THE GLOVE AND THE LION
By Leigh Hunt
King Francis was a hearty king, and loved a royal sport,...............
"No
love," quoth he, "but vanity, sets love a task like that."
Stanza 1
Hearty: Cheerful and warm-hearted; हँसमुख और प्रसन्नचित्त; ହସଖୁସିଆ ଓ ଆନନ୍ଦିତ।
Royal sport: A grand or noble entertainment; राजसी खेल या मनोरंजन; ରାଜକୀୟ ଖେଳ ବା ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନ।
Court: The enclosed area where the lions fought; वह घेरा हुआ स्थान जहाँ शेर लड़ते थे; ଯେଉଁ ଘେରା ସ୍ଥାନରେ ସିଂହମାନେ ଲଢ଼ୁଥିଲେ।
Nobles: People of high social rank; कुलीन या उच्च पद के लोग; ଅଭିଜାତ ବା ଉଚ୍ଚ ପଦସ୍ଥ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନେ।
Benches: Long seats; लम्बी सीटें; ଲମ୍ବା ଆସନଗୁଡ଼ିକ।
’Mongst: Among; के बीच; ମଧ୍ୟରେ।
Count: A European nobleman; यूरोपीय कुलीन व्यक्ति; ୟୁରୋପୀୟ ଅଭିଜାତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି।
Sighed: Longed for someone with love; प्रेम में किसी के लिए तरसा; ପ୍ରେମରେ କାହା ପାଇଁ ଆକୁଳ ହେଲା।
Gallant: Splendid and impressive; शानदार और भव्य; ଚମତ୍କାର ଓ ଭବ୍ୟ।
Crowning show: A magnificent spectacle; अत्यन्त भव्य दृश्य; ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଭବ୍ୟ ଦୃଶ୍ୟ।
Valour: Great courage and bravery; वीरता और साहस; ବୀରତ୍ୱ ଓ ସାହସ।
Royal beasts: The majestic lions; राजसी पशु अर्थात् शेर; ରାଜକୀୟ ପଶୁ ଅର୍ଥାତ୍ ସିଂହମାନେ।
Stanza 2
Ramped: Moved or leaped about wildly; उग्र होकर उछला या कूदा; ଉଗ୍ର ଭାବରେ ଡେଇଁଲା ବା ଉଛୁଳିଲା।
Roared: Made a loud, deep sound; दहाड़ा; ଗର୍ଜନ କଲା।
Horrid: Very frightening or terrible; बहुत भयानक; ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଭୟଙ୍କର।
Laughing jaws: Open mouths that looked frighteningly like laughter; हँसते हुए जैसे दिखाई देने वाले भयानक जबड़े; ହସୁଥିବା ପରି ଦେଖାଯାଉଥିବା ଭୟଙ୍କର ଜହ୍ନ।
Glared: Looked angrily and fiercely; क्रोध से घूरकर देखा; କ୍ରୋଧରେ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ଦୃଷ୍ଟିରେ ଚାହିଁଲା।
Blows: Strong physical strikes; प्रहार या चोट; ପ୍ରହାର ବା ଆଘାତ।
Beams: Long, heavy pieces of wood; here, powerful blows are suggested; लम्बे और भारी काष्ठ-खंड; यहाँ शक्तिशाली प्रहार का बोध; ଲମ୍ବା ଓ ଭାରୀ କାଠ; ଏଠାରେ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ପ୍ରହାରର ସୂଚନା।
Paws: The feet of animals such as lions; सिंह आदि पशुओं के पंजे; ସିଂହ ଆଦି ପଶୁମାନଙ୍କ ପଞ୍ଝା।
Wallowing: Rolling heavily on the ground; भूमि पर लोटते हुए; ଭୂମି ଉପରେ ଗଡ଼ିଗଡ଼ି।
Might: Great strength or power; बहुत अधिक शक्ति; ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ଶକ୍ତି।
Stifled: Suppressed or partly held back; दबाया हुआ; ଦମିତ ବା ଚାପି ରଖାଯାଇଥିବା।
Pit: An enclosed arena where the lions fought; वह घेरा हुआ अखाड़ा जहाँ शेर लड़ते थे; ଯେଉଁ ଘେରା ପଡ଼ିଆରେ ସିଂହମାନେ ଲଢ଼ୁଥିଲେ।
Mane: The long hair around a lion’s neck; सिंह की गर्दन के चारों ओर के लम्बे बाल; ସିଂହର ବେକ ଚାରିପାଖରେ ଥିବା ଲମ୍ବା ଲୋମ।
Thunderous: Extremely loud like thunder; बादल की गरज जैसा बहुत तेज; ବଜ୍ରପାତର ଗର୍ଜନ ପରି ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ପ୍ରଚଣ୍ଡ ଶବ୍ଦଯୁକ୍ତ।
Smother: A thick mass or cloud that covers everything; घना आवरण या बादल; ସବୁକିଛି ଢାଙ୍କି ଦେଉଥିବା ଘନ ଆବରଣ।
Bloody foam: Foam mixed with blood; खून से मिला हुआ झाग; ରକ୍ତମିଶ୍ରିତ ଫେଣ।
Bars: Strong metal rods forming the enclosure; लोहे की सलाखें; ଲୁହାର ଶିକଗୁଡ଼ିକ।
Whisking: Moving or flying rapidly; तेजी से उड़ना या गुजरना; ଦ୍ରୁତ ଗତିରେ ଉଡ଼ିଯିବା ବା ଚାଲିଯିବା।
Faith: An expression meaning certainly or indeed; निश्चय ही; सचमुच; ନିଶ୍ଚୟ; ସତରେ।
Stanza 3
O’erheard: Overheard; heard without intending to listen; अनायास सुन लिया; ଅନାୟାସରେ ଶୁଣିଲା।
Beauteous: Beautiful; सुन्दर; ସୁନ୍ଦର।
Lively: Full of energy and spirit; जीवंत और चंचल; ଜୀବନ୍ତ ଓ ଚଞ୍ଚଳ।
Dame: A woman or lady; महिला या स्त्री; ମହିଳା ବା ନାରୀ।
Sharp: Keen and penetrating; तीक्ष्ण; तेज; ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ; ପ୍ରଖର।
Brave as brave can be: Extremely brave; बहुत ही बहादुर; ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସାହସୀ।
Wondrous: Wonderful and extraordinary; अद्भुत और असाधारण; ଅଦ୍ଭୁତ ଓ ଅସାଧାରଣ।
Occasion: An opportunity or suitable moment; अवसर या उपयुक्त समय; ସୁଯୋଗ ବା ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସମୟ।
Divine: Excellent or wonderfully suitable; अद्भुत या बहुत उत्तम; ଅଦ୍ଭୁତ ବା ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଉତ୍ତମ।
Glove: A covering worn on the hand; हाथ में पहनने का दस्ताना; ହାତରେ ପିନ୍ଧାଯାଉଥିବା ହାତମୋଜା।
Prove his love: Demonstrate that he truly loves her; अपने प्रेम को सिद्ध करना; ନିଜ ପ୍ରେମକୁ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରିବା।
Glory: Honour, fame or great praise; यश, गौरव या सम्मान; ଯଶ, ଗୌରବ ବା ସମ୍ମାନ।
Stanza 4
In a moment: Immediately; very quickly; तुरन्त; बहुत जल्दी; ତତ୍କ୍ଷଣାତ୍; ଅତି ଶୀଘ୍ର।
Leaped: Jumped suddenly and forcefully; अचानक और जोर से छलाँग लगाई; ହଠାତ୍ ଓ ଜୋରରେ ଡେଇଁଲା।
Wild: Fierce and uncontrolled; उग्र और अनियंत्रित; ଉଗ୍ର ଓ ଅନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରିତ।
Regained: Got back or recovered; फिर से प्राप्त किया; ପୁନର୍ବାର ପାଇଲା।
Not with love: Without affection or tenderness; प्रेम या स्नेह के बिना; ପ୍ରେମ ବା ସ୍ନେହ ବିନା।
Right in the lady’s face: Directly into the lady’s face; सीधे महिला के चेहरे पर; ସିଧାସଳଖ ମହିଳାଙ୍କ ମୁହଁ ଉପରେ।
Rightly done: Done correctly and wisely; बिल्कुल सही और समझदारी से किया गया; ଠିକ୍ ଓ ବୁଦ୍ଧିମତାର ସହିତ କରାଯାଇଥିବା।
Quoth he: He said; उसने कहा; ସେ କହିଲେ।
Vanity: Excessive pride in oneself or desire for admiration; अत्यधिक आत्म-गौरव या प्रशंसा पाने की इच्छा; ନିଜ ପ୍ରତି ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ଗର୍ବ ବା ପ୍ରଶଂସା ପାଇବାର ଇଚ୍ଛା।
Sets love a task: Makes a lover perform a difficult or dangerous act; प्रेमी से कठिन या खतरनाक काम
Stanza-wise Summary
Stanza 1
The poem opens by introducing King Francis, who is described as a
cheerful, warm-hearted and pleasure-loving king. He enjoys watching exciting
and dangerous sports. One day, he sits in the royal arena to watch a fierce
fight between lions. The place is crowded with nobles and richly dressed ladies
who have come to witness the spectacle. Among the spectators is Count de
Lorge, a brave nobleman who is deeply in love with a beautiful lady sitting
nearby. The poet presents the whole scene as a magnificent royal spectacle in
which royal power, bravery, love and wild animals are brought together.
The atmosphere is one of grandeur and excitement, with the king and the nobles
watching the dangerous animals from a safe distance.
Stanza 2
The second stanza vividly describes the terrifying fight between the
lions. The animals move violently, roar loudly and attack one another with
their powerful jaws and paws. They bite and glare at each other and strike with
tremendous force. Their movements are so powerful that they seem like huge
beams striking against one another, while the force of their paws creates a
strong rush of air. The lions roll over one another with enormous strength,
producing a deafening noise. Their fighting raises so much sand and dust that
the entire arena appears to be covered in a thunderous cloud of sand and
lions' manes. Blood-stained foam flies through the air and even reaches
beyond the bars of the enclosure. The scene is so dangerous that King Francis
remarks that the spectators are fortunate to be sitting safely outside the
arena rather than being inside it. This comment also prepares the reader for
the dangerous challenge that the lady will soon create for Count de Lorge.
Stanza 3
The third stanza focuses on the Count's beloved, who overhears
King Francis's remark. She is described as beautiful, lively and attractive,
with smiling lips and bright, sharp eyes. However, beneath her beauty lies a
strong sense of vanity and pride. She considers Count de Lorge extremely
brave and believes that he would be willing to do anything to prove his love
for her. The presence of the king, ladies and other lovers makes her think that
she has a perfect opportunity to demonstrate her lover's courage publicly. She
therefore decides to drop her glove into the dangerous arena among the lions.
Her intention is to make Count de Lorge retrieve it, thereby proving his love
and courage before the assembled spectators. She believes that his heroic action
will bring great glory to herself. Thus, her motive is not genuine love
but vanity, pride and a desire for public admiration.
Stanza 4
The lady deliberately drops her glove among the fierce lions and looks
at Count de Lorge with a smile, expecting him to accept her challenge. The
Count immediately understands what she expects and, without hesitation, leaps
into the arena. He enters the dangerous enclosure, retrieves the glove and
quickly returns to safety. His action demonstrates extraordinary courage,
confidence and physical bravery. However, his response after returning is
completely unexpected. Instead of returning the glove lovingly to the lady, he
throws it directly into her face. This action makes it clear that he does not
approve of her foolish test of love. King Francis immediately recognizes the
wisdom of the Count's action and praises him for doing the right thing. He
declares that no genuine love would make a person impose such a dangerous
task on another merely to satisfy vanity. The ending gives the poem its
central moral: true love is based on trust and affection, not on pride,
public display or dangerous tests. The Count proves not only his physical
courage but also his moral courage by rejecting the lady's vain demand.
