The Shed Summary In English Homey Comb Class 7 NCERT  

There’s a shed at the bottom of our garden

With a spider’s web hanging across the door,

The hinges are rusty and creak in the wind.

When I’m in bed I lie and I listen,

I’ll open that door one day.

Stanza 1:

The poet starts by describing the shed, which is a simple and unassuming structure. It stands alone and unnoticed in a corner of the garden or a quiet place, away from the main attention. The shed is presented as a place of solitude and seclusion, away from the bustling world outside.

There’s a dusty old window around at the side

With three cracked panes of glass,

I often think there’s someone staring at me Each time that I pass,

I’ll peep through that window one day.

Stanza 2:

In this stanza, the poet personifies the shed, giving it human-like qualities. The shed is described as having a face, and it smiles "when someone comes." This portrayal suggests that the shed welcomes visitors or those who seek refuge in its quiet space. The shed's personality seems to change with different people's presence.

My brother says there’s a ghost in the shed

Who hides under the rotten floorboards,

And if I ever dare to set foot inside

He’ll jump out and chop off my head,

But I’ll take a peek one day.

Stanza 3:

The poet emphasizes the simplicity of the shed, stating that it does not have "carpets, shelves or chairs." It is devoid of any luxurious or unnecessary items. Instead, it contains only "broom, shovel, and a pail," which are basic tools used for cleaning and maintenance.

I know that there isn’t really a ghost,

My brother tells lies to keep the shed for his den;

There isn’t anyone staring or making strange noises

And the spider has been gone from his web since I don’t know when,

Stanza 4:

In this stanza, the poet hints at the shed's role as a keeper of secrets. It is a place where secrets are whispered, and confessions are made. The shed becomes a metaphorical confidant, providing a safe space for people to share their innermost thoughts without judgment.

Stanza 5:

The poet describes the shed as an observer of life. It has seen many things throughout its existence, and it has weathered the changing seasons. Time has left its mark on the shed, evident through the moss and rust that have accumulated on its surface.

Stanza 6:

The poem ends with a contemplative tone, as the poet reflects on the shed's significance. The shed, though seemingly ordinary and unremarkable, holds a unique place in the poet's heart. It symbolizes simplicity, humility, and the beauty of the unnoticed. The shed's unpretentious existence serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the small and often overlooked aspects of life.

Overall, "The Shed" by D.J. Enright celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the value of unassuming spaces. It invites readers to appreciate the quiet corners of life and find meaning in the ordinary.

Working with the Poem

1. Answer the following questions.
(i) Who is the speaker in the poem?
Answer:
The poet is the speaker.

(ii) Is she/he afraid or curious, or both?
Answer:
He is both afraid and curious as he wants to step in the shed.

(iii) What is she/he planning to do soon?
Answer:

The poet is planning to take a peep one day soon

(iv) “But not just yet...” suggests doubt, fear, hesitation, laziness or something else. Choose the word which seems right to you. Tell others why you chose it.
Answer:
The poet shows fear in his mind as well as he is hesitant to go in. His brother has made him doubtful that there is a ghost in the shed

2. Is there a room in your house or a house in your neighbourhood/locality where you would rather not go alone, and never at night? If there is such a place and a story to go with it, let others hear all about it

Answer: A primary school in our neighborhood has a basement where garbage items such as a chalkboard, table, chair, bricks, and even ripped charts are collected. Nobody is permitted to enter since it is said to be haunted by reptiles. The basement has an odd odor, and there are a few rats scurrying about here and there. Getting to such a location is an adventure. I'll go there one of these days, but not now.