Read the following extract from Leigh Hunt’s poem, ‘The Glove and the Lions’ and answer the questions that
follow:
And truly ‘twas a gallant thing to see that crowning show,
Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below.
(i) Describe the scene at the beginning of the poem.
(ii) “Leigh Hunt uses vivid sound and visual images to describe the contest between the royal beasts in the
pit.” Justify with close reference to the text.
(iii) Who was the ‘beauteous lively dame’ mentioned in the poem?
What did she do?
What prompted her to do this?
[3] (iv) Explain the following lines in your own words:
(a) ‘smiling lips and sharp bright eyes which always seemed the same’
(b) ‘the occasion is divine’
(c) ‘Faith, gentlemen, we’re better here than there’
(v) When King Francis exclaims, “rightly done!”, what action of Count de Lorge does he applaud?
Why do you think the Count behaved the way he did?
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(i) The poem opens with King Francis, a jovial
monarch, enjoying a royal spectacle where lions
are engaged in combat within a pit. The scene is
set in a grand arena, with nobles and elegantly
dressed ladies seated around, observing the event
with great interest. Among them sits the Count de
Lorge, accompanied by his beloved, adding a touch
of romance to the already captivating atmosphere.
The presence of the king, the valorous knights, the
elegant ladies, and the fierce lions below creates a
thrilling spectacle that embodies the spirit of the
era.
(ii) Leigh Hunt masterfully employs vivid imagery to
depict the ferocity of the lions. He describes them
as “ramped and roared”, with “horrid laughing
jaws”, which creates a striking visual and auditory
impression. The phrase “they bit, they glared, gave
blows like beams” emphasises their violent and
powerful actions, while “a wind went with their
paws” suggests the immense force behind their
movements. The “bloody foam above the bars” and
the“thunderoussmother”ofsandandmanefurther
enhance the chaotic and intense atmosphere of the
fight. These descriptions not only bring the scene to
life but also convey the raw power and danger of
the lions, making the reader feel as though they are
witnessing the spectacle firsthand.
(iii) The ‘beauteous lively dame’ is the lady admired
by Count de Lorge. She is portrayed as having
“smiling lips and sharp bright eyes,” indicating her
cheerful and alert nature. To test Count de Lorge’s
love and bravery, she deliberately drops her glove
into the lion’s pit, expecting him to retrieve it. Her
action is driven by a desire to prove his devotion
and to gain admiration from the king and the court.
She believes that such a daring act will not only
demonstrate his love for her but also bring her great
glory and recognition. This act reflects her vanity
and the societal expectations of courtly love and
valour.
(a) This line describes the lady’s constant appearance
of cheerfulness and alertness. Her smiling lips
suggest a pleasant and amiable demeanour, while
her sharp bright eyes indicate her keen and lively
nature, which remains consistent and unchanging.
(b) This phrase suggests that the moment is
exceptionally perfect and significant, imbued with a sense of grandeur and importance. It implies
that the situation is ideal for a remarkable and
memorable act, elevating the event to a divine or
extraordinary level.
(c) King Francis remarks that it is far safer and more
comfortable to observe the lions from a distance
rather than being in the pit with them. This
statement underscores the danger and ferocity of
the lions, highlighting the wisdom of staying at a
safe remove from such perilous creatures.
(v) King Francis exclaims “rightly done!” in response
to Count de Lorge’s daring retrieval of the lady’s
glove from the lion’s pit and his subsequent act of
throwing it back in her face. The Count’s action
demonstrates his courage in facing the lions, but
it also signifies his disdain for the lady’s vanity
in testing his love. King Francis applauds this act
because it underscores the distinction between
genuine bravery and mere vanity. The Count
likely behaved in this manner to convey that true
valour is not about performing reckless acts for
superficial approval but about maintaining one’s
dignity and self-respect. His response critiques the
lady’s frivolous challenge and highlights the folly
of risking one’s life for the sake of vain glory. This
act serves as a powerful commentary on the nature
of true courage and the superficiality of societal
expectations.