पद्यांश 1 — सारांश
कविता की शुरुआत राजा फ्रांसिस के परिचय से होती है। उन्हें एक प्रसन्नचित्त, हँसमुख और मनोरंजनप्रिय राजा के रूप में प्रस्तुत किया गया है। उन्हें रोमांचक और खतरनाक राजसी खेल देखना बहुत पसन्द है। एक दिन वे राजसी अखाड़े में बैठकर सिंहों की भयंकर लड़ाई देखते हैं। इस रोमांचक दृश्य को देखने के लिए अनेक कुलीन व्यक्ति और शानदार वस्त्रों में सजी महिलाएँ भी वहाँ उपस्थित हैं। दर्शकों के बीच काउंट डी लॉर्ज भी बैठा है, जो पास बैठी एक सुन्दर महिला से प्रेम करता है। कवि इस पूरे दृश्य को एक भव्य राजसी प्रदर्शन के रूप में प्रस्तुत करता है, जिसमें राजसी वैभव, वीरता, प्रेम और जंगली पशुओं की शक्ति एक साथ दिखाई देती है। राजा, कुलीन लोग और महिलाएँ सुरक्षित स्थान पर बैठकर नीचे सिंहों की भयंकर लड़ाई देख रहे हैं।
पद्यांश 2 — सारांश
दूसरे पद्यांश में सिंहों की भयंकर और हिंसक लड़ाई का अत्यन्त सजीव वर्णन किया गया है। सिंह उग्र होकर इधर-उधर झपटते हैं, जोर-जोर से दहाड़ते हैं और एक-दूसरे पर आक्रमण करते हैं। वे एक-दूसरे को काटते हैं, क्रोध से घूरते हैं और अपने शक्तिशाली पंजों से प्रहार करते हैं। उनके प्रहार इतने शक्तिशाली हैं कि कवि उनकी तुलना भारी काष्ठ-खंडों के प्रहार से करता है। सिंह अपनी पूरी शक्ति से एक-दूसरे पर लोटते और लड़ते हैं। उनकी लड़ाई से इतना अधिक बालू और धूल उड़ती है कि पूरा अखाड़ा एक भयंकर, गर्जनापूर्ण धूल और सिंहों के अयाल के बादल से भर जाता है। उनके मुँह से निकला रक्त-मिश्रित झाग सलाखों के ऊपर से उड़कर बाहर तक आता है। यह दृश्य इतना खतरनाक है कि राजा फ्रांसिस कहते हैं कि अखाड़े के भीतर रहने की अपेक्षा बाहर बैठना कहीं अधिक सुरक्षित है। राजा की यह टिप्पणी आगे आने वाली घटना की भूमिका तैयार करती है, क्योंकि शीघ्र ही काउंट डी लॉर्ज को इसी खतरनाक अखाड़े में उतरना पड़ेगा।
पद्यांश 3 — सारांश
तीसरे पद्यांश में काउंट डी लॉर्ज की प्रेमिका का वर्णन किया गया है। वह अत्यन्त सुन्दर, जीवंत और आकर्षक महिला है। उसके होंठ मुस्कराते रहते हैं और उसकी आँखें तेज तथा चमकदार हैं। लेकिन उसकी बाहरी सुन्दरता के पीछे अत्यधिक गर्व और घमंड छिपा हुआ है। वह अपने प्रेमी काउंट डी लॉर्ज को बहुत बहादुर मानती है और सोचती है कि वह अपने प्रेम को सिद्ध करने के लिए कोई भी कठिन या खतरनाक काम कर सकता है। राजा की बात सुनकर उसे अपने प्रेमी की परीक्षा लेने का एक अवसर दिखाई देता है। वह सोचती है कि यदि काउंट उसके लिए सिंहों के बीच जाकर उसका दस्ताना वापस ले आएगा, तो उसकी बहादुरी सबके सामने सिद्ध हो जाएगी और उसे स्वयं भी बहुत यश और गौरव मिलेगा। इसलिए वह जानबूझकर अपना दस्ताना सिंहों के बीच गिराने का निर्णय लेती है। यहाँ स्पष्ट होता है कि उसका उद्देश्य सच्चे प्रेम को समझना नहीं, बल्कि अपने घमंड और सार्वजनिक प्रशंसा की इच्छा को संतुष्ट करना है।
पद्यांश 4 — सारांश
चौथे पद्यांश में कविता अपने चरम बिन्दु पर पहुँचती है। काउंट की प्रेमिका जानबूझकर अपना दस्ताना सिंहों के बीच गिरा देती है और मुस्कराते हुए काउंट की ओर देखती है। वह चाहती है कि काउंट उसके प्रेम को सिद्ध करने के लिए अपनी जान जोखिम में डालकर दस्ताना वापस लाए। काउंट बिना किसी झिझक के सिंहों के बीच छलाँग लगा देता है। वह शीघ्रता से दस्ताना उठा लेता है और सुरक्षित वापस अपनी जगह पर आ जाता है। इस प्रकार वह अपनी असाधारण शारीरिक वीरता और साहस सिद्ध कर देता है। लेकिन इसके बाद उसका व्यवहार बिल्कुल अप्रत्याशित होता है। वह प्रेमपूर्वक दस्ताना अपनी प्रेमिका को देने के बजाय उसे सीधे उसके चेहरे पर फेंक देता है। इससे स्पष्ट हो जाता है कि वह उसके इस मूर्खतापूर्ण और घमंडी प्रेम-परीक्षण को स्वीकार नहीं करता। राजा फ्रांसिस काउंट के व्यवहार से पूरी तरह सहमत होते हैं और उसके कार्य की प्रशंसा करते हैं। वे कहते हैं कि सच्चा प्रेम कभी भी किसी व्यक्ति से केवल घमंड या दिखावे के लिए ऐसा खतरनाक काम नहीं करवाता। कविता का अन्त एक महत्वपूर्ण नैतिक संदेश के साथ होता है—सच्चा प्रेम विश्वास, सम्मान और स्नेह पर आधारित होता है; उसे घमंड, प्रदर्शन या खतरनाक परीक्षाओं के द्वारा सिद्ध करने की आवश्यकता नहीं होती। काउंट ने न केवल अपनी शारीरिक वीरता, बल्कि अपनी नैतिक दृढ़ता और आत्मसम्मान भी सिद्ध किया।
ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶ ୧ — ସାରାଂଶ
କବିତାର ଆରମ୍ଭରେ ରାଜା ଫ୍ରାନ୍ସିସ୍ଙ୍କ ପରିଚୟ ଦିଆଯାଇଛି। ସେ ଜଣେ ହସଖୁସିଆ, ଆନନ୍ଦପ୍ରିୟ ଓ ମନୋରଞ୍ଜନପ୍ରିୟ ରାଜା ଥିଲେ। ତାଙ୍କୁ ରୋମାଞ୍ଚକର ଓ ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ ରାଜକୀୟ ଖେଳ ଦେଖିବାକୁ ବହୁତ ଭଲ ଲାଗୁଥିଲା। ଦିନେ ସେ ରାଜକୀୟ ଅଖାଡ଼ାରେ ବସି ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କର ଭୟଙ୍କର ଲଢ଼େଇ ଦେଖୁଥିଲେ। ଏହି ରୋମାଞ୍ଚକର ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଦେଖିବା ପାଇଁ ଅନେକ ଅଭିଜାତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି ଓ ଆଡ଼ମ୍ବରପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପୋଷାକରେ ସଜ୍ଜିତ ମହିଳାମାନେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଉପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିଲେ। ଦର୍ଶକମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ କାଉଣ୍ଟ ଡି ଲର୍ଜ ମଧ୍ୟ ବସିଥିଲେ। ସେ ପାଖରେ ବସିଥିବା ଜଣେ ସୁନ୍ଦରୀ ମହିଳାଙ୍କୁ ଭଲ ପାଉଥିଲେ। କବି ଏହି ସମଗ୍ର ଦୃଶ୍ୟକୁ ଏକ ଭବ୍ୟ ରାଜକୀୟ ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ଭାବରେ ଉପସ୍ଥାପନ କରିଛନ୍ତି, ଯେଉଁଠାରେ ରାଜକୀୟ ଐଶ୍ୱର୍ଯ୍ୟ, ବୀରତ୍ୱ, ପ୍ରେମ ଓ ବନ୍ୟ ପଶୁମାନଙ୍କର ଶକ୍ତି ଏକାସାଙ୍ଗରେ ଦେଖିବାକୁ ମିଳୁଛି।
ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶ ୨ — ସାରାଂଶ
ଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କର ଭୟଙ୍କର ଓ ହିଂସ୍ର ଲଢ଼େଇର ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସଜୀବ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି। ସିଂହମାନେ ଉଗ୍ର ଭାବରେ ଏପଟସେପଟ ଡେଇଁପଡ଼ୁଛନ୍ତି, ଜୋରରେ ଗର୍ଜନ କରୁଛନ୍ତି ଓ ପରସ୍ପର ଉପରେ ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରୁଛନ୍ତି। ସେମାନେ ପରସ୍ପରକୁ କାମୁଡ଼ୁଛନ୍ତି, କ୍ରୋଧରେ ଚାହୁଁଛନ୍ତି ଓ ନିଜର ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ପଞ୍ଝାରେ ଆଘାତ କରୁଛନ୍ତି। ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଆଘାତ ଏତେ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ଯେ କବି ତାହାକୁ ଭାରୀ କାଠର ଖଣ୍ଡ ପରସ୍ପରକୁ ଆଘାତ କରିବା ସହିତ ତୁଳନା କରିଛନ୍ତି। ସିଂହମାନେ ସମସ୍ତ ଶକ୍ତି ଲଗାଇ ପରସ୍ପର ଉପରେ ଗଡ଼ିଗଡ଼ି ଲଢ଼ୁଛନ୍ତି। ସେମାନଙ୍କର ଲଢ଼େଇ ଯୋଗୁଁ ଏତେ ବାଲି ଓ ଧୂଳି ଉଡ଼ୁଛି ଯେ ସମଗ୍ର ଅଖାଡ଼ାଟି ଏକ ଭୟଙ୍କର ଓ ଗର୍ଜନପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଧୂଳି ଏବଂ ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କର ଅଯାଳର ଆବରଣରେ ଢାଙ୍କି ହୋଇଯାଉଛି। ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମୁହଁରୁ ବାହାରୁଥିବା ରକ୍ତମିଶ୍ରିତ ଫେଣ ଲୁହାର ଶିକ ଉପର ଦେଇ ଉଡ଼ି ବାହାରକୁ ଆସୁଛି। ଏହି ଦୃଶ୍ୟ ଏତେ ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ ଯେ ରାଜା ଫ୍ରାନ୍ସିସ୍ କହୁଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେଠାରେ ଅଖାଡ଼ା ଭିତରେ ରହିବା ଅପେକ୍ଷା ବାହାରେ ବସି ରହିବା ଅଧିକ ନିରାପଦ। ରାଜାଙ୍କ ଏହି ମନ୍ତବ୍ୟ ପରବର୍ତ୍ତୀ ଘଟଣାର ପୃଷ୍ଠଭୂମି ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ କରେ।
ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶ ୩ — ସାରାଂଶ
ତୃତୀୟ ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କାଉଣ୍ଟ ଡି ଲର୍ଜଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମିକାଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ ବର୍ଣ୍ଣନା କରାଯାଇଛି। ସେ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସୁନ୍ଦର, ଚଞ୍ଚଳ ଓ ଆକର୍ଷଣୀୟ ମହିଳା ଥିଲେ। ତାଙ୍କ ଓଠରେ ହସ ଓ ଆଖିରେ ତୀକ୍ଷ୍ଣ ଚମକ ଥିଲା। କିନ୍ତୁ ତାଙ୍କ ବାହ୍ୟ ସୌନ୍ଦର୍ଯ୍ୟ ପଛରେ ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ଗର୍ବ ଓ ଅହଂକାର ଲୁଚି ରହିଥିଲା। ସେ ନିଜ ପ୍ରେମିକ କାଉଣ୍ଟ ଡି ଲର୍ଜଙ୍କୁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ସାହସୀ ବୋଲି ଭାବୁଥିଲେ ଏବଂ ମନେ କରୁଥିଲେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ସେ ଯେକୌଣସି କଠିନ ଓ ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ କାମ କରିପାରିବେ। ରାଜାଙ୍କ କଥା ଶୁଣି ସେ ନିଜ ପ୍ରେମିକଙ୍କୁ ପରୀକ୍ଷା କରିବାର ଏକ ସୁଯୋଗ ଦେଖିଲେ। ସେ ଭାବିଲେ ଯେ ଯଦି କାଉଣ୍ଟ ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟକୁ ଯାଇ ତାଙ୍କ ହାତମୋଜା ଫେରାଇ ଆଣିବେ, ତେବେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କ ସମ୍ମୁଖରେ ତାଙ୍କର ସାହସ ପ୍ରମାଣିତ ହେବ। ତାଙ୍କର ଏହି ସାହସିକ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଦ୍ୱାରା ନିଜକୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ବହୁତ ଯଶ ଓ ଗୌରବ ମିଳିବ ବୋଲି ସେ ଭାବିଲେ। ତେଣୁ ସେ ଜାଣିଶୁଣି ନିଜ ହାତମୋଜାକୁ ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପକାଇବାକୁ ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି ନେଲେ। ଏଠାରେ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ହୁଏ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କର ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟ ସତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରେମ ନୁହେଁ, ବରଂ ଅହଂକାର, ଆତ୍ମପ୍ରଶଂସା ଓ ସାଧାରଣଙ୍କ ପ୍ରଶଂସା ପାଇବାର ଇଚ୍ଛା।
ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶ ୪ — ସାରାଂଶ
ଚତୁର୍ଥ ପଦ୍ୟାଂଶରେ କବିତା ତାହାର ଚରମ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ପହଞ୍ଚିଛି। କାଉଣ୍ଟଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମିକା ଜାଣିଶୁଣି ନିଜ ହାତମୋଜାକୁ ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ପକାଇଦିଅନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ହସିହସି କାଉଣ୍ଟଙ୍କ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଚାହାନ୍ତି। ସେ ଆଶା କରୁଥିଲେ ଯେ କାଉଣ୍ଟ ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ନିଜ ଜୀବନକୁ ବିପଦରେ ପକାଇ ହାତମୋଜାଟି ଫେରାଇ ଆଣିବେ। କାଉଣ୍ଟ କୌଣସି ଦ୍ୱିଧା ନକରି ସିଂହମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଡେଇଁପଡ଼ନ୍ତି। ସେ ଶୀଘ୍ର ହାତମୋଜାଟି ଉଠାଇ ନିରାପଦରେ ନିଜ ସ୍ଥାନକୁ ଫେରିଆସନ୍ତି। ଏହା ଦ୍ୱାରା ସେ ତାଙ୍କର ଅସାଧାରଣ ସାହସ, ବୀରତ୍ୱ ଓ ଆତ୍ମବିଶ୍ୱାସ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରନ୍ତି।
କିନ୍ତୁ ଏହା ପରେ କାଉଣ୍ଟଙ୍କ ବ୍ୟବହାର ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଅପ୍ରତ୍ୟାଶିତ ହୁଏ। ସେ ହାତମୋଜାଟିକୁ ପ୍ରେମର ସହିତ ପ୍ରେମିକାଙ୍କୁ ଦେବା ପରିବର୍ତ୍ତେ ସିଧାସଳଖ ତାଙ୍କ ମୁହଁ ଉପରେ ଫିଙ୍ଗିଦିଅନ୍ତି। ଏହା ଦ୍ୱାରା ସେ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ କରିଦିଅନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମିକାଙ୍କର ଏପରି ମୂର୍ଖତାପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଓ ଅହଂକାରପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ପ୍ରେମ-ପରୀକ୍ଷାକୁ ସମର୍ଥନ କରୁନାହାନ୍ତି। ରାଜା ଫ୍ରାନ୍ସିସ୍ କାଉଣ୍ଟଙ୍କ ଏହି ବ୍ୟବହାରକୁ ଠିକ୍ ବୋଲି କହି ତାଙ୍କର ପ୍ରଶଂସା କରନ୍ତି। ସେ କହନ୍ତି ଯେ ସତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରେମ କେବେ ମଧ୍ୟ କାହାକୁ କେବଳ ଅହଂକାର ବା ଦେଖାଇବା ପାଇଁ ଏପରି ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ କାମ କରିବାକୁ ବାଧ୍ୟ କରେ ନାହିଁ।
ଏହିପରି ଭାବରେ କବିତାଟି ଏକ ଗୁରୁତ୍ୱପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ନୈତିକ ଶିକ୍ଷା ଦେଇ ଶେଷ ହୋଇଛି—ସତ୍ୟ ପ୍ରେମ ବିଶ୍ୱାସ, ସ୍ନେହ ଓ ପରସ୍ପର ସମ୍ମାନ ଉପରେ ଆଧାରିତ; ଅହଂକାର, ପ୍ରଦର୍ଶନ ବା ବିପଜ୍ଜନକ ପରୀକ୍ଷା ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଏହାକୁ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରିବାର ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ନାହିଁ। କାଉଣ୍ଟ ଡି ଲର୍ଜ କେବଳ ନିଜ ଶାରୀରିକ ବୀରତ୍ୱ ନୁହେଁ, ବରଂ ନିଜର ନୈତିକ ସାହସ, ବିବେକ ଓ ଆତ୍ମସମ୍ମାନ ମଧ୍ୟ ପ୍ରମାଣ କରିଛନ୍ତି।
Stanza 1
1. Who was King Francis?
King Francis was a cheerful and pleasure-loving king who enjoyed watching
exciting royal sports and spectacles.
