Chapter: 02. Tiptoe Night
I. Comprehension
A. State whether the following sentences are True (T) or False (F).
The poet hears many sounds as Tiptoe Night approaches. The poem suggests that night is a busy and noisy time. The poet feels certain about the night’s presence despite its silence. Tiptoe Night takes over the world suddenly and loudly. The poem describes night’s journey from outside a home to inside. B. Answer these questions briefly.
How does “Tiptoe Night” differ from a regular person walking? “Tiptoe Night” differs from a regular person walking because it makes absolutely no sound – “not a footfall, not a sigh,” and “not a ripple of the air.” What does the phrase “without a word” tell us about the night? The phrase “without a word” emphasizes the profound silence of the night’s arrival, suggesting it is quiet and does not announce its presence. What specific natural elements are mentioned that are affected by the arrival of night? The specific natural elements mentioned as being affected by the night’s arrival are “every little flower and bird.” Where does the night stop just before reaching the windowsill? The night stops at the garden-gate just before reaching the windowsill. C. Answer these questions in detail.
How does the poet use sensory details (what you see, hear, or feel) to describe the silent approach of Tiptoe Night? Explain with examples from the poem. The poet primarily uses the absence of auditory sensory details to convey the night’s silent approach. For example, lines like “Not a footfall, not a sigh, / Not a ripple of the air, / Not a sound to reckon by” emphasize what is not heard, thereby highlighting the profound quietness. Visually, the idea of “Tiptoe Night” itself suggests a quiet, stealthy movement, allowing the reader to imagine the gradual dimming of light and the settling of nature as the night “takes for his own again / Every little flower and bird.” The poem effectively uses silence as a sensory detail to create a specific atmosphere. What effect does the personification of “Tiptoe Night” have on how we understand the concept of nightfall in the poem? The personification of “Tiptoe Night” as a silent, solitary being makes the abstract concept of nightfall more concrete and relatable for young readers. Instead of just a natural phenomenon, night becomes a gentle, almost magical character quietly moving through the world. This gives the arrival of darkness a sense of intention and a peaceful presence, making it less intimidating and more enchanting. It allows children to connect with the poem on an emotional level, imagining night as a visitor. How does the poet build a sense of anticipation and then a feeling of presence in the last two stanzas? The poet builds anticipation by describing the poet “counting them as I wait, / Step by tiptoe step until-”, which makes the reader feel like they are also waiting for something. The “until-” creates a pause, heightening the suspense. The sudden exclamation “Hush!” then immediately shifts from anticipation to a strong feeling of presence, indicating the exact moment of arrival. The repetition of “Hush! He’s at the garden-gate, / Hush! He’s at the windowsill” reinforces this immediate, close presence, making the arrival of night feel complete and tangible. 
Answer key