THE GLOVE AND THE LION By Leigh Hunt
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.
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."
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.
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."
Glossary
1.
Hearty: Cheerful and energetic / खुशमिजाज और उत्साही
2.
Royal sport: Games or activities fit for a King / शाही खेल
3.
Sighed: Felt a deep longing or love for someone / आहें भरना (प्रेम में)
4.
Gallant: Brave and grand / भव्य
और साहसी
5.
Valour: Great courage in the face of danger / वीरता या पराक्रम
6.
Ramped: Stood on hind legs (like a lion) / पिछले पैरों पर खड़ा होना (आक्रामक मुद्रा में)
7.
Horrid: Very unpleasant or scary / भयानक या डरावना
8.
Beams: Heavy pieces of wood (referring to the strength of lion's paws) / भारी प्रहार (लकड़ी के लट्ठों जैसे)
9.
Wallowing: Rolling around / लोट-पोट होना
10.
Stifled: Suffocated or suppressed / दुक गई (आवाज)
11.
Smother: A thick cloud of dust or smoke / धूल या धुएं का गुबार
12.
Whisking: Moving quickly through the air / तेजी से हवा में उड़ना
13.
Beauteous: Very beautiful / अत्यंत सुंदर
14.
Lively dame: An energetic lady / एक चंचल और उत्साही महिला
15.
Divine: Excellent or god-like / दिव्य या शानदार
16.
Quoth: Said (old English) / कहा
(पुराना अंग्रेजी शब्द)
17.
Vanity: Excessive pride in one's own appearance or achievements / घमंड या दिखावा
18.
Task: A piece of work or duty / कार्य या चुनौती
19.
Crowning: Complete / perfect / सर्वोच्च या
परम
20.
Mane: Long hair on the neck (of a lion) / शेर की गर्दन के बाल
21.
Glares: Stares angrily / घूरना या आंखें दिखाना
22.
Pride: A group of lions / शेरों का
समूह
23.
Wondrous: Wonderful or extraordinary / अद्भुत या आश्चर्यजनक
24.
Bow: To bend down in respect / सिर
झुकाना या नमस्कार करना
25.
Leaped: Jumped / कूदना
26.
Regained: Got back to a place / वापस प्राप्त करना या लौटना
27.
Glory: Cause of pride or pleasure / गर्व या आनंद का कारण
28.
Enamoured: Charmed or delighted / मोहित या आकर्षित
29.
Vivacious: Full of life and energy / जीवंत या चंचल
30.
Dame: A young lady / एक युवती या महिला
Summary in English
Once there was a King named Francis. He was a
kind-hearted king. His favourite sport was lion fight. He organized the event
in the royal stadium. There was a royal audience in the stands, one being the
Count de Lorge and his lover. The king also liked the lady.
As the royal lions entered the arena, they
growled, roared and stared at each other. They showed off their horrible fangs.
Soon they entered into a bloody fight, the blows were so mighty that they blew
off the mud into the air. The king commented that all the brave men were better
off in the stand than to be a part of such a ferocious fight.
The Count’s lover overheard the king’s comment
and she wanted to show off her lover’s bravery. She called out to the audience
to witness the rare scenario. She would throw her glove into the arena and the
brave count would get it back for her to prove his love. Once she threw it and
smiled at the count, he bowed at her.
The count was quick to jump into the arena and
get the glove without allowing the lions enough time to react. He got the glove
and threw it at his beloved’s face. The king commented that the Count’s action
was justified. No true lover will ever put the beloved’s life in danger. The
lady’s act showed her pride in her beauty and thus, she did not love the
Count.
