CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
“The Frog and the Nightingale” is a poem by Vikram Seth, and is included in the CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader. The poem is about a talented nightingale who becomes a victim of the criticism and manipulation of a greedy and cunning frog. The poem highlights the dangers of blindly following those in power, as well as the importance of standing up for oneself.
In the poem, the nightingale is initially appreciated by all the creatures in the forest for her beautiful singing. The frog, however, becomes jealous of her talent and seeks to take advantage of her naivety. He convinces her to change her singing style to please the crowd, and takes advantage of her to enrich himself. Eventually, the nightingale realizes she has been manipulated and attempts to sing in her own style again, but by this time, it is too late, and she has lost her audience.
The poem is a critique of the shallow values of society and the dangers of conforming to what is popular. It is a cautionary tale about the importance of staying true to oneself and one’s talents, even when others try to manipulate and control them.
Overall, “The Frog and the Nightingale” is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that encourages readers to be true to themselves and not let the opinions of others dictate their actions.
CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
Summary of CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Chapter 7 – The Frog and the Nightingale:
“The Frog and the Nightingale” is a satirical poem written by Vikram Seth that tells the story of a talented young nightingale who falls victim to the manipulation and greed of a sly frog. The frog convinces the nightingale to perform for him and the other creatures of the swamp, but ultimately uses her talent for his own gain and leads her to her demise.
The poem highlights the themes of exploitation, manipulation, and the corrupting influence of power. It also showcases the importance of being true to oneself and not letting others take advantage of one’s talent.
Important Questions and Answers:
- Who is the protagonist of the poem ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’?
Answer: The protagonist of the poem ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’ is the nightingale.
- What is the setting of the poem?
Answer: The poem is set in a swamp.
- What is the central conflict in the poem?
Answer: The central conflict in the poem is between the nightingale and the frog, who manipulates and exploits her for his own gain.
- What does the nightingale represent in the poem?
Answer: The nightingale represents innocence, purity, and creativity in the poem.
- How does the frog manipulate the nightingale?
Answer: The frog flatters and convinces the nightingale to perform for him and the other creatures of the swamp. He then uses her talent for his own gain and eventually leads her to her demise.
- What is the theme of the poem?
Answer: The themes of the poem include exploitation, manipulation, corruption, and the importance of being true to oneself.
- What lesson can be learned from the poem?
Answer: The poem teaches the lesson of being true to oneself and not letting others take advantage of one’s talent.
- Why do you think the author chose to write the poem in a satirical tone?
Answer: The author likely chose a satirical tone to expose the flaws and faults of human nature, specifically the tendency to exploit and manipulate others for personal gain.
- How does the poem use imagery to create a vivid picture of the setting and characters?
Answer: The poem uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the swamp and its inhabitants, from the “slimy walls” and “reedy pond” to the “green and gold” frog and the “brown” nightingale.
- What is the significance of the poem’s title?
Answer: The title “The Frog and the Nightingale” sets up the conflict between the two characters and suggests that the poem will explore the relationship between them.
- What is the mood of the poem?
Answer: The mood of the poem is initially optimistic and hopeful, but becomes increasingly dark and ominous as the frog’s manipulation of the nightingale becomes clear.
- How does the poem use repetition to emphasize certain ideas?
Answer: The poem uses repetition, such as the repeated use of the phrase “Sing!” by the frog, to emphasize the nightingale’s talent and the frog’s desire to exploit it.
- What is the significance of the nightingale’s final song?
Answer: The nightingale’s final song, in which she expresses her despair and disillusionment, represents the loss of innocence and the corrupting influence of power.
- What is the role of the other creatures in the poem?
Answer: The other creatures in the poem, including the worm, the beetle, and the crickets, serve as a Greek chorus, commenting on the action and amplifying the mood.
CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Important Questions Answers Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
What was the only song that the frog knew?
The only song that the frog knew was the one he sang.
Why did the frog tell the nightingale not to sing again?
The frog told the nightingale not to sing again because the applause from the audience was all for the frog’s croaking, and it was causing the frog to feel jealous.
What did the nightingale do to make her voice more melodious?
The nightingale practised every night to make her voice more melodious.
What did the frog tell the nightingale when she came to sing again?
The frog told the nightingale that she had missed her chance and that she was no longer needed since he had taught her everything she knew.
