The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbour and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Read the following extract and answer the questions.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 07:19 · grounding stimulus+chapter
Model Answer
(i) The poet uses the extended metaphor of a cat to describe fog. The image "on little cat feet" appeals to the sense of touch and movement, suggesting fog's soft, silent arrival. "Silent haunches" creates a visual image of fog crouching over the harbour and city, making the abstract phenomenon feel tangible and alive.
(ii) The poet portrays fog as a gentle, quiet visitor that silently observes both the harbour (nature) and the city (urban environment), suggesting a peaceful, non-destructive relationship between the two.
(iii) (A) softness
(iv) In the given extract, the tone of the poet is playful and mysterious.
Source: 'Fog' by Carl Sandburg, Beehive – Class IX (CBSE)
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Explanation
- (i) Focus on TWO images minimum — "little cat feet" and "silent haunches." Name the device (extended metaphor/imagery) and explain its effect.
- (ii) 1-mark = 1 crisp point. Mention both harbour (natural) and city (urban) from the poem.
- (iii) The cat metaphor emphasises gentle, soft movement — (A) is correct.
- (iv) The fog arrives quietly and mysteriously like a cat; "cold and rough" contradicts the poem's gentle tone; "pessimistic" is incorrect as no negative emotion is expressed.