Summary in Hindi
एक बार फ्रांसिस नाम का एक राजा था। वह एक दयालु राजा था । उनका पसंदीदा खेल शेरों की लड़ाई था। उन्होंने रॉयल स्टेडियम में कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया । स्टैंड में शाही दर्शक थे, जिनमें से एक काउंट डी लार्ज और उसकी प्रेमिका थी। राजा को भी वह स्त्री पसंद थी ।
जैसे ही शाही शेर मैदान में दाखिल हुए, वे गुर्राने लगे, दहाड़ने लगे और एक-दूसरे को घूरने लगे। उन्होंने अपने भयानक दाँत दिखाये। जल्द ही वे एक खूनी लड़ाई में शामिल हो गए, वार इतने शक्तिशाली थे कि उन्होंने कीचड़ को हवा में उड़ा दिया। राजा ने टिप्पणी की कि सभी बहादुर लोगों के लिए ऐसी भीषण लड़ाई का हिस्सा बनने से बेहतर है कि वे बाहर ही खड़े रहें।
काउंट की प्रेमिका ने राजा की टिप्पणी सुनी और वह अपने प्रेमी की बहादुरी दिखाना चाहती थी। उन्होंने दर्शकों से इस दुर्लभ परिदृश्य को देखने का आह्वान किया। वह अपना दस्ताना अखाड़े में फेंक देगी और बहादुर काउंट उसे अपना प्यार साबित करने के लिए वापस ले आएगा। एक बार जब उसने उसे फेंक दिया और प्रेमी को देखकर मुस्कुराई, तो वह उसकी ओर झुक गया।
काउंट ने शेरों को प्रतिक्रिया करने के लिए पर्याप्त समय दिए बिना मैदान में कूदने और दस्ताना हासिल करने की जल्दी की। उसने दस्ताना निकाला और उसे अपनी प्रेमिका के चेहरे पर फेंक दिया। राजा ने टिप्पणी की कि काउंट की कार्रवाई उचित थी। कोई भी सच्चा प्रेमी कभी भी प्रेमिका की जान खतरे में नहीं डालेगा। महिला के कृत्य ने उसे अपनी सुंदरता पर गर्व दिखाया और इस प्रकार, वह काउंट से प्यार नहीं करती थी।
OVERALL MCQs
1. Who is the poet of “The Glove and the
Lion”?
A. Lord Byron
B. Leigh Hunt
C. John Keats
D. Alfred Tennyson
Answer: B. Leigh Hunt
2. King Francis loved which kind of sport?
A. Hunting deer
B. Jousting
C. Watching lions fight
D. Horse racing
Answer: C. Watching lions fight
3. Where was King Francis sitting while
watching the lions?
A. In the arena
B. In the pit
C. On the court
D. On the battlefield
Answer: C. On the court
4. Who filled the benches in the court?
A. Soldiers and guards
B. Merchants and priests
C. Nobles and ladies
D. Peasants and workers
Answer: C. Nobles and ladies
5. Among the nobles sat Count de Lorge
with—
A. His sister
B. His wife
C. A lady he loved
D. The Queen
Answer: C. A lady he loved
6. The phrase “for whom he sighed” shows—
A. Fear
B. Anger
C. Love
D. Hatred
Answer: C. Love
7. What makes the scene a “crowning show”?
A. Music and dance
B. Valour, love, king, and lions
C. War and victory
D. Feast and celebration
Answer: B. Valour, love, king, and lions
8. How are the lions described in the
poem?
A. Calm and silent
B. Playful and gentle
C. Ramped and roaring
D. Lazy and sleeping
Answer: C. Ramped and roaring
9. “Blows like beams” is an example of—
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Alliteration
D. Personification
Answer: B. Simile
10. What filled the pit during the fight?
A. Blood and bones
B. Smoke and fire
C. Sand and mane
D. Water and mud
Answer: C. Sand and mane
11. What reaction does King Francis give
during the fight?
A. Fear
B. Boredom
C. Relief at being safe
D. Pity for lions
Answer: C. Relief at being safe
12. Who overheard King Francis’ remark?
A. Count de Lorge
B. A courtier
C. De Lorge’s beloved
D. A soldier
Answer: C. De Lorge’s beloved
13. How is the lady described?
A. Proud and cruel
B. Wise and silent
C. Beauteous and lively
D. Shy and timid
Answer: C. Beauteous and lively
14. The lady believes Count de Lorge is—
A. Cowardly
B. Foolish
C. Brave
D. Weak
Answer: C. Brave
15. Why does the lady drop her glove?
A. By accident
B. To amuse the king
C. To test her lover’s love
D. To distract the lions
Answer: C. To test her lover’s love
16. Dropping the glove reflects the
lady’s—
A. True love
B. Vanity
C. Innocence
D. Fear
Answer: B. Vanity
17. What does Count de Lorge do after the
glove is dropped?
A. Ignores it
B. Cries out
C. Jumps among the lions
D. Leaves the court
Answer: C. Jumps among the lions
18. How is the leap described?
A. Slow and fearful
B. Long and painful
C. Quick and bold
D. Careless and weak
Answer: C. Quick and bold
19. What does Count de Lorge do after
returning safely?
A. Keeps the glove
B. Hands it politely
C. Throws it in the lady’s face
D. Gives it to the king
Answer: C. Throws it in the lady’s face
20. Throwing the glove shows his—
A. Anger and pride
B. Fear
C. Cruelty
D. Shame
Answer: A. Anger and pride
21. King Francis’ reaction to de Lorge’s
act is—
A. Anger
B. Disapproval
C. Praise
D. Shock
Answer: C. Praise
22. “By God! rightly done!” suggests—
A. Sarcasm
B. Admiration
C. Doubt
D. Fear
Answer: B. Admiration
23. According to King Francis, what sets
such a task?
