The Glove and the Lions by Leigh Hunt Q&A

1. Whose lions are referred to? What is his main interest?

Ans. The lions referred to in the extract belonged to King Francis.
His main interest was enjoying royal sports, particularly watching his lions fight.

2. Who were the audience and what were they doing?

Ans. The king was seated, watching the lions fight. The benches were filled with nobles, and the
ladies in their pride. Among the audience was Count de Lorge, who was seated with a lady for
whom he sighed. It was truly a splendid sight. The show combined valour and love, with the king
watching from above and the royal beasts below.

3. What is the relationship between Count de Lorge and the lady?

Ans. Count de Lorge was in love with the lady. This relationship is hinted at by the phrase "with
one for whom he sighed," which indicates his deep affection for her.

4. Explain: "And truly 'twas a gallant thing to see that crowning show,
Valour and love, and a king above, and the royal beasts below."
Ans. These lines are taken from "The Glove and the Lions" by Leigh Hunt. Through these lines
the poet emphasizes the grandeur and excitement of the event, where bravery and romantic
sentiments are evident. The presence of the king adds a sense of authority and importance,
while the lions below symbolize strength and wildness.

5. How does the description of the court and the participants contribute to the theme of the
poem?
Ans. The description of the court and the participants sets up a scene of opulence and
grandeur. It highlights the contrast between human nobility and the savage nature of the lions.
This contrast helps to introduce the central themes of the poem, such as the superficiality of
societal expectations and the true nature of bravery and love.

6. Describe the scene inside the arena.

Ans. The lions ramped and roared with horrid laughing jaws. They bit, glared and gave blows
like beams. A wind went with their paws and they rolled on one another with wallowing might
and stifled roar. The pit was filled with sand and mane in a thunderous smother. The bloody
foam came above the bars, whisking through the air.

7. What is the significance of the phrase "horrid laughing jaws" in describing the lions? What
imagery does it evoke?
Ans. The phrase "horrid laughing jaws" suggests that the lions' mouths are wide open with a
terrifying grin, as if they find amusement or satisