English Notes Chapter 4.4 “A Parody” Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Class 7

What is a Parody?

• A parody is a funny or comic imitation of a writer’s style.
• It is like a “verbal cartoon” that uses humor to mimic another work.

1. “How Doth the Little Busy Bee” by Isaac Watts:

• The poem describes the hard-working nature of bees.
• Key Points:
  • Bees make good use of their time (“improve each shining hour”).
  • They gather honey from flowers all day.
  • They skillfully build their wax cells and store sweet food.

2. “How Doth the Little Crocodile” by Lewis Carroll:

• A parody of the bee poem.
• Key Points:
  • The crocodile improves its tail by pouring water on its golden scales.
  • It smiles cheerfully and spreads its claws.
  • It tricks little fishes with its “gently smiling jaws.”

Key Word:

• “Doth” means “does” (old English).

Language Study

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs:

• Transitive Verbs: Require an object to complete their meaning.
  • Example: Neha broke the saucer. (saucer = object)
• Intransitive Verbs: Do not need an object.
  • Example: The saucer broke. (No object)

Practice Sentences:

• Label the direct and indirect objects:
  • Mrs. Desai teaches us English.
    • Direct Object: English
    • Indirect Object: Us
  • She paid fifty rupees to the shopkeeper.
    • Direct Object: Fifty rupees
    • Indirect Object: Shopkeeper

Examples of Transitive and Intransitive Verbs:

• Birds fly. (Intransitive)
• We fly kites. (Transitive)

Practice Identifying Verbs:

• It rained heavily. (Intransitive)
• Pour the milk. (Transitive)
• The bell rang. (Intransitive)
• Ring the bell twice. (Transitive)