2. What kind of king was Francis?
Francis was a hearty, cheerful and entertainment-loving king who enjoyed
watching dangerous and thrilling sports.
3. What did King Francis love?
King Francis loved watching royal sports, particularly the exciting and
dangerous spectacle of lions fighting in an arena.
4. What royal sport did King Francis enjoy watching?
King Francis enjoyed watching lions fighting fiercely in the royal arena before
the assembled nobles and ladies.
5. Where did King Francis sit?
King Francis sat watching the lions fight in the royal court or arena,
surrounded by nobles and ladies.
6. Who filled the benches?
The nobles filled the benches around the arena to watch the exciting spectacle
of the fighting lions.
7. Who were present among the spectators?
Nobles and richly dressed ladies were present among the spectators, watching
the royal spectacle with great interest.
8. What does “ladies in their pride” mean?
“Ladies in their pride” refers to richly dressed and self-important ladies who
attended the royal spectacle.
9. Who was Count de Lorge?
Count de Lorge was a brave nobleman who was deeply in love with a beautiful
lady present at the spectacle.
10. Whom did Count de Lorge love?
Count de Lorge loved a beautiful lady who was sitting among the other noble
spectators at the royal spectacle.
11. What does “with one for whom he sighed” mean?
It means Count de Lorge sat near a woman whom he deeply loved and for whom he
longed.
12. What does “’mongst them” refer to?
“’Mongst them” refers to the group of nobles and ladies gathered to watch the
royal spectacle.
13. What does “gallant thing” mean?
“Gallant thing” means a magnificent, splendid and impressive spectacle
involving bravery, love, royalty and fierce animals.
14. What was the “crowning show”?
The “crowning show” was the magnificent spectacle of lions fighting fiercely
before King Francis and the assembled spectators.
15. What does “valour” mean in the poem?
“Valour” means great courage or bravery, an important quality associated with
the Count and the dangerous spectacle.
16. What are the “royal beasts”?
The “royal beasts” are the lions fighting in the arena below the king and the
assembled spectators.
17. What combination does the poet present in the first stanza?
The poet combines royal splendour, bravery, love and the wild power of lions to
create a magnificent spectacle.
18. Why is the first stanza important?
It introduces King Francis, Count de Lorge, his beloved and the dangerous
lion-fighting spectacle that drives the poem’s action.
19. How is Count de Lorge introduced?
Count de Lorge is introduced as a nobleman who sits among the spectators and
secretly loves a beautiful lady.
20. What atmosphere is created in the first stanza?
The stanza creates an atmosphere of royal grandeur, excitement and romantic
expectation surrounding the spectacular lion fight.
Stanza 2
21. How did the lions behave in the arena?
The lions behaved fiercely, roaring, biting, glaring and striking one another
with tremendous strength during their violent fight.
22. What does “ramped and roared” describe?
“Ramped and roared” describes the lions moving violently and making loud,
frightening sounds while fighting one another.
23. What did the lions do with their jaws?
The lions attacked one another with their frightening, widely opened jaws,
biting fiercely during their violent struggle.
24. What does “horrid laughing jaws” suggest?
It suggests the frighteningly open jaws of the lions, which appear almost to
laugh while displaying their terrifying teeth.
25. What did the lions do to one another?
They bit, glared at and struck one another with their powerful paws during
their fierce and violent struggle.
26. What does “gave blows like beams” mean?
It means the lions struck one another with tremendous force, like heavy wooden
beams hitting against each other.
27. What happened when the lions struck with their paws?
Their powerful paws created strong movements of air, emphasizing the tremendous
force and violence of their attacks.
28. What does “wallowing might” suggest?
“Wallowing might” suggests the enormous strength with which the lions rolled
and struggled against one another.
29. What happened to the lions during their struggle?
The lions rolled over one another with great strength, producing a violent and
noisy struggle inside the arena.
30. What filled the pit during the lions’ fight?
The pit became filled with swirling sand, lions’ manes and deafening noise
caused by their violent struggle.
31. What does “thunderous smother” suggest?
It suggests a deafening, suffocating mass of dust, sand and movement produced
by the lions’ tremendous struggle.
32. What came above the bars?
Blood-stained foam from the fighting lions flew through the air and came above
the bars surrounding the arena.
33. What does “bloody foam” refer to?
“Bloody foam” refers to foam mixed with blood produced by the lions’ violent
and fierce fighting.
34. What does “whisking through the air” suggest?
It suggests the rapid movement of the blood-stained foam as it flew through the
air beyond the arena.
35. Why did King Francis say, “we’re better here than there”?
He meant that the spectators were much safer outside the arena than inside it
among the fierce fighting lions.
36. What does “here” refer to in King Francis’s remark?
“Here” refers to the safe place outside the lions’ arena where King Francis and
the spectators were sitting.
37. What does “there” refer to in King Francis’s remark?
“There” refers to the dangerous arena where the fierce lions were fighting
violently against one another.
38. Why was it safer to remain outside the pit?
The lions were fighting violently inside the pit, making it extremely dangerous
for anyone who entered the arena.
39. How does the poet describe the lions?
The poet presents the lions as fierce, powerful, violent and terrifying
creatures engaged in a brutal struggle.
40. What is the dominant mood of the second stanza?
The dominant mood is one of fear, violence and excitement created by the
terrifying battle between the lions.
Stanza 3
41. Who overheard King Francis?
Count de Lorge’s beloved overheard King Francis commenting that the spectators
were safer outside the lions’ arena.
42. How is Count de Lorge’s beloved described?
She is described as a beautiful, lively lady with smiling lips and sharp,
bright eyes.
43. What does “beauteous lively dame” mean?
It means a beautiful, energetic and attractive woman who appears cheerful and
full of life.
44. How are the lady’s eyes described?
Her eyes are described as sharp and bright, suggesting her lively, alert and
confident personality.
45. What did the lady think about Count de Lorge?
She believed Count de Lorge was extremely brave and would willingly perform
wonderful deeds to prove his love.
46. What did the lady believe about her lover’s courage?
She believed that her lover was extraordinarily brave and capable of doing
anything to demonstrate his devotion.
47. What did the lady want Count de Lorge to prove?
She wanted Count de Lorge to prove the strength of his love through a dangerous
and courageous act.
48. Why did the lady think the occasion was “divine”?
She thought the presence of the king, ladies and lovers made the moment perfect
for publicly testing her lover’s love.
49. What did the lady decide to do?
She decided to drop her glove among the lions so that Count de Lorge would
retrieve it.
50. Why did she decide to drop her glove?
She wanted Count de Lorge to risk himself among the lions and thereby prove his
love and bravery.
51. What did the lady hope to gain by dropping her glove?
She hoped to gain glory and admiration by making her lover perform a dangerous
act before everyone.
52. What does “great glory will be mine” reveal?
It reveals the lady’s vanity because she is more interested in personal glory
and admiration than genuine love.
53. What is the lady’s main motive?
Her main motive is vanity and public admiration rather than sincere concern for
her lover’s safety.
54. What does “the occasion is divine” reveal about the lady?
It reveals her excitement and vanity because she sees the public situation as a
perfect opportunity to test love.
55. Why is the lady’s character important to the poem?
Her vanity creates the central conflict and leads Count de Lorge to undertake
the dangerous task involving the lions.
56. What does the lady’s plan reveal about her understanding of love?
Her plan reveals that she mistakenly believes genuine love must be proved
through dangerous and dramatic acts.
57. Who were expected to witness the Count’s act?
The king, ladies, lovers and other spectators were expected to witness Count de
Lorge’s courageous act.
58. What does “prove his love” mean in the context?
It means demonstrating his devotion by risking his safety to retrieve the glove
from among the lions.
59. What does the third stanza prepare the reader for?
It prepares the reader for the lady’s challenge and Count de Lorge’s dangerous
entry into the lions’ arena.
60. What weakness of the lady is revealed in this stanza?
Her vanity is revealed as her chief weakness, as she seeks personal glory by
testing her lover’s devotion.
Stanza 4
61. What did the lady finally do with her glove?
She deliberately dropped her glove among the fierce lions to test Count de
Lorge’s love and courage.
62. How did the lady look at Count de Lorge?
She looked at him and smiled, expecting him to understand her challenge and
retrieve the glove.
63. How did Count de Lorge respond to the challenge?
He immediately bowed and leaped into the lions’ arena without hesitation to
retrieve the glove.
64. How quickly did Count de Lorge act?
He acted immediately and completed the dangerous task very quickly, showing
remarkable courage and determination.
65. What did Count de Lorge do among the lions?
He entered the dangerous arena, retrieved the lady’s glove and quickly returned
safely to his place.
66. What does the Count’s action prove?
His action proves that he possesses extraordinary physical courage and is
capable of facing great danger without hesitation.
67. What did the Count do with the glove after returning?
Instead of lovingly returning it, he threw the glove directly into the lady’s
face.
68. Why did the Count throw the glove into her face?
He rejected her vain and foolish test of love and showed that he would not
tolerate such selfish behaviour.
69. How did King Francis react to the Count’s action?
King Francis strongly approved of the Count’s action and declared that he had
done exactly the right thing.
70. What does “rightly done” mean?
It means that Count de Lorge had acted correctly and wisely by rejecting the
lady’s unreasonable demand.
71. What did King Francis say about love and vanity?
He said that genuine love does not set a lover such a dangerous task merely to
satisfy vanity.
72. What does “quoth he” mean?
“Quoth he” is an old-fashioned expression meaning “he said.”
73. What does “vanity” mean in the poem?
Vanity means excessive pride and a strong desire for admiration, especially the
lady’s desire for public glory.
74. What does “sets love a task like that” mean?
It means that true love would never force a lover to undertake such a dangerous
task simply for vanity.
75. What quality does Count de Lorge show besides physical courage?
He shows moral courage by refusing to encourage his beloved’s vanity and by
rejecting her unreasonable test.
76. What does the Count’s final action reveal about his character?
It reveals that he is brave, sensible, self-respecting and unwilling to allow
love to become a tool of vanity.
77. What does the ending teach about true love?
The ending teaches that true love is based on trust and affection, not on
dangerous tests, vanity or public display.
78. Why does the Count throw the glove at the lady?
He throws it back to condemn her selfish challenge and make clear that her
vanity is not a proper measure of love.
79. What is the central message of the poem?
The poem teaches that genuine love should never be tested through dangerous
acts designed merely to satisfy pride or vanity.
80. How does King Francis’s final statement convey the moral?
His statement clearly distinguishes genuine love from vanity, showing that true
affection would never demand such a reckless proof.
81. How does the poem end?
The poem ends with King Francis praising the Count’s sensible action and
condemning the lady’s vain test of love.
82. What does the Count prove by retrieving the glove?
He proves his extraordinary physical courage, but his final response shows that
courage should not be exploited by vanity.
83. What does the lady fail to understand about love?
She fails to understand that genuine love does not require dangerous
demonstrations or public tests to prove its sincerity.
84. What contrast is presented between the lady and the Count?
The lady represents vanity and foolish pride, whereas the Count represents
courage, wisdom, self-respect and genuine understanding of love.
85. Why is the ending humorous as well as moral?
The ending is humorous because the Count retrieves the glove heroically but
immediately throws it back into the lady’s face.
Multiple-Choice Questions Set 1
Stanza 1
1. Who is described as a “hearty king” in the poem?
(a) King Henry
(b) King Francis
(c) King Charles
(d) King Edward
Answer: (b) King Francis
2. What did King Francis love?
(a) Hunting in the forest
(b) Reading books
(c) A royal sport
(d) Singing royal songs
Answer: (c) A royal sport
3. What royal sport was King Francis watching?
(a) Horse racing
(b) Wrestling
(c) Archery
(d) Lions fighting
Answer: (d) Lions fighting
4. Where did King Francis sit while watching the lions?
(a) In the palace garden
(b) In the court or arena
(c) On a royal balcony
(d) In the forest
Answer: (b) In the court or arena
5. Who filled the benches around the arena?
(a) Soldiers
(b) Farmers
(c) Nobles
(d) Merchants
Answer: (c) Nobles
6. Who sat among the nobles?
(a) Common villagers
(b) Ladies in their pride
(c) Foreign soldiers
(d) Lion trainers
Answer: (b) Ladies in their pride
7. What does “ladies in their pride” suggest?
(a) Poorly dressed women
(b) Frightened women
(c) Proudly and richly dressed women
(d) Women working in the palace
Answer: (c) Proudly and richly dressed women
8. Who was Count de Lorge?
(a) A soldier serving the lions
(b) A nobleman among the spectators
(c) A servant of King Francis
(d) A royal entertainer
Answer: (b) A nobleman among the spectators
9. Whom did Count de Lorge love?
(a) A queen
(b) A princess
(c) A beautiful lady sitting among the spectators
(d) A servant girl
Answer: (c) A beautiful lady sitting among the spectators
10. What does “for whom he sighed” suggest?
(a) He was angry with the lady.
(b) He deeply longed for and loved the lady.
(c) He was afraid of the lady.
(d) He disliked the lady.
Answer: (b) He deeply longed for and loved the lady.
11. What does the word “gallant” mean in the context?
(a) Ordinary
(b) Boring
(c) Splendid and impressive
(d) Frightening
Answer: (c) Splendid and impressive
12. What is meant by “crowning show”?
(a) The final royal ceremony
(b) A magnificent spectacle
(c) A religious celebration
(d) A coronation ceremony
Answer: (b) A magnificent spectacle
13. Which of the following is mentioned as part of the magnificent
spectacle?
(a) Wealth, music and dance
(b) Valour, love, the king and royal beasts
(c) War, peace and religion
(d) Hunting, farming and fishing
Answer: (b) Valour, love, the king and royal beasts
14. What does “valour” mean?
(a) Beauty
(b) Wealth
(c) Courage and bravery
(d) Pride
Answer: (c) Courage and bravery
15. What are the “royal beasts” in the poem?
(a) Horses
(b) Elephants
(c) Lions
(d) Tigers
Answer: (c) Lions
16. What does “’mongst” mean?
(a) Beyond
(b) Among
(c) Against
(d) Before
Answer: (b) Among
17. What is the setting of the first stanza?
(a) A battlefield
(b) A royal arena
(c) A village marketplace
(d) A forest
Answer: (b) A royal arena
18. Which three important elements are brought together in the first
stanza?
(a) War, wealth and religion
(b) Valour, love and royalty
(c) Nature, beauty and music
(d) Friendship, hatred and revenge
Answer: (b) Valour, love and royalty
19. What atmosphere is created in the first stanza?
(a) Ordinary and dull
(b) Royal, grand and exciting
(c) Sad and mournful
(d) Peaceful and quiet
Answer: (b) Royal, grand and exciting
20. What important relationship is introduced in the first stanza?
(a) The king’s friendship with the nobles
(b) Count de Lorge’s love for a lady
(c) The nobles’ hatred of the king
(d) The king’s friendship with the lions
Answer: (b) Count de Lorge’s love for a lady
Stanza 2
21. How did the lions behave when they fought?
(a) Calmly and gently
(b) Slowly and quietly
(c) Fiercely and violently
(d) Playfully and harmlessly
Answer: (c) Fiercely and violently
22. Which two actions of the lions are mentioned at the beginning of the
stanza?
