Notes A Concrete Example English Poorvi Class 8 CBSE Board

Notes For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th

1. About the Poem

• The poem is about Mrs. Jones, the speaker’s neighbour.
• She has a garden full of stones with a crazy path, lily pond, rockery, and a sundial.
• She plants very tiny, delicate flowers between the stones.
• The speaker finds the flowers so small that they must be planted with a pin.
• The poem ends humorously when the speaker realises that he was standing on the flower while searching for it.

2. Main Themes

Different perspectives – What looks ordinary to one person can be special to another.

Humour and Irony – The garden is described with exaggeration, but the flowers are so tiny that they seem almost invisible.

Love for Nature – Mrs. Jones takes pride in her little garden.

3. Important Literary Devices

Rhyme Scheme: AABBCC

Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds.
Example: plants between the stones

Refrain: The line “My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones” is repeated.

Irony: The speaker expects a big, beautiful flower, but it is so small he accidentally steps on it.

Pun (wordplay):

• “Concrete” means both cement/stone and clear example.
• The title “A Concrete Example” has a double meaning.

4. Character Sketch – Mrs. Jones

• Loves her unusual garden of stones.
• Enjoys decorating it with small flowers and unique objects like the sundial.
• Takes pride in her delicate plants.
• Optimistic and positive-minded person.

5. Summary (Short)

The poem describes Mrs. Jones’ stone-filled garden. She grows tiny plants among the stones and proudly shows them to the speaker. The speaker humorously feels that the flowers are so small they could be planted with a pin. When looking for a beautiful flower, he is surprised to learn he was standing on it. The poem highlights humour, irony, and differences in how people see beauty.

6. Values and Lessons

• Beauty can be found in small and unusual things.
• People value and see the world differently.
• We must respect others’ passions, even if they seem strange to us.
• A positive attitude makes life more enjoyable.

7. Extra Notes

Tone of the poem: Light-hearted, humorous, and amusing.

Speaker: A neighbour (possibly a child or observer).

Message: Appreciate uniqueness and simple joys.