A Considerable Speck

Extract 1

A speck that would have been beneath my sight

On any but a paper sheet so white
Set off across what I had written there
And I had idly poised my pen in air
To stop it with a period of ink
When something strange about it made me think,
This was no dust speck by my breathing blown,
But unmistakably a living mite
With Inclinations It Could Call Its Own.

(i) When did the speaker notice 'A Speck'? Why did he feel that it would have been beneath his sight?
Ans: The speaker noticed 'A Speck' while engrossed in writing on a pristine paper sheet. He was struck by
its presence because ordinarily, such a minuscule object would have escaped his notice, especially on a
surface as bright and clean as the paper that he was working on. Its significance lay not in its size, which
would have rendered it inconspicuous in most situations, but in the context of the blank white sheet where
it traversed.
(ii) why did the speaker idly poise his pen in the air?
Ans: The speaker, during his writing, idly poised his pen in the air, perhaps to pause momentarily or to
contemplate his next thought. This brief pause allowed him to notice the speck and consider its presence
amidst his writing.
(iii) what was 'strange' about it that attracted the speaker's attention? What was the speck in reality?
Ans: The behaviour and the appearance of the speck struck the speaker. It appeared to be more than just
an ordinary speck of dust, blown by the speaker's breath. Instead, it displayed movement and
characteristics that hinted at life. This realization led the speaker to discern that it was unmistakably a
living mite, rather than an inanimate particle.
(iv) Explain the meaning of the last line of this extract.
Ans: The line "with inclinations it could call its own" implies that the mite possessed its own set of desires,
urges, or tendencies. This suggests that the mite was not merely a passive object but a living creature
capable of independent action and decision-making. In essence, it had agency and autonomy,
distinguishing it from an inert speck of dust.
(v) Explain briefly how this extract justifies the title of the poem.
Ans: This extract underscores the significance of seemingly inconsequential details, such as a tiny speck,
which may hold unexpected significance upon closer examination. Despite its small size, the speck
becomes the focal point of the speaker's attention, prompting reflection on its nature and implications.
Thus, the extract aligns with the theme suggested by the title, emphasizing the importance of paying
attention to the seemingly trivial aspects of life.
Extract 2
Plainly with an intelligence I dealt.
It seemed too tiny to have room for feet,
Yet must have had a set of them complete
To express how much it didn't want to die.
It ran with terror and with cunning crept.
It faltered: I could see it hesitate;
Then in the middle of the open sheet
Cower down in desperation to accept
Whatever I accorded it of fate.
(i) Which characteristic trait of the mite is the speaker talking about in the first line of this extract? Why?
Ans: The characteristic trait of the mite that the speaker is referring to in the first line is its intelligence.
Despite its small size, the mite displays behaviour that indicates a level of intelligence, which surprises
the speaker. This intelligence manifests in the mite's actions and reactions, suggesting a capacity for
thought and awareness that defies expectations.
(ii) Why did the speaker at first think that the mite did not have feet? What made him change his stance at
the very next moment?
Ans: The speaker initially thinks the mite is too tiny to have room for feet because of its minuscule size.
However, he quickly realizes that the mite must indeed have a complete set of feet to exhibit the behaviours
he observes. The mite's movements, particularly its running with terror and cunningly creeping,
demonstrate the presence of feet and a level of mobility that contradicts the speaker's initial assumption.
(iii) What made the speaker realise that it did not want to die?
Ans: The speaker realizes that the mite does not want to die based on its behaviour. The mite's actions,
such as running with terror, faltering, and cowering down in desperation, indicate a strong instinct for self-
preservation. These behaviours suggest that the mite is motivated by a desire to avoid harm or death,
highlighting its instinctual drive to survive.
(iv) What did it do in the middle of the sheet of paper? Why?
Ans: In the middle of the sheet of paper, the mite cowers down in desperation. It does so to accept whatever
fate the speaker accords to it. This action reflects the mite's resignation to its circumstances, as it
recognizes its vulnerability and submits to the will of the larger and more powerful entity represented by
the speaker.
(v) Explain the attitude of the speaker towards the mite in this extract.
Ans: The speaker's attitude towards the mite in this extract is one of observation and contemplation. He
marvels at the mite's intelligence and resilience, acknowledging its capacity for fear and survival despite
its diminutive size. There is a sense of respect for the mite's instinctual drive to live, even as the speaker
holds the power to determine its fate.