A. True love
B. Honour
C. Courage
D. Vanity
Answer: D. Vanity
24. The central theme of the poem is—
A. Bravery in war
B. Love versus vanity
C. Man versus nature
D. Royal entertainment
Answer: B. Love versus vanity
25. The poem criticizes—
A. Kings
B. Lions
C. False tests of love
D. Court life
Answer: C. False tests of love
26. Count de Lorge proves his bravery by—
A. Fighting the king
B. Facing lions
C. Saving a lady
D. Winning a duel
Answer: B. Facing lions
27. The poem’s tone is mainly—
A. Tragic
B. Humorous
C. Satirical and moral
D. Romantic only
Answer: C. Satirical and moral
28. Lions in the poem symbolize—
A. Beauty
B. Love
C. Danger and death
D. Royalty
Answer: C. Danger and death
29. The lady’s action mainly reflects—
A. Sacrifice
B. Wisdom
C. Selfish pride
D. Loyalty
Answer: C. Selfish pride
30. The moral of the poem is—
A. Love demands sacrifice
B. Courage is foolish
C. True love should not be tested by vanity
D. Kings are always right
Answer: C. True love should not be tested by vanity
STANZA 1
MCQS
1.
King
Francis was described as
a) cruel
b) hearty
c) weak
d) gloomy
Answer: b) hearty
2.
King
Francis loved
a) poetry
b) hunting
c) a royal sport
d) music
Answer: c) a royal sport
3.
What
were the lions doing?
a) Sleeping
b) Roaring
c) Fighting
d) Running
Answer: c) Fighting
4.
Where
was King Francis sitting?
a) On the throne
b) In the gallery
c) On the court
d) In the arena
Answer: c) On the court
5.
Who
filled the benches?
a) Soldiers
b) Citizens
c) Nobles
d) Servants
Answer: c) Nobles
6.
Who
sat “in their pride”?
a) The nobles
b) The ladies
c) The soldiers
d) The courtiers
Answer: b) The ladies
7.
Which
nobleman is mentioned by name?
a) Count Paris
b) Count de Lorge
c) Count Angelo
d) Count Lorenzo
Answer: b) Count de Lorge
8.
The
Count de Lorge was sitting with
a) his wife
b) his sister
c) a lady he loved
d) the king
Answer: c) a lady he loved
9.
The
word “sighed” suggests
a) anger
b) sorrow
c) love
d) fear
Answer: c) love
10.
The
sight is described as
a) fearful
b) terrible
c) gallant
d) dull
Answer: c) gallant
11.
What
made the show “crowning”?
a) Wealth, power, pride
b) Valour, love, and a king
c) Lions, ladies, nobles
d) Music, dance, feast
Answer: b) Valour, love, and a king
12.
Who
was placed “above” in the scene?
a) The nobles
b) The ladies
c) The king
d) The lions
Answer: c) The king
13.
Who
were “below” in the scene?
a) Nobles
b) Ladies
c) Courtiers
d) Royal beasts
Answer: d) Royal beasts
14.
The
“royal beasts” refer to
a) horses
b) elephants
c) lions
d) bulls
Answer: c) lions
15.
The
poem shows a contrast between
a) rich and poor
b) love and hate
c) king and beasts
d) youth and age
Answer: c) king and beasts
16.
The
court was mainly a place of
a) judgment
b) entertainment
c) punishment
d) worship
Answer: b) entertainment
17.
The
nobles were seated on
a) thrones
b) chairs
c) benches
d) steps
Answer: c) benches
18.
The
poem reflects a society that enjoyed
a) peace
b) war
c) cruelty as sport
d) farming
Answer: c) cruelty as sport
19.
The
tone of the extract is mainly
a) humorous
b) admiring
c) tragic
d) sarcastic
Answer: b) admiring
20.
The
word “valour” refers to
a) beauty
b) courage
c) wealth
d) pride
Answer: b) courage
One-Mark Questions
1.
Who was the king mentioned in the poem?
Answer: King Francis.
2.
What kind of king was King Francis?
Answer: A hearty king.
3.
What did King Francis love?
Answer: A royal sport.
4.
What spectacle was King Francis watching?
Answer: Lions fighting.
5.
Where was the king sitting while watching
the lions?
Answer: On the court.
