The Duck and the Kangaroo

Summary

One day a Duck meets a Kangaroo. The Duck praises the Kangaroo for his hopping ability.
The Duck says that he lives in a nasty pond and his life is a bore. The Duck then requests
the Kangaroo to take her for a ride on his back. She promises to sit very still throughout
the day without uttering anything but ‘quack quack’. She wishes to travel over the land and
the sea. She particularly desires to visit ‘Dee’ and ‘Jelly Bo Lee’, imaginary places that
fascinate her.
The Kangaroo says that he is willing but before this he requires some reflection. He tells
the Duck that he lives all the time in water. His feet are so wet and cold that if he sits on his
back he might catch the disease of ‘roomatiz’. The Duck says that the Kangaroo need not
worry about this. He says that he has bought four pairs of woollen socks which fit his web
feet. He also has bought a cloak to keep himself warm. She assures that she would do all
this for the true love that she has for the Kangaroo. The Kangaroo agrees to start the
journey in a pale moon-light night. He instructs the Duck to sit still on the tip of his tail so
that his balance is not shaken. Thus they both start their trip and go hopping around the
world thrice. This adventure makes them the happiest pair.

The Duck

The Duck is a funny creature who readily admires others, often for qualities that she herself
lacks. For example, she is fascinated by the Kangaroo’s hopping abilities. Rather than
feeling jealous of the Kangaroo, she admires him. She is far-sighted and has an analytical
mind which she uses to solve her problems. For example, she is ready with woollen socks,
cloak and cigar to tackle the problem of wet feet and cold weather. She loves adventure
and wishes to travel to far off and exotic places. So, she approaches the Kangaroo and
requests him to take her on a trip. She has a cheerful disposition and little joys and
achievements thrill her.

The Kangaroo

The Kangaroo is a very sensible creature who doesn’t believe in taking rash decisions.
When the Duck requests him to take her on a ride, he gives the whole proposal a serious
thought before making any commitment. He does not accept or reject the Duck’s request
rashly. The Kangaroo is also very frank and straight forward. He does not offer any lame
excuse and discusses his real worry with the Duck. He makes it clear that he is hesitant to
take her along with him as her wet feet could make him suffer from rheumatism. Thus, his
frankness builds an honest friendship which ensures happiness to both him and the duck.

Comprehension Questions:

Short Answer Questions (to be answered in about 30–40 words each)

1. Why was the Duck fascinated by the Kangaroo’s hopping?
The Duck was fascinated by the Kangaroo’s hopping because she herself could not hop.
She had to lead a boring life swimming in a nasty pond, so she admired the Kangaroo’s
continuous hopping over the fields as well as water bodies.

2. Why did the Duck call the pond ‘nasty’?
The Duck called the pond ‘nasty’ because it was not interesting. It made the Duck’s life
monotonous boring and devoid of excitement. The Duck disliked the pond because it
restricted her. 3. Where was the Duck’s home and what was her deep desire?
The Duck’s home was the ‘nasty’ pond which she found boring and restrictive.
Therefore she had a deep desire to see the wide world that lay beyond her ‘nasty’ and
monotonous pond.

4. Why did the Duck wish the Kangaroo to take her for a ride? /
Why did the Duck wish to ride on the Kangaroo’s back? /
Why did the Duck ask the Kangaroo to give her a ride?
Living in her ‘nasty’ pond, day and night, the Duck had become tired of the monotony
of her life. She had observed the Kangaroo hopping around all day long. So, she wished
the Kangaroo to take her on a ride, to have fun, and to see new and exciting places.

5. What did the Duck promise the Kangaroo and why?
The Duck promised the Kangaroo that if he took her around for a ride she would fully
co-operate with him. She would sit on his back very still and quietly so that he would
neither be distracted nor lose his balance.

6. What did the Duck wish to do after leaving her pond? What places did she wish to visit
in particular? Was her wish fulfilled?
The Duck wished to go all over the land and the sea. She wanted to visit the ‘Dee’ and
‘Jelly Bo Lee’ in particular. Her wish was finally fulfilled when the Kangaroo took her
around the world three times and they were a happy pair.

7. What traits of the Duck’s character does the following line reveal?
I would sit quite still, and say nothing but ‘Quack’
This line reveals that the Duck is a very co-operative, considerate and thoughtful
creature. She knows that if she would make noise or keep on moving, it would
inconvenience and distract the Kangaroo. The kangaroo was doing her a favour by
taking her for a ride on his back.

8. What was the Kangaroo’s reaction to the Duck’s request?
The Kangaroo was a very sensible and a wise creature. When he was requested for a
ride, he was slightly apprehensive as he knew that the wet and cold feet of the Duck
may give him with rheumatism. So, before committing anything, he wished to give the
idea a good thought, even though the proposal could bring him good luck.

