'Dad and the Cat and the Tree' — Practice

Question 1

Describe the humour in 'Dad and the Cat and the Tree'.

Accepted Answer

The humour is slapstick and ironic. Dad confidently boasts he will easily rescue the cat, but on his first attempt a branch breaks and he falls on his back while the cat looks down and 'smiles'. On his second attempt he reaches the cat, but the cat simply jumps down by itself, leaving Dad stuck in the tree. The comedy comes from his overconfidence, the physical mishaps, and the reversal of roles.

Question 2

What is ironic about the ending?

Accepted Answer

It is ironic that Dad, who set out to rescue the cat, ends up stuck in the tree himself, while the cat -- the one supposedly in need of rescue -- gets down safely on its own. The rescuer becomes the one who needs rescuing.

Question 3

What happens when Dad climbs the tree the first time, and who saves the cat?

Accepted Answer

On the first attempt a branch breaks and Dad falls on his back. In the end the cat saves itself by jumping down on its own.

Question 4

Write a short character sketch of Dad as shown in the poem.

Accepted Answer

Dad is overconfident -- he boasts that rescuing the cat will be easy. He is determined -- he tries again after falling. But he is also comical and a little foolish, ending up stuck in the tree while the cat escapes on its own. He is a loving father whose enthusiasm exceeds his skill.

Practice — 'Dad and the Cat and the Tree'

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