6.
Who filled the benches during the
spectacle?
Answer: The nobles.
7.
Who sat in pride among the spectators?
Answer: The ladies.
8.
Which nobleman is specifically named in
the poem?
Answer: The Count de Lorge.
9.
With whom was the Count de Lorge seated?
Answer: With a lady he loved.
10.
What feeling did the Count de Lorge have
for the lady?
Answer: He sighed for her (loved her).
11.
What word is used to describe the sight of
the gathering?
Answer: Gallant.
12.
What three elements made the show
“crowning”?
Answer: Valour, love, and a king.
13.
Who was above everyone in the scene?
Answer: The king.
14.
Where were the royal beasts positioned?
Answer: Below.
15.
What animals are referred to as “royal
beasts”?
Answer: Lions.
16.
What sport is described as “royal”?
Answer: Watching lions fight.
17.
Who were seated on benches?
Answer: The nobles.
18.
What emotion is associated with the Count
de Lorge?
Answer: Love.
19.
Which word suggests bravery in the poem?
Answer: Valour.
20.
What word shows admiration for the scene?
Answer: Gallant.
21.
Who is the central spectator of the event?
Answer: King Francis.
22.
What filled the court during the event?
Answer: Spectators—nobles and ladies.
23.
What activity were the lions engaged in?
Answer: Fighting.
24.
Which line indicates social hierarchy?
Answer: “And a king above, and the royal beasts below.”
25.
What does “’mongst” mean in the poem?
Answer: Among.
26.
What type of gathering is described in the
extract?
Answer: A royal spectacle.
27.
Which quality of the king is highlighted
first?
Answer: His hearty nature.
28.
What does the word “sighed” imply about
the Count?
Answer: He was in love.
29.
Who are described as watching in pride?
Answer: The ladies.
30.
What makes the scene visually impressive?
Answer: The presence of valour, love, royalty, and lions.
Two-Mark Questions
1.
Describe King Francis as presented in the
extract.
Answer: King Francis is portrayed as a hearty and pleasure-loving monarch who
enjoys royal sports. He sits calmly watching lions fight, showing his authority
and taste for grand spectacles that combine power, bravery, and entertainment.
2.
What scene is described in the royal
court?
Answer: The poem describes a magnificent royal spectacle where lions are
fighting in the court. The king watches from above, nobles fill the benches,
ladies sit proudly, and the entire gathering reflects courage, love, hierarchy,
and royal magnificence.
3.
Who was Count de Lorge and what is
revealed about him?
Answer: Count de Lorge is a nobleman seated among the spectators. He is shown
as a romantic figure, sitting beside a lady he loves deeply, indicated by the
word “sighed,” which highlights his silent admiration and devotion.
4.
How are social ranks shown in the extract?
Answer: Social hierarchy is clearly depicted: the king sits above all,
symbolizing supreme authority; nobles occupy the benches; ladies sit gracefully
among them; and the lions, though powerful, remain below, reinforcing human
dominance and royal order.
5.
Explain the significance of the phrase “a
crowning show.”
Answer: The phrase “a crowning show” signifies the perfection of the spectacle.
It unites valour shown by the lions, love represented by Count de Lorge, and
authority symbolized by the king, making the event grand and complete.
6.
What role do the lions play in the poem?
Answer: The lions represent raw courage and danger, providing thrilling
entertainment. Their fight forms the centre of the royal sport, emphasizing the
era’s fascination with power and bravery, even at the cost of cruelty.
7.
How does Leigh Hunt create admiration for
the scene?
Answer: Leigh Hunt uses elevated language like “gallant,” vivid contrasts of
above and below, and the blending of love, bravery, and royalty to create an
admiring tone, making the scene appear majestic rather than brutal.
8.
What theme is suggested through the
combination of love and valour?
Answer: The combination of love and valour suggests the theme of chivalry. The
poem highlights how romantic devotion and courage coexist in royal settings,
reflecting medieval ideals where bravery and refined love were equally valued.
Three-Mark Questions
1.
Describe the royal spectacle presented in
the extract.
Answer: The extract presents a grand royal spectacle where King Francis watches
lions fighting in his court as a form of entertainment. Nobles fill the
benches, ladies sit proudly, and the entire setting reflects splendour and
order. The scene blends danger and bravery with romance and authority, creating
a vivid picture of medieval courtly life and its fascination with power,
courage, and ceremonial display.
2.
How does Leigh Hunt portray King Francis
in the poem?