What happened to the nightingale in the end?
In the end, the nightingale lost her voice due to overexertion and died, while the frog went on croaking.
What is the moral of the story ‘The Frog and the Nightingale’?
The moral of the story is that talent should be appreciated and given the opportunity to grow, and jealousy and unhealthy competition can lead to the destruction of talent.
CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Important Questions Answers MCQs Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
Who is the author of the poem “The Frog and the Nightingale”?
a) William Wordsworth
b) Robert Frost
c) Vikram Seth
d) Vikram Sethi
Answer: c) Vikram Seth
What was the name of the nightingale?
a) Sandra
b) Rosaline
c) Philomela
d) Victoria
Answer: c) Philomela
Who taught the nightingale how to sing?
a) The frog
b) The cricket
c) The owl
d) The cuckoo
Answer: b) The cricket
What did the frog do to the nightingale?
a) Encouraged her to sing more beautifully
b) Tried to make her his student
c) Tricked her into singing loudly and harshly
d) None of the above
Answer: c) Tricked her into singing loudly and harshly
Who ultimately became the ruler of the pond?
a) The frog
b) The nightingale
c) The cricket
d) The owl
Answer: a) The frog
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Literature Reader Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
TextBook Questions
Question 1.
Listed below are a few character traits of people. Some are positive qualities, while others are not. Tick mark the ones you feel are desirable qualities in a person.
| Characteristic | Tick Mark | Characteristic | Tick Mark | Characteristic | Tick Mark |
| Insensitive | High – headed | Manipulative | |||
| Humorous | Egoistic | Patronizing | |||
| Naive | Humble | Submissive | |||
| Opportunistic | Foolish | Arrogant | |||
| Creative | Original | Conniving | |||
| Disapproving | Helpful | Innocent | |||
| Commanding | Calculative | Condescending | |||
| Benevolent | Crafty | Scheming | |||
| Simple | Wise | Rude | |||
| Overbearing | Generous | Boastful | |||
| Sly | Gentle | Proud | |||
| Territorial | Aggressive | Servile |
Answer:
Humorous, Creative, Benevolent, Simple, Humble, Original, Helpful, Wise, Generous, Gentle, Innocent (Tick Mark in table)
Question 2.
Have you come across people who are not what they seem to be-like someone who is extremely friendly and helpful yet you are not very comfortable with him/her as you feel it is a put-on ? Have a class discussion about such people and why you feel as you do.
Answer:
Student 1: I know many people who are not what they seem. They use you to get their work done in a very clever way.
Student 2: Yes, I also agree with that. My mother is right in saying that excess of everything is bad. So, if we come across a person who is being too friendly with us, we must smell a rat and be careful.
Student 3: One of my friends is very helpful sometimes but I never find him too comfortable to be with and sooner or later his real motives are revealed when he asks for a bigger favour in return.
Note: Students may extend the discussion on their own.
Question 3.
Before you read the poem complete the word-web with the words that we associate with a Frog and a Nightingale.
Answer:
Question 4.
The following is a summary of the poem but it is jumbled up. Write out the events in their correct order to form a continuous paragraph.
(a) As a result, her voice lost its beauty, and the other creatures stopped coming to hear her sing.
(b) Soon the nightingale became famous, and creatures from miles around came to hear her sing.
(c) All the creatures in the bog cheered and clapped at her beautiful song.
(d) He offered to train the nightingale, so that she could sing even more beautifully.
(e) So the frog could sing unrivalled in the bog once more.
(f) The next night the frog introduced himself.
(g) The frog charged an admission fee, and earned a lot of money from these concerts.
(h) A frog croaked all night in a bog, in an unpleasant voice.
(i) But the frog made the nightingale rehearse continuously in the rain.
(j) One night a nightingale began to sing in a melodious voice.
(k) Finally, the nightingale burst a vein and died.
Answer:
a — 9 b — 4 c — 3 d — 6 e — 11 g — 7 h — 1 i — 8 j — 2 k — 10
Question 5.
