The Frog and The Nightingale Class 10 CBSE English Communicative Summary, Analysis Questions Answers
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The Frog and The Nightingale Class 10 CBSE English Communicative Summary, Analysis Questions Answers
The Frog and The Nightingale
By Vikram Seth
Class 10 CBSE English Communicative
"The Frog and the Nightingale" is a delightful and thought-provoking poem written by Vikram Seth. The poem is a satirical fable that uses animals to portray the world of art, talent, and exploitation. It tells the story of a talented nightingale whose melodious singing captivates all the creatures in Bingle Bog. However, her talent becomes a curse when she encounters a cunning and manipulative frog who takes advantage of her naivety and tries to mold her into his own image, leading to a tragic end. Through this poetic narrative, Vikram Seth explores the themes of art, individuality, exploitation, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Summary of The Frog and The Nightingale
In the heart of Bingle Bog, a frog is known for his constant and monotonous croaking. Other creatures dislike his voice, but they have no choice but to bear with it. One night, a nightingale arrives on the sumac tree near the frog and enchants the entire bog with her mesmerizing song. Her beautiful melody receives admiration from all the creatures, and they cheer for her performance.
The frog, feeling threatened by the nightingale's talent, approaches her and claims to be the owner of the tree. He offers his services to the nightingale, promising to teach her and make her a better singer for a fee. The nightingale, eager to improve her art, agrees to the deal.
The frog becomes the nightingale's vocal coach and pushes her to practice continuously, even in unfavorable weather. As time passes, the nightingale's voice loses its natural charm, and her performances become dull and uninspired. The once adoring audience grows tired of her performances, leading to a decline in ticket sales.
Feeling disappointed and pressured, the nightingale tries her best to please the frog, but her efforts only lead to exhaustion and misery. Eventually, she succumbs to the strain and dies. The frog, without remorse, sees her death as a consequence of her inability to adapt to his manipulative tactics and believes his own performance to be superior.
The poem concludes with the frog's arrogant proclamation of his own singing prowess, declaring his voice as unrivaled in the bog.
Important Word-meanings from The Frog And the Nightingale
Croaked: Made a rough, harsh sound (like a frog's croak).
Cacophony: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Minstrelled: Sang or performed as a minstrel, a medieval entertainer.
Loathed: Felt intense dislike or disgust for something.
Serenaded: Performed a song or music to honor or woo someone.
Rapt: Completely fascinated or absorbed by something.
Solitary: Alone or without companionship.
Enraptured: Filled with great pleasure or delight.
Encore: A demand from the audience for a repeated performance.
Quivering: Trembling or shaking with a slight rapid motion.
Tidlers: Small fish or young fish.
Uninspired: Lacking in creativity or originality.
Morose: Sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered.
Panache: Flamboyant confidence or style.
Exploitation: The action of taking advantage of someone for personal gain.
Cunning: Clever and deceitful.
Naivety: Lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
Decline: A gradual decrease in quality or performance.
Adoration: Deep love and respect.
Unrivalled: Unmatched or unequalled in quality or performance.
Line by Line Analysis Of The Frog and The Nightingale
Lines 1-4:
Once upon a time a frog
Croaked away in Bingle Bog
Every night from dusk to dawn
He croaked awn and awn and awn.
Analysis:
The poem begins with a traditional fairy tale opening, setting the scene in the imaginary Bingle Bog. The frog's incessant and monotonous croaking is introduced, emphasizing its regularity from evening to morning. The repetition of "awn" in the last line highlights the unceasing nature of the frog's croaking, creating a sense of annoyance among other creatures in the bog.
Lines 5-9:
Other creatures loathed his voice,
But, alas, they had no choice.
And the crass cacophony
Blared out from the sumac tree
At whose foot the frog each night.
Analysis:
These lines emphasize the dislike other creatures have for the frog's voice, yet they are helpless and have no alternative but to tolerate it. The phrase "crass cacophony" describes the harsh and discordant sound of the frog's croaking. The sumac tree serves as the location where the frog performs each night, and its voice echoes from there, causing a disturbance in the bog.
Lines 10-14:
Minstrelled on till morning night.
Neither stones nor prayers nor sticks,
Insults or complaints or bricks
Stilled the frog's determination
To display his heart's elation.