(a) Crawled and slept
(b) Ramped and roared
(c) Ran and rested
(d) Jumped and smiled
Answer: (b) Ramped and roared
23. What does “ramped” suggest in the poem?
(a) Moved or leaped about wildly
(b) Slept peacefully
(c) Walked slowly
(d) Hid quietly
Answer: (a) Moved or leaped about wildly
24. What does “horrid laughing jaws” refer to?
(a) The smiling faces of the spectators
(b) The terrifying open jaws of the lions
(c) The king’s angry expression
(d) The lady’s smiling lips
Answer: (b) The terrifying open jaws of the lions
25. What did the lions do to one another?
(a) They played together.
(b) They bit, glared and struck one another.
(c) They ignored one another.
(d) They slept beside one another.
Answer: (b) They bit, glared and struck one another.
26. What did the lions use to strike one another?
(a) Their horns
(b) Their tails
(c) Their paws
(d) Their wings
Answer: (c) Their paws
27. What does “gave blows like beams” emphasize?
(a) The weakness of the lions
(b) The tremendous force of their blows
(c) The beauty of the lions
(d) The silence of the fight
Answer: (b) The tremendous force of their blows
28. What is meant by “paws”?
(a) Wings of birds
(b) Feet of animals such as lions
(c) Horns of animals
(d) Tails of animals
Answer: (b) Feet of animals such as lions
29. What accompanied the movement of the lions’ paws?
(a) Music
(b) A strong rush of air
(c) Rain
(d) Smoke
Answer: (b) A strong rush of air
30. What does “wallowing might” suggest?
(a) Weakness
(b) Enormous physical strength
(c) Fear
(d) Laziness
Answer: (b) Enormous physical strength
31. What did the lions do with one another?
(a) Rolled on one another
(b) Walked away from one another
(c) Sat beside one another
(d) Played peacefully
Answer: (a) Rolled on one another
32. What filled the pit during the fight?
(a) Water and blood
(b) Sand and mane
(c) Smoke and fire
(d) Flowers and leaves
Answer: (b) Sand and mane
33. What is meant by “thunderous smother”?
(a) A peaceful atmosphere
(b) A deafening and overwhelming mass of sound and movement
(c) A beautiful musical performance
(d) A silent gathering
Answer: (b) A deafening and overwhelming mass of sound and movement
34. What came flying through the air above the bars?
(a) Flowers
(b) Sand
(c) Bloody foam
(d) Pieces of wood
Answer: (c) Bloody foam
35. What does “bloody foam” suggest?
(a) The lions were playing harmlessly.
(b) The fight was violent and bloody.
(c) The spectators were celebrating.
(d) The arena was being cleaned.
Answer: (b) The fight was violent and bloody.
36. What are the “bars” mentioned in the stanza?
(a) Wooden benches
(b) Metal rods enclosing the lions
(c) Musical instruments
(d) Palace doors
Answer: (b) Metal rods enclosing the lions
37. What does “whisking through the air” suggest?
(a) Moving slowly
(b) Moving rapidly
(c) Remaining still
(d) Falling vertically
Answer: (b) Moving rapidly
38. What did King Francis say after watching the violent fight?
(a) “The lions are beautiful.”
(b) “We’re better here than there.”
(c) “Let us enter the pit.”
(d) “The fight is over.”
Answer: (b) “We’re better here than there.”
39. What does “here” refer to in the King’s remark?
(a) Inside the lions’ pit
(b) Outside the lions’ pit
(c) Inside the palace
(d) On the battlefield
Answer: (b) Outside the lions’ pit
40. Why did King Francis consider the spectators safer?
(a) They were sitting outside the dangerous arena.
(b) The lions were already dead.
(c) The guards had defeated the lions.
(d) The fight had ended peacefully.
Answer: (a) They were sitting outside the dangerous arena.
Stanza 3
41. Who overheard King Francis’s remark?
(a) Count de Lorge
(b) A soldier
(c) Count de Lorge’s beloved
(d) A lion trainer
Answer: (c) Count de Lorge’s beloved
42. How is Count de Lorge’s beloved described?
(a) Ugly and serious
(b) Beauteous and lively
(c) Old and weak
(d) Quiet and frightened
Answer: (b) Beauteous and lively
43. What does “beauteous” mean?
(a) Beautiful
(b) Frightening
(c) Proud
(d) Clever
Answer: (a) Beautiful
44. What does “lively” suggest about the lady?
(a) She was energetic and full of spirit.
(b) She was tired and weak.
(c) She was frightened and nervous.
(d) She was sad and silent.
Answer: (a) She was energetic and full of spirit.
45. What features of the lady are particularly mentioned?
(a) Her hair and dress
(b) Her smiling lips and sharp, bright eyes
(c) Her hands and feet
(d) Her voice and height
Answer: (b) Her smiling lips and sharp, bright eyes
46. What do the lady’s “smiling lips” suggest?
(a) Her lively and attractive appearance
(b) Her sadness
(c) Her fear
(d) Her anger
Answer: (a) Her lively and attractive appearance
47. How are the lady’s eyes described?
(a) Dull and sleepy
(b) Sharp and bright
(c) Soft and tearful
(d) Large and frightened
Answer: (b) Sharp and bright
48. What did the lady think about Count de Lorge?
(a) He was weak.
(b) He was extremely brave.
(c) He was dishonest.
(d) He was cowardly.
Answer: (b) He was extremely brave.
49. What did she believe her lover would do to prove his love?
(a) Write her a letter
(b) Perform a wonderful and dangerous deed
(c) Give her flowers
(d) Sing a song
Answer: (b) Perform a wonderful and dangerous deed
50. What does “brave as brave can be” mean?
(a) Slightly brave
(b) Extremely brave
(c) Sometimes brave
(d) Pretending to be brave
Answer: (b) Extremely brave
51. What did the lady want to demonstrate publicly?
(a) Her wealth
(b) Her beauty
(c) Her lover’s bravery and love
(d) The king’s courage
Answer: (c) Her lover’s bravery and love
52. Who were expected to witness the Count’s act?
(a) Only the king
(b) Only the lady
(c) King, ladies, lovers and other spectators
(d) Only the soldiers
Answer: (c) King, ladies, lovers and other spectators
53. Why did the lady consider the occasion “divine”?
(a) She thought it was a perfect opportunity to test her lover publicly.
(b) She wanted to pray to God.
(c) The king had declared a religious festival.
(d) The lions had disappeared.
Answer: (a) She thought it was a perfect opportunity to test her lover
publicly.
54. What did the lady decide to drop?
(a) Her necklace
(b) Her ring
(c) Her glove
(d) Her handkerchief
Answer: (c) Her glove
55. Where did she intend to drop her glove?
(a) Near the king
(b) Among the lions
(c) On the royal table
(d) Outside the palace
Answer: (b) Among the lions
56. Why did she decide to drop the glove?
(a) She wanted to lose it.
(b) She wanted to test her lover’s love and bravery.
(c) She disliked the glove.
(d) She wanted a new glove.
Answer: (b) She wanted to test her lover’s love and bravery.
57. What did the lady expect to gain from her plan?
(a) Money
(b) Political power
(c) Great glory
(d) A new dress
Answer: (c) Great glory
58. What does “great glory will be mine” reveal about her character?
(a) Her humility
(b) Her vanity
(c) Her kindness
(d) Her fear
Answer: (b) Her vanity
59. What is the lady’s real motive in testing Count de Lorge?
(a) Genuine concern
(b) Vanity and desire for public admiration
(c) Hatred
(d) Revenge
Answer: (b) Vanity and desire for public admiration
60. What does the third stanza mainly reveal?
(a) The King’s wisdom
(b) The lady’s vanity and her plan to test her lover
(c) The lions’ strength
(d) The Count’s anger
Answer: (b) The lady’s vanity and her plan to test her lover
Stanza 4
61. What did the lady finally do?
(a) She left the arena.
(b) She dropped her glove among the lions.
(c) She gave the glove to the King.
(d) She threw the glove at the Count.
Answer: (b) She dropped her glove among the lions.
62. How did the lady look at Count de Lorge after dropping the glove?
(a) She cried.
(b) She looked at him and smiled.
(c) She turned away angrily.
(d) She became frightened.
Answer: (b) She looked at him and smiled.
63. How did Count de Lorge respond to the challenge?
(a) He refused to act.
(b) He ran away.
(c) He bowed and leaped among the lions.
(d) He asked the King for help.
Answer: (c) He bowed and leaped among the lions.
64. What does the Count’s immediate action demonstrate?
(a) Cowardice
(b) Indifference
(c) Extraordinary courage
(d) Foolishness alone
Answer: (c) Extraordinary courage
65. What did Count de Lorge retrieve from among the lions?
(a) A sword
(b) A crown
(c) The lady’s glove
(d) A jewel
Answer: (c) The lady’s glove
66. How quickly did the Count return?
(a) Very slowly
(b) After several hours
(c) Quickly
(d) The next day
Answer: (c) Quickly
67. What did Count de Lorge do after regaining his place?
(a) He kissed the lady’s hand.
(b) He threw the glove into the lady’s face.
(c) He gave the glove to the King.
(d) He kept the glove for himself.
Answer: (b) He threw the glove into the lady’s face.
68. Why did the Count throw the glove at the lady?
(a) He wanted to insult her beauty.
(b) He rejected her vain and unreasonable test of love.
(c) He had forgotten that it belonged to her.
(d) He was afraid of the King.
Answer: (b) He rejected her vain and unreasonable test of love.
69. How did King Francis react to the Count’s action?
(a) He became angry.
(b) He laughed at him.
(c) He approved of it.
(d) He punished him.
Answer: (c) He approved of it.
70. What did King Francis say about the Count’s action?
(a) “Wrongly done!”
(b) “Rightly done!”
(c) “Poorly done!”
(d) “Never done!”
Answer: (b) “Rightly done!”
71. What does “quoth he” mean?
(a) He asked
(b) He shouted
(c) He said
(d) He laughed
Answer: (c) He said
72. What does “vanity” mean in the final line?
(a) Genuine affection
(b) Excessive pride and desire for admiration
(c) Courage
(d) Wisdom
Answer: (b) Excessive pride and desire for admiration
73. According to King Francis, what does not set love such a task?
(a) Courage
(b) Wisdom
(c) Genuine love
(d) Friendship
Answer: (c) Genuine love
74. What does “sets love a task like that” mean?
(a) Makes a lover perform a dangerous act to satisfy pride
(b) Gives a lover a pleasant gift
(c) Encourages a lover to marry
(d) Makes lovers meet secretly
Answer: (a) Makes a lover perform a dangerous act to satisfy pride
75. What does the Count prove by entering the lions’ arena?
(a) His wealth
(b) His physical courage
(c) His intelligence only
(d) His hatred for the lady
Answer: (b) His physical courage
76. What does the Count prove by throwing the glove back?
(a) His vanity
(b) His moral courage and self-respect
(c) His fear
(d) His desire for fame
Answer: (b) His moral courage and self-respect
77. What does the Count’s final action show about his attitude towards
the lady’s challenge?
(a) He approves of it completely.
(b) He rejects its vanity and foolishness.
(c) He is frightened by it.
(d) He wants to repeat it.
Answer: (b) He rejects its vanity and foolishness.
78. What does the ending suggest about true love?
(a) It must always be publicly displayed.
(b) It should be tested through danger.
(c) It should be based on trust and affection, not vanity.
(d) It requires heroic performances.
Answer: (c) It should be based on trust and affection, not vanity.
79. Who gives the final moral judgment in the poem?
(a) Count de Lorge
(b) The lady
(c) King Francis
(d) One of the nobles
Answer: (c) King Francis
80. What is the central theme of the poem?
(a) The glory of kingship
(b) The power of wild animals
(c) The difference between genuine love and vain love-testing
(d) The importance of royal entertainment
Answer: (c) The difference between genuine love and vain love-testing
81. Which quality is represented by Count de Lorge?
(a) Vanity
(b) Cowardice
(c) Courage combined with wisdom
(d) Jealousy
Answer: (c) Courage combined with wisdom
82. Which quality is chiefly represented by the lady?
(a) Humility
(b) Vanity
(c) Patience
(d) Compassion
Answer: (b) Vanity
83. What contrast is most important in the final stanza?
(a) Wealth and poverty
(b) Beauty and ugliness
(c) Courage and vanity
(d) Youth and old age
Answer: (c) Courage and vanity
84. Why is the Count’s response considered wise?
(a) He avoids entering the arena.
(b) He proves his courage but refuses to let vanity dictate his behaviour.
(c) He obeys the lady completely.
(d) He asks the King to punish the lady.
Answer: (b) He proves his courage but refuses to let vanity dictate his
behaviour.
85. What lesson does the poem ultimately convey?
(a) Love should always involve risk.
(b) Physical strength is more important than wisdom.
(c) True love should never be used to satisfy vanity.
(d) Royal sports are always dangerous.
Answer: (c) True love should never be used to satisfy vanity.
Multiple Choice Questions
Set 2
Stanza 1
1. What is the meaning of
“hearty” in “King Francis was a hearty king”?
(a) Cruel and violent
(b) Cheerful and warm-hearted
(c) Weak and timid
(d) Proud and arrogant
Answer: (b) Cheerful and
warm-hearted
2. What does “royal
sport” mean in the poem?
(a) A common village game
(b) A grand entertainment enjoyed by royalty
(c) A religious ceremony
(d) A military exercise
Answer: (b) A grand
entertainment enjoyed by royalty
3. What is meant by
“nobles”?
(a) Ordinary workers
(b) People belonging to the lower class
(c) People of high social rank
(d) Palace servants
Answer: (c) People of
high social rank
4. What does “in their
pride” suggest about the ladies?
(a) They were frightened.
(b) They were poorly dressed.
(c) They were proudly and richly dressed.
(d) They were angry with the King.
Answer: (c) They were
proudly and richly dressed.
5. What does “sighed”
mean in “with one for whom he sighed”?
(a) Laughed loudly
(b) Longed for someone he loved
(c) Felt angry with someone
(d) Spoke secretly
Answer: (b) Longed for
someone he loved
6. What is the meaning of
“gallant”?
(a) Dull
(b) Ordinary
(c) Splendid and impressive
(d) Frightening
Answer: (c) Splendid and
impressive
7. What does “valour”
mean?
(a) Beauty
(b) Courage and bravery
(c) Pride
(d) Intelligence
Answer: (b) Courage and
bravery
8. What are the “royal
beasts”?
