Question

Write the central idea of "A Tiger in the Zoo".

Hint:

Every living being—humans or animals—deserves freedom. Captivity suppresses natural instincts and dignity.

Answer 1

The poem “A Tiger in the Zoo” by Leslie Norris presents a striking contrast between a tiger in captivity and a tiger in the wild. The poet depicts how a tiger, confined to a cage in the zoo, loses his natural strength, courage, and dignity. Instead of moving majestically in his natural habitat, he is forced to walk silently behind bars, filled with anger and frustration.
Step 1: Life in captivity.
The tiger in the zoo is helpless and restricted. He can neither hunt nor roam freely. His freedom is snatched away, and he is reduced to a powerless creature that merely walks in his narrow cage. This unnatural confinement destroys his natural identity.
Step 2: Life in the wild.
The poet contrasts this with the tiger’s true life in the forest. In the wild, he would roam freely, hunting deer and moving fearlessly near villages. His roar would instill terror and his presence would symbolize raw power and authority.
Step 3: Central message.
The poem reflects the theme of freedom versus captivity. It criticizes the human act of caging wild animals for entertainment and emphasizes that every creature has the right to live freely in its natural environment. It is a reminder of the cruelty of imprisoning animals and the moral responsibility of humans towards other living beings.