Analysis:
Here, the frog's relentless determination to croak throughout the night is emphasized by the phrase "Minstrelled on till morning night." The use of various attempts, such as stones, prayers, and insults, by other creatures to stop the frog's croaking illustrates their frustration and helplessness. However, the frog remains steadfast, believing his incessant singing expresses his inner joy.
Lines 15-20:
But one night a nightingale
In the moonlight cold and pale
Perched upon the sumac tree
Casting forth her melody.
Dumbstruck sat the gaping frog
And the whole admiring bog.
Analysis:
A turning point in the poem occurs when a nightingale arrives one night and perches on the same sumac tree. The use of "moonlight cold and pale" sets a serene atmosphere for the nightingale's entrance. The contrast between the frog's constant croaking and the nightingale's melodious song is evident. The frog, awestruck, sits in silence, and the entire bog becomes enchanted by the nightingale's captivating melody.
Lines 21-25:
Stared towards the sumac, rapt,
And, when she had ended, clapped,
Ducks had swum and herons waded
To her as she serenaded
And a solitary loon
Wept, beneath the summer moon.
Analysis:
The nightingale's performance leaves the creatures of the bog entranced and full of admiration. They stare in wonder, and when she finishes, they applaud her talent, expressing their approval through claps. Even water-dwelling creatures, like ducks, herons, and a solitary loon, are drawn to the nightingale's song. The emotional response of the loon, weeping under the summer moon, showcases the deep impact of the nightingale's music on the bog's inhabitants.
Lines 26-32:
Toads and teals and tiddlers, captured
By her voice, cheered on, enraptured:
"Bravo!" "Too divine!" "Encore!"
So the nightingale once more,
Quite unused to such applause,
Sang till dawn without a pause.
Analysis:
These lines further illustrate the nightingale's extraordinary impact on the bog's creatures. Toads, teals, and tiddlers, representing various species, are all captivated by her voice and cheer her on with enthusiasm. The exclamations of "Bravo!" and "Too divine!" showcase the admiration and adoration she receives. The audience demands an encore, and the nightingale, unaccustomed to such overwhelming praise, sings tirelessly till dawn, basking in the applause.
Lines 33-37:
Next night when the Nightingale
Shook her head and twitched her tail,
Closed an eye and fluffed a wing
And had cleared her throat to sing
She was startled by a croak.
"Sorry - was that you who spoke?"
Analysis:
On the following night, the nightingale prepares to sing again, showing signs of nervousness as she adjusts her posture before performing. However, just as she is about to start, the frog interrupts her with a croak. The nightingale is taken aback by the unexpected interruption, and she inquires if it was the frog who spoke.
Lines 38-40:
She enquired when the frog
Hopped towards her from the bog.
"Yes," the frog replied. "You see,
I'm the frog who owns this tree.
Analysis:
The nightingale questions the frog about the interruption, and he confirms that it was indeed him. He claims to be the owner of the tree on which she is perched, implying his authority and control over the territory.
Lines 41-45:
In this bog I've long been known
For my splendid baritone
And, of course, I wield my pen
For Bog Trumpet now and then".
"Did you… did you like my song?"
"Not too bad - but far too long."
Analysis:
The frog continues boasting about his supposed musical expertise, claiming to be known for his impressive baritone voice and even contributing to the "Bog Trumpet" (a publication of his own making). When the nightingale asks for his opinion on her song, the frog delivers a backhanded compliment, dismissing her performance as "not too bad" but criticizing it as "far too long." This further reveals the frog's manipulative and condescending nature as he seeks to diminish the nightingale's confidence and control her talent.
Lines 46-50:
The technique was fine of course,
But it lacked a certain force".
"Oh!" the nightingale confessed.
Greatly flattered and impressed
That a critic of such note
Had discussed her art and throat:
Analysis:
The frog further undermines the nightingale's singing, praising her technique but claiming it lacks the required force. Despite his criticism, the nightingale feels flattered that someone of his perceived expertise has taken an interest in her singing and appreciates the discussion about her art and vocal abilities.
Lines 51-55:
"I don't think the song's divine.
But - oh, well - at least it's mine".
"That's not much to boast about".
Said the heartless frog. "Without
Proper training such as I
And few others - can supply.
Analysis:
The nightingale humbly acknowledges the frog's critique, acknowledging that her song may not be considered divine but is proud that it is her own creation. However, the frog disparages her self-expression, calling it unimpressive and emphasizing the need for proper training to improve her art. He positions himself as the exclusive provider of such training, further manipulating her into seeking his guidance.
