poem, the incorrect line seems to be better because it maintains the rhythm with the word caress.


More from this chapter

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3

Do you think the word ‘lept’ and ‘lep’ in the third stanza are spelt correctly? Why does the poet spell them like this?

 4

Do you know what a ‘bearhug’ is? It’s a friendly and strong hug- such as bears thought to give, as they attack you! Again, hyenas are thought to laugh, and crocodiles to weep (‘crocodile’s tears’) as they swallow their victims. Are there similar expressions and popular ideas about wild animals in your own language(s)?

 6

Can you find other examples of poets taking liberties with language, either in English or in your own language(s)? Can you find examples of humorous poems in your own language(s)?

 7

Much of the humor in the poem arises from the way language is used, although the ideas are funny as well. If there are particular lines in the poem that you especially like, share these with the class, speaking briefly about what it is about the ideas or the language that you like or find funny.