A Tiger in the Zoo

By Aaditya Shukla

There are many instances in our lives, as well as on this Earth, where someone or something is in a place where it is not meant to be. It is the same as in the poem 'A Tiger in the Zoo' penned by Leslie Norris.

- made by Aaditya Shukla

The poem presents a comparison between how the tiger's behaviour and actions are when he is in a cage and how he would be when he is in the wild. In the poem, using different stanzas, the poet first takes us to the Tiger's cage in a zoo, then to the jungle and then back to the cage.

The contrasting description of the two places fills life in the poem and instills at least a hint of what a captured Tiger feels and wants. His strength and stealth, which make him the supreme predator in the wild are restricted and in a sense abused when he is put in a cage. His loud roar which can fill human hearts with terror, is muted as he seethes with anger, walking tight circles in its cage.

The poem emphasises the thought that though the Tiger's every need is taken care of in the zoo, he despises this life and wants peace and freedom, just like the bright stars in the night sky.