(a) Horses
(b) Elephants
(c) Lions
(d) Tigers
Answer: (c) Lions
Stanza 2
9. What does “ramped”
mean in the poem?
(a) Slept peacefully
(b) Moved or leaped about wildly
(c) Walked slowly
(d) Hid themselves
Answer: (b) Moved or
leaped about wildly
10. What is the meaning
of “horrid”?
(a) Beautiful
(b) Pleasant
(c) Terrifying or extremely unpleasant
(d) Ordinary
Answer: (c) Terrifying or
extremely unpleasant
11. What does “glared”
mean?
(a) Looked angrily and fiercely
(b) Looked lovingly
(c) Looked sleepily
(d) Looked secretly
Answer: (a) Looked
angrily and fiercely
12. What are “paws”?
(a) Wings of birds
(b) Feet of animals such as lions
(c) Horns of animals
(d) Tails of animals
Answer: (b) Feet of
animals such as lions
13. What does “might”
mean in “wallowing might”?
(a) Weakness
(b) Great strength
(c) Fear
(d) Beauty
Answer: (b) Great
strength
14. What does “stifled”
mean?
(a) Completely released
(b) Suppressed or partly held back
(c) Increased greatly
(d) Made beautiful
Answer: (b) Suppressed or
partly held back
15. What is a lion’s
“mane”?
(a) Its tail
(b) Its teeth
(c) The long hair around its neck
(d) Its claws
Answer: (c) The long hair
around its neck
16. What does
“thunderous” mean?
(a) Extremely loud
(b) Very peaceful
(c) Very beautiful
(d) Completely silent
Answer: (a) Extremely
loud
17. What is meant by
“bloody foam”?
(a) White foam from water
(b) Foam mixed with blood
(c) Sand mixed with water
(d) Smoke from the arena
Answer: (b) Foam mixed
with blood
18. What does “whisking”
mean?
(a) Moving rapidly
(b) Remaining still
(c) Moving slowly
(d) Falling heavily
Answer: (a) Moving
rapidly
Stanza 3
19. What does “o’erheard”
mean?
(a) Ignored
(b) Overheard or heard unintentionally
(c) Repeated loudly
(d) Answered immediately
Answer: (b) Overheard or
heard unintentionally
20. What is the meaning
of “beauteous”?
(a) Proud
(b) Beautiful
(c) Clever
(d) Frightened
Answer: (b) Beautiful
21. What does “lively”
mean?
(a) Full of energy and spirit
(b) Sad and depressed
(c) Weak and tired
(d) Quiet and shy
Answer: (a) Full of
energy and spirit
22. What does “dame”
mean?
(a) A king
(b) A nobleman
(c) A woman or lady
(d) A servant
Answer: (c) A woman or
lady
23. What does “wondrous”
mean?
(a) Ordinary
(b) Wonderful and extraordinary
(c) Unpleasant
(d) Dangerous
Answer: (b) Wonderful and
extraordinary
24. What does “divine”
mean in “the occasion is divine”?
(a) Evil
(b) Ordinary
(c) Wonderful or excellent
(d) Frightening
Answer: (c) Wonderful or
excellent
25. What does “glory”
mean in “great glory will be mine”?
(a) Shame
(b) Honour, fame or admiration
(c) Fear
(d) Sorrow
Answer: (b) Honour, fame
or admiration
Stanza 4
26. What does “in a
moment” mean?
(a) After a long time
(b) Immediately or very quickly
(c) The next day
(d) Gradually
Answer: (b) Immediately
or very quickly
27. What does “leaped”
mean?
(a) Walked slowly
(b) Jumped suddenly and strongly
(c) Sat quietly
(d) Fell asleep
Answer: (b) Jumped
suddenly and strongly
28. What does “regained
his place” mean?
(a) Lost his position
(b) Returned to his former place
(c) Changed his seat permanently
(d) Left the palace
Answer: (b) Returned to
his former place
29. What does “quoth he”
mean?
(a) He asked
(b) He said
(c) He cried
(d) He laughed
Answer: (b) He said
30. What does “vanity”
mean?
(a) Humility
(b) Excessive pride and desire for admiration
(c) Courage
(d) Kindness
Answer: (b) Excessive
pride and desire for admiration
31. Which literary device
is used in “royal beasts”?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Irony
(d) Oxymoron
Answer: (a) Metaphor
32. In “horrid laughing
jaws”, which device is most prominently used?
(a) Personification
(b) Pun
(c) Metonymy
(d) Hyperbole
Answer: (a)
Personification
33. Why is “laughing” in
“laughing jaws” an example of personification?
(a) Lions are naturally happy.
(b) Human laughter is attributed to the lions’ jaws.
(c) The lions actually laugh.
(d) The spectators laugh at the lions.
Answer: (b) Human
laughter is attributed to the lions’ jaws.
34. What literary device
is used in “gave blows like beams”?
(a) Simile
(b) Metaphor
(c) Irony
(d) Pun
Answer: (a) Simile
35. Why is “like beams” a
simile?
(a) The lions are literally wooden beams.
(b) The blows are directly compared to beams using “like”.
(c) The beams are compared to lions.
(d) The lions are described as buildings.
Answer: (b) The blows are
directly compared to beams using “like”.
36. Which device is used
in “a wind went with their paws”?
(a) Hyperbole
(b) Pun
(c) Oxymoron
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (a) Hyperbole
37. Why is “a wind went
with their paws” hyperbolic?
(a) It exaggerates the force and speed of the lions’ paw-strokes.
(b) The lions literally created a storm.
(c) The arena was outside.
(d) The paws were extremely small.
Answer: (a) It
exaggerates the force and speed of the lions’ paw-strokes.
38. Which device is most
evident in “thunderous smother”?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Pun
(c) Apostrophe
(d) Euphemism
Answer: (a) Metaphor
39. What does
“thunderous” help convey in the poem?
(a) Silence
(b) The deafening noise of the lions’ struggle
(c) The beauty of the arena
(d) The King’s sadness
Answer: (b) The deafening
noise of the lions’ struggle
40. Which poetic device is most prominently used in
“brave as brave can be”?
(a) Repetition
(b) Metonymy
(c) Irony
(d) Oxymoron
Answer: (a) Repetition
41. What is the effect of
“brave as brave can be”?
(a) It emphasizes the Count’s extreme bravery in the lady’s opinion.
(b) It suggests that the Count is cowardly.
(c) It describes the King’s courage.
(d) It refers to the lions’ courage.
Answer: (a) It emphasizes
the Count’s extreme bravery in the lady’s opinion.
42. Which device is used
in “King, ladies, lovers, all look on”?
(a) Asyndeton
(b) Simile
(c) Metaphor
(d) Pun
Answer: (a) Asyndeton
43. Why is “King, ladies,
lovers, all look on” an example of asyndeton?
(a) It uses several items without conjunctions between them.
(b) It contains a comparison using “like”.
(c) It gives human qualities to objects.
(d) It uses opposite ideas.
Answer: (a) It uses
several items without conjunctions between them.
44. Which device is used
in “the occasion is divine”?
(a) Hyperbole
(b) Simile
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Metonymy
Answer: (a) Hyperbole
45. Which literary device
is present in “great glory will be mine”?
(a) Irony
(b) Simile
(c) Personification
(d) Onomatopoeia
Answer: (a) Irony
46. Why is “great glory
will be mine” ironic?
(a) The lady expects glory, but her vanity is ultimately exposed and condemned.
(b) She actually becomes queen.
(c) The King rewards her with wealth.
(d) She wins the lion fight.
Answer: (a) The lady
expects glory, but her vanity is ultimately exposed and condemned.
47. Which device is most
evident in “He rose from where he sat”?
(a) Metonymy
(b) Simile
(c) Pun
(d) Hyperbole
Answer: (a) Metonymy
48. Why can “rose from
where he sat” be considered metonymic?
(a) “Where he sat” represents his seat or position.
(b) It compares him to a flower.
(c) It exaggerates his height.
(d) It gives human qualities to a place.
Answer: (a) “Where he
sat” represents his seat or position.
49. Which device is
strongly evident in the final statement, “No love, but vanity”?
(a) Antithesis
(b) Simile
(c) Onomatopoeia
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (a) Antithesis
50. What contrast is
created by “love” and “vanity”?
(a) Genuine affection is contrasted with selfish pride.
(b) Courage is contrasted with fear.
(c) Beauty is contrasted with ugliness.
(d) Wealth is contrasted with poverty.
Answer: (a) Genuine
affection is contrasted with selfish pride.
51. Which device is used
in “Ramped and roared”?
(a) Alliteration
(b) Pun
(c) Metonymy
(d) Oxymoron
Answer: (a) Alliteration
52. Which sound device is
prominent in “bit, they glared, gave blows”?
(a) Alliteration
(b) Assonance
(c) Pun
(d) Paradox
Answer: (a) Alliteration
53. Which device is
suggested by the repeated “quick” in “The leap was quick, return was quick”?
(a) Repetition
(b) Metaphor
(c) Pun
(d) Irony
Answer: (a) Repetition
54. What is the effect of
the repetition of “quick”?
(a) It emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the Count’s dangerous action.
(b) It makes the Count appear frightened.
(c) It slows down the action.
(d) It emphasizes the lady’s beauty.
Answer: (a) It emphasizes
the speed and efficiency of the Count’s dangerous action.
55. Which device is used
in “not with love”?
(a) Antithesis
(b) Simile
(c) Hyperbole
(d) Personification
Answer: (a) Antithesis
56. What is contrasted in
“not with love” and the lady’s expectation?
(a) The Count’s rejection of vanity is contrasted with her expectation of
romantic affection.
(b) The King’s courage is contrasted with the lions’ fear.
(c) The nobles’ wealth is contrasted with poverty.
(d) The arena is contrasted with the palace.
Answer: (a) The Count’s
rejection of vanity is contrasted with her expectation of romantic affection.
57. Who said, “Faith,
gentlemen, we’re better here than there”?
(a) Count de Lorge to the King
(b) King Francis to the gentlemen and spectators
(c) The lady to Count de Lorge
(d) A nobleman to the King
Answer: (b) King Francis
to the gentlemen and spectators
58. What prompted King
Francis to say, “we’re better here than there”?
(a) He had seen the lions fighting violently and considered the spectators
safer outside.
(b) He wanted everyone to leave the palace.
(c) He was angry with Count de Lorge.
(d) He wanted to enter the arena.
Answer: (a) He had seen
the lions fighting violently and considered the spectators safer outside.
59. Who mentally decides,
“He surely would do wondrous things to show his love of me”?
(a) King Francis
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) Count de Lorge’s beloved
(d) One of the nobles
Answer: (c) Count de
Lorge’s beloved
60. To whom does the
lady’s thought “He surely would do wondrous things to show his love of me”
refer?
(a) King Francis
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) A lion
(d) A nobleman
Answer: (b) Count de
Lorge
61. Who says, “I’ll drop
my glove, to prove his love”?
(a) King Francis
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) Count de Lorge’s beloved
(d) A lady in the audience
Answer: (c) Count de
Lorge’s beloved
62. Why does the lady
decide to drop her glove?
(a) To test and display Count de Lorge’s love and bravery
(b) To give it to a lion
(c) To please King Francis
(d) Because she no longer wanted it
Answer: (a) To test and
display Count de Lorge’s love and bravery
63. Who says, “By God!
rightly done!”?
(a) Count de Lorge
(b) King Francis
(c) The lady
(d) One of the nobles
Answer: (b) King Francis
64. To whom is “By God!
rightly done!” addressed?
(a) The lady
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) The lions
(d) The nobles
Answer: (b) Count de
Lorge
65. Why does King Francis
say “rightly done”?
(a) He approves of the Count’s throwing the glove back at the vain lady.
(b) He approves of the lady’s challenge.
(c) He praises the lions.
(d) He wants the Count to fight again.
Answer: (a) He approves
of the Count’s throwing the glove back at the vain lady.
66. Who says, “No love,
but vanity, sets love a task like that”?
(a) The lady
(b) King Francis
(c) Count de Lorge
(d) A nobleman
Answer: (b) King Francis
67. To whom is King
Francis’s final statement directed?
(a) Mainly to the assembled spectators while commenting on the lady’s behaviour
(b) To the lions
(c) To the servants
(d) To the Count alone
Answer: (a) Mainly to the
assembled spectators while commenting on the lady’s behaviour
68. What does King
Francis mean by “No love, but vanity”?
(a) True love would never demand such a dangerous task merely to satisfy pride.
(b) Love always requires dangerous tests.
(c) Vanity is more important than love.
(d) The Count does not love the lady.
Answer: (a) True love
would never demand such a dangerous task merely to satisfy pride.
69. Who is responsible
for creating the dangerous challenge in the poem?
(a) King Francis
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) Count de Lorge’s beloved
(d) The lions
Answer: (c) Count de
Lorge’s beloved
70. Who responds to the
lady’s challenge by entering the lions’ arena?
(a) King Francis
(b) Count de Lorge
(c) One of the nobles
(d) A lion trainer
Answer: (b) Count de
Lorge
71. Who ultimately
exposes the difference between love and vanity?
(a) The lady
(b) King Francis
(c) The lions
(d) The nobles
Answer: (b) King Francis
72. Which character’s
words provide the moral of the poem?
(a) Count de Lorge
(b) The lady
(c) King Francis
(d) One of the nobles
Answer: (c) King Francis
73. Which word best
describes the lady’s motive for dropping the glove?
(a) Compassion
(b) Vanity
(c) Gratitude
(d) Humility
Answer: (b) Vanity
74. Which quality does
Count de Lorge demonstrate most clearly by entering the lions’ arena?
(a) Physical courage
(b) Vanity
(c) Jealousy
(d) Dishonesty
Answer: (a) Physical
courage
75. Which quality does
Count de Lorge demonstrate by throwing the glove back?
(a) Moral courage
(b) Fear
(c) Pride
(d) Cruelty
Answer: (a) Moral courage
76. What is the principal
irony of the poem?
(a) The lady expects the dangerous act to bring her glory, but it instead
exposes her vanity.
(b) The King wants the lions to win.
(c) The Count refuses to retrieve the glove.
(d) The lions become spectators.
Answer: (a) The lady
expects the dangerous act to bring her glory, but it instead exposes her
vanity.
77. What does the glove
chiefly symbolize in the poem?
(a) Wealth
(b) A vain test of love
(c) Royal power
(d) Friendship
Answer: (b) A vain test
of love
78. What does the lion
arena chiefly symbolize?
(a) Safety and peace
(b) Extreme danger and the test imposed on the lover
(c) Royal luxury
(d) Domestic happiness
Answer: (b) Extreme
danger and the test imposed on the lover
79. Which pair is
correctly matched?
(a) Valour — cowardice
(b) Vanity — excessive pride
(c) Wondrous — ordinary
(d) Hearty — sorrowful
Answer: (b) Vanity —
excessive pride
80. Which pair correctly
identifies the speaker and quotation?
