Magnifying Glass
NoteWhat This Chapter Covers
The second chapter of Unit 5: Science and Curiosity is a delightful poem by Walter de la Mare, Magnifying Glass. With one small lens, the poet discovers a whole hidden world inside ordinary things: a piece of chalk reveals tiny shell shapes, an inch of moss becomes a forest of miniature trees and flowers, a drop of water turns into a busy “hive of bees” full of life, and a spider is seen spinning its clever web. The poem fills us with wonder and reminds us that, if we only look closely, there is magic in the smallest things. You will read the poem image by image, study its poetic devices, build vocabulary, and practise CBSE-style questions.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- explain what the speaker sees through the magnifying glass and how it changes their view;
- explain the theme — curiosity, close observation, and wonder at the tiny world;
- identify the poem’s imagery, similes, and metaphors;
- use the chapter’s vocabulary correctly;
- understand and use similes and metaphors in your own writing.