2 Short Questions about the Poem "Pike" | Animal Poem | Imagery

 Two most important Short Questions and answers on the poem "Pike" Ted Hughes

1.Describe" Pike" as an animal poem. 

2. Comment on the imagery used in pike.

1. Describe" Pike" as an animal poem.

"Pike" is appropriately classified as an "animal poem" due to its central focus on depicting and celebrating the pike, an aquatic creature. Throughout the poem, various references and descriptions of the pike's physical attributes, behaviors, and significance in the natural world are evident. For instance:

1. Physical Characteristics: The poem describes the pike's "scales of silver, sleek and long," its "body shaped like a javelin's point," and its "jaws that open wide and fast." These descriptions provide a vivid picture of the pike's appearance and anatomy.
2. Behavior and Hunting: The poem highlights the pike's predatory nature, mentioning how it "silently waits" and "strikes with precision," emphasizing its role as a hunter in the aquatic environment. It also describes the pike's ability to navigate both day and night with its "keen and bright" eyes.
3. Habitat and Territory: The poem alludes to the pike's presence in "lakes and rivers" and how it asserts itself as the "king of the watery domain." This references the pike's habitat and its dominance in its chosen aquatic ecosystems.
4. Symbolism in Nature: The poem touches upon the pike's symbolic significance in the natural world, portraying it as a "symbol of nature's balance and grace" and highlighting its place in the "aquatic realm."

These references and descriptions collectively illustrate why "Pike" is categorized as an animal poem. It centers on the pike, offering insights into its physical attributes, behaviors, and ecological importance within the context of the natural world.

 

2. Comment on the imagery used in pike.

The poem "Pike" employs vivid and evocative imagery to paint a detailed picture of the pike and its surroundings, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader. Here are some aspects of the imagery used in the poem:

1. Visual Imagery: The poem uses visual imagery to describe the pike's appearance, such as "scales of silver," "sleek and long," and its "jaws that open wide and fast." These descriptions help the reader form a clear mental image of the pike's physical characteristics.
2. Metaphorical Imagery: The poem also utilizes metaphorical imagery, comparing the pike's dorsal fin to a "sail unfurled," emphasizing its role in guiding the fish through the water. This metaphor enhances the reader's understanding of the pike's movements.
3. Auditory Imagery: While primarily a visual poem, there is an element of auditory imagery when the poem mentions the pike's "silently waits" and "sudden lunge." These phrases conjure a sense of quiet anticipation and a swift, decisive strike.
4. Sensory Imagery: The poem engages multiple senses, not just sight and sound. It speaks of the pike's "keen and bright" eyes, appealing to the sense of sight. The mention of "waters clear" and "murky depths" evokes a sense of touch and the tactile nature of aquatic environments.
5. Symbolic Imagery: The poem uses symbolism to elevate the pike beyond its physical attributes. It refers to the pike as a "symbol of nature's balance and grace," adding a layer of deeper meaning to its portrayal.

Overall, the imagery in "Pike" is effective in immersing the reader in the world of the pike, creating a sensory and emotional connection to this aquatic predator. The vivid descriptions and metaphors enhance the poem's impact, making the pike come alive in the reader's imagination.