9. How did the Duck prepare for the journey on the Kangaroo’s back?
The Duck bought four pairs of worsted socks so that her cold and wet feet could be
covered and protected from the cold. She also bought a cloak to keep the cold out. In
addition, she decided to smoke a cigar daily.

10. What instructions did the Kangaroo give the Duck before starting the journey? Did the
Duck comply with the instructions?
The Kangaroo told the Duck to help him maintain his balance during the ride by sitting
absolutely still at the end of his tail.
The Duck did comply with his instructions and the two had a smooth and an enjoyable
journey. The happy pair hopped around the world three times

11. Besides her love for adventure, which other qualities of the Duck do you observe?
The Duck was a very resourceful and far-sighted creature in addition to her
adventurous spirit. Although she was unable to hop, she convinced the Kangaroo to
take her on a ride. Anticipating the requirements of the journey, she equipped herself
with four pairs of woollen socks and a cloak to prevent herself and the Kangaroo from
catching cold. She also planned to smoke cigars. All this she did out of her true love for
the kangaroo.

Long Answer Questions (to be answered in about 100–150 words each)

1. How was the Duck able to leave her ‘nasty pond’ and do away with the boredom of her
life?
The Duck couldn’t hop like a Kangaroo, yet she longed to leave her boring pond to
explore the world. She had observed the Kangaroo hopping all around and enjoying his
life. So she decided to request him to take her along for a ride. Being far sighted, she
foresaw the Kangaroo’s objection regarding her wet and cold feet. So, she bought four
pairs of worsted socks to cover her feet so that the Kangaroo would not feel
uncomfortable. As expected, when the Kangaroo expressed his apprehension about
contracting rheumatism, the Duck was ready with the solution. They hopped around
the world three times and became the happiest pair of all.

 2. What apprehension did the Kangaroo have about the Duck’s proposed ride? How does
he convey this apprehension? How does the Duck allay his fear?
When the Duck requested the kangaroo to take her on a ride, he was a bit apprehensive and reluctant because her wet feet could increase chances of his getting
rheumatism. He was frank and outspoken, so he did not mince his words while
conveying his apprehension to the Duck. However, before objecting to the Duck’s
proposal, he admitted that it could bring him luck. Yet, he considered the entire matter
carefully and told the Duck firmly but politely about his apprehension. On her part, the
clever and farsighted Duck had already foreseen the hurdle and had bought four pairs
of worsted woollen socks to keep her feet dry and warm. She had also bought a cloak
and planned to smoke a cigar daily to keep out the cold.

3. What values can you draw from the poem ‘The Duck and the Kangaroo’?
The poem teaches us the values of generosity and humility in winning friends and
finding happiness. Those who are generous in acknowledging and appreciating the
capabilities of others gain a lot in life. Admiration and politeness are positive values
that make others comfortable and help to win good friends and make life very happy
and enjoyable.
The Duck and the Kangaroo, both are very polite and courteous with each other. The
Duck acknowledges and admires the Kangaroo’s hopping skills. This wins the
Kangaroo’s heart and he gives a serious thought to the Duck’s request. He puts forth
his objection in a very polite manner and accepts the Duck’s solution humbly. Mutual
respect and politeness helps them to not only enjoy each other’s company but also
fulfill the Duck’s desire to leave her boring pond and venture out into the world.

4. Both the Duck and the Kangaroo are very sensible creatures. Elucidate.
Both the Duck and the Kangaroo are very sensible creatures. The Duck analyses the
problem of monotony that she faces in her life in a rational way. She observes the
Kangaroo hopping all about the land and the sea enjoying life. She contrasts this with
her constrained life in the nasty pond and requests the Kangaroo to take her out of her
boring life into the far and wide world. The Kangaroo too is sensible. He takes time to
consider the Duck’s request and is very careful in his choice of words while putting
forth his objection. The Duck again displays her cleverness and farsightedness when
she reveals that she is already prepared with an effective solution to the Kangaroo’s
objection. Hence, both the creatures enjoy each other’s company and their sensible
decision dispels boredom from the Duck’s life and brings luck to the Kangaroo.

5. What idea do you form about the Kangaroo after reading the poem?
The Kangaroo is an energetic creature who loves adventure and fun. Though he has a
helpful attitude, he is sensible enough not to harm himself while offering help. That is
why he very frankly but politely tells the Duck the reason for his reluctance to take her
on a trip. He is very cautious and practical and takes precautions in advance to avoid
trouble.
Once the, trip is settled he gives instructions in advance to the Duck to sit steady on the
tip of his tail so that he might not lose balance. The Kangaroo comes across as a
straight-forward creature that is polite but firm in his dealings. Once he makes a commitment, he keeps it. Thus, his frankness and honesty wins over the Duck’s heart
and both he and the Duck thoroughly enjoy the ride.