(a) Count de Lorge — “No love, but vanity”
(b) King Francis — “we’re better here than there”
(c) Lady — “By God! rightly done!”
(d) Nobleman — “I’ll drop my glove”
Answer: (b) King Francis
— “we’re better here than there”
81. Which statement best
describes the poem’s moral?
(a) A lover must always obey every demand.
(b) True love should not be tested through dangerous acts motivated by vanity.
(c) Courage is meaningless without physical strength.
(d) Public admiration is the highest form of love.
Answer: (b) True love
should not be tested through dangerous acts motivated by vanity.
82. Which of the
following best describes the relationship between the third and fourth stanzas?
(a) The third presents the challenge, while the fourth presents the Count’s
response to it.
(b) Both describe the lion fight.
(c) The third describes the King, while the fourth describes the nobles.
(d) Both describe the lady’s childhood.
Answer: (a) The third
presents the challenge, while the fourth presents the Count’s response to it.
83. Which literary device
is most important in the poem’s final moral contrast?
(a) Antithesis
(b) Onomatopoeia
(c) Simile
(d) Apostrophe
Answer: (a) Antithesis
84. Which statement best
describes Count de Lorge?
(a) He is physically courageous but morally weak.
(b) He is physically courageous and morally self-respecting.
(c) He is timid but vain.
(d) He is selfish and dishonest.
Answer: (b) He is
physically courageous and morally self-respecting.
85. Which statement best
describes the lady?
(a) She is beautiful but vain.
(b) She is ugly but wise.
(c) She is timid but compassionate.
(d) She is courageous but humble.
Answer: (a) She is
beautiful but vain.
Three-Mark Questions and Answers
1. Describe the setting of the poem as presented in the opening stanza.
The poem opens in a royal arena where King Francis watches lions fighting.
Nobles fill the benches, while richly dressed ladies watch the spectacle. Count
de Lorge sits among them beside the lady he loves. The scene combines royalty,
valour, love and the wildness of the lions.
2. How does Leigh Hunt introduce King Francis in the poem?
Leigh Hunt introduces King Francis as a hearty, cheerful and pleasure-loving
king who enjoys royal entertainment. He is seated watching lions fight in the
arena. His presence establishes the royal setting and connects the themes of
courage, spectacle and love that develop throughout the poem.
3. How is Count de Lorge introduced in the first stanza?
Count de Lorge is introduced as a nobleman sitting among the spectators at the
royal spectacle. He is in love with a beautiful lady sitting nearby. The phrase
“with one for whom he sighed” reveals his deep romantic longing and establishes
the love relationship central to the poem.
4. What does the poet mean by “a gallant thing to see that crowning
show”?
The expression describes the magnificent spectacle before the spectators. The
scene includes the king, nobles, ladies, the lovers, and the fierce lions. It
is “gallant” because it combines grandeur, bravery and romantic interest,
making the royal spectacle impressive and exciting.
5. Explain the significance of “Valour and love, and a king above, and
the royal beasts below.”
These lines summarize the principal elements of the opening scene. “Valour”
suggests courage, “love” introduces the Count and his beloved, “a king above”
represents royalty, and “royal beasts below” refers to the fighting lions.
Together, they establish the poem’s major themes and dramatic setting.
6. Why is the first stanza important to the development of the poem?
The first stanza establishes the characters, setting and central themes. King
Francis, Count de Lorge and his beloved are introduced against the exciting
background of lion fighting. The combination of love and courage prepares the
reader for the lady’s dangerous test and the Count’s response.
7. How does the poet describe the fight between the lions?
The poet presents the fight as violent and terrifying. The lions ramp, roar,
bite and glare at one another. Their powerful blows create rushing air, while
their rolling fills the pit with sand and mane. Bloody foam flies through the
air, emphasizing the ferocity of their struggle.
8. Explain the expression “horrid laughing jaws.”
“Laughing jaws” personifies the lions by attributing human laughter to them.
However, the adjective “horrid” makes the image frightening rather than
pleasant. The expression vividly presents their open, terrifying mouths and
sharp teeth, emphasizing their wildness and the dangerous nature of the
spectacle.
9. Explain the significance of “They bit, they glared, gave blows like
beams.”
The line presents the lions as extremely violent and powerful. “Bit” and
“glared” describe their aggressive behaviour, while “blows like beams” is a
comparison emphasizing the tremendous force of their attacks. The rapid
sequence of actions also creates a sense of movement and excitement.
10. What is suggested by “a wind went with their paws”?
The expression emphasizes the tremendous force and speed of the lions’
movements. It suggests that their powerful paw-strokes were so violent that
they produced a strong rush of air. The statement also uses exaggeration to
make the lions appear more terrifying and powerful.
11. Explain the significance of “thunderous smother.”
“Thunderous smother” conveys the overwhelming noise and confusion created by
the fighting lions. Their rolling bodies, swirling sand and moving manes
produce a deafening and suffocating atmosphere. The expression intensifies the
violence of the scene and helps the reader imagine the terrifying spectacle.
12. Why does King Francis say, “we’re better here than there”?
King Francis realizes that the spectators are much safer outside the lions’
arena. The fierce animals are fighting violently, producing blood, noise and
dust. His humorous remark emphasizes the danger of entering the pit and
prepares for the later contrast between sensible caution and reckless bravery.
13. How does the second stanza create a sense of danger?
The poet uses vigorous verbs such as “ramped,” “roared,” “bit,” “glared” and
“rolled.” Images of powerful blows, rushing wind, sand, manes and bloody foam
make the scene vivid. These details create an atmosphere of violence and
danger, making entry into the arena appear extremely risky.
14. Describe Count de Lorge’s beloved as presented in the third stanza.
Count de Lorge’s beloved is described as a “beauteous lively dame” with smiling
lips and sharp, bright eyes. She appears attractive, energetic and confident.
However, her thoughts reveal vanity because she wants her lover to perform a
dangerous deed publicly so that she herself can gain glory.
15. What does the lady think about Count de Lorge’s bravery?
The lady considers Count de Lorge extraordinarily brave. She believes he is
capable of doing “wondrous things” to prove his love for her. Her confidence in
his courage motivates her to create a dangerous test, although her real purpose
is to gain admiration and glory.
16. Why does the lady decide to drop her glove?
The lady decides to drop her glove among the lions because she wants Count de
Lorge to retrieve it. She considers the situation a perfect opportunity to
prove his love and bravery publicly. Her desire for “great glory” reveals that
vanity, rather than genuine affection, motivates her challenge.
17. What does “great glory will be mine” reveal about the lady’s
character?
The expression reveals the lady’s vanity and desire for public admiration.
Instead of being concerned about her lover’s safety, she imagines the fame she
will receive if he performs the dangerous act. Her words therefore expose the
selfish motive behind what appears to be a test of love.
18. Why does the lady call the occasion “divine”?
The lady considers the occasion “divine” because the King, ladies, lovers and
other spectators are present. She sees this public gathering as a perfect
opportunity to demonstrate her lover’s courage and devotion. Her excitement,
however, reveals her vanity and desire to gain admiration before the assembled
crowd.
19. How does the third stanza prepare for the climax of the poem?
The third stanza introduces the lady’s plan to drop her glove among the lions.
She expects Count de Lorge to retrieve it as proof of his love. This decision
creates the central conflict and directly leads to the Count’s dangerous action
and his surprising final response.
20. What is the difference between the lady’s idea of love and true
love?
The lady believes love must be proved through a spectacular and dangerous
action. True love, however, should rest on trust, affection and mutual respect.
Her demand is motivated by vanity, while the Count’s final response shows that
genuine love should not be exploited to satisfy selfish pride.
21. Describe Count de Lorge’s action after the glove is dropped.
Count de Lorge immediately bows and leaps into the lions’ arena. He quickly
retrieves the glove and returns to his place. Although his action proves
remarkable physical courage, he does not accept the lady’s challenge as a
legitimate test of love.
22. Why does Count de Lorge throw the glove into the lady’s face?
He throws the glove back to reject her vain and unreasonable demand. Although
he courageously risked his life to retrieve it, he refuses to allow his bravery
to become a means of satisfying her vanity. His action demonstrates both
physical and moral courage.
23. What is the significance of the Count’s quick return?
The Count’s quick return emphasizes his remarkable courage, confidence and
physical ability. He enters a dangerous arena, retrieves the glove and comes
back almost immediately. The speed of his action heightens the drama and makes
his subsequent rejection of the lady’s challenge even more striking.
24. How does King Francis react to Count de Lorge’s action?
King Francis approves of the Count’s response and declares, “By God! rightly
done!” He recognizes that the Count has correctly rejected the lady’s foolish
demand. His final statement condemns vanity and establishes the moral lesson
that genuine love should not impose such dangerous tests.
25. Explain the meaning of “No love, but vanity, sets love a task like
that.”
King Francis means that genuine love would never require someone to undertake
such a dangerous act merely to satisfy pride or gain admiration. The lady’s
challenge is motivated by vanity, not true affection. The statement therefore
provides the poem’s central moral about love and selfish pride.
26. How does the poem distinguish between physical and moral courage?
Count de Lorge demonstrates physical courage by entering the lions’ arena.
However, his greater moral courage appears when he rejects the lady’s
unreasonable challenge by throwing the glove back. Thus, the poem suggests that
true courage includes not only facing physical danger but also resisting
vanity.
27. How is vanity presented as different from genuine love?
Vanity seeks admiration and public recognition, whereas genuine love values
affection, trust and respect. The lady risks her lover’s safety to gain glory,
showing vanity. Count de Lorge rejects this behaviour, while King Francis
explicitly declares that such a dangerous task arises from vanity rather than
love.
28. Discuss the character of Count de Lorge.
Count de Lorge is courageous, decisive and self-respecting. He does not
hesitate to enter the dangerous arena and retrieve the glove. Yet he is not
blindly submissive. By throwing the glove back, he demonstrates moral
independence and rejects the lady’s attempt to turn love into a test of vanity.
29. Discuss the character of Count de Lorge’s beloved.
The lady is beautiful, lively and confident, but she is also vain and selfish.
She wants her lover to perform a dangerous act before an audience so that she
may gain glory. Her actions show that she values public admiration more than
her lover’s safety.
30. What role does King Francis play in the poem?
King Francis provides the royal setting and acts as a sensible observer of the
events. His final judgment gives the poem its moral force. By approving the
Count’s response and condemning vanity, he helps the reader understand the
difference between genuine love and selfish romantic display.
31. What is the central theme of “The Glove and the Lion”?
The central theme is the distinction between genuine love and vanity. The poem
shows that love should not be tested through dangerous acts merely to satisfy
pride or gain admiration. Through Count de Lorge’s response, Leigh Hunt
emphasizes courage, self-respect and sensible understanding of love.
32. What moral lesson does the poem convey?
The poem teaches that genuine love should be based on trust, affection and
respect rather than dangerous demonstrations. A person should not risk
another’s safety merely to satisfy vanity. Count de Lorge’s final rejection of
the lady’s challenge reinforces the importance of dignity and moral courage.
33. Explain the use of personification in “horrid laughing jaws.”
The poet personifies the lions by attributing the human action of “laughing” to
their jaws. The expression makes the lions appear almost human but in a
frightening manner. It vividly conveys their terrifying open mouths and
contributes to the threatening atmosphere of the lion fight.
34. Explain the simile “gave blows like beams.”
The poet compares the lions’ powerful blows to heavy beams. The comparison
emphasizes the tremendous force with which the animals strike one another. It
makes their physical strength more vivid and helps readers imagine the violence
and intensity of their struggle.
35. What is the effect of repetition in “The leap was quick, return was
quick”?
The repetition of “quick” emphasizes the extraordinary speed of Count de
Lorge’s movement. It shows that he entered the dangerous arena, retrieved the
glove and returned almost immediately. The repeated word also accelerates the
rhythm and increases the excitement of the episode.
36. Explain the significance of antithesis in “No love, but vanity.”
The phrase contrasts two opposing ideas: genuine love and selfish vanity. King
Francis makes it clear that the lady’s demand does not arise from true
affection. The antithesis sharpens the poem’s central moral distinction and
exposes the selfishness behind her apparently romantic challenge.
37. How does the poet use imagery in describing the lions?
The poet uses vivid visual and auditory imagery through expressions such as
“roared,” “bit,” “glared,” “bloody foam,” “sand and mane” and “thunderous
smother.” These images allow readers to hear the noise, see the violence and
imagine the frightening atmosphere of the arena.
38. How does Leigh Hunt use sound devices to make the lion fight vivid?
The poet uses alliteration and vigorous sounds in expressions such as “ramped
and roared” and “bit, they glared, gave blows.” The repeated consonant sounds
and forceful verbs create a rapid, energetic rhythm that reflects the violence
and movement of the fighting lions.
39. Explain the significance of “brave as brave can be.”
The expression emphasizes the extreme degree of Count de Lorge’s bravery in the
lady’s opinion. The repetition of “brave” intensifies the quality rather than
comparing two different things. Thus, it is better understood as an emphatic
expression involving repetition, not as a standard simile.
40. How does irony operate in the poem?
The lady expects her dangerous test to bring her “great glory,” but the result
is the opposite. Count de Lorge retrieves the glove only to throw it back at
her, exposing her vanity. Thus, the situation becomes ironic because her
attempt to gain admiration leads to embarrassment.
41. What does the line “we’re better here than there” reveal about King
Francis?
The line shows that King Francis is practical and aware of danger. He
recognizes the violent nature of the lions’ fight and understands that the
spectators are safer outside the arena. The humorous remark also creates a
contrast with the Count’s later willingness to enter the dangerous pit.
42. Why is the glove important to the development of the plot?
The glove becomes the object through which the lady tests Count de Lorge’s
love. Its deliberate dropping creates the main conflict and leads to his
dangerous entry into the arena. When he throws it back, it becomes a symbol of
his rejection of vanity.
43. Why is the ending of the poem particularly effective?
The ending is effective because the Count’s unexpected response overturns the
lady’s expectation. She expects admiration after he retrieves the glove, but he
throws it back at her. King Francis then explains the moral significance,
making the ending both dramatic and instructive.
44. How does the poem combine romance with danger?
The poem begins with Count de Lorge’s love for a beautiful lady and places
their relationship within a dangerous lion-fighting spectacle. The lady then
connects love with physical risk by demanding the retrieval of her glove. Thus,
romantic love becomes intertwined with danger and courage.
45. How does the poem expose the danger of confusing love with vanity?
The lady confuses genuine love with a public demonstration of courage. Her
demand places Count de Lorge in unnecessary danger because she wants personal
glory. His rejection of her challenge exposes the foolishness of such behaviour
and establishes the principle that love should not serve selfish vanity.
46. Why can Count de Lorge’s final action be considered the real climax
of the poem?
