Poem Text with Bengali Meaning
The author and the text: Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet. His famous poems include 'Concord Hymn' and 'Brahma'. The poem describes a conversation between the squirrel and the mountain. The squirrel points out that in this world every being, living or non-living, big or small, have their individual reasons for existence.
The mountain and the squirrel
Had a quarrel:
And the former called the latter 'Little Prig.'
দ্য মাউন্টেন অ্যান্ড দ্য স্কুইরেল
হ্যাড এ কোয়ারেল:
অ্যান্ড দ্য ফর্মার কলড দ্য ল্যাটার 'লিটল প্রিগ। '
বাংলা অর্থ: পর্বত এবং কাঠবিড়ালির মধ্যে
ঝগড়া হয়েছিল:
এবং প্রথমজন দ্বিতীয়জনকে বলেছিল 'ছোট নীতিবাগীশ'।
Bun replied,
'You are doubtless very big;
But all sorts of things and weather
Must be taken in together,
To make up a year
And a sphere.
বান রিপ্লাইড,
'ইউ আর ডাউটলেস ভেরি বিগ;
বাট অল সর্টস অফ থিংস অ্যান্ড ওয়েদার
মাস্ট বি টেকেন ইন টুগেদার,
টু মেক আপ এ ইয়ার
অ্যান্ড এ স্ফিয়ার। '
বাংলা অর্থ: কাঠবিড়ালি উত্তর দিল,
'তুমি নিঃসন্দেহে অনেক বড়;
কিন্তু সব ধরনের জিনিস এবং আবহাওয়া
একসাথে নিতে হবে,
একটি বছর তৈরি করতে
এবং একটি গোলক (পৃথিবী) তৈরি করতে। '
And I think it no disgrace
To occupy my place.
If I'm not so large as you,
You are not so small as I,
And not half so spry.
অ্যান্ড আই থিঙ্ক ইট নো ডিসগ্রেস
টু অকুপাই মাই প্লেস।
ইফ আই'ম নট সো লার্জ অ্যাজ ইউ,
ইউ আর নট সো স্মল অ্যাজ আই,
অ্যান্ড নট হাফ সো স্প্রাই।
বাংলা অর্থ: এবং আমি মনে করি এতে কোনো লজ্জা নেই
আমার নিজের জায়গা অধিকার করে থাকায়।
যদি আমি তোমার মতো এত বড় না হই,
তুমি আমার মতো এত ছোট নও,
এবং আমার অর্ধেকও প্রাণবন্ত নও।
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track;
Talents differ; all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut.'
আই'ল নট ডিনাই ইউ মেক
এ ভেরি প্রিটি স্কুইরেল ট্র্যাক;
ট্যালেন্টস ডিফার; অল ইজ ওয়েল অ্যান্ড ওয়াইসলি পুট;
ইফ আই ক্যাননট ক্যারি ফরেস্টস অন মাই ব্যাক,
নাইদার ক্যান ইউ ক্র্যাক এ নাট। '
বাংলা অর্থ: আমি অস্বীকার করব না যে তুমি তৈরি করো
খুব সুন্দর একটি কাঠবিড়ালির পথ;
প্রতিভা ভিন্ন হয়; সবকিছুই ভালভাবে এবং বিচক্ষণতার সাথে স্থাপন করা হয়েছে;
যদি আমি আমার পিঠে জঙ্গল বহন করতে না পারি,
তুমিও একটি বাদাম ভাঙতে পারো না। '
Comprehension Exercises
Exercise 1
Choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences:
(a) The quarrel was between the mountain and the
(b) Bun has no doubt that the mountain is
(c) Unlike a mountain, a squirrel can crack a
Exercise 2
State whether the following statements are True or False. Provide sentences/phrases/words in support of your answer:
(a) The mountain called the squirrel "Little Bun".
Supporting statement: And the former called the latter 'Little Prig.'
(b) The squirrel is sprier than the mountain.
Supporting statement: You are not so small as I, / And not half so spry.
(c) The mountain can carry forests on its back.
Supporting statement: If I cannot carry forests on my back... (This implies the mountain can).
Exercise 3
Answer the following questions:
(a) Who had a quarrel with the squirrel?
(b) What is not a disgrace to the squirrel?
(c) What is it that the squirrel doesn't deny?
Grammar in Use
Exercise 4
Replace the underlined words with suitable phrasal verbs from the list given below. Change the form of verbs where necessary.
(a) Rabi met his friend in the park.
(b) Tanushree cannot tolerate cruel behaviour to animals.
(c) His proposal was rejected.
List: turn down, come over, put up with, come across
Exercise 5
Change the voice of the following sentences:
(a) Lock the door.
(b) Ashim knows the solution to this problem.
(c) I had written a letter.
Writing Activities
Exercise 6
Write a letter to your friend (within 100 words) advising her / him to visit the public library in her / his locality as frequently as possible.
[Your Address]
[Date]
My dear [Friend's Name],
I hope you are well. I am writing to you today to suggest something that I think you will really enjoy. I have recently started visiting our local public library, and it's a wonderful place. It is quiet, peaceful, and filled with thousands of books on every imaginable subject.
Reading is a great habit that broadens our minds and enhances our knowledge. The library is the perfect place to cultivate this habit. You can borrow books for free and explore new worlds. I strongly advise you to visit it whenever you get some free time. I am sure you will love it.
Yours ever,
[Your Name]
Exercise 7
Write a paragraph (within 100 words) on the benefits of early morning exercises using the following points: good for health - fresh air - keeps one active throughout the day.
Benefits of Early Morning Exercise
Early morning exercise is a key to a healthy and energetic life. Waking up early to work out has numerous benefits. Firstly, it is incredibly good for our health, as it boosts metabolism and strengthens our immune system. The air in the morning is fresh and less polluted, which provides more oxygen to our body and mind, making us feel refreshed. Moreover, starting the day with physical activity keeps one active and energetic throughout the day. It improves focus, reduces stress, and ensures a positive start. A simple routine of jogging, yoga, or free-hand exercises can make a significant difference in our overall well-being.
Poem Summary
"Fable" by Ralph Waldo Emerson is a short, narrative poem about a quarrel between a mountain and a squirrel. The mountain, proud of its massive size, insults the squirrel, calling it a "Little Prig" or a self-righteous little creature. The squirrel, whose name is Bun, retorts with a well-reasoned argument. It acknowledges the mountain's great size but points out that the world is made up of many different things, big and small. The squirrel argues that everything has its own place and purpose. It cleverly highlights their different abilities: while the squirrel is not as large as the mountain, the mountain is not nearly as lively or agile. The poem concludes with the squirrel's powerful statement that talents differ; if the squirrel cannot carry a forest on its back, the mountain cannot crack a nut, proving that everyone has unique and valuable skills.