6. Bring out the humour in the poem ‘The Duck and the Kangaroo.
‘The Duck and the Kangaroo’ is a ‘Nonsense Verse’ and is full of humorous elements.
The basic structure of the poem is a conversation between a Duck and a Kangaroo
which is very amusing. The honest manner in which the Duck pays compliments to the
Kangaroo for his hopping skills , the imaginary names - Dee and Jelly Bo Lee’, given to
places that the Duck wishes to visit and distorting rheumatism to ‘roo-Matiz’ makes the
reader smile.
The thoughtful manner in which the Kangaroo considers the Duck’s proposal, the
Kangaroo’s objection to the Duck’s cold and wet feet and the Duck’s solution through
the use of worsted socks, cloak and cigar is comical too.
Thus, the humour is subtle but well woven in the fabric of the poem.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q 1 Read the given extracts and answer the following questions.

(a) “Good gracious! how you hop!

Over the fields and water too,

As if you never would stop!

i. Who says the above lines and to whom?

The duck says the above lines to the kangaroo.

ii. Where did the speaker live and what did he feel about her life?

The speaker lived in a pond which she found ‘nasty’. She felt her life was a bore.

iii. What did the speaker wish to do?

The speaker wished she could hop like the kangaroo. She longed to go out in the

world beyond.

iv. Find the synonym of the word –‘halt’.

stop

(b) And there seems but one objection,

Which is, if you’ll let me speak so bold,

i. Who was raising and objection and to what?

The kangaroo was raising an objection to the duck’s request of going around the

world riding on the kangaroo’s back.

ii. What objection did the speaker have?

The Kangaroo feared that the Duck’s feet are always wet and cold. If she sits on his

back, it would give him rheumatism.

iii. What solution was offered to him?

The duck had in anticipation, bought four pair of worsted socks so that her feet could

remain dry and warm. She also bought a coat. She planned to smoke a cigar daily to

keep out the cold.

iv. Give the antonym of the word ’objection’.

approval

Q 2 Answer each of the following questions in about 30-40 words.

(a) Why did the Duck ask the Kangaroo to give her a ride?

Living in her ‘nasty’ pond, day and night, the Duck had become tired of the monotony

of her life. She had observed the Kangaroo hopping around all day long. So, she

wished the Kangaroo to take her on a ride, to have fun, and to see new and exciting

places.

(b) What was the Kangaroo’s reaction to the Duck’s request?

The Kangaroo was a very sensible and a wise creature. When he was requested for a

ride, he was slightly apprehensive as he knew that the wet and cold feet of the Duck

may give him with rheumatism. So, before committing anything, he wished to give the

idea a good thought, even though the proposal could bring him good luck.

 (c) What instructions did the Kangaroo give the Duck before starting the journey? Did the

Duck comply with the instructions?

The Kangaroo told the Duck to help him maintain his balance during the ride by

sitting absolutely still at the end of his tail. The Duck did comply with his instructions

and the two had a smooth and an enjoyable journey. The happy pair hopped around

the world three times.

 (d) Which qualities of the Duck are highlighted in the poem?

The Duck was a very resourceful and far-sighted creature in addition to having an

adventurous spirit. Although she was unable to hop, she convinced the Kangaroo to

take her on a ride. Anticipating the requirements of the journey, she equipped herself

to prevent herself and the Kangaroo from catching cold and causing trouble to the

kangaroo. All this she did out of his true love for the kangaroo.

Q 3 Answer each of the following questions in about 100-150 words.

(a) What idea do you form about the Kangaroo after reading the poem?

The Kangaroo is an energetic creature who loves adventure and fun. Though he has a

helpful attitude, he is sensible enough not to harm himself while offering help. That is

why he very frankly but politely tells the Duck the reason for his reluctance to take her

on a trip. He is very cautious and practical and takes precautions in advance to avoid

trouble. Once the, trip is settled he gives instructions in advance to the Duck to sit steady on

the tip of his tail so that he might not lose balance. The Kangaroo comes across as a

straight-forward creature that is polite but firm in his dealings. Once he makes a

commitment, he keeps it. Thus, his frankness and honesty wins over the Duck’s heart

and both he and the Duck thoroughly enjoy the ride.

(b) What values can you draw from the poem ‘The Duck and the Kangaroo’?

The poem teaches us the values of generosity and humility in winning friends and

finding happiness. Those who are generous in acknowledging and appreciating the

capabilities of others gain a lot in life. Admiration and politeness are positive values

that make others comfortable and help to win good friends and make life very happy

and enjoyable.

The Duck and the Kangaroo, both are very polite and courteous with each other. The

Duck acknowledges and admires the Kangaroo’s hopping skills. This wins the

Kangaroo’s heart and he gives a serious thought to the Duck’s request. He puts forth

his objection in a very polite manner and accepts the Duck’s solution humbly. Mutual

respect and politeness helps them to not only enjoy each other’s company but also

fulfill the Duck’s desire to leave her boring pond and venture out into the world.