Answer: Leigh Hunt portrays King Francis as a hearty, pleasure-loving monarch
who enjoys grand and violent sports. Sitting above all in the court, he calmly
watches the lions fight, symbolising absolute authority. His presence dominates
the scene and highlights the values of royalty at the time, where courage,
spectacle, and power were admired and openly displayed.
3.
Examine the character and role of Count de
Lorge in the extract.
Answer: Count de Lorge appears as a nobleman distinguished by his romantic
nature. Seated among the spectators, he is deeply in love with a lady beside
him, as shown by his sighing. His presence introduces the theme of love into
the otherwise violent spectacle, balancing valour and brutality with emotion,
chivalry, and refined courtly affection.
4.
How is social hierarchy emphasized in the
extract?
Answer: Social hierarchy is clearly emphasized through positioning and
description. King Francis sits above everyone, representing supreme power and
control. The nobles occupy the benches, while the ladies sit proudly among
them. Below all are the lions, referred to as royal beasts, reinforcing the
idea that human authority, especially royal authority, dominates even the most
powerful animals.
5.
Discuss the significance of the phrase “a
crowning show.”
Answer: The phrase “a crowning show” suggests the completeness and magnificence
of the spectacle. It unites courage displayed by the lions, romantic love
represented by Count de Lorge, and royal authority symbolized by King Francis.
Together, these elements create a perfect display of medieval ideals, making
the event memorable, impressive, and worthy of admiration.
6.
What themes are introduced in this extract
of the poem?
Answer: The extract introduces themes of power, valour, love, and social order.
The lion fight represents bravery and cruelty, the king symbolizes authority
and dominance, and Count de Lorge’s love adds romance and chivalry. Together,
these themes reflect the values of a medieval court, where spectacle,
hierarchy, and emotional devotion coexist.
Stanza
2
MCQs
1.
The lions are described as “ramped and roared” to suggest
A.
joy and playfulness
B.
hunger and sleep
C.
fierce rage and violence
D.
trained obedience
Answer:
C
2.
“Horrid laughing jaws” is an example of
A.
simile
B.
metaphor
C.
personification
D.
alliteration
Answer:
C
3.
The phrase “gave blows like beams” uses
A.
metaphor
B.
simile
C.
hyperbole
D.
irony
Answer:
B
4.
The movement of the lions’ paws created
A.
silence
B.
music
C.
fear
D.
a rushing wind
Answer:
D
5.
“Wallowing might” refers to the lions’
A.
playful rolling
B.
lazy movement
C.
overwhelming strength
D.
weakness
Answer:
C
6.
The lions rolled
A.
calmly beside each other
B.
away from the pit
C.
on one another
D.
towards the audience
Answer:
C
7.
The pit was filled with sand and mane forming
A.
a peaceful scene
B.
a colourful sight
C.
a thunderous smother
D.
total silence
Answer:
C
8.
“Thunderous smother” mainly suggests
A.
darkness
B.
noise and confusion
C.
speed
D.
beauty
Answer:
B
9.
The foam described is
A.
white and calm
B.
harmless
C.
bloody
D.
invisible
Answer:
C
10.
The bloody foam came
A.
gently falling down
B.
through the air above the bars
C.
into the royal court
D.
into the cages
Answer:
B
11.
King Francis reacts to the scene with
A.
fear
B.
anger
C.
humour
D.
sorrow
Answer:
C
12.
“Faith, gentlemen” expresses
A.
prayer
B.
oath or exclamation
C.
command
D.
doubt
Answer:
B
13.
The king feels they are safer
A.
inside the pit
B.
among the lions
C.
where they are seated
D.
near the bars
Answer:
C
14.
The tone of the passage is mainly
A.
romantic
B.
humorous
C.
terrifying
D.
tragic
Answer:
C
15.
The description of the lions appeals most to the sense of
A.
smell
B.
taste
C.
sight and sound
D.
touch
Answer:
C
One-Mark
Questions
1.
Who are ramping and roaring in the extract?
Answer:
The lions.
2.
What do the lions do with their jaws?
Answer:
They laugh horribly and bite fiercely.
3.
What is compared to “beams”?
Answer:
The blows given by the lions.
4.
What moves with the lions’ paws?
Answer:
A strong wind.
5.
What does “stifled roar” suggest?
Answer:
A suppressed but powerful sound.
6.
What fills the pit during the fight?
Answer:
Sand and mane.
7.
How is the foam described?
Answer:
Bloody foam.
8.
Where does the foam whisk through?
Answer:
Above the bars through the air.
9.
Who speaks at the end of the extract?
Answer:
King Francis.
10.
What does King Francis say about their position?
