Confessions of Born Spectator: Questions and Answers

1. Based on your understanding of the poem, answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

a. Why does the poet feel glad that he does not play any game?

 The poet’s own spirit is weak and shy. So he feels glad that he did not play any game. 

b. Do you think the narrator is heroic? Why?

 Yes, I think the narrator is heroic. He frankly admits that he doesn’t want to take any risks like the players.

c. The poet is satisfied just watching the heroic deeds of others. What could be the reason?

 The poet is allergic of injuries. He does not want to play any rough game. So he is satisfied just watching heroic deeds of others.

d. The poet does not wish to exchange position with the runners. Why?

 The poet is born spectator. He derives satisfaction from watching the talents of the runners. So he does not wish to exchange position with the runners..

e. Are the athletes conscious of the feelings of others? Why do you say so?

 No, the athletes are not conscious of the feelings of others. When anyone is injured in the field, they do not care but continues to perform their tasks.

f. Why would the referee ask whether there was a doctor in the stands? What stands is he referring to?

 One of the athletes might have been injured. So the referee would ask whether there was a doctor in the stands. He is referring to the pavilion stands.

g. Why does the poet prefer to buy tickets worth their weight in radium? Bring out the significance of the metal referred to here.

 Radium is a very costly material. Likewise the cost of the tickets for a sport or game is costly.

2. Read the poem again and complete the summary using the words given in the box.

In the poem ‘Confessions of a Born Spectator,’ Ogden Nash talks about how people choose different sports in their lives or decide to become athletes. While admiring the talents of athletes and sportsmen, the poet (i) Confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. Children have different (ii) aims and wish to play various games. Each child has in mind something in particular, but the narrator is (iii) glad he is not one of the players. Though the narrator (iv) admires the talents of all athletes, he derives satisfaction from watching them, but does not wish to (v) exchange places with them. He also sometimes regrets that (vi) zealous athletes play rough games without caring for the feelings of their sporting rivals. He feels that good sense and caution win over ego. The narrator wholeheartedly offers (vii) thanksgiving the modest (viii) physiques of athletes. Ultimately the narrator is (ix) satisfied that he himself is not an athlete. 

thanksgiving     exchange         glad

confesses             physiques       zealous

satisfied               aims                  admires 

3. Read the poem and answer the following in a short paragraph of 8–10 sentences each.

a. How does the poet establish the victory of common sense over ego?

Name of the poem : The confessions of a born spectator

Name of the poet : Ogden Nash

Theme : Mere spectator

The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So he confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen and athletes. He decides to be reasonable and careful rather than merely self-centered to play. He draws great comfort from the thought that he is just a spectator and not a contender for the prize money in any contest.He also sometimes regrets that zealous athletes play rough games without caring for the feelings of their sporting rivals. He feels that good sense and caution win over ego.

b. The poet does not wish to exchange places with the athletes. How does he justify his view?

Name of the poem : The confessions of a born spectator

Name of the poet : Ogden Nash

Theme : Mere spectator

 The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So he confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen and athletes who sweat for money or for pleasure. He derives satisfaction from watching the talents of all athletes, but does not wish to exchange places with them. The exchange of position with one of the athletes may please his ego. So whenever there is a conflict in the mind of the spectator between carefulness and self-centeredness, his carefulness always wins and he never opts for participation in any games or sports.

c. According to the poet what contributes most to the injuries sustained by the athletes?

Name of the poem : The confessions of a born spectator

Name of the poet : Ogden Nash

Theme : Mere spectator

 The poet is a determined spectator. His own spirit is weak and shy. So he confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He admires the talents of sportsmen and athletes. He knows that the athletes play rough. They do not care for their opponents. They are self centered and over enthusiastic which make them indifferent to the feelings of others. Even the umpires and referees are not moved by the injury suffered by the athletes. The spectator finds himself unfit for such roughness and callousness. He is proud of the fact that he is only a spectator and not an athelete.

4. Read the given lines and answer the questions that follow in a sentence or two.

a. With all my heart I do admire 

Athletes who sweat for fun or hire

i. Whom does the poet admire?

The poet admires athletes.

ii. For what reasons do the athletes sweat?

The athletes sweat for money or for pleasure.

b. Well, ego it might be pleased enough 

But zealous athletes play so rough…

i. What pleases the ego?

Taking the place of a winning athlete pleases the ego.

ii. Why are athletes often rough during play?

The athletes are often rough during play because everyone wants to win.

c. When officialdom demands

Is there a doctor in the stands?

i. Why are doctors called from stands by the sponsors?

Whenever an athlete is injured, a doctor is sent for by the officials.

ii. Why does the poet make such an observation?

The poet is moved by the injuries of the athletes. But the umpires and referees don’t have such an emotional feeling.

d. When snaps the knee and cracks the wrist….

Identify and explain the use of the literary device in this line.

Onomatopoeia is the literary device used in this line. When the athletes run for the medal they get injured. The sounds come out of their parts of the body such as ‘snaps’ and ‘cracks’ are mentioned here.

5. A. Explain the following with reference to the context in about 50–60 words each.

(i) I am just glad as glad can be

That I am not them, that they are not me…

Context: The above lines are taken from the poem “Confessions of a born spectator” written by “Ogden Nash” 

Explanation: In this poem the poet wants to be a mere spectator of sports. His own spirit is weak and shy. So he confesses that he is glad that he is neither a sportsman nor an athlete. He always wants to be a spectator but not a participant.

Comment: The poet is very firm in his stand.

(ii) They do not ever in their dealings Consider one another’s feelings…

Context: The above lines are from the poem “Confessions of a born spectator” written by “Ogden Nash”.

Explanation: The poet is a determined spectator. He knows that the athletes play rough. They do not care for their opponents. They are self centered and over enthusiastic which make them indifferent to the feelings of others. Even the umpires and referees are not moved by the injury suffered by the athletes. The spectator finds himself unfit for such roughness and callousness. 

Comment: Though the poet is emotionally disturbed, he takes firm decision of not taking part in any sports activities.

(iii) Athletes, I’ll drink to you,

Or eat with you,

Or anything except compete with you…

Context: The above lines are from the poem “Confessions of a born spectator” written by “Ogden Nash”. 

Explanation: Addressing athletes, he says that he will gladly drink for their health and also dine with them, but he will never compete with them in the playground. 

Comment: The poet is a determined spectator. He does not want to take any risk by becoming a sportsman.

B. Read the poem and complete the table with suitable rhyming words.

enter-centre,

jockey-hockey,

admire- hire,

pomp-romp,

score-floor,

please-these,

fist-wrist,

feeds-deeds,

demands-stands,

radium-stadium

C. Underline the alliterated words in the following lines.

i.               For this most modest physiques… Answer: most-modest

ii.              They do not ever in their dealings… Answer: they-their, do-dealings

D. Find out the rhyme scheme of the given stanza.

One infant grows up and becomes a jockey

Another plays basketball or hockey

This one the prize ring hates to enter

That one becomes a tackle or center…

Rhyme scheme: aabb

6. Listening Activity.

First, read the following statements. Then, listen to the passage read aloud by your teacher or played on the recorder and answer the questions that follow. You may listen to it again, if required.

Choose the most appropriate option and complete the sentences.

1. Tejaswini   Sawant   is   an   Indian shooter.

a) shooter       b)boxer          c)cricketer

2. She represented India at the 9th South Asian Sports Federation Games in 2004.

a)2001          b) 2002         c) 2004

3. In 2006, she won a Gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.

a)        Commonwealth Games

b)  Olympic Games

c)        Asian Games

4. She became a world champion in the 50m Rifle Prone game held in Germany.

a) Germany     b) Russia       c) India

5. Tejaswini was the first Indian woman shooter to win a gold medal at the World Championship in the 50m rifle prone game.

a) gold               b) silver          c) bronze

7. Speaking Activity.

Work with your partner. Discuss and share your ideas with the class.

a. Tell the class about your ambition in life and the way you are working towards achieving your goal.

My ambition in life is to become an ideal teacher. It is a holy profession. I will do my best as a teacher. I can serve people by becoming an ideal teacher. I shall try to mold the character of my students and help them to choose their career in a befitting manner. I will make them ideal citizens. As an ideal teacher, I should have high moral character and personality. I shall be sincere, truthful, honest, punctual, humble, modest, kind, well organized and efficient in my profession. Most of the people choose their profession which can give money. But my aim is change and different from them and not in this category. My aim is to serve the country in a befitting manner. I hope I can serve my nation, children and students by becoming an ideal teacher in befitting and suitable manner.

b. Your friend competes with you in academics and sports. Think of the situation wherein you would not be affected by his/her victory and the ways in which you would encourage your friend to succeed.

My dear Lenin, I am very proud of your friendship. You are my best part in my life. Though we are competitors in the class room I am the first person in this world to feel happy if you win in the coming oratorical contest. I don’t feel any jealous. Winning is not an important thing. But participating in various competitions is important. So I congratulate you well in advance for your grand success.

8. Answer the following questions in a short paragraph of about 100–150 words each. You may add your own ideas to support your point of view.

a. Why do accidents usually happen in the playground? Give your own examples and explain.

 Poor or total lack of supervision by staff leads minor accidents in the play ground. Sometimes collision with another child could cause bumps, bruises or more serious head injuries. Damaged sports equipments, such as a broken climbing frame or swing, could cause lacerations. The equipments fall from height also cause accidents. Damaged tarmac/playing surface which could lead to a trip and fall. Other children throwing things could hit your child. Choking accidents cause if young children are eating while they are playing.

b. Everybody is special and everybody is a hero. Each one has a story to tell. In the light of this observation, present your views.

 Everybody is special and everybody is a hero. Everyone is born with special qualities. But, these qualities are given in the form of potential. It is the duty of everyone to discover this potential and make it an actuality through wise planning. Everyone is required to play a heroic role in society. But, an individual can do so, only when he discovers his unique quality and tries to realise it through objective planning. To develop a heroic personality and build a better society, it is important to follow the course of nature. For the individual, the natural course is to discover himself through self-study. When he discovers himself in this manner, he should not become distracted by anything else. He should not allow any other person to dictate him. He is a real hero.

c. Would you like to exchange your place with someone else? Why / why not?

 No, I would not like to exchange my place with someone else because I am unique. There was nobody and will be nobody like me. There is no necessity to give up my place for someone else. All the five fingers are not equal. Likewise no two persons are same. They have variations. Everyone has his / her own style. I have my own style. I can’t expect the same style from others. That’s why I want to be myself.

d. What sort of encouragement should an athlete in India be given? Give a few suggestions.

 Our country, India needs to identify talent persons in the sports field at a young age, give them the right infrastructure and facilities and develop them into world- class athletes. It can’t expect athletes to spend out of their own pocket. Neither can we leave it to corporates to sponsor players. If an athlete wins an Olympic medal, it’s a matter of pride for the nation. Hence, there must be investment in world class facilities and developing athletes. It’s time the government took steps to improve facilities across the country and manage talent at the grassroots. Preparation for the biggest event needs to begin years in advance. The government can start by selecting top athletes from the current batch and help them get better training facilities abroad.

Simultaneously, facilities in India should improve and structural changes in the system must take place.We must try and test innovative methods so that the country can consistently produce Olympic champions. The country has enough people who can shine in different sports, if given the right support. I’m not sure how many in India know that canoeing, rhythmic gymnastics and cycling BMX are part of the Olympics. Lack of awareness needs to be addressed first. It should start at the school level. As early as Standard 8 or at least by Standard 10, a student excelling in a sport should be encouraged to pursue that. Progress in sport can be evaluated and marks given. This way, parents will gain confidence if their children want to pursue sport over other subjects. This will bring about a cultural change and encourage more people to take up sport as a career. Creating the right ethos and providing essential infrastructure will go a long way in making India a super power in sport.

e. You are the School Pupil Leader. Mention  some  qualities  that  can  be drawn from the field of sports to improve your leadership skills.

 Every team needs leadership. In difficult times players are left searching out the leaders in their team. Leadership can come from any team member on the pitch. Develop the right skills, and you could be the one delivering a killer injection of leadership to lift your team from potential defeat to dramatic victory. Here we discuss some leadership qualities.

Set an example: 

The best leaders are the hardest workers on the pitch and the most respectful of their sport. Set a good example, and your team with feed off your enthusiasm and positivity to give you the best chance of achieving your goals. 

Awareness: 

As the leader of a team, awareness is key. Awareness comes through time spent building relationships with your team mates, peers and players. Develop it by drawing on what you know about your team, individual players, the match or training scenario and previous experiences in similar situations. 

Passion 

Sport is intrinsically passionate. As a leader, you have to embody the positive side of the emotions like commitment, dedication and passion, to drive your team towards their goals. Caring for your team mates and your sport from a wider perspective are both ways you can show passion. 

Enthusiasm 

A similar quality in many ways to passion, enthusiasm is an important characteristic for a leader and one that can displayed in a number of ways. On the pitch, enthusiasm is being the first to every ball, offering encouragement to your fellow players, or greeting up your team when they're looking down and out. 

Ability 

Leaders are often elevated into their position because of their ability (particularly team captains). Without ability, your authority can become undermined. Strive to improve your skills, and not will it leave you in a better position to lead, it'll also set an example to others to improve their game. 

Communicate 

Communication is a vital area in team sport. And if any member of the team needs to nail it down, it's the leaders of the team. At the very core of great leadership is inspiring others towards a series of goals. To get those goals across to team members, you need to be able to communicate them effectively. 

Motivational skills 

Honing your motivational skills should be a top priority as you look to become a better leader.

Motivate the players to be better everyday, and watch your team grow as a result. 

Will to win 

One final common theme runs through the finest sports leaders – an insatiable will to win. Good leaders are the ones that win every 50/50, bring their absolute best when the team needs it, pushes their team mates on and never gives an inch to the opposition. 

Visionary 

Your vision requires the ability to know how to get there, communication to let other know how they will contribute to success, and motivation and enthusiasm to share your vision and win the support of others. Without knowing where your end game is, your capacity to lead is seriously diminished.

9. Parallel reading:

Thinking

“If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you like to win, but you think you can’t,

It is almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,

For out in the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow’s will.

It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You’ve got to think high to rise,

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster man.

But soon or late the man who wins,

Is the man who thinks he can.”

 - Walter Wintle