Read the following extract from Robert Frost’s poem, ‘A Considerable Speck’ and answer the questions that
follow:
This was no dust speck by my breathing blown,
But unmistakably a living mite
With inclinations it could call its own.
(i) What did the narrator first imagine the ‘speck’ to be?
What does his use of the words ‘speck’ and ‘mite’ tell us about it?
(ii) What was the narrator doing when he spotted the speck?
Which two words from the poem helped you come to this conclusion?
(iii) What made him realise that he was dealing with ‘an intelligence’?
(iv) Why did the narrator conclude that the mite had feet?
(v) Describe the narrator’s initial response to the speck.
What did he eventually decide to do about it?
Why does he make this decision?
What does this decision reveal of his character?
Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(i) Initially, the narrator imagined the ‘speck’ to be a
mere particle of dust, possibly blown by his breath.
The use of the word ‘speck’ suggests something
tiny and insignificant, almost negligible in the
grand scheme of things. However, as he observed
it more closely, he realised it was a ‘mite,’ a small,
living creature with its own inclinations and will.
This shift in terminology from ‘speck’ to ‘mite’
reflects the narrator’s growing awareness of the
speck’s complexity and individuality. The choice
of words highlights the narrator’s realisation that
even the smallest beings can possess a form of life
and agency, challenging his initial perception of
insignificance.
(ii) The narrator was engaged in writing when he
spotted the speck. The words “manuscript”
and “pen” from the poem help to confirm this
conclusion. The narrator mentions having his pen
poised in the air, ready to stop the speck with a
period of ink, indicating that he was in the process
of writing. The speck’s movement across the
manuscript further suggests that the narrator was
deeply involved in a literary activity. This context
sets the stage for the narrator’s detailed observation
of the mite, as his focus on writing allowed him to
notice and ponder the tiny creature’s actions.
(iii) The narrator realised he was dealing with
an intelligence when he observed the mite’s
behaviour. The mite paused with suspicion of the
pen, raced wildly, paused again, and then turned
to fly with loathing. These actions indicated a level
of awareness and decision-making that suggested
the mite had its own inclinations and responses to
its environment. The narrator’s observation of these
deliberate actions led him to conclude that the mite
possessed a form of intelligence. This realisation
was significant because it challenged the narrator’s
initial assumption that such a tiny creature could
not exhibit signs of thought or intention.
(iv) Despiteitstinysize,themite’sactionssuchasracing,
pausing and turning implied the presence of feet
that allowed it to express its desire to avoid danger.
The narrator inferred that such precise movements
wouldnotbepossiblewithoutacompletesetoffeet,
which the mite used to navigate its environment
and attempt to escape. This conclusion was drawn
from the mite’s evident ability to move quickly and
change direction, suggesting it had the necessary
physical attributes to do so.
(v) The narrator’s initial response to the speck was
one of curiosity and contemplation. He observed
the mite’s movements and behaviour, noting its
apparent intelligence and will to survive. Despite
his initial intention to stop the mite with a drop of
ink, he eventually decided to let it live, allowing
it to lie on the manuscript until he hoped it slept.
This decision reflects the narrator’s respect for
life and individuality, even in its smallest forms.
He recognises the mite’s display of mind and
intelligence, which resonates with his own values.
This decision reveals the narrator’s empathetic and
thoughtful character, as he chooses to spare the
mite’s life out of a recognition of its intrinsic worth
and a rejection of unnecessary harm. His actions
demonstrate a deep appreciation for the presence
of mind and consciousness, regardless of the form
it takes. The narrator’s decision to let the mite live
underscores his belief in the value of all intelligent
life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
Thisactofmercyandrespectforthemite’sexistence
highlights his compassionate and reflective nature,
as well as his ability to find significance in the
minutiae of life.