Class X - English - First Flight - Poem - Fog by Carl Sandburg Theme Summary Explanation Q&A Solved

Fog

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbour and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

-Carl Sandburg

Table of Contents

• The Theme of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg
• The Summary of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg
• Explanation of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg
• Questions and Answers

The Theme of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg

The theme of the poem "Fog" by Carl Sandburg is the ephemeral and fleeting nature of life and the beauty of simple moments. The poem describes the fog as a quiet and unobtrusive visitor that comes and goes without causing much disturbance. The fog is personified as a cat that moves silently and gracefully, and sits quietly observing the world around it before moving on to its next destination.

The poem suggests that life, like the fog, is fleeting and can be easily missed if we do not take the time to appreciate the simple moments that make it beautiful. The fog's visit is brief, but its impact on the scene is significant. Similarly, the moments in our lives may be brief, but they can still have a lasting impact on us if we take the time to appreciate them.

Overall, the theme of the poem is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple moments in life that often go unnoticed, as they can be just as beautiful and significant as the grander moments.

The Summary of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg

The poem "Fog" by Carl Sandburg is a brief and simple description of fog rolling into a harbor and city. The fog is personified as a cat, moving silently and gracefully. It sits quietly observing the world before moving on. The poem captures the ephemeral and fleeting nature of life and the beauty of simple moments. The fog's visit is brief but has a significant impact on the scene. The poem encourages readers to slow down and appreciate the simple moments in life that are often overlooked. Overall, the poem is a gentle reminder to savor life's fleeting moments and appreciate the beauty around us.

Explanation of the Poem Fog by Carl Sandburg

The poem "Fog" by Carl Sandburg is a short and simple poem that describes the arrival and departure of fog in a city and harbor. The poet personifies the fog, likening it to a cat moving quietly and unobtrusively. The fog sits on its haunches, looking over the city and harbor in silence, before moving on to its next destination.

The poem is a reminder of the beauty and fleeting nature of simple moments in life. The fog, like life, is ever-changing and ephemeral. It can be easily missed if one is not paying attention. The poet uses the image of the fog as a metaphor for the transience of life, emphasizing the importance of taking time to appreciate the simple things.

The poem encourages readers to slow down and enjoy the present moment, as it is brief and will soon pass. The poem also highlights the power of nature to transform our surroundings and create a sense of wonder and beauty. The fog, though it may obscure our view, can also bring a sense of mystery and enchantment to the world.

Questions and Answers

Q1. (i) What does Sandburg think the fog is like?

ANSWER:

Sandburg personifies the fog as having qualities similar to that of a cat. He suggests that the fog comes silently and moves softly, without making any noise. Sandburg writes that the fog "comes on little cat feet" and "sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches." This comparison suggests that the fog is graceful, quiet, and mysterious, much like a cat.

(ii) How does the fog come?

ANSWER:

According to the poem, the fog "comes on little cat feet." This means that the fog arrives silently, softly, and with a gentle touch. The fog is personified as a cat, and like a cat, it moves softly and quietly. Sandburg's description of the fog's arrival emphasizes its gentle and mysterious nature.

(iii) What does ‘it’ in the third line refer to?

ANSWER:

The pronoun "it" in the third line of the poem refers to the fog.

(iv) Does the poet actually say that the fog is like a cat? Find three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat.

ANSWER:

Yes, the poet does say that the fog is like a cat by using the literary device of personification. The following are three things that tell us that the fog is like a cat:

1. "On little cat feet": The fog is described as coming on "little cat feet," suggesting that it moves softly and silently, much like a cat.
2. "Sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches": This line further personifies the fog, as it is described as "sitting" and "looking" over the harbor and city, much like a cat observing its surroundings.
3. "Moves on": This line suggests that the fog is in motion, much like a cat that moves from one place to another. The use of "moves on" also implies that the fog is not stationary, and that it will eventually dissipate and disappear, much like a cat that moves away.

Q2. Does this poem have a rhyme scheme? Poetry that does not have an obvious rhythm or rhyme is called ‘free verse’.

ANSWER:

The poem "Fog" by Carl Sandburg does not have a regular rhyme scheme. It is an example of free verse poetry, which means that it does not follow a fixed pattern of meter or rhyme. However, the poem does have some instances of alliteration, such as "little cat feet" and "harbor and city," which create a sense of musicality and rhythm within the lines.