Although retrieving the glove is physically dramatic, the Count’s decision to
throw it back provides the poem’s moral climax. His action rejects the lady’s
vanity and transforms a heroic deed into a statement about dignity,
self-respect and the true nature of love.
47. How does the poem move from spectacle to moral instruction?
The poem begins with the exciting spectacle of royal entertainment and fighting
lions. The lady then turns the spectacle into a test of love. Finally, King
Francis interprets the Count’s response and condemns vanity, transforming the
adventurous narrative into a moral lesson about genuine love and self-respect.
48. Why does the poet present the lady’s vanity through her own
thoughts?
By revealing the lady’s private thoughts, the poet allows readers to understand
her real motive. Her desire for “great glory” makes it clear that she is not
primarily concerned with love or her lover’s safety. This direct insight helps
establish the contrast between vanity and genuine affection.
Four-Mark Questions
1. Describe the royal
spectacle presented in the opening stanza of the poem.
The opening stanza presents a magnificent royal spectacle arranged for King
Francis. The King watches lions fighting in the arena while nobles fill the
benches and richly dressed ladies watch the event. Among them sits Count de
Lorge beside the lady he loves. The poet combines royalty, courage, love and
the fierce lions to create an atmosphere of grandeur and excitement. This
setting prepares the reader for the dramatic events that follow.
2. How does Leigh Hunt
create a vivid picture of the lion fight?
Leigh Hunt uses powerful verbs, striking imagery and sound effects to describe
the lions’ violent struggle. They “ramped and roared,” bit and glared at one
another, and struck powerful blows. Their movements create rushing wind, while
sand, manes and “bloody foam” fill the arena. Expressions such as “horrid
laughing jaws” and “thunderous smother” make the scene frightening and
energetic. The description effectively conveys the lions’ enormous strength and
the danger of the arena.
3. Explain how the second
stanza establishes an atmosphere of danger and violence.
The second stanza is filled with violent actions and frightening images. The
lions bite, glare and strike one another with enormous force. Their paws create
rushing air, while their struggle produces sand, moving manes and bloody foam.
Words such as “horrid,” “bloody” and “thunderous” intensify the frightening
atmosphere. King Francis’s remark that they are safer outside the arena
confirms the seriousness of the danger and prepares the reader for the Count’s
daring entry.
4. Describe the character
of Count de Lorge as revealed in the poem.
Count de Lorge is presented as a remarkably courageous and self-respecting man.
He does not hesitate to enter the dangerous lion pit to retrieve the lady’s
glove. However, his courage is not blind obedience. After returning, he throws
the glove into her face, rejecting her vain test. Thus, he possesses both
physical and moral courage. His actions show that true bravery includes the
ability to resist foolish demands and preserve one’s dignity.
5. Describe the character
of Count de Lorge’s beloved.
Count de Lorge’s beloved is beautiful, lively and confident, with “smiling
lips” and “sharp bright eyes.” However, beneath her attractive appearance lies
considerable vanity. She wants her lover to perform a dangerous act before the
assembled spectators so that she can gain “great glory.” She is more interested
in public admiration than his safety. Her behaviour therefore exposes the
difference between genuine love and selfish pride, which becomes the central
moral concern of the poem.
6. Why does the lady
decide to drop her glove among the lions? What does this reveal about her?
The lady drops her glove because she wants Count de Lorge to retrieve it and
thereby prove his love and bravery before everyone. She considers the occasion
perfect because the King, ladies and lovers are watching. Her statement that
“great glory will be mine” reveals her real motive. She is not genuinely
concerned about love; instead, she seeks admiration and fame. Her action
therefore reveals her vanity, selfishness and immature understanding of love.
7. How does Count de
Lorge respond to the lady’s challenge, and what does his response reveal?
Count de Lorge immediately bows and leaps into the lions’ arena. He retrieves
the glove and returns to his place with remarkable speed. However, instead of
returning it affectionately, he throws it into the lady’s face. His response
reveals two kinds of courage. His entry demonstrates physical bravery, while
his rejection of the lady’s foolish demand demonstrates moral courage and
self-respect. He refuses to allow genuine love to become an instrument of
vanity.
8. Explain the
significance of King Francis’s statement, “No love, but vanity, sets love a
task like that.”
King Francis’s statement expresses the central moral of the poem. He observes
that genuine love would never demand such a dangerous act merely to satisfy
personal pride or gain public admiration. The lady’s challenge is motivated by
vanity rather than sincere affection. By approving Count de Lorge’s response,
the King distinguishes true love from selfish romantic display. The statement
therefore transforms the adventurous story into a clear moral lesson about
love, dignity and vanity.
9. What is the central
theme of “The Glove and the Lion”?
The central theme of the poem is the distinction between genuine love and
vanity. The lady believes that love must be proved through a dangerous public
act, while Count de Lorge rejects this idea. His courage in entering the lion
pit proves his bravery, but his final rejection of the glove proves his wisdom
and self-respect. Through King Francis’s final judgment, Leigh Hunt teaches
that true love should be based on affection and trust, not selfish pride.
10. What moral lesson
does the poem convey?
The poem teaches that love should never be tested through reckless or dangerous
acts merely to satisfy vanity. The lady places her lover in danger because she
wants public glory, but Count de Lorge ultimately rejects her demand. His
actions demonstrate that genuine courage involves not only facing physical
danger but also refusing unreasonable demands. The poem therefore emphasizes
love, dignity, wisdom and self-respect over empty displays of bravery or public
admiration.
11. How does the poem
distinguish between physical courage and moral courage?
Count de Lorge demonstrates physical courage by entering the lions’ arena
without hesitation and retrieving the glove. However, his moral courage is
shown when he throws the glove back at the lady and rejects her unreasonable
demand. Physical courage enables him to face the lions, whereas moral courage
enables him to resist vanity. The poem therefore suggests that true bravery is
not merely the ability to face danger but also the strength to make morally
sensible decisions.
12. How does vanity
influence the action of the poem?
Vanity is the force that sets the main action in motion. The lady wants public
recognition and believes that her lover’s dangerous deed will bring her “great
glory.” Her vanity leads her to drop the glove among the lions. Count de Lorge
responds courageously but finally rejects her demand by throwing the glove
back. King Francis then identifies vanity as the real motive behind the
challenge. Thus, vanity drives the conflict and provides the poem’s moral
lesson.
13. How does the poem
present the idea of true love?
The poem presents true love as something that should involve affection, trust,
respect and understanding rather than dangerous tests. The lady’s demand
represents a distorted form of love because it risks her lover’s life for the
sake of public admiration. Count de Lorge’s final action rejects this idea.
Through King Francis’s judgment, the poet makes clear that genuine love does
not require reckless demonstrations and should never be controlled by vanity.
14. Discuss the use of
imagery in “The Glove and the Lion.”
The poem contains vivid visual and auditory imagery, particularly in the
description of the lions. Words such as “roared,” “glared,” “bloody foam,”
“sand and mane” and “thunderous smother” enable readers to hear and visualize
the violent struggle. The imagery makes the arena appear frightening and
dangerous. The poet also creates visual images of the royal audience and the
beautiful lady. Thus, imagery contributes greatly to the poem’s dramatic
quality and emotional impact.
15. Discuss the use of
literary devices in the poem.
Leigh Hunt employs several literary devices to make the poem vivid and
memorable. “Horrid laughing jaws” uses personification, while “blows like
beams” is a simile. “Ramped and roared” employs alliteration, and “The leap was
quick, return was quick” uses repetition. The contrast between “love” and
“vanity” creates antithesis. These devices strengthen the descriptions,
emphasize the characters’ qualities and reinforce the poem’s central moral
concerning genuine love and selfish vanity.
16. Explain the
significance of the glove as a symbol in the poem.
The glove symbolizes the lady’s vain test of love. By dropping it among the
lions, she turns an ordinary object into a dangerous challenge designed to
demonstrate her lover’s devotion publicly. Count de Lorge retrieves it
courageously but then throws it back at her, rejecting the purpose behind the
challenge. Thus, the glove becomes a symbol of vanity, unreasonable demands and
the distinction between genuine affection and artificial demonstrations of
love.
17. How does Leigh Hunt
use contrast to strengthen the poem’s message?
The poet uses several contrasts to develop the poem’s message. The peaceful
spectators are contrasted with the violent lions; the lady’s beauty is
contrasted with her vanity; and the Count’s physical courage is contrasted with
her selfish demand. Most importantly, genuine love is contrasted with vanity in
the final statement. These oppositions make the moral clearer and show that
courage and love become meaningful only when guided by wisdom, dignity and
genuine affection.
18. Trace the development
of thought in the poem.
The poem begins with a grand royal spectacle involving King Francis, nobles,
lovers and fighting lions. The second stanza intensifies the sense of danger
through a vivid description of the animals. The third introduces the lady’s
vain plan to test her lover’s love. The fourth presents the Count’s courageous
response and rejection of the test. Finally, King Francis explains the moral,
distinguishing genuine love from vanity and reckless display.
19. How does the poem
move from a royal spectacle to a moral lesson?
Initially, the poem focuses on the exciting royal spectacle of lions fighting
before King Francis and the assembled audience. The lady then turns this
spectacle into a personal test of love by dropping her glove among the lions.
Count de Lorge’s courageous action and rejection of the glove lead King Francis
to make the final moral judgment. Thus, the poem gradually moves from
entertainment and adventure to reflection on love, vanity and dignity.
20. Why is the ending of
the poem particularly effective?
The ending is effective because it unexpectedly reverses the lady’s
expectations. She expects Count de Lorge’s heroic act to bring her glory, but
he throws the glove back into her face. King Francis immediately approves his
action and explains that only vanity would impose such a dangerous task. The
ending therefore combines surprise, humour and moral instruction. It also
leaves the reader with the poem’s central message about genuine love and
self-respect.
21. How does the poem
combine elements of romance, adventure and morality?
The poem combines romance through the relationship between Count de Lorge and
his beloved, adventure through the dangerous lion-fighting spectacle, and
morality through King Francis’s final judgment. The lady’s romantic challenge
creates the adventure, while the Count’s response transforms it into a moral
lesson. These three elements work together effectively, making the poem
entertaining while also encouraging readers to distinguish genuine love from
vanity and reckless romantic display.
22. Why is Count de
Lorge’s final act more significant than his entry into the lion pit?
Entering the lion pit proves that Count de Lorge is physically courageous, but
throwing the glove back demonstrates deeper wisdom and moral independence. He
refuses to allow his courage to be exploited for someone else’s vanity. His
final act therefore carries the poem’s central message. It shows that genuine
strength lies not only in facing external danger but also in resisting
unreasonable demands and preserving one’s dignity.
23. How does the poet
create humour at the end of a dangerous situation?
The poem develops considerable tension as Count de Lorge enters the lions’
arena, but the ending suddenly introduces humour. After performing the heroic
act of retrieving the glove, he throws it directly into the lady’s face. King
Francis approves this unexpected response. The contrast between the dangerous
adventure and the almost comic ending creates humour while simultaneously
exposing the lady’s vanity and reinforcing the poem’s serious moral.
24. How does King Francis
function as the moral voice of the poem?
King Francis first appears as a spectator enjoying the royal sport, but he
eventually becomes the poem’s moral commentator. His remark about being safer
outside the arena shows practical wisdom. At the end, his approval of the Count
and condemnation of vanity explicitly interpret the events. His final statement
provides the reader with the poem’s central lesson that genuine love should
never impose dangerous tasks simply to satisfy selfish pride.
25. Why is the title “The
Glove and the Lion” appropriate?
The title is appropriate because the glove and the lion are central to the
poem’s action and meaning. The lion represents danger and the extreme challenge
faced by Count de Lorge, while the glove represents the lady’s vain test of
love. Together, they create the dramatic situation through which the Count’s
courage and self-respect are revealed. The title therefore captures both the
physical adventure and the moral conflict at the heart of the poem.
REFERENCE TO CONTEXT
STANZA 1
“King Francis was a
hearty king, and loved a royal sport,
And one day as his lions fought, sat looking on the court;
The nobles filled the benches, and the ladies in their pride,
And ’mongst them sat the Count de Lorge, with one for whom he sighed:
And truly ’twas a gallant thing to see that crowning show,
Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below.”
1. What royal spectacle
is described in this extract, and who are present at the event?
The extract describes a grand royal spectacle in which King Francis watches
lions fighting in an arena. Nobles occupy the benches, while richly dressed
ladies watch the event. Count de Lorge is also present with the lady he loves.
The scene combines royalty, love, courage and dangerous entertainment.
2. How is Count de Lorge
introduced in the extract? What does “with one for whom he sighed” suggest?
Count de Lorge is introduced as a nobleman sitting among the spectators beside
the lady he loves. The expression “with one for whom he sighed” suggests that
he deeply longs for her affection. It establishes the romantic relationship
between them and introduces love as one of the poem’s important themes.
3. Explain the
significance of “Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts
below.”
The line brings together the major elements of the opening scene. “Valour”
represents courage, “love” represents the relationship between the Count and
his beloved, “a king above” represents royalty, and “royal beasts below” refers
to the lions. These elements create the poem’s grand and dramatic setting.
4. How does this extract
prepare the reader for the events that follow?
The extract introduces the King, Count de Lorge, his beloved and the dangerous
lions. It establishes the themes of love and courage before the lady creates
her test. The presence of the lions is especially significant because they
later become the source of the Count’s dangerous challenge, leading to the
climax and moral conclusion of the poem.
5. Discuss how the first
stanza establishes the setting, characters and major themes of the poem.
The first stanza establishes a magnificent royal setting where King Francis
watches lions fighting before nobles and ladies. It introduces Count de Lorge
and the lady he loves, thereby establishing the theme of love. The lions and
the royal spectacle introduce danger and courage. Thus, the stanza prepares the
reader for the later conflict between genuine love, bravery and the lady’s
vanity.
STANZA 2
“Ramped and roared the
lions, with horrid laughing jaws;
They bit, they glared, gave blows like beams, a wind went with their paws;
With wallowing might and stifled roar they rolled on one another;
Till all the pit with sand and mane was in a thunderous smother;
The bloody foam above the bars came whisking through the air;
Said Francis then, ‘Faith, gentlemen, we’re better here than there.’”
1. How does Leigh Hunt
describe the lions and their fight in this extract?
Leigh Hunt presents the lions as fierce, powerful and terrifying. They ramp,
roar, bite, glare and strike one another with tremendous force. Their struggle
fills the arena with sand, manes, noise and bloody foam. The violent imagery
vividly conveys the danger and ferocity of the fighting animals.
2. Explain the
expressions “horrid laughing jaws” and “blows like beams.”
“Horrid laughing jaws” personifies the lions by giving their jaws a human
quality, making them appear frighteningly alive. “Blows like beams” is a simile
comparing the lions’ powerful strikes with heavy beams. Together, these
expressions emphasize the terrifying appearance and tremendous physical
strength of the fighting animals.