Now that you have read the poem, add more personality traits to the word- web of the frog and the nightingale as depicted in the poem. Then complete the table given below. (Some of the words in the box below may help you. You may also use the words given in Q.1.)
| Character | Extract | Personality traits |
| Nightingale | Sorry – was that you who spoke? | Polite, Timorous |
| Frog | Yes,… you see,I’m the frog who owns this tree In this bog I’ve long been known For my splendid baritone. | |
| Nightingale | Did you…did you like my song? | |
| Frog | Not too bad – but far too long The technique was fine, of course, But it Icfcked a certain force. | |
| Frog | Without proper training such as 1 And a few others pan supply You’ll remain a mere beginner. But with me you’ll be a winner. | |
| Nightingale | But 1 can’t sing in this weather. | |
| Nightingale | …This is a fairy tale – And you’re Mozart in disguise Come to earth before my eyes. | |
| Frog | Come, my dear – we’ll sing together. | |
| Frog | We must aim for better billing You still owe- me sixty shillings. | |
| Frog | Brainless bird – you’re on the stage Use your wits and follow fashion.Puff your lungs out with your passion. | |
| Frog | …1 tried to teach her.But she was a stupid creature. |
Answer:
| Frog | Dominating, Possessive |
| Nightingale | Meek, Naive |
| Frog | Presumptuous, Conniving |
| Frog | Superior, Sly, Arrogant |
| Nightingale | Timid, Nervous |
| Nightingale | Fawning, Polite, Servile |
| Frog | Crafty, Patronizing |
| Frog | Mercenary, Manipulative |
| Frog | Insensitive, Commanding |
Question 6.
Divide yourselves into groups of four or five and brainstorm on any one of the given situations in order to create an imaginary dialogue or a comic strip. Keep in mind the characters and situations while doing so. Representatives from each group could then present the dialogues/read them to the class.
Answer:
(a) The frog is croaking loudly
Duck: Oh! what a cacophony! can’t he be quiet?
Loon: (Pleading before frog) for God’s sake, please have mercy on us. Stop singing. (A teal threw a stone at the frog but it did not affect him)
Heron: (shouting at frog) You loathful fellow! Don’t torture us with your crass behaviour.
Toad: …………….
(b) The first time that the nightingale sings, the creatures in the bog listening to her with interest remark:
Nightingale: Oh! what a beautiful evening let me rest here for sometime and sing a song.
Frog: Eh! who is this singing here in my territory?
Nightingale: Umph! It’s me, the nightingale.
Duck: lovely song! you are welcome here in the bog.
Heron: Oooh! we’ve never heard such an enthralling voice before,.
loon: (shedding tears of joy) “unbelievable”.
Toads: Hush! sush! let’s listen to her. She sings so sweetly.
Frog: Croak-Croak- Don’t you know that I am the owner of this bog and only I have the right to sing here, humph!
Nightingale: Oops, I didn’t know that! Did you like my song. (Responses may vary)
(c) Nightingale was ready to sing when she heard a croak.
Nightingale : (timidly) : Is that you who is croaking? Who are you?
Frog: (vainly) Croak! Croak! Don’t you know, I am the unrivalled king of this bog?
Nightingale: Oh! It’s my pleasure to meet you. Do you like my song?
Frog: Hmm! It’s O.K. but you lack technique. I am famous for my baritone.
Nightingale: ………………………………………….
(d) One morning it was raining and as usual, frog started training the nightingale.
Nightingale: Boom! I can’t sing in this chilly weather.
Frog: Be brave! You silly bird. Just put on your scarf and start singing.
Nightingale: I’ll try-koo-Oh-ah! Ko-ash! Ko-ash!” Oh! I’m feeling totally drained out.
Frog: ……………….
(e) The strenuous and gruelling schedule of singing had its effect on the nightingale and her song lost its charm.
Frog: Oh! people are no longer interested in coming to listen to the song. It’s a great loss to me.
Nightingale: Aha! you selfish frog. Can’t you see my woeful countenance? I can’t sing any more.
Frog: What! Croak! Croak! How can you say that? Sing with energy and passion.
Nightingale: ……………………………………
Students are free to complete the conversation on their own by using these hints.
Question 7.
On the basis of your understanding of the poem, complete the sentences given below by choosing the appropriate option.
1. The frog’s aim was to
(a) make the nightingale a sensation
(b) make the nightingale as good a singer as him
(c) maintain his supremacy in the bog
(d) make a lot of money.