Lines 56-60:
You'll remain a mere beginner.
But with me, you'll be a winner".
"Dearest frog", the nightingale
Breathed: "This is a fairy tale -
And you're Mozart in disguise
Come to earth before my eyes".
Analysis:
The frog continues to belittle the nightingale, calling her a mere beginner and using false flattery to make her believe that only with his guidance can she succeed. Naively enchanted by his manipulative words, the nightingale addresses him affectionately, likening him to the great composer Mozart. This highlights her innocent and trusting nature, as she fails to see through the frog's deceitful intentions.
Lines 61-65:
"Well, I charge a modest fee.
Oh!... But it won't hurt, you'll see"
Now the nightingale inspired,
Flushed with confidence, and fired
With both art and adoration,
Sang - and was a huge sensation.
Analysis:
The frog reveals his true intention of charging the nightingale a fee for his guidance, downplaying its significance by claiming it won't hurt her. Despite the monetary request, the nightingale becomes inspired, gaining confidence and a sense of purpose. Fueled by her newfound determination and admiration for the frog, she sings again and becomes a tremendous success, captivating the entire bog with her talent.
Lines 66-70:
Animals for miles around
Flocked towards the magic sound,
And the frog with great precision
Counted heads and charged admission.
Though next morning it was raining,
He began her vocal training.
Analysis:
Word of the nightingale's extraordinary performance spreads quickly, and creatures from all around the bog come to listen to her enchanting song. The frog seizes the opportunity, precisely counting the audience and charging admission fees to capitalize on her popularity. Despite the rainy weather the next morning, the frog continues to exploit her talent, commencing her vocal training, revealing his relentless pursuit of financial gain from her success.
Lines 71-75:
"But I can't sing in this weather".
"Come my dear - we'll sing together.
Just put on your scarf and sash,
Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!"
Analysis:
The nightingale expresses her concern about singing in the unfavorable weather, but the frog dismisses her worries, insisting they sing together. He manipulates her by using flattery and coaxing her with a rhyme, indicating his control over her and her growing dependency on him.
Lines 76-80:
So the frog and nightingale
Journeyed up and down the scale
For six hours, till she was shivering
And her voice was hoarse and quivering.
Though subdued and sleep deprived,
In the night her throat revived,
Analysis:
The frog and the nightingale engage in vocal exercises for an extended period, six hours, pushing her to the point of exhaustion and discomfort. She becomes physically affected, shivering and hoarse, but despite this, her passion for singing drives her to continue. The nightingale's natural talent shines through in the night, as her voice revives despite the hardships imposed by the frog's rigorous training.
Lines 81-85:
And the sumac tree was bowed,
With a breathless, titled crowd:
Owl of Sandwich, Duck of Kent,
Mallard and Milady Trent,
Martin Cardinal Mephisto,
And the Coot of Monte Cristo,
Analysis:
The nightingale's singing attracts an elite audience, represented by titled creatures, to the sumac tree. The owl, duck, mallard, martin cardinal, and coot gather in anticipation of her performance, symbolizing the prestigious attention she has garnered.
Lines 86-90:
Ladies with tiaras glittering
In the interval sat twittering -
And the frog observed them glitter
With a joy both sweet and bitter.
Every day the frog who'd sold her
Songs for silver tried to scold her:
Analysis:
The nightingale's performance attracts attention from high society, represented by ladies wearing tiaras. During the interval, they engage in gossip and chatter about her singing. The frog, both delighted and envious of the attention she receives, watches the ladies' admiration with mixed emotions.
The frog, having sold his guidance to the nightingale for monetary gain, attempts to control and criticize her performances daily.
Lines 91-95:
"You must practice even longer
Till your voice, like mine grows stronger.
In the second song last night
You got nervous in mid-flight.
We must aim for better billings.
You still owe me sixty shillings."
Analysis:
The frog continues manipulating the nightingale, demanding that she practices even more rigorously to match his supposedly strong voice. He criticizes her for getting nervous during her last performance, reinforcing his control over her. The mention of the money owed emphasizes his greedy nature, treating her talent as a business transaction rather than nurturing it for artistic growth.
Lines 96-100:
Day by day the nightingale
Grew more sorrowful and pale.