Answer:
They are better and safer where they are seated.
Two-Mark
Questions
1.
How does the poet describe the ferocity of the lions in the arena?
Answer:
The poet presents the lions as wildly ferocious, roaring loudly, biting,
glaring, and striking violently. Their movements are so forceful that wind
follows their paws, creating a scene filled with terror, noise, and
uncontrollable animal power.
2.
Explain the meaning of “gave blows like beams.”
Answer:
The phrase compares the lions’ strikes to heavy beams, suggesting immense
strength and destructive force. The simile emphasizes how powerful and
dangerous each blow is, capable of causing serious harm and spreading fear
among the spectators.
3.
What effect is created by the phrase “a wind went with their paws”?
Answer:
This phrase highlights the extraordinary power and speed of the lions. Their
movements are so strong that they disturb the air, intensifying the violent
atmosphere and helping readers imagine the physical force involved in the
fight.
4.
Why is the pit described as a “thunderous smother”?
Answer:
The pit becomes chaotic due to roaring, rolling bodies, flying sand, and
tangled manes. The phrase conveys deafening noise and suffocating confusion,
making the arena seem overwhelmed by the violence of the lions’ struggle.
5.
What does “bloody foam” suggest about the fight?
Answer:
“Bloody foam” suggests extreme brutality and bloodshed. It indicates that the
lions are seriously wounded, and the fight is not merely for display but a
savage and dangerous spectacle filled with real violence.
6.
Comment on King Francis’s reaction to the scene.
Answer:
King Francis reacts humorously and calmly. Instead of fear, he jokes that it is
safer to watch from the stands, showing his confidence, royal composure, and
enjoyment of dangerous spectacles without personal involvement.
7.
How does sound imagery contribute to the passage?
Answer:
Sound imagery such as roaring, thunderous noise, and stifled cries creates an
intense atmosphere. It allows readers to hear the chaos of the fight, making
the scene vivid, frightening, and emotionally powerful.
8.
What contrast is implied in the king’s final remark?
Answer:
The king contrasts the violent danger inside the pit with the safety of the
spectators’ seats. His remark highlights the separation between royal comfort
and brutal entertainment, revealing the privileged detachment of those in
power.
Three-Mark
Questions
1.
Discuss how Leigh Hunt uses vivid imagery to portray the lion fight.
Answer:
Leigh Hunt employs striking visual and auditory imagery to make the fight
realistic and terrifying. Descriptions of roaring lions, glaring eyes, bloody
foam, flying sand, and thunderous noise appeal strongly to the senses. Similes
like “blows like beams” emphasize strength, while phrases such as “wind went
with their paws” intensify movement and violence, fully immersing the reader in
the brutal spectacle.
2.
Examine the significance of King Francis’s comment at the end of the extract.
Answer:
King Francis’s comment, “we’re better here than there,” reflects royal irony
and emotional distance. While the lions suffer in savage combat, the king
treats the event as amusement. His light-hearted remark underscores the
contrast between human cruelty and comfort versus animal suffering,
highlighting how power allows rulers to enjoy violence without facing its
consequences.
3.
How does the poet convey the uncontrollable power of nature through the lions?
Answer:
The lions represent raw, untamed natural power. Their roaring, violent blows,
rolling bodies, and blood-filled struggle show instincts beyond human control.
The poet’s language suggests chaos and force overwhelming the arena, reminding
readers that nature, when provoked or confined, can become destructive and
terrifying despite human attempts to dominate it.
4.
Analyse the role of similes in enhancing the dramatic effect of the passage.
Answer:
Similes such as “gave blows like beams” intensify the drama by making the
lions’ strength easily imaginable. These comparisons link animal force to
solid, destructive objects, heightening fear and realism. The similes help
readers visualize the danger vividly and underline the extraordinary physical
power present in the arena.
5.
What atmosphere does the extract create, and how is it achieved?
Answer:
The extract creates a terrifying and violent atmosphere. This is achieved
through aggressive verbs, harsh sounds, images of blood and chaos, and
descriptions of noise and movement. The cumulative effect of roaring lions,
flying foam, and thunderous confusion overwhelms the senses, making the scene
deeply intense and dramatic.
Stanza
3
MCQs
1.
Who is referred to as “De Lorge’s love” in the extract?
a)
A timid maiden
b)
A beauteous lively dame
c)
The Queen
d)
A court attendant
Answer:
b) A beauteous lively dame
2.
Which physical feature of the lady is especially highlighted?
a)
Her golden hair
b)
Her gentle voice
c)
Her smiling lips and sharp bright eyes
d)
Her graceful walk
Answer:
c) Her smiling lips and sharp bright eyes
3.