Answer:
(c) maintain his supremacy in the bog
2. The animals reacted to the nightingale’s song with
(a) hatred
(b) admiration
(c) indifference
(d) suggestions for improvement
Answer:
(b) admiration
3. The nightingale accepted the frog’s tutelage as she
(a) was not confident of herself
(b) wanted to become as good a singer as the frog
(c) wanted to become a professional singer
(d) was not a resident of Bingle Bog
Answer:
(a) was not confident of herself
Question 8.
Read the stanza given below and complete the sentences by choosing the appropriate option.
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
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.
(a) The nightingale was sorrowful and pale because she………………..
(i) had been practising in the rain
(ii) had been performing all night
(iii) was losing confidence in herself
(iv) was falling ill
Answer:
(ii) had been performing all night
(b) The audience was tired of her song because…………………
(i) they had heard it many times
(ii) it had become rr\echanical
(iii) she looked tired
(iv) she had added trill to her song
Answer:
(ii) it had become mechanical
(c) She no longer enjoyed singing alone as…………………..
(i) she wanted to sing only for titled crowd
(ii) she was now used to the appreciation she got
(iii) the frog was no longer with her
(iv) she had become proud of herself
Answer:
(ii) she was now used to the appreciation she got .
Question 9.
Answer the following questions briefly.
(a) How did the creatures of Single bog react to the nightingale’s singing?
Answer:
The creatures of Bingle Bog appreciated the sweet voice of the nightingale. Every one clapped for her generously. All the animals gathered around the sumac tree. Ducks and herons waded through water and reached where nightingale was singing.
(b) Which are the different ways in which the frog asserts his importance?
Answer:
The frog does not appreciate nightingale’s song when all the creatures of the bog like her voice.
- He introduces himself to the nightingale as the owner of the tree, the writer and critic, and the best singer.
- He also offers himself to train the nightingale in singing and charges a high tuition fee. He makes her to give musical concerts and charges entry fee.
- He compells her to give performances and take music lessons from him.
- He reprimands her for not singing sweetly when the business crashes
(c) Why is the frog’s joy both sweet and bitter?
Answer:
- The frog’s joy is sweet because he was making a lot of money on the talent of the nightingale and earning a good business.
- But his joy turns bitter because he became jealous of the nightingale’s popularity.
(d) Why was the frog angry?
Answer:
- The frog was angry because he lost his business and money.
- He blamed nightingale for this loss.
(e) How did the frog become the unrivalled king of the bog again?
Answer:
The frog snubbed nightingale for not performing well.
- The frog asked her to puff her lungs up
- She did what the frog asked her to do.
- .She overstrained herself, a vein burst, she died.
- The frog became unrivalled king.
Question 10.
Discuss the following questions and write the answers in your note-books.
(a) Bring out the irony in the frog’s statement—‘Your song must be your own’.
Answer:
- When the nightingale said that her song was her own, the frog remarked that she should , not boast about that and gave lessons to improve her.
- Later when she died, frog hypocritically stole her statement and told the audience that he taught her to be original in her song.
(b) Do you think the end is justified?
Answer:
No, the end is not justified because the revenge of the nightingale’s ruthless killing could not be taken as nobody could know frog’s reality.
(c) Do you think the nightingale is ‘brainless’ ? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
Yes, the nightingale is truly brainless because she could not understand the crafty scheme of the frog.
- let herself be dominated by the frog, trusted him blindly.
- was not confident about her talent, relied on frog.
- was easily influenced by him and died of her own foolishness.
(d) In spite of having a melodious voice and being a crowd puller, the nightingale turns out to be a loser and dies. How far is she responsible for her own downfall?
Answer:
Nightingale despite being a crowd-puller and extremely talented singer fails utterly in surviving in the world of frivolities and value-sans society. She should have practical wisdom and should
have been aware of the behaviour of the frog towards her. Had she been confident about her talent and worth and not have followed the frog blindly, she could have saved herself and emerged as a successful singer. She is largely responsible for her own downfall and tragic death.
(e) Do you agree with the Frog’s inference of the Nightingale’s character ? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer:
No, I am not completely convinced by the inference that the frog has about the nightingales character. The nightingale is, in reality, a gullible bird but the frog portrayed her as a greedy and untalented bird. She won over the heart of her audience time and again with her original lyrics and compositions whereby the frog charged her with being stale. She was much better a singer than the frog but he made her take lessons from him. The frog presented the nightingale exactly the opposite to what she really was.
