The Ant and The Cricket Poem Explanation and Solution | CBSE Class 8 English Honeydew 

Explanation 

"The Ant and the Cricket" is a classic fable attributed to Aesop, highlighting the consequences of hard work and preparedness versus laziness and procrastination. The story revolves around an ant and a cricket, showcasing their different approaches to life.

In summary, during the summer, the ant is busy gathering and storing food for the upcoming winter. Meanwhile, the cricket spends its time singing and enjoying the summer without any concern for the future. When winter arrives, the ant is well-prepared with a stockpile of food, while the cricket finds itself starving and freezing in the cold.

The poem usually follows a structure that contrasts the actions and attitudes of the two characters. The ant represents diligence, responsibility, and foresight, while the cricket embodies leisure, carelessness, and shortsightedness. Here's a breakdown:

The Ant:

Symbolizes industriousness, responsibility, and foresight.

Spends the summer diligently gathering and storing food for the winter.

Demonstrates the value of hard work, planning, and preparation.

The Cricket:

Symbolizes leisure, carelessness, and a lack of foresight.

Spends its time singing and enjoying the summer without any thought for the future.

Represents laziness and procrastination.

The poem's moral typically emphasizes the importance of hard work, planning for the future, and being responsible, as shown by the ant. It warns against the consequences of laziness, procrastination, and ignoring future needs, as demonstrated by the cricket.

The story serves as a lesson about the value of foresight and hard work, highlighting the consequences of neglecting responsibilities. It encourages individuals to be proactive, plan ahead, and work diligently to secure their future rather than solely enjoying the present.

The lesson from this fable extends beyond just survival; it underscores the importance of balance. While enjoying life is essential, it's equally crucial to responsibly plan for the future to ensure stability and security.

Ultimately, "The Ant and the Cricket" serves as a timeless reminder of the rewards of hard work, diligence, and responsible planning.

Honeydew Poem Chapter 1 The Ant and the Cricket Questions From Textbook

Question 1:

The cricket says, “Oh! What will become of me?” When does he say it, and why?

Answer:

When the cricket returns home in the winter and finds nothing to eat, he utters these remarks.

Question 2:

(i) Find in the poem the lines that mean the same as “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” (Shakespeare).

Answer:

The line is: But we ants never borrow; we ants never lend.

(ii) What is your opinion of the ant’s principles?

Answer:

The ant’s principle is not bad. It teaches a lesson to everybody to plan for the rainy day.

Question 3:

The ant tells the cricket to “dance the winter away.” Do you think the word ‘dance’ is appropriate here? If so, why?

Answer:

Here, "dancing" refers to "having fun and squandering time." This is the right place for it. It is not appropriate to feel sorry for the careless cricket.

Question 4:

(i) Which lines in the poem express the poet’s comment? Read them aloud.

Answer:

The poet’s comment is expressed in the last two lines.

“Folks call this a fable, 111 warrant it true.”

(ii) Write the comment in your own words.

Answer:

Some claim that the cricket and ant narrative is fictitious or a morality tale. However, I believe the tale to be accurate and instructive. A few people only exist right now. They enjoy themselves and spend everything they make. Later on, though, they lament this habit.

Question 5:

If you know a fable in your own language narrate it to your classmates.

Answer:

Attempt yourself.