"At the Zoo" is a novel by American author William Makepeace Thackeray. Published in 1884, it follows the characters of the Beckford family as they visit an exotic zoo in Paris. The book is known for its wit, satire, and critique on Victorian social norms and values. Thackeray's vivid descriptions of the animals and their habitats, as well as his humor and social commentary, make it a classic of 19th century literature. Today, it is considered a classic of English literature and is often studied in schools.
First I saw the white bear, then I saw the black;
Then I saw the camel with a hump upon his back;
Then I saw the grey wolf, with mutton in his maw;
Then I saw the wombat waddle in the straw;
Then I saw the elephant awaving of his trunk;
Then I saw the monkeys—mercy, how unpleasantly they smelt!
William Makepeace Thackery's poem 'In The Zoo' vividly depicts his observations of various zoo animals. He encounters a white bear followed by a black bear, then a camel adorned with a distinctive hump. Next, he spots a grey wolf devouring mutton, sheep meat, and later, an endearing wombat waddling through its straw. Amidst these sights, he notices an elephant playfully waving its trunk, but his attention is soon drawn to the monkeys, whose pungent odor brings a humorous twist to the narrative. Despite its playful tone, the poem concludes with a reflective note as the author seeks forgiveness.
The poem vividly depicts observations of various zoo animals, offering a playful yet reflective narrative.
The poem is written by William Makepeace Thackeray, a renowned 19th century English author.
Animals include white bear, black bear, camel, grey wolf, wombat, elephant, and monkeys.
The monkeys add a humorous twist to the narrative with their unpleasant smell, contrasting with the other animals' descriptions.
The poem employs vivid imagery, humour, and a touch of satire to portray the zoo animals and their characteristics.