Question 11.
The Frog and the nightingale’ is a spoof on the present society. Study the Mind Map given below. Divide yourselves into groups, select a box and discuss the statement given. Then present your views to the class
CLASS DISCUSSION
How a person tries to put down another when that person is succeeding in his or her life.
Our self-image is often b&sed on what others make us believe we are. A poor self-image can do irreparable damage to us. Do you agree with this statement? Elaborate with suitable reasons and. examples.
Answer:
Instant Success, results at any cost
Group 1
In today’s ‘fast food’ world, people want everything in the wink of an eye. They chase after unmaterialistic goals and end up wasting their precious time and energy But in my opinion, to be successful in life, the quality of perseverance plays an important role.
Group 2
Success requires a person to accept responsibility and thinking that you will get success instantly is nothing but foolishness. Always remember that everything comes at a price. Passion, perseverance and perfection are the things that ensure success to a person.
Group 3
There is nothing like ‘Instant success! In order to reach the highest level in any of the thing, proper practice and training are must. But unfortunately, modern society is incredibly impatient and want everything overnight. They must relax and take their time to get the results of their endeavours. A sustained but continuous effort is sure to give you good results.
(This is a model answer. Responses may vary)
Class Discussion
A poor self-image can do irrepairable damage to us. I fully agree with this statement and want to put before you a very wise quote by Albert Einstein. ‘Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. We often tend to fear “what do people think about us?
This fear influences our personality to a great extent and we form an opinion of ourselves based on what others make us believe we are. Children are especially vulnerable to accepting criticism and suffer from poor body image issue. They are always nagged by fears like – “Are they laughing at me!’ ‘I’m good at nothing’, I can never be of any use to anybody.’ But these are destructive thoughts that result from a feeling of low self esteem. My advice to you is to stop hating yourself and forgive yourself for your mistakes. Nobody has the right to challenge your self-esteem. It’s your ownlife and you must line it your own way. Be the change and show the world.
Writing Task
Question 12.
The nightingale has scaled the heights of success. But now the audience is dwindling, the frog is unhappy and reprimands her all the time. She is mentally and physically exhausted and fears failure. As the nightingale, write a diary entry highlighting her fears and analyzing the reasons for her failure.
Answer:
July 10, 20XX
How lonesome and tired I am feeling! Today what I am, is a result of my short-sightedness. I was foolish enough to believe the scheming frog. Whatever he said, I accepted without questioning and could not see his real motives. Anxious to get instant success, I have brought ruin upon myself. I set unrealistic expectations for myself and failed to realize the implications of my actions. The frog was very cunning and befool me easily and exploited me till the end.Now, I repent my haste as even the audience, who used to listen to my songs with delight, have dwindled. I am a failure. How I wish 1 would have assessed myself accurately and acknowledged my strengths and weaknesses.
Question 13.
Write an obituary for the nightingale. You may begin like this : May the kind soul (or you may make use of your own beginning).
Answer:
May the kind soul rest in peace. How sweet and innocent was she when she first came here pleasing us all with her melodious voice.
She was too innocent to understand the vile intentions of the sly frog.
Few moments ago, she was flying and singing like she always wanted to.
Now, she’ll sing forever in the kingdom of God.
The bog is quiet now and our hearts long to hear you sing. God has lifted you in His arms and closed your weary eyes. And whispered ‘Peace be thine.”
Listening Task
Question 14.
Listen to a poem on a similar theme by Mary Howitt and compare the Fly to Vikram Seth’s Nightingale.
Answer:
| Nightingale | Fly |
| Meek | Clever |
| Naive | Careful |
| Fawning | Confident |
| Innocent | Straightforward |
| Nervous | Practical |
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 14 Julius Caesar
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 13 The Dear Departed
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 12 Snake
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 11 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 10 Ozymandias
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 9 Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 8 Mirror
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 7 The Frog and the Nightingale
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 6 Virtually True
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 5 Patol Babu, Film Star
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 4 A Shady Plot
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 3 The Letter
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 2 Mrs. Packletide’s Tiger
- CBSE Class 10 English Literature Reader Summary & Important Questions Chapter 1 Two Gentlemen of Verona