11th Standard English - The Microbe| Hilaire Belloc| Parallel reading| Narration in Tamil

Introduction

The poem "The Microbe," written by Hilaire Belloc, introduces readers to the concept of a microbe, an exceedingly small organism invisible to the naked eye. Despite its infinitesimal size, many optimistic individuals, referred to as "sanguin people," hope to glimpse this creature through a microscope.

Belloc describes the microbe in whimsical imagery, detailing its fantastical features: a joint trunk lying beneath a hundred rows of curious teeth, and seven tiny tails that display a delightful array of pink and purple spots, each with unique patterns composed of forty separate bands. The microbe's eyebrows, depicted as tender green, add to the whimsical portrayal of this unseen being.

The poem explores themes of curiosity and belief—scientists assure us of the microbe's existence and characteristics even if they remain unseen. Belloc urges readers to embrace wonder and never doubt what cannot be confirmed, highlighting the intriguing nature of the world of microbes.

Literary Devices

Belloc employs various figures of speech throughout the poem. The rhyme scheme adopts a rhythmic pattern, notably ABAB, creating an engaging flow. Alliteration is used for emphasis, found in phrases such as "seven tiny tails" and "lovely pink and purple spots."

Personification is evident as the poem imbues the microbe with human-like traits and characteristics, inviting readers to consider the personal aspects of an otherwise abstract concept. The overall tone reflects a blend of whimsy and skepticism, suggesting a playful reverence for science and the unknown.

Author Information

Hilaire Belloc (Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc) was a French-English writer and historian active in the early 20th century. His diverse career spanned oratory, poetry, sailing, letter writing, military service, scholarship, and political activism. Belloc’s Catholic faith played a significant role in influencing his literary work.

Key Points

The microbe is described as an extremely small microorganism, invisible to the naked eye.
Sanguin individuals hope to see the microbe through a microscope.
The microbe is depicted with imaginative characteristics, including a joint trunk, rows of teeth, and colorful tails.
Scientific assurance exists about the traits of microbes despite their invisibility.
Themes of curiosity and belief permeate the poem, encouraging readers to ponder the wonders of the microscopic world.

Keywords

Microbe
Hilaire Belloc
Poetry
Microscope
Sanguin People
Whimsical Imagery
Scientific Assurance
Curiosity
Belief
Rhyme Scheme
Alliteration
Personification

FAQ

Q1: Who wrote "The Microbe"?
A1: "The Microbe" was written by Hilaire Belloc.

Q2: What is the main theme of the poem?
A2: The main theme revolves around curiosity and belief in the existence of microorganisms despite their invisibility.

Q3: What literary devices are used by Hilaire Belloc in "The Microbe"?
A3: The poem utilizes rhyme scheme, alliteration, and personification to engage readers and emphasize its whimsical nature.

Q4: What characteristics are attributed to the microbe in the poem?
A4: The poem describes the microbe as having a joint trunk, rows of teeth, seven tails with colorful spots, and tender green eyebrows.

Q5: How does the poem encourage readers to view the unseen?
A5: The poem encourages readers to embrace wonder and curiosity, suggesting that one should not doubt the existence of what cannot be confirmed.