Answer the following questions:

Q1.The poem is actually the narration of a story. Who are the main characters and what is the main problem?

Answer. The main character in the poem is JB, the lion cub. Other animals in the jungle also play a role in the story.

The main problem is that JB cannot roar like a lion. Instead, he mews like a kitten, which makes the other animals tease and mock him.

Q2. How is the problem solved in the end?

Answer. In the end, JB accepts himself as he is and realizes that being different is not bad.

The other animals also begin to respect him for his uniqueness, and JB becomes confident in his identity.

Q3. What is the effect when the story is presented in the form of a poem?

Answer. The poem makes the story more interesting and fun to read.

The rhythm and rhyming words make it easy to remember.

It adds emotion and creativity to the storytelling.

Q4.How do the animals in the jungle initially react to JB’s mewing? Why do they call him ‘Jelly Bean’?

Answer. The animals laugh at JB because they expect a lion to roar loudly, but he only mews.

They call him “Jelly Bean” as a joke because his voice is soft and gentle, not strong like a lion’s roar.

 Q5. If you could change the title of the poem? Support your choice with reasons.

 Answer. A possible new title could be “The Mewing Lion” or “JB’s Big Voice”.

This would highlight the main struggle of the story – a lion cub that mews instead of roaring.

It also keeps the reader curious about how JB overcomes his problem.

Q6. How does the poem explore the theme of identity and self-acceptance? What does JB’s journey teach us about embracing our true selves and overcoming challenges?

Answer. The poem shows that everyone is unique and should accept themselves as they are.

JB learns that his voice does not define his strength and that he can still be special.

This teaches us that we should not let others’ opinions make us feel small. Instead, we should be proud of who we are.

Q7.What is the significance of the phrase ‘a happy tragedy’ in the poem? How can an event be both tragic and happy at the same time?

Answer. “A happy tragedy” means something sad but with a good ending.

In the poem, it was sad that JB could not roar, but in the end, he found happiness in being himself.

This shows that sometimes, what seems like a problem can actually lead to something good.

Q8. Why do you think the poet uses ‘Once upon a jungle’ instead of ‘Once upon a time’?

Answer. “Once upon a time” is a phrase commonly used in fairy tales.

The poet changes it to “Once upon a jungle” to match the setting of the story, which takes place in a jungle.

This makes the poem more unique and playful while still keeping the magical feel of a classic story.