Night on night her tired song
Zipped and trilled and bounced along,
Till the birds and beasts grew tired
At a voice so uninspired
Analysis:
The nightingale's spirit is broken under the frog's relentless pressure and criticism. She becomes despondent, losing her vitality and natural color, as her once lively and inspired song becomes mechanical and uninspired. Even the other birds and beasts in the bog grow weary of her singing, reflecting the detrimental impact of the frog's exploitative approach on her artistry.
Lines 101-105:
And the ticket office gross
Crashed, and she grew more morose -
For her ears were now addicted
To applause quite unrestricted,
And to sing into the night
All alone gave no delight.
Analysis:
The nightingale's declining enthusiasm for singing is mirrored by the decline in ticket sales, symbolizing the diminishing interest of the audience due to her lack of genuine emotion in her performances. She becomes morose and unhappy, as her ears crave the unrestricted applause she once received. The realization that singing alone at night does not bring her joy highlights the emptiness and loneliness she experiences, no longer enjoying her own talent as she used to.
Lines 106-110:
Now the frog puffed up with rage.
"Brainless bird - you're on the stage -
Use your wits and follow fashion.
Puff your lungs out with your passion."
Trembling, terrified to fail,
Blind with tears, the nightingale
Analysis:
The frog's anger is inflamed by the nightingale's declining popularity and her reluctance to follow his advice. He belittles her intelligence, urging her to conform to popular trends and exaggerate her emotions on stage. The nightingale, trembling and frightened of disappointing him, becomes emotionally overwhelmed, shedding tears as she grapples with the pressure imposed upon her.
Lines 111-115:
Trembling, terrified to fail,
Blind with tears, the nightingale
Heard him out in silence, tried,
Puffed up, burst a vein, and died.
Said the frog: "I tried to teach her,
But she was a stupid creature -
Analysis:
Overwhelmed by the frog's harsh criticism and relentless demands, the nightingale becomes emotionally and physically drained. She listens to him in fear and silence, attempting to meet his expectations. However, in her desperation to please him and the audience, she overexerts herself, bursting a vein in the process and tragically succumbing to her injuries.
The frog, still refusing to take responsibility for his actions, labels her as a "stupid creature" and tries to absolve himself of any blame for her death, claiming he attempted to teach her but puts the blame on her inability to meet his unrealistic standards.
Lines 116-120:
Far too nervous, far too tense.
Far too prone to influence.
Well, poor bird - she should have known
That your song must be your own.
That's why I sing with panache:
"Koo-oh-ah! ko-ash! ko-ash!"
Analysis:
The frog callously criticizes the nightingale, citing her nervousness, tenseness, and susceptibility to influence as reasons for her failure. He belittles her individuality, failing to acknowledge that art should come from the heart and be a genuine expression of the artist's identity. Instead, he proudly proclaims his own singing, again demonstrating his arrogant and self-absorbed nature.
Lines 121-125:
And the foghorn of the frog
Blared unrivalled through the bog.
Analysis:
The poem concludes with the frog's triumphant declaration of his singing prowess, as he continues to blare his loud, monotonous croaking through the bog, now without any competition from the once-gifted nightingale. The poem's ending leaves a bitter tone, highlighting the tragedy of the nightingale's demise and the relentless exploitation she endured under the frog's manipulative influence.
Overall, "The Frog and the Nightingale" serves as a powerful allegory, exploring themes of art, individuality, exploitation, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Through the tragic fate of the nightingale, the poem conveys the dangers of allowing others to manipulate and control our talents, emphasizing the significance of embracing our uniqueness and resisting pressures to conform. The poem critiques the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the harmful consequences of seeking success at the expense of one's authentic self-expression.
MCQ questions answers from The Frog And The Nightingale
Here are some multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the poem "The Frog and the Nightingale" by Vikram Seth:
1. What does the frog think about the nightingale's song?
a) He finds it absolutely divine
b) He thinks it's not too bad, but too long
c) He believes it lacks technique and force
d) He considers it superior to his own croaking
Answer: b) He thinks it's not too bad, but too long.
2. What is the nightingale's initial reaction to the frog's criticism?
a) She becomes fearful and runs away
b) She confronts the frog and defends her singing
c) She feels flattered and impressed by his feedback
d) She ignores the frog and continues singing as she pleases
Answer: c) She feels flattered and impressed by his feedback.
