'A Tiger in the Zoo' by Leslie Norris portrays the tiger with deep sympathy and seriousness. The tiger is shown as a captive animal, pacing his cage in rage and helplessness, longing for his natural habitat. He is majestic yet imprisoned — his strength suppressed, his freedom stolen. The poet evokes pathos as the tiger stares at the brilliant stars with his "brilliant eyes" at night, dreaming of freedom. The tone is solemn and melancholic.
'How to Tell Wild Animals' by Carolyn Wells, in sharp contrast, portrays the tiger in a humorous, light-hearted way. The tiger is described comically — if a large beast pounces on you and tears you limb from limb, you know it's a Bengal Tiger! The tone is satirical and playful, treating a dangerous animal as a source of wit and amusement.
Thus, while one poem highlights the tiger's tragedy of captivity with empathy, the other uses the tiger for comic effect.
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