Extract 3
I have none of the tenderer-than-thou
Collectivistic regimenting love
With which the modern world is being swept.
But this poor microscopic item now!
Since it was nothing I knew evil of
I let it lie there till I hope it slept.

(i) Which trait is the speaker referring to which he says he does not have? What is the result of lacking
this trait?
Ans: The speaker is referring to the trait of having ‘tenderer-than-thou collectivistic regimenting love.’
This trait implies a form of love characterized by excessive sentimentality and conformity to societal
norms or collective ideologies. The result of lacking this trait is that the speaker does not conform to the
prevailing attitudes of the modern world, which emphasizes collective values and conformity over
individuality.
(ii) Explain with reference to context the meaning of the phrase ‘Collectivistic regimenting love'.
Ans: The phrase ‘Collectivistic regimenting love’ refers to a form of love that prioritizes conformity to
collective norms and values. In the context of the poem, it suggests a societal trend where individuals are
expected to adhere to predetermined standards of behaviour and thought dictated by the collective or
society at large. This form of love is regimented, meaning it is structured and controlled, often at the
expense of individual autonomy and authenticity.
(iii) To whom did the speaker refer to as 'poor microscopic item’? Why? What does it suggest about the
speaker?
Ans: The speaker refers to the mite as a ‘poor microscopic item’ because it is small and seemingly
insignificant compared to larger beings like humans. The use of the word ‘poor’ suggests a sense of pity
or sympathy for the mite's plight. It also reflects the speaker's humility and recognition of the mite's
inherent value, despite its size. This portrayal suggests that the speaker is empathetic and compassionate
towards even the smallest forms of life.
(iv) Why did the speaker let it lie there? Do you think the speaker was right in doing so? Give reason to
support your answer.
Ans: The speaker lets the mite lie there because he sees no reason to harm it. He acknowledges that he has
"none of the tenderer-than-thou" love that might compel him to react differently. Instead, he chooses to let
the mite be, hoping that it will sleep peacefully. Whether the speaker was right in doing so is subjective
and open to interpretation. Some may argue that the speaker's decision reflects a compassionate and non-
interfering attitude towards life, while others may argue that he should have removed the mite from his
writing space to prevent potential harm.
(v) Explain how this extract reflects on the theme of the poem.
Ans: This extract reflects on the theme of individuality and compassion amidst societal expectations. The
speaker's refusal to conform to societal norms of collectivistic love highlights his commitment to
individual autonomy and authenticity. By letting the mite lie undisturbed, the speaker demonstrates
compassion and respect for even the smallest forms of life, emphasizing the value of empathy and non-
interference in the face of societal pressures to conform. Thus, the extract reinforces the poem's exploration
of individual agency and ethical considerations in human interactions with the natural world.
Extract 4
I have a mind myself and recognize
Mind when I meet with it in any guise
No one can know how glad I am to find
On any sheet the least display of mind.