3 . How does the frog convince the nightingale to take singing lessons from him?
a) He offers her a chance to perform in prestigious venues
b) He praises her as a natural talent and encourages her to explore it further
c) He criticizes her singing and tells her she needs proper training to improve
d) He promises her fame and popularity in the bog
Answer: c) He criticizes her singing and tells her she needs proper training to improve.
4. What happens to the nightingale's popularity after taking the frog's guidance?
a) Her popularity increases, and she becomes a sensation in the bog
b) She gains a small following, but her performances lack authenticity
c) Her popularity declines, and her performances lose their charm
d) She becomes a renowned singer worldwide
Answer: c) Her popularity declines, and her performances lose their charm.
5. How does the frog react to the nightingale's death?
a) He feels remorseful and blames himself for her demise
b) He is devastated and mourns her loss
c) He shows no compassion and dismisses her as a stupid creature
d) He vows to carry on her legacy and sing in her memory
Answer: c) He shows no compassion and dismisses her as a stupid creature.
6. What does the nightingale come to realize before her tragic death?
a) She should have sought the frog's guidance from the beginning
b) She must focus on pleasing the audience and follow trends
c) Her song must be a genuine expression of her own self
d) Her popularity was only temporary and didn't matter
Answer: c) Her song must be a genuine expression of her own self.
7. How does the frog's singing compare to the nightingale's singing in the end?
a) The frog's singing becomes mellifluous and captivating
b) The frog's singing is more melodious than the nightingale's
c) The frog's singing remains as monotonous as before
d) The frog's singing becomes a harmonious blend with other creatures' songs
Answer: c) The frog's singing remains as monotonous as before.
8. What message does the poem convey about individuality and artistry?
a) Conforming to others' demands is essential for success as an artist
b) Art should be about seeking fame and popularity at any cost
c) Artists should be open to constructive criticism and change
d) Embracing one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself is crucial in art
Answer: d) Embracing one's uniqueness and staying true to oneself is crucial in art.
9. Why do other creatures loathe the frog's voice?
a) They find it too melodious and captivating
b) They are jealous of his popularity in the bog
c) They are unable to tolerate his incessant and monotonous croaking
d) They appreciate his unique singing style
Answer: c) They are unable to tolerate his incessant and monotonous croaking.
10. How does the nightingale react to the frog's offer to teach her?
a) She declines the offer, feeling confident in her own abilities
b) She becomes nervous and unsure about accepting the offer
c) She eagerly agrees to receive guidance from him
d) She ignores the frog and continues singing on her own
Answer: c) She eagerly agrees to receive guidance from him.
11. What is the consequence of the frog's vocal training on the nightingale?
a) Her singing becomes more melodious and captivating
b) Her popularity skyrockets, and she becomes famous
c) Her voice revives and improves after the training
d) She becomes physically and emotionally drained, losing her charm
Answer: d) She becomes physically and emotionally drained, losing her charm.
12. How does the frog take advantage of the nightingale's popularity?
a) He charges admission fees for her performances
b) He promotes her as his protégé and takes credit for her success
c) He offers to sing duets with her and gain recognition
d) He supports her without seeking anything in return
Answer: a) He charges admission fees for her performances.
13. What does the nightingale realize about the frog's intentions before her death?
a) He genuinely cares for her and wants to nurture her talent
b) He is envious of her success and wants to bring her down
c) He is wise and experienced in the field of music
d) He is supportive of her individuality and self-expression
Answer: b) He is envious of her success and wants to bring her down.
14. What significant lesson does the poem convey to the readers?
a) Success in the entertainment industry requires conformity and compromise
b) Talent and individuality should be sacrificed for financial gain
c) Authenticity and staying true to oneself are crucial for artistic fulfillment
d) Seeking guidance and mentorship from others is unnecessary for artists
Answer: c) Authenticity and staying true to oneself are crucial for artistic fulfillment.
15. How does the poem's ending reflect the overall tone of the poem?
a) The ending is hopeful and uplifting, celebrating the nightingale's legacy
b) The ending is tragic and bitter, emphasizing the frog's triumph over the nightingale
c) The ending is humorous and light-hearted, highlighting the frog's comedic nature
d) The ending is inconclusive, leaving readers uncertain about the nightingale's fate
Answer: b) The ending is tragic and bitter, emphasizing the frog's triumph over the nightingale.
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