What quality of the Count does the lady admire most?
a)
His wisdom
b)
His wealth
c)
His bravery
d)
His loyalty
Answer:
c) His bravery
4.
What does the lady believe the Count will do to show his love?
a)
Write a poem
b)
Fight a duel
c)
Perform wondrous deeds
d)
Win a tournament
Answer:
c) Perform wondrous deeds
5.
Who are watching the scene according to the extract?
a)
Only the King and the Queen
b)
Soldiers and guards
c)
King, ladies, and lovers
d)
Nobles and priests
Answer:
c) King, ladies, and lovers
6.
Why does the lady consider the occasion “divine”?
a)
It is a religious festival
b)
The King commands it
c)
Everyone important is present
d)
It will prove true love
Answer:
d) It will prove true love
7.
What action does the lady plan to take to test the Count’s love?
a)
She will challenge him
b)
She will call him by name
c)
She will drop her glove
d)
She will leave the court
Answer:
c) She will drop her glove
8.
What does the lady hope to gain by dropping her glove?
a)
Wealth
b)
Honour for the King
c)
Great personal glory
d)
The Count’s forgiveness
Answer:
c) Great personal glory
9.
The line “as brave as brave can be” is an example of
a)
Metaphor
b)
Hyperbole
c)
Simile
d)
Irony
Answer:
b) Hyperbole
10.
The lady’s attitude in the extract can best be described as
a)
Modest and shy
b)
Proud and confident
c)
Fearful and hesitant
d)
Sad and thoughtful
Answer:
b) Proud and confident
One-Mark
Questions
1.
Who is De Lorge’s love?
Answer:
She is a beauteous, lively lady admired by Count de Lorge.
2.
Who overheard De Lorge’s love?
Answer:
The King overheard De Lorge’s love.
3.
How is the lady’s appearance described?
Answer:
She has smiling lips and sharp, bright eyes.
4.
What does the lady think about the Count’s bravery?
Answer:
She thinks he is as brave as anyone can be.
5.
What does the lady expect the Count to do for her love?
Answer:
She expects him to perform wondrous deeds.
6.
Who are watching the scene?
Answer:
The King, ladies, and lovers are watching.
7.
What does the lady plan to drop?
Answer:
She plans to drop her glove.
8.
Why does she drop her glove?
Answer:
To test and prove the Count’s love.
9.
What does the lady hope to gain by dropping the glove?
Answer:
She hopes to gain great glory.
10.
What kind of occasion does the lady call it?
Answer:
She calls the occasion divine.
Two-Mark
Questions
1.
Describe De Lorge’s love as presented in the extract.
Answer:
De Lorge’s love is a beauteous, lively lady with smiling lips and sharp, bright
eyes. She appears confident, proud, and fully aware of her charm and influence
over the Count.
2.
What does the lady believe about the bravery of Count de Lorge?
Answer:
The lady believes that Count de Lorge is extremely brave, “as brave as brave
can be,” and capable of performing extraordinary deeds to prove his love for
her.
3.
Why does the lady think the moment is suitable for testing the Count’s love?
Answer:
She thinks the moment is suitable because the King, ladies, and lovers are all
present, making it a grand public occasion worthy of heroic action and glory.
4.
What action does the lady plan to take to prove the Count’s love?
Answer:
The lady plans to drop her glove deliberately so that Count de Lorge may risk
his life to retrieve it and thus prove his love.
Three-Mark
Questions
1.
Explain the lady’s motive in dropping her glove.
Answer:
The lady drops her glove to test the depth of Count de Lorge’s love and
courage. She is confident in his bravery and expects him to perform a daring
act before the King and court. She also seeks admiration and personal glory.
2.
How does the poet present the lady’s character in this extract?
Answer:
The poet presents the lady as beautiful, lively, and proud. She is confident of
her lover’s bravery and enjoys public attention. Her decision to test the Count
shows her vanity and desire for glory rather than genuine concern for his
safety.
3.
Why is the occasion described as “divine” by the lady?
Answer:
The occasion is described as “divine” because it is a grand spectacle witnessed
by the King and the entire court. The lady believes that proving love in such a
public and noble setting will bring honour and lasting glory.
