Question
“The Boys and the Frogs” by Marmaduke Park
Some boys, beside a pond or lake,
Were playing once at duck and drake;
When, doubtless to their heart’s content,
Volleys of stones were quickly sent.
But there were some (there will be such)
Who did not seem amused so much;
These were the frogs, to whom the game,
In point of sport was not the same.
For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said,
But gave some frog a broken head;
And scores in less than half an hour,
Perished beneath the dreadful shower.
At last, said one, “You silly folks, I say,
Do fling your stones another way;
Though sport to you, to throw them thus,
Remember, pray, 'tis death to us!”
7. What is most likely true about the boys in this poem?
(A) They dislike frogs and want to hurt them.
(B) They did not realize that the rocks would harm the frogs.
© They want to catch the frogs to keep as pets.
(D) They like rocks more than they like frogs.
Some boys, beside a pond or lake,
Were playing once at duck and drake;
When, doubtless to their heart’s content,
Volleys of stones were quickly sent.
But there were some (there will be such)
Who did not seem amused so much;
These were the frogs, to whom the game,
In point of sport was not the same.
For scarce a stone arrived, 'tis said,
But gave some frog a broken head;
And scores in less than half an hour,
Perished beneath the dreadful shower.
At last, said one, “You silly folks, I say,
Do fling your stones another way;
Though sport to you, to throw them thus,
Remember, pray, 'tis death to us!”
7. What is most likely true about the boys in this poem?
(A) They dislike frogs and want to hurt them.
(B) They did not realize that the rocks would harm the frogs.
© They want to catch the frogs to keep as pets.
(D) They like rocks more than they like frogs.
Ask by Matthews Lowe. in the United States
Mar 19,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The boys did not realize that their stone throws were harming the frogs.
Solution
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The poem describes boys playing a game of duck and drake near a pond or lake. They throw stones into the water without considering that these rocks might harm the frogs nearby.
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The frogs are unintentionally caught in the crossfire, and one frog even remarks that their game is deadly to them. This indicates the frogs’ suffering was not an intended part of the game.
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Evaluating the choices:
- (A) Suggests the boys dislike frogs and want to hurt them. There is no indication in the poem that the boys have any ill will toward the frogs.
- (B) Indicates that the boys did not realize the rocks would harm the frogs. This choice aligns with the notion that harm caused to the frogs is an unintended consequence of their game.
- © Implies that the boys want to catch frogs to keep as pets, which is not supported by the text.
- (D) States that they like rocks more than frogs, but the poem does not provide any evidence suggesting such a preference.
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Therefore, the evaluation leads to the conclusion that the most likely true statement about the boys is that they did not understand the harmful impact of the stones on the frogs.
The answer is:
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Simplify this solution Bonus Knowledge
The most likely true statement about the boys in this poem is (B) They did not realize that the rocks would harm the frogs. The poem illustrates the boys engaged in playful activities without grasping the negative consequences of their actions on the frogs, highlighting a lack of awareness or understanding about the impact of their play on other creatures.
The message echoes the importance of empathy and awareness in our actions, reminding us to consider how our fun might affect those around us. Just as the boys were lost in their game, people today sometimes overlook how their actions can unintentionally harm others—be it animals, the environment, or even fellow human beings.
