Available Answers

1. 1.

   The crocodile in the first stanza of Carroll's poem is so likeable that we almost forget that it is a wild beast. Pick words from the poem that build this image of the crocodile.

2. 2.

   The main idea of 'How Doth the Little Crocodile' is that appearance can be deceptive. Do you agree? Justify your answer.

3. 3.

   Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow.

   How neatly spread his claws,
   And welcome little fishes in

   1. Which words tells us that the crocodile is preparing to attack?
   2. Does the crocodile reallly 'welcome' little fishes? What does he do?
   3. What expression does the crocodile have while he is doing so?
4. 4.

   Compare 'Against Idleness and Mischief' and 'How Doth the Little Crocodile', and fill the table given below.

   	'Against Idleness and Mischief'	'How Doth the Little Crocodile'
   Number of lines
   Rhyme scheme
   Theme
   Tone (serious/funny)

5. 5.

   How doth the little crocodile 
   Improve his shining tale, 
   And pours the waters of the Nile 
   On every golden scale! 

   1. The poet has described the crocodile as little. Is it really little? Why does the poet use this word to describe him?
   2. What does the crocodile do throughout the day? What does it suggest about the crocodile? How is this description different from the description of the bee? 
   3. What mood does the word little create?
6. 6.

   Why does Lewis find the crocodile pretentious? What is he implying by the contrast reflected in the character?