A poem in which a child is afraid of going to the garden shed of his house
Introduction to CBSE Solutions for Class 7 English Chapter "The Shed"
“The Shed” by Frank Flynn tells the tale of a child who is both intrigued and a bit fearful of a shed in their garden. The poem describes how the shed, with its cobwebs and shadows, seems to be a place of secrets and stories. The narrator speaks of a lock that guards the shed, suggesting something valuable or mysterious might be inside. Yet, the child’s curiosity is piqued; they imagine it could be a place of adventure, possibly housing a dragon or other fantastical creatures. Despite the temptation, the child never quite musters up the courage to venture inside, leaving the shed’s mysteries unsolved. The poem beautifully encapsulates the emotions of wonder, fear, and the allure of the unknown that are often felt in childhood.
Assignment and Activities for CBSE Class 7 English: “The Shed”
Assignment 1: Write your own poem about a mysterious place you were curious about as a child.
Assignment 2: Create a drawing of how you imagine the shed and its contents.
Assignment 3: Act out a dramatic reading of the poem, emphasizing the emotions in each stanza.
Conclusion
“The Shed” invites readers into a child’s imaginative world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs. It’s a reflective piece that reminds us of the natural human instincts of wonder and caution when faced with the unknown.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 7 English: "The Shed"
Q1: What is the main theme of the poem “The Shed”?
ANS: The main theme of “The Shed” is the blend of curiosity and fear that comes with the unknown.
Q2: Why does the child not enter the shed?
ANS: The child does not enter the shed due to a mixture of fear and the thrill of the shed remaining a mystery.
Q3: What does the lock on the shed represent?
ANS: The lock symbolizes the barriers, both physical and mental, that keep the child from discovering the shed’s secrets.
Q4: How does the poet build a sense of mystery around the shed?
ANS: The poet uses descriptive language to evoke images of darkness and unknown things lurking within, building an air of mystery.
Q5: What are the ‘fancied’ creatures mentioned in the poem?
ANS: The ‘fancied’ creatures refer to the imagined dragons or ghosts that the child thinks might inhabit the shed.
Q6: How does the child feel about the shed?
ANS: The child is intrigued yet fearful of the shed, fascinated by its mystery but hesitant to explore it.
Q7: Why might the poem resonate with readers, both young and old?
ANS: It resonates due to the universal experience of fear and curiosity about unknown places.
Q8: What lesson can be learned from “The Shed”?
ANS: The poem may suggest that sometimes, it’s okay to leave some mysteries unsolved, as the imagination they spark can be more thrilling.
Q9: What is the tone of the poem “The Shed”?
ANS: The tone is wistful and slightly eerie, capturing the child’s mix of emotions.
Q10: How can imagination play a role in one’s perception of fear?
ANS: Imagination can magnify fear by creating scenarios and creatures that may not exist, as shown in the child’s perception of the shed.