3. What is the
significance of King Francis’s statement, “we’re better here than there”?
King Francis observes that the spectators are safer outside the arena than
inside it. The violent lions are producing enormous noise, movement and blood.
His humorous remark emphasizes the seriousness of the danger and creates an
important contrast with Count de Lorge’s later decision to enter the dangerous
pit.
4. How does the poet
create an atmosphere of fear and violence in this extract?
The poet uses vigorous verbs such as “ramped,” “roared,” “bit,” “glared” and
“rolled.” Images of powerful blows, rushing wind, sand, manes and “bloody foam”
intensify the violence. Expressions like “horrid” and “thunderous smother”
further strengthen the frightening atmosphere, making the lions’ arena appear
extremely dangerous.
5. Examine the use of
imagery and sound devices in this stanza and explain their effect.
The stanza uses vivid visual and auditory imagery to make the lion fight
dramatic. Words such as “roared,” “glared,” “bloody foam” and “thunderous
smother” appeal to the senses. Alliteration in “ramped and roared” adds force
and rhythm. The energetic verbs and powerful sounds reproduce the violence of
the struggle and create an atmosphere of fear, movement and danger.
STANZA 3
“De Lorge’s love
o’erheard the King, a beauteous lively dame
With smiling lips and sharp bright eyes, which always seemed the same;
She thought, the Count my lover is brave as brave can be;
He surely would do wondrous things to show his love of me;
King, ladies, lovers, all look on; the occasion is divine;
I’ll drop my glove, to prove his love; great glory will be mine.”
1. How is Count de
Lorge’s beloved described in this extract?
She is described as a “beauteous lively dame” with smiling lips and sharp,
bright eyes. She appears attractive, energetic and confident. However, her
thoughts reveal considerable vanity. She wants her lover to perform a dangerous
act before everyone so that she can gain admiration and “great glory” from his
achievement.
2. Why does the lady
believe that Count de Lorge will retrieve the glove?
The lady considers Count de Lorge extremely brave and believes that he would do
extraordinary things to prove his love. She therefore assumes that he will
willingly enter the dangerous arena and retrieve her glove. Her confidence is
based on her belief that courage is the proper proof of love.
3. What does “great glory
will be mine” reveal about the lady’s character?
The expression reveals that the lady is motivated by vanity rather than genuine
concern for her lover. She is thinking about the fame and admiration she will
receive if Count de Lorge performs the dangerous deed. Her desire for personal
glory exposes the selfishness behind her apparently romantic challenge.
4. Explain the
significance of “I’ll drop my glove, to prove his love.”
The line introduces the central conflict of the poem. The lady deliberately
creates a dangerous test by dropping her glove among the lions. She believes
that retrieving it will prove her lover’s devotion. However, the test actually
exposes her vanity and creates the situation in which the Count ultimately
rejects her demand.
5. How does this stanza
reveal the difference between the lady’s idea of love and genuine love?
The lady believes that love must be demonstrated through a spectacular and
dangerous action. Her desire to gain “great glory” shows that she is more
concerned with public admiration than her lover’s safety. Genuine love,
however, should be based on affection, trust and respect. Her unreasonable
challenge therefore reveals the difference between true love and selfish
vanity.
STANZA 4
“She dropped her glove,
to prove his love, then looked at him and smiled;
He bowed, and in a moment leaped among the lions wild:
The leap was quick, return was quick, he has regained his place,
Then threw the glove, but not with love, right in the lady’s face.
‘By God!’ said Francis, ‘rightly done!’ and he rose from where he sat:
‘No love,’ quoth he, ‘but vanity, sets love a task like that.’”
1. How did Count de Lorge
respond when the lady dropped her glove?
Count de Lorge immediately bowed and leaped into the lions’ arena. He quickly
retrieved the glove and returned safely to his place. His immediate response
demonstrates extraordinary physical courage. However, his later action shows
that he does not accept the lady’s dangerous challenge as a proper test of
love.
2. Why did Count de Lorge
throw the glove into the lady’s face?
Count de Lorge threw the glove back because he rejected the lady’s vain and
unreasonable test. Although he courageously risked his life to retrieve it, he
refused to let his bravery become a means of satisfying her selfish desire for
glory. His action demonstrates both moral courage and self-respect.
3. What does King
Francis’s reaction reveal about his attitude towards the Count’s action?
King Francis strongly approves of the Count’s response, declaring, “By God!
rightly done!” He recognizes that the Count has correctly rejected the lady’s
foolish demand. The King understands that genuine love should not require such
dangerous demonstrations and therefore supports the Count’s decision to throw
the glove back.
4. Explain the
significance of the final line, “No love, but vanity, sets love a task like
that.”
The final line gives the poem its central moral. King Francis declares that
genuine love would never demand such a dangerous task merely to satisfy pride
or gain admiration. The lady’s challenge is therefore exposed as vanity rather
than love. The line emphasizes the importance of trust, dignity and genuine
affection in love.
5. How does the final
stanza bring together the poem’s themes of courage, love and vanity?
The final stanza brings the major themes together through Count de Lorge’s
actions. His entry into the lion pit demonstrates physical courage, while his
rejection of the glove demonstrates moral courage and self-respect. The lady’s
challenge exposes vanity disguised as love. King Francis’s final judgment
clearly establishes that genuine love should never demand dangerous acts merely
to satisfy selfish pride.
LITERARY DEVICES
STANZA 1
“King Francis was a hearty king, and loved a royal sport,
And one day as his lions fought, sat looking on the court;
The nobles filled the benches, and the ladies in their pride,
And ’mongst them sat the Count de Lorge, with one for whom he sighed:
And truly ’twas a gallant thing to see that crowning show,
Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below.”
1. Epithet
“hearty king” — “Hearty” is an epithet describing King
Francis as cheerful, warm-hearted and vigorous.
2. Metonymy
“the crown” / “crowning show” —
“Crowning” is associated with royalty and grandeur and evokes the presence and
authority of the King.
3. Inversion
“And ’mongst them sat the Count de Lorge” — The normal order would be “the Count de Lorge sat amongst them.”
The inversion gives emphasis to the Count’s presence.
4. Metonymy
“the ladies in their pride” — “Pride”
stands for the ladies’ proud and splendid appearance or bearing.
5. Synecdoche
“the ladies in their pride” — “Ladies”
refers collectively to the female members of the assembled aristocratic
audience.
6. Metaphorical expression
“with one for whom he sighed” — “Sighed”
does not literally mean merely breathing deeply; it expresses the Count’s
romantic longing for the lady.
7. Imagery
The stanza creates visual imagery through the pictures of the
King, nobles, ladies, Count de Lorge and the lions in the royal arena.
8. Antithesis / Contrast
“a king above … the royal beasts below” — The positions of the King and the lions are deliberately contrasted:
human royalty is above, while the “royal beasts” are below.
9. Metaphor
“royal beasts” — The lions are metaphorically called “royal”
because of their magnificence, power and association with the King’s spectacle.
10. Alliteration
“Valour and love” — The repeated consonantal
sound contributes to the musical quality of the line.
11. Enumeration
“Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below” — Several important elements of the scene are listed together, creating
a grand picture of the spectacle.
12. Climax
The stanza moves from valour and love to the King and
finally to the royal beasts, gradually expanding the grandeur of the
spectacle.
13. Symbolism
The lions symbolize danger and physical courage, while love
introduces the emotional conflict that will drive the later action.
STANZA 2
“Ramped and roared the lions, with horrid laughing jaws;
They bit, they glared, gave blows like beams, a wind went with their paws;
With wallowing might and stifled roar they rolled on one another;
Till all the pit with sand and mane was in a thunderous smother;
The bloody foam above the bars came whisking through the air;
Said Francis then, ‘Faith, gentlemen, we’re better here than there.’”
1. Inversion
“Ramped and roared the lions” — The
normal order is “The lions ramped and roared.” The inversion gives
immediate emphasis to their violent actions.
2. Personification
“horrid laughing jaws” — Human
laughter is attributed to the lions’ jaws, making the animals appear
frighteningly alive.
3. Onomatopoeia
“roared” — The word imitates or strongly suggests the
deep, harsh sound made by lions.
4. Alliteration
“Ramped and roared” — The repeated r
sound strengthens the force and rhythm of the description.
5. Simile
“gave blows like beams” — The
lions’ powerful blows are directly compared with beams using “like.”
6. Hyperbole
“a wind went with their paws” — The
expression exaggerates the force and speed of the lions’ paw-strokes.
7. Imagery
The stanza contains powerful visual, auditory and kinetic imagery:
“roared,” “glared,” “sand,” “mane,” “bloody foam” and “whisking through the
air.”
8. Metaphor
“thunderous smother” — The violent confusion and
deafening noise of the fight are metaphorically presented as a “thunderous
smother.”
9. Personification
“bloody foam … came whisking through the air” — The foam is described as if it actively moves through the air with
purposeful speed.
10. Alliteration
“stifled roar” — The repeated consonantal sound adds
musicality and reinforces the suppressed, heavy sound of the struggle.
11. Synecdoche
“paws” — The lions’ paws represent their attacking
physical force, with a part of the animal standing for the action of the whole
animal.
12. Metonymy
“the pit” — “The pit” represents the entire arena where
the lions are fighting.
13. Antithesis
“here than there” — The words contrast the
relative safety of the spectators’ position with the danger inside the lions’
arena.
14. Humour / Irony
“we’re better here than there” — After
the frightening description of the lions, Francis’s simple observation creates
humorous relief and emphasizes how dangerous the arena is.
15. Climax
The description intensifies from roaring and biting to violent
blows, rolling bodies, sand and mane, and finally bloody
foam, creating a rising sense of danger.
STANZA 3
“De Lorge’s love o’erheard the King, a beauteous lively dame
With smiling lips and sharp bright eyes, which always seemed the same;
She thought, the Count my lover is brave as brave can be;
He surely would do wondrous things to show his love of me;
King, ladies, lovers, all look on; the occasion is divine;
I’ll drop my glove, to prove his love; great glory will be mine.”
1. Inversion
“De Lorge’s love o’erheard the King” — The
normal order would be “De Lorge’s love overheard the King.” The unusual
structure gives emphasis to the lady.
2. Epithet
“beauteous lively dame” — The
adjectives describe the lady’s physical beauty and energetic personality.
3. Imagery
“smiling lips and sharp bright eyes” creates
vivid visual imagery, allowing the reader to picture the lady’s
appearance.
4. Metaphor
“sharp bright eyes” — The eyes are described
metaphorically as “sharp,” suggesting alertness, intensity and a penetrating
gaze.
5. Hyperbole
“brave as brave can be” — The
repeated adjective expresses an extreme or maximum degree of bravery. It is not
a standard simile, because no two different things are being compared.
6. Repetition
“brave as brave” — The repetition of “brave”
emphasizes the lady’s very high opinion of Count de Lorge’s courage.
7. Hyperbole
“He surely would do wondrous things” — The lady
exaggerates the extraordinary deeds she expects her lover to perform to prove
his love.
8. Asyndeton
“King, ladies, lovers, all look on” — The
items are listed without conjunctions between them, creating speed and
emphasis.
9. Apostrophe / Direct address
“King, ladies, lovers, all look on” — The lady
mentally addresses the assembled audience, emphasizing the public nature of the
challenge.
10. Hyperbole
“the occasion is divine” — Calling
the occasion “divine” exaggerates its importance and reveals the lady’s
excitement.
11. Symbolism
“my glove” becomes a symbol of the lady’s test of
love and vanity.
12. Irony
“great glory will be mine” — The lady
expects glory, but her action ultimately exposes her vanity and makes her the
object of rejection.
13. Metonymy
“glory” represents public admiration, honour and
social recognition rather than literal glory.
14. Antithesis / Contrast
There is an implicit contrast between “love” and “glory.”
The lady claims to be testing love, but her real concern is personal glory.
15. Symbolism
The glove symbolizes the artificial and unreasonable test through
which the lady attempts to measure her lover’s affection.
16. Climax
The lady’s thought develops from recognizing the Count’s bravery →
expecting a wondrous deed → creating the challenge → anticipating “great
glory.”
STANZA 4
“She dropped her glove, to prove his love, then looked at him and
smiled;
He bowed, and in a moment leaped among the lions wild:
The leap was quick, return was quick, he has regained his place,
Then threw the glove, but not with love, right in the lady’s face.
‘By God!’ said Francis, ‘rightly done!’ and he rose from where he sat:
‘No love,’ quoth he, ‘but vanity, sets love a task like that.’”
1. Symbolism
“glove” — The glove symbolizes the lady’s vain and
dangerous test of love. Its return becomes a rejection of that test.
2. Inversion
“in a moment leaped among the lions wild” — The normal order would be “he leaped among the wild lions in a
moment.” The inversion gives emphasis to the sudden action.
3. Hyperbole
“in a moment” emphasizes the extraordinary speed with which
Count de Lorge responds to the challenge.
4. Repetition
“The leap was quick, return was quick” — The
repetition of “quick” emphasizes the remarkable speed of the Count’s movements.
5. Antithesis
“Then threw the glove, but not with love” — The physical act of throwing the glove is directly contrasted with
the absence of affectionate feeling behind it.
6. Irony
The lady expects the retrieval of the glove to prove the Count’s love,
but he throws the glove back into her face. Her attempt to gain glory therefore
ends in rejection.
7. Symbolism
The returned glove symbolizes Count de Lorge’s rejection of the
lady’s vanity and unreasonable test.
8. Metonymy
“the lady’s face” may be understood
metonymically as representing the lady herself; the Count’s gesture is directed
at her and her attitude.
9. Metonymy
“where he sat” refers to the King’s seat or position in the
royal gathering rather than merely the physical spot.
10. Antithesis
“No love, but vanity” contrasts
two opposite motives: genuine affection and selfish pride.
11. Paradoxical force
The Count performs an extremely dangerous act to prove love, yet
his final action shows that the real problem is the demand itself. The apparent
proof of love becomes a rejection of the lady’s conception of love.
12. Irony
The lady wants “great glory”, but instead of receiving
admiration, she receives public humiliation when the glove is thrown back at
her.
13. Climax
The action reaches its dramatic climax when Count de Lorge retrieves the
glove and then throws it directly into the lady’s face.
14. Anticlimax
After the extremely dangerous and dramatic lion episode, the climax ends
unexpectedly with the almost comic action of the glove being thrown into the
lady’s face.
15. Pun / Paronomasia
“love” in “not with love” and “No love,
but vanity” is used in a context that exposes the difference between
genuine affection and the lady’s self-centred conception of love. The repeated
word acquires contrasting meanings.
16. Metonymy
“By God!” — The expression invokes God’s name to
strongly emphasize Francis’s approval and emotional reaction.
17. Maxim / Aphorism
“No love, but vanity, sets love a task like that.” The final statement has the compact, memorable quality of an aphorism
and directly expresses the poem’s moral