(i) What does the speaker want to convey by saying that he has a mind? Which characteristic trait of the
speaker is conveyed by this assertion?
Ans: By saying that he has a mind, the speaker wants to convey that he possesses intelligence, awareness,
and the ability to recognize these qualities in others. This assertion suggests the speaker's appreciation for
intellectual engagement and his respect for the faculties of thought and cognition. The characteristic trait
conveyed by this assertion is the speaker's intellectual curiosity and openness to encountering intelligence
in various forms.
(ii) Where does the speaker find 'the mind'? In which 'guise' does he find it? How does he recognise it?
Ans: The speaker finds 'the mind' on any sheet of paper where there is evidence of thought or intelligence
expressed through writing or markings. He encounters it in various guises, meaning different forms or
manifestations. He recognizes it by its display of intelligence, coherence, and capacity for expression.
(iii) How does the speaker reward it for displaying its mind? Why does the speaker not punish it for
trespassing his sheet of paper?
Ans: The speaker rewards the display of mind by expressing his gladness at encountering it. He does not
punish it for trespassing his sheet of paper because he values the presence of intellect and appreciates the
effort made to express it. Instead of seeing the presence of the mite as a nuisance or intrusion, he celebrates
it as a manifestation of intellectual vitality and creativity.
(iv) What is the reason for the speaker's feeling of gladness? Give the symbolic meaning of the line ‘On
any sheet the least display of mind.’
Ans: The reason for the speaker's feeling of gladness is his appreciation for encountering intelligence and
thoughtfulness. The line ‘On any sheet the least display of mind’ symbolically suggests that even the
smallest indication of intelligence or creativity, represented by the presence of a speck or marking on a
sheet of paper, brings joy to the speaker. It emphasizes that the speaker holds in high esteem the inherent
human potential for cognitive and expressive abilities, irrespective of their perceived significance.
(v) What is the central theme of this poem? How is an inconsequential mite used to justify the theme of
the poem?
Ans: The central theme of the poem revolves around the appreciation of intellect and creativity in even
the most seemingly insignificant manifestations. The inconsequential mite serves as a symbolic
representation of this theme, highlighting the speaker's ability to recognize and celebrate intelligence and
thoughtfulness in unexpected places. Through encounters with the mite and other expressions of 'mind,
the speaker underscores the importance of intellectual engagement and the value of human capacity for
thought and expression. Thus, the poem celebrates the richness of intellectual life and the wonder of
encountering intelligence in diverse forms.
Extract 5
It paused as with suspicion of my pen,
And then came racing wildly on again
To where my manuscript was not yet dry;
Then paused again and either drank or smelt-
With loathing, for again it turned to fly.

(i) What is referred to by 'it' that paused with suspicion? Why did it do so?
Ans: 'It' refers to the mite mentioned earlier in the poem. It paused with suspicion of the speaker's pen,
possibly sensing danger or disturbance from the movement of the pen. The mite may have perceived the
pen as a potential threat to its safety or habitat.
(ii) Why did it start racing wildly after a pause? Why was the manuscript not yet dry?
Ans: The mite started racing wildly after a pause possibly because it sensed the imminent completion of
the writing process and sought to find safety or escape from the drying ink. The manuscript was not yet
dry, indicating that the writing process was still ongoing, and the mite's frantic movements coincided with
this stage of the process.
(iii) What did 'it' drink or smell with loathing? Why? What did it do after that?
Ans: The mite either drank or smelled something on the manuscript with loathing, possibly encountering
the wet ink or sensing an unpleasant odour associated with the writing process. After this experience, it
turned to fly again, indicating its continued attempts to navigate its environment and avoid potential threats
or discomfort.
(iv) Explain briefly the use of imagery in the extract.
Ans: The imagery in the extract vividly depicts the mite's movements and interactions with its
surroundings. The description of the mite pausing, racing wildly, and then pausing again creates a visual
image of its frenetic behaviour. Additionally, the imagery of the manuscript not yet dry and the mite's
loathing conveys a sense of immediacy and sensory experience, allowing readers to imagine the scene
unfolding in real-time.
(v) How does the speaker deal with the mite? What makes him do so? How does the speaker's action
justify the theme of the poem.
Ans: The speaker observes the mite's actions with interest and does not interfere with its movements. He
allows the mite to navigate its environment and respond to its instincts without intervention. This passive
observation reflects the speaker's respect for the mite's autonomy and the recognition of its agency,
aligning with the theme of appreciating the presence of 'mind' or intelligence in all its forms, no matter
how small or inconspicuous. By refraining from harming or disturbing the mite, the speaker exemplifies
his reverence for intellectual engagement and the value of diverse forms of expression.