What is the title of the poem 'Fable' by Ralph Waldo Emerson?

The title is 'The mountain and the squirrel,' introducing a conversation between two contrasting characters - a large, immovable mountain and a small, agile squirrel. This fable explores themes of diversity, individual worth, and the importance of different roles in nature.

Who had a quarrel in the poem 'Fable'?

The mountain and the squirrel engaged in a quarrel during their dialogue. The mountain mocked the squirrel by calling it 'Little Prig,' which sparked a thoughtful response from the squirrel about the value of different talents and abilities in the world.

Why did the mountain call the squirrel 'Little Prig'?

The mountain called the squirrel 'Little Prig' as a dismissive insult, suggesting that the squirrel was self-important despite its small size. The mountain used this term to assert its superiority based on its massive size and grandeur compared to the tiny squirrel.

Who is referred to as 'Bun' in the poem?

Bun is the name given to the squirrel in Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem 'Fable.' The squirrel responds wisely to the mountain's taunts, defending its place in nature and explaining that everyone has unique talents and roles that contribute to making the world complete.

What does 'occupying my place' mean for Bun the squirrel?

For Bun, 'occupying my place' means having its own position and role in the world, which it believes is no disgrace. The squirrel takes pride in fulfilling its natural purpose, regardless of its small size. This reflects self-acceptance and the understanding that everyone has a rightful place in the natural order.

What does 'talents differ; all is well and wisely put' mean in the poem?

This line is the central message of Emerson's fable. It means that each being possesses unique talents and abilities suited to its own nature, and this diversity is intentional and beneficial. The phrase 'wisely put' suggests that nature or a higher power has designed each creature with specific strengths for specific purposes, making the world complete.

What does Bun mean by 'you are not half so spry'?

By saying 'not half so spry,' Bun points out that the mountain is not half as agile, quick, or energetic as the squirrel. This emphasizes that while the mountain has the advantage of size, the squirrel has the advantage of agility and liveliness - qualities equally important in nature.

What does Bun say about the squirrel track on the mountain?

Bun graciously acknowledges that the mountain makes 'a very pretty squirrel track.' This shows the squirrel's ability to appreciate the mountain's contribution - providing paths and space for small creatures to live and move. It demonstrates mutual respect and recognition of how different beings support each other.

What is meant by 'If I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut'?

This line humorously emphasizes that both the mountain and squirrel have their own capabilities and limitations. While the mountain can support entire forests on its slopes (something the tiny squirrel cannot do), the mountain cannot perform the simple task of cracking a nut (which the squirrel does easily). It shows that abilities differ, and one shouldn't judge worth based on a single measure.

What elements does Bun say are necessary to make up a year and a sphere?

Bun states that 'all sorts of things and weather must be taken in together, to make up a year and a sphere.' This means that diversity in elements, seasons, weather, and beings is essential for creating a complete world. Just as different seasons make a year complete, different creatures make the world (sphere) complete.

What is the central theme of the poem 'Fable'?

The central theme of 'Fable' is that everyone has a unique role and value in the world, regardless of size or appearance. The poem teaches that differences in talents are natural and necessary, and that true worth isn't determined by size or power but by fulfilling one's purpose. It celebrates diversity and mutual respect.

Who is Ralph Waldo Emerson?

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an influential American essayist, lecturer, and poet. He was a central figure in the Transcendentalist movement and wrote famous works including 'Concord Hymn,' 'Brahma,' and numerous essays on self-reliance and nature. 'Fable' reflects his philosophical belief in the inherent worth of all beings.

What lesson does the poem 'Fable' teach students?

The poem teaches students important lessons about self-worth, diversity, and respect. It shows that being different doesn't mean being inferior, that everyone has unique strengths, and that comparing ourselves to others based on single qualities is meaningless. The fable encourages acceptance of one's place and appreciation of others' different talents.

Why is the poem called a 'fable'?

The poem is called a fable because it uses animals (a squirrel) and natural elements (a mountain) as characters to teach a moral lesson. Like traditional fables, it presents a simple story with speaking non-human characters that conveys wisdom about life - in this case, about the value of diversity and the importance of respecting different talents.

What does the squirrel's response reveal about its character?

The squirrel's response reveals intelligence, wisdom, humility, and self-confidence. Rather than getting angry at the mountain's insult, Bun responds thoughtfully, acknowledging the mountain's size while defending its own worth. The squirrel shows maturity by recognizing both its strengths and limitations, and by appreciating how different beings complement each other.

How does the mountain's behavior contrast with the squirrel's?

The mountain displays arrogance and pride in its size, using insults ('Little Prig') to belittle the squirrel. In contrast, the squirrel responds with wisdom and grace, acknowledging the mountain's greatness while calmly defending its own value. The mountain represents ego and judgment, while the squirrel embodies humility and wisdom.

What is the significance of 'all is well and wisely put' in the poem?

This phrase suggests that the natural order is perfectly designed with intention and wisdom. Every creature, big or small, has been 'wisely put' in its place with specific talents for specific purposes. It implies that diversity isn't accidental but part of a greater plan, and that each being contributes to the harmony of the whole.

How is the poem 'Fable' relevant for Class 10 students?

For Class 10 students, this poem is highly relevant as it addresses issues of self-esteem, peer pressure, and comparison. Students often face situations where they're judged by size, appearance, or single abilities. The poem teaches them to value their unique strengths, respect differences, and understand that everyone contributes something valuable to society, regardless of how they compare to others.

Fable

Q: What does Bun say about the mountain's size?

Bun acknowledges the mountain's enormous size, stating, 'You are doubtless very big.' However, the squirrel doesn't let size define worth. Instead, it argues that being large doesn't make one superior, just as being small doesn't make one inferior. Each has their own unique qualities and importance.

