Part B: Poetry
Poem 4: Confessions of a Born Spectator
Poet: Ogden Nash
Class 11 – General English | PSEB | A Panorama of Life
Central Idea
The poem “Confessions of a Born Spectator” by Ogden Nash humorously describes the poet’s admiration for athletes and his reluctance to participate in sports himself. He appreciates the courage, strength and determination of players who risk injury while competing. However, he is afraid of being hurt and prefers to enjoy their achievements as a spectator. Whenever his ego urges him to display heroism, his prudence, or good sense, prevents him from taking unnecessary risks. Through humour and irony, the poet celebrates athletes while admitting his own cautious nature. The poem suggests that people can admire courage without necessarily possessing the desire to demonstrate it themselves.
Q.1 Comprehension
I. Answer the following questions.
1. What is the poet glad about?
The poet is glad that he is not an athlete and does not have to take part in physically demanding and dangerous sports. He enjoys watching athletes perform heroic deeds but prefers to remain a spectator because he fears injuries. He is particularly glad that whenever his ego urges him to participate, his prudence wins.
2. The poet admires the athletes. Give reasons for this admiration.
The poet admires athletes because they demonstrate courage, physical strength, determination and a willingness to take risks. They work hard, compete enthusiastically and perform heroic deeds on the playing field. He appreciates their ability to endure physical pain and injury while trying to win.
3. Why does he call his spirit bashful?
The poet calls his spirit bashful because he lacks the courage to participate in risky sporting activities himself. Although he admires the bravery of athletes, he is afraid of getting hurt. He prefers to watch others perform heroic deeds rather than attempt them personally.
4. Write a few lines on the struggle between the poet’s ego and prudence.
The poet’s ego sometimes urges him to display heroism on the playing field and prove his courage. However, his prudence reminds him of the dangers involved in sports, such as broken bones and serious injuries. His sensible nature eventually overcomes his desire to appear brave. He is glad that prudence wins this internal struggle and keeps him safe as a spectator.
5. List the things that the poet is ready to do for the athletes.
The poet is ready to do almost anything for athletes except compete with them. He is willing to drink with them, eat with them and buy expensive tickets to watch them perform in a stadium. He enjoys their sporting achievements from a safe distance.
II. Read the following lines and answer the questions.
“My limp and bashful spirit feeds
On other people’s heroic deeds.”
1. What does the poet wish to convey in these lines? Select the proper option.
(a) He is not sure of his own capabilities to perform such deeds.
(b) He does not like to perform heroic deeds.
(c) He is scared of getting hurt while performing such deeds.
Answer: (c) He is scared of getting hurt while performing such deeds.
The poet admires the bravery of athletes but does not want to risk his own physical safety. He therefore enjoys their heroic achievements as a spectator.
2. Look at the line “Buy tickets worth their weight in radium.” Select the correct meaning.
(a) The poet gives radium to buy tickets.
(b) The poet would pay anything for buying tickets to watch the games.
(c) The poet does not buy tickets.
Answer: (b) The poet would pay anything for buying tickets to watch the games.
The poet uses humorous exaggeration to express his willingness to pay a great deal to watch athletes compete. He is happy to spend money on tickets but unwilling to participate in the sports himself.
III. Read the following lines and answer the questions.
“I’m glad that when my struggle
Twixt prudence and ego, prudence wins.”
1. The poet’s ego urges him to show some heroism on the playfield. How often does he show it?
The poet rarely, if ever, displays heroism on the playing field. Although his ego sometimes encourages him to participate, his prudence prevents him from taking risks. He generally remains a spectator.
2. Do you think he wants to show this heroism?
Yes, to some extent. His ego wants him to prove his courage and demonstrate that he can perform heroic deeds like athletes. However, his fear of injury and his practical judgement prevent him from acting on this desire.
3. Write a short note on the poet’s struggle.
The poet’s struggle is an internal conflict between his ego and prudence. His ego urges him to display courage and participate in sports, while his prudence warns him about the possibility of serious injuries. He admires athletes who risk their bodies to achieve success, but he does not wish to suffer similar pain. Ultimately, prudence wins, and he remains content to watch the games from the safety of the stands. This struggle is presented humorously and makes the poem relatable.
4. What is he glad about?
The poet is glad that prudence wins whenever it struggles against his ego. He is relieved that he does not have to risk injury by participating in dangerous sports and can enjoy the achievements of athletes as a spectator.
5. These two lines contain the theme of the poem. Explain.
The lines express the central theme of the poem: the contrast between the desire to appear brave and the instinct to protect oneself. The poet’s ego encourages him to imitate the heroic athletes, but his prudence reminds him of the physical dangers involved. He therefore chooses to remain a spectator. Through this humorous confession, Ogden Nash celebrates the courage of athletes while acknowledging his own cautious nature.