The Worm
1. Read the poem aloud and you will find some old outdated words that we do not use in everyday language now.
However, some writers / poets use them to impart an old-fashioned flavour to suit the background of their write-up. Such words are called Archaic words.
Give the modern words for the archaic words from the poem.
Read any poem / sonnet by William Shakespeare. Pick out archaic words and guess what they mean.
Answer:
Modern words for archaic words:
- Thy → Your
- Being → Existence
- Bestow’d → Given
- Thee → You
- Thou → You
- Cans’t → Can
2. The poet uses a device where he directly addresses someone absent or abstarct. Such a device is the Figure of Speech called ‘Apostrophe’.
For example: Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside.
• Pick out any two other lines from the poem that contain an Apostrophe.
Answer:
Two lines from the poem that use Apostrophe:
“Turn, turn thy hasty foot aside”
“O do not lightly take away”
3. Think and answer in your own words in your notebook.
(a) Why does the poet appeal to us, to respect the life of a worm?
Answer: The poet urges us to respect all life forms, even the smallest creatures, because they, too, are part of God’s creation and contribute to the ecosystem.
(b) Why do you think God created worms? What is their ecological importance?
Answer: Worms help decompose organic matter, enrich the soil, and maintain ecological balance. They are often called “farmers’ friends” because they improve soil fertility.
(c) ‘Live and let live’ is a famous proverb. Which lines from the poem support this proverb?
Answer: “
Let them enjoy their little day,
Their lowly bliss received;”
(d) Does the poem urge us to protect only worms? What is the general message conveyed through this poem?
Answer: No, the poem conveys a broader message of respecting all living beings, regardless of size or significance. It encourages kindness and compassion for nature.
4. Find from the library or internet other poems composed on tiny living creatures. Try to understand the message in each of them.
Answer:
“To a Butterfly” by William Wordsworth
“The Spider and the Fly” by Mary Howitt
“The Ant and the Cricket” (Aesop’s fable in poetic form)
5. ‘Even small things in nature play a big role. So protect nature!’ Frame some slogans based on the above topic.
- Draft a short speech on the above topic, which you could give at your school assembly.
- Use the following steps while drafting.
- Greeting
- Introduction of the topic
- Expression of gratitude to the audience
- Salutation
- Body of the speech
- Self – introduction
- Conclusion
Answer:
Slogans on Nature Protection:
“Small creatures, big impact—Save them!”
“Respect all life, no matter how tiny!”
“Worms work hard, let’s do our part!”
“Nature thrives when all creatures survive!”
Short Speech on Protecting Nature:
(Greeting) Good morning everyone,
(Self-introduction) I am [Your Name], and today, I want to talk about the importance of even the smallest creatures in nature.
(Body) Many people overlook worms, bees, ants, and other tiny beings, but they are crucial for our environment. Worms improve soil health, bees pollinate flowers, and ants clean up waste. Without them, nature would struggle.
(Conclusion) Let’s appreciate and protect all creatures, no matter how small. Thank you!
6. Paraphrase the poem in your own simple language. Write it down in your notebook.
Answer:
The poet asks us not to harm the worm because it is also a creation of God. Every living being, including worms, has a role in nature. God has provided everything on Earth for all creatures, not just humans. The poem reminds us that we should not take a life we cannot give.
7. Frame a pointwise analysis of the poem ‘The Worm’. Use the following points.
Answer:
(a) Poem and Poet: “The Worm” by an unknown poet.
(b) Theme: Respect for all living beings, even the smallest ones.
(c) Tone: Compassionate and persuasive.
(d) Structure and Stanzas: The poem has four quatrains (four-line stanzas).
(e) Rhyme and Rhythm: The poem follows a rhythmic pattern with a simple rhyme scheme (ABAB).
(f) Language and Imagery: Uses simple yet powerful imagery, emphasizing the importance of worms in nature.
(g) Figures of Speech: Apostrophe, Personification, Metaphor.
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