Q: How does Bun compare his size with the mountain?

Bun cleverly responds: 'If I'm not so large as you, you are not so small as I.' This shows that size is relative and perspective matters. The squirrel acknowledges the difference in size but doesn't accept it as a measure of worth. He also adds that the mountain is 'not half so spry,' highlighting his own agility as a valuable quality.

Updated for Madhyamik 2027

Board Exam Preparation

13 min read

25 MCQs17 Notes

1.Poet - Ralph Waldo Emerson American Essayist for WBBSE Exam

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) - American essayist, lecturer and poet for Class 10 important
Famous poems include Concord Hymn and Brahma - biographical detail for WBBSE exam
Poem about conversation between mountain and squirrel - fable genre for Class 10
Teaches moral lesson about diversity in nature - central theme for exam questions
Every being has individual reason for existence - philosophical message for students

2.Poem Events with Specific Lines: Quarrel & Squirrel's Reply

Mountain calls squirrel "Little Prig" - insult starting the quarrel (exact quote important)
Squirrel (Bun) replies: "You are doubtless very big" - acknowledges mountain's size politely
"All sorts of things and weather must be taken in together" - diversity makes world complete
"If I'm not so large as you, You are not so small as I" - size comparison logic
"I cannot carry forests on my back, Neither can you crack a nut" - different talents theme

3.Character Analysis: Mountain vs Squirrel (Bun) for Exam

Mountain - represents pride, size and grandeur but lacks agility (arrogant character)
Squirrel (Bun) - small but spry, wise and humble (protagonist with positive traits)
Mountain makes "very pretty squirrel track" - acknowledges one useful quality
Squirrel shows intelligence: "Talents differ; all is well and wisely put"
Both characters teach complementary roles in nature - moral for Class 10 students

4.Literary Themes & MCQ Topics: Diversity, Equality, Humility

Diversity and equality theme - everyone has unique role (MCQ: poem's moral lesson)
Size doesn't determine worth - mountain big but can't crack nut (central message)
Humility vs pride - squirrel's polite response vs mountain's insult (character contrast)
Nature's balance - "make up a year and a sphere" line shows interconnectedness
Fable genre - uses animals to teach moral lessons (literary form for WBBSE exam)

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Q. 1

What does the mountain make that Bun compliments?

A steep hill

A very pretty squirrel track

A rough path

A winding river

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Q. 2

Who called the other “Little Prig!”?

Bun

The forest

The squirrel

The mountain

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Q. 3

What does Bun say about occupying his place?

It is a mistake

It is a disgrace

It is no disgrace

It is unimportant

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Q. 4

What does the phrase “talents differ” mean?

All talents are the same

Each being has different talents

Only one talent is good

Talent is not important

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Q. 5

What does Bun use to explain nature’s balance?

Light and dark

All sorts of things and weather

Fire and water

Earth and sky

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Q. 6

What does the poem show about size?

Only size matters

Big and small both have value

Small is weak

Big is strong

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Q. 7

What lesson does the poem teach about roles?

Only big ones matter

Everyone has a role

Only small ones are useful

Roles do not matter

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Q. 8

What do these elements form?

A day

A month

A season

A year and a sphere

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Q. 9

What limitation does Bun mention about himself?

I cannot carry forests on my back

I cannot jump high

I cannot fly

I cannot run fast

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Q. 10

What shape does Bun mention in the poem?

A sphere

A cube

A circle

A triangle

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Q. 11

How does Bun compare his size with the mountain?

I am bigger

We are equal

If I’m not so large as you, you are not so small as I

I am much smaller

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Q. 12

How does Bun describe how things are put together?

Randomly arranged

All is wrong

All is well and wisely put

All is broken

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Q. 13

What does the poem suggest about differences?

They are mistakes

They are problems

They are unimportant

They are natural and good

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Q. 14

What limitation does Bun say the mountain has?

It cannot sing

It cannot dance

It cannot move

It cannot crack a nut

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Q. 15

Who are the two main characters?

The mountain and the squirrel

The mountain and the tree

The hill and the squirrel

The river and the squirrel

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Q. 16

What does “not half so spry” refer to?

The squirrel’s speed

The tree’s movement

The mountain’s lack of agility

The river’s flow

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Q. 17

What tone does the conversation have?

Serious and stern

Playful and witty

Sad and slow

Angry and harsh

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Q. 18

Who is Bun in the poem?

The squirrel

The river

The tree

The mountain

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Q. 19

What does Bun say about the mountain’s size?

You are small

You are a bit big

You are doubtless very big

You are not big

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Q. 20

What is the title of the poem?

The tree and the squirrel

The mountain and the squirrel

The river and the squirrel

The mountain and the rabbit

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Q. 21

What does Bun say must be taken in together?

Sun and moon

All sorts of things and weather

Rain and snow

Wind and clouds

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Q. 22

Which word describes the mountain’s action?

Mocking

Singing

Cheering

Laughing

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Q. 23

Who replied after the taunt?

The wind replied

The mountain replied

The river replied

Bun replied

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Q. 24

What quality of the mountain does Bun praise?

Its pretty squirrel track

Its color

Its size

Its shape

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Q. 25

Who had a quarrel?

The squirrel and the bird

The tree and the river

The mountain and the squirrel

The mountain and the tree

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Fable

Key Topics & Concepts

1.Poet - Ralph Waldo Emerson American Essayist for WBBSE Exam

2.Poem Events with Specific Lines: Quarrel & Squirrel's Reply

3.Character Analysis: Mountain vs Squirrel (Bun) for Exam

4.Literary Themes & MCQ Topics: Diversity, Equality, Humility

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