Paraphrasing of 'To a Mouse'
Notes
by John Murdoch, Robert Burns' Tutor,1765
"As
soon as they were capable of it, I taught them to turn verse into
natural prose order, (Paraphrasing) These are excellent helps to
the arrangement of words in sentences, as well as to a variety of
expression"
Attached are examples of children's interpretation of the poet's
works. Paraphrasing by Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils (10 and 11
years).
Paraphrasing of 'To a Mouse'
(by Derek age 10 years)
Wee
smooth coated shy timid creature, do not be afraid, there is no
need to scamper and scuttle away making such a noise of fear. I
am very sorry that because we as men have to plough the land and
so terrorise you. I can understand why you being so small an animal
is scared. But mouse I want to tell you that I am your friend and
can understand how you feel. I understand you have to take a few
grains of corn to keep yourself alive. One or two small grains out
of twenty four sheaves will not be missed by me. Your little nest
has been destroyed and blown away by the wind and shelter to protect
you from the stormy December winds which are cold and biting. Poor
little mouse you have saw the fields bare and there is no food left.
And winter will be here soon you would be cozie and comfortable
in your nest if I hadn't destroyed it with my plough. Your little
house must have taken you a long time to make. Now you have been
turned out for all your efforts to brave the winter's sleety dribble
and severe hoar frost. But my little friend you are not alone with
your troubles perhaps it is just as well that we only know what
is happening minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. No matter
how well you planned for the future your plan may have to be altered
to suit the new circumstances, if may be painful to do all this
but if we are to survive we have to make the best out of any set
back. But mouse if it is any comfort to you I too have many problems
but my problems are much more serious than yours. We as humans can
look and think either backwards or plan for the future. As I look
forward I can only make a guess at what might happen. At the thought
of what might happen I am afraid and I dread of a bleak future for
me too.
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