Stanza 4
MCQs
1. What did the lady drop to prove the Count of
Lorge's love?
a) Glove
b) Sword
c) Ring
d) Letter
Answer: a) Glove
2. What did the Count do immediately after the lady
dropped the glove?
a) He bowed and left
b) He leaped among the lions
c) He smiled and thanked her
d) He ignored her
Answer: b) He leaped among the lions
3. How did the Count retrieve the glove?
a) He asked someone to get it
b) He used a stick
c) He leaped among the lions
d) He waited for it to be brought
Answer: c) He leaped among the lions
4. What did the Count throw at the lady after
retrieving the glove?
a) A flower
b) The glove
c) A stone
d) A kiss
Answer: b) The glove
5. What was King Francis's reaction to the Count's
action?
a) He was angry
b) He was pleased
c) He was neutral
d) He was surprised
Answer: b) He was pleased
6. What did King Francis say was the motivation behind
the Count's action?
a) Love
b) Vanity
c) Bravery
d) Anger
Answer: b) Vanity
7. What does the glove symbolize in the poem?
a) Love
b) Bravery
c) Vanity
d) Kindness
Answer: a) Love
8. Who is the king in the poem?
a) King Francis
b) King Lorge
c) King Arthur
d) King Lear
Answer: a) King Francis
9. What is the tone of the poem?
a) Romantic
b) Satirical
c) Tragic
d) Comedic
Answer: b) Satirical
10. What is the theme of the poem?
a) Love
b) Bravery
c) Vanity
d) Friendship
Answer: c) Vanity
One-mark questions
1. What did the lady drop to test the Count's love?
Answer: Glove.
2. What did the Count do immediately after the lady
dropped the glove?
Answer: He leaped among the lions.
3. What did the Count throw at the lady after
retrieving the glove?
Answer: The glove.
4. What was King Francis's reaction to the Count's
action?
Answer: He was pleased.
5. What did King Francis say was the motivation behind
the Count's action?
Answer: Vanity.
6. What does the glove symbolize in the poem?
Answer: Love.
7. Who is the king in the poem?
Answer: King Francis.
8. What is the tone of the poem?
Answer: Satirical.
9. What is the theme of the poem?
Answer: Vanity.
10. What did the Count prove by his action?
Answer: His lack of love for the lady.
Two-Mark Questions
1. Why did the lady drop her glove among the lions?
Answer: The lady dropped her glove to test and prove
the Count de Lorge’s love. She wanted him to risk his life before the court to
display his bravery and devotion, driven by vanity rather than genuine
affection.
2. How did the Count de Lorge respond to the lady’s
challenge?
Answer: The Count immediately leapt into the arena
among the lions, retrieved the glove swiftly, and returned safely. His action
showed courage and presence of mind, but his later gesture revealed his true
feelings toward the lady.
3. What is suggested by the line “The leap was quick,
return was quick”?
Answer: The line emphasizes the Count’s bravery,
agility, and confidence. It shows that he faced danger without hesitation and
overcame it efficiently, highlighting his heroic ability and control even in a
life-threatening situation.
4. Why did the Count throw the glove in the lady’s
face?
Answer: He threw the glove at the lady to express his
contempt for her vanity and heartless test. It symbolized his rejection of a
love that demands reckless proof and public humiliation.
5. What does King Francis mean by saying “rightly
done”?
Answer: King Francis praises the Count’s final action,
not merely his bravery. He approves the rejection of shallow vanity and
recognizes that true love should not demand dangerous, pride-driven trials.
6. What contrast is shown between love and vanity in
the extract?
Answer: Love is presented as sincere and respectful,
while vanity is shown as selfish and cruel. The lady’s action stems from pride,
whereas the Count’s final response upholds dignity and self-respect.
Three-Mark Questions
1. Explain how the Count’s actions redefine the idea
of true love in the extract.
Answer: The Count first appears to accept the
traditional notion that love must be proven through daring acts. However, by
throwing the glove back at the lady, he redefines true love as something that
should not be tested through vanity or cruelty. His final gesture asserts that
genuine affection respects life and dignity rather than demanding dangerous
displays.
2. Discuss the role of King Francis in conveying the
moral of the poem.
Answer: King Francis acts as the voice of moral
judgment in the poem. By approving the Count’s action and condemning the lady’s
vanity, he clarifies the poem’s message that love should not impose reckless
challenges. His authority reinforces the idea that courage without self-respect
is meaningless, and that true love must be free from pride and ostentation.
3. How does the ending of the poem expose the lady’s
character?
Answer: The ending reveals the lady as vain,
superficial, and inconsiderate. Her smile after dropping the glove shows pride
in commanding admiration. The Count’s rejection exposes her lack of true
feeling, as she values public display over human life, making her unworthy of
genuine love.
Courtesy: Different AIs
Compiled and edited by Dr. Shankar D Mishra
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