Poems often feel difficult because their meaning is expressed through playful lines and imagination, but The Duck and the Kangaroo becomes very simple once it is broken into clear steps.

The Duck and the Kangaroo Class 9 Notes

Edward Lear presents a humorous and imaginative conversation between a Duck and a Kangaroo, using fantasy to highlight friendship, imagination, and cooperation. These notes explain the entire poem in a clear, student-friendly way, helping you understand the storyline, characters, themes and poetic devices without any confusion.

Summary of The Duck and the Kangaroo

The poem begins with a Duck who feels bored living in its small pond. It envies the Kangaroo’s ability to hop across fields, water and entire landscapes. The Duck politely asks the Kangaroo if it can sit on its back and travel across the land and water.

The Kangaroo listens kindly but expresses one practical concern: the Duck’s feet are wet and cold, and might give him rheumatism. The Duck happily explains that it has already bought four pairs of warm socks, a cloak and even plans to smoke a cigar daily to stay warm.

Hearing this, the Kangaroo agrees. The Duck sits on the tip of the Kangaroo’s tail, and together they travel the world under the moonlight. Their journey shows that friendship, adjustment and imagination can bring happiness to everyone involved.

Line-by-Line Explanation

A simple stanza-wise explanation of the poem that helps students understand the meaning, emotions, and ideas expressed in each line clearly.

1. The Duck’s Admiration

• The Duck compliments the Kangaroo on how gracefully and endlessly it hops.
• The Duck compares this to its own life, which it describes as boring and unpleasant because it is stuck in the same pond every day.
• This shows the Duck’s desire for change and adventure.

2. The Duck’s Request

• The Duck politely asks to ride on the Kangaroo’s back so it can explore the world.
• It promises to sit quietly, behave well and only say “Quack” when needed.
• The Duck imagines visiting exciting places like Dee and Jelly Bo Lee, showing its playful imagination and excitement about travel.

3. The Kangaroo’s Concern

• The Kangaroo tells the Duck it needs to think carefully about the request.
• It explains that the Duck’s cold, wet feet might cause rheumatism, a painful condition.
• The Kangaroo is not rude, only careful and realistic, showing it is responsible about its health.

4. The Duck’s Preparedness

• The Duck explains that it already thought about this problem while sitting on the rocks.
• It bought four pairs of warm worsted socks to cover its webbed feet.
• It also purchased a cloak to stay warm and even plans to smoke a cigar to keep himself warm.
• It shows Duck’s determination and willingness to adjust.

5. The Journey Begins

• The Kangaroo finally agrees and tells the Duck to sit comfortably at the end of its tail so that both keep their balance properly.
• They begin their journey under pale moonlight, hopping joyfully around the world three times.
  
• Both characters feel extremely happy as they travel together, showing the joy of companionship.

Character Sketches

Brief descriptions of the main characters highlighting their traits, behaviour, and role in conveying the poem’s message.

The Duck

• Curious and adventurous: Wants to explore the world beyond its pond
• Determined: Finds solutions instead of giving up when a problem arises
• Polite and respectful: Requests gently and promises to behave
• Imaginative: Dreams of visiting faraway and fantasy places

The Kangaroo

• Practical: Thinks logically about the Duck’s request.
• Responsible: Takes care of its health and safety.
• Kind-hearted: Eventually agrees to help the Duck.
• Supportive: Enjoys travel and camaraderie.

Themes and Idea of the Poem

The central ideas of the poem that reflect its deeper meaning, such as friendship, imagination, and adjustment.

Friendship and Cooperation

The Duck and the Kangaroo work together, showing that friendship grows when we understand each other and make small adjustments.

Desire for Freedom and Adventure

The Duck wants to escape its boring pond, representing the universal wish to explore new places and gain new experiences.

Problem-Solving

The Duck actively finds solutions to the Kangaroo’s concerns. This teaches determination and planning to overcome obstacles.

Imagination and Fantasy

Talking animals and imaginary places make the poem fun and creative, showing the charm of fantasy in literature.

Joy of Companionship

Both characters feel happiest when they travel together, showing that shared adventures and companionship bring joy.

Poetic Devices

The literary techniques used by the poet, including rhyme, imagery, and personification, which enhance the poem’s musical and imaginative quality.

Rhyme Scheme

The poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme, giving it a musical and playful rhythm.

Alliteration

Repetition of consonant sounds for emphasis and rhythm. For example, “Good gracious.”

Imagery

Words that create vivid pictures, such as hopping across fields, seas and moonlit scenes.

Repetition

Repeating words and lines makes the poem lively and easy to remember.

Personification

Animals talk and think like humans, adding humour and imagination.

Important Lines for Revision

Key lines from the poem that capture its main ideas and are useful for quick revision and exam preparation.

“My life is a bore in this nasty pond.”

Shows the Duck’s frustration and longing for change.

“Your feet are unpleasantly wet and cold.”

Shows the Kangaroo’s concern.

“I bought four pairs of worsted socks.”

Shows the Duck’s willingness to adjust.

“And who is as happy as the Duck and the Kangaroo?”

Shows the joy of travelling together.

FAQs

Q1. What does the Duck want from the Kangaroo?

Ans: The Duck wants to ride on the Kangaroo’s back and travel across the land and water because it is tired of living in the same pond.

Q2. Why is the Kangaroo hesitant?

Ans: The Kangaroo worries that the Duck’s cold and wet feet might give him rheumatism, which is why he thinks carefully before agreeing.

Q3. What is the tone of the poem?

Ans: The tone is humorous, playful and imaginative, creating a light and enjoyable reading experience.

Q4. What is the central message of the poem?

Ans: The poem highlights that friendship requires understanding, cooperation and small adjustments. It also shows that dreams can come true when we think positively and find solutions.

Q5. Why is the poem considered a “nonsense verse”?

Ans: It is called a nonsense verse because it describes impossible and funny situations, like a Duck travelling on a Kangaroo’s tail, which are not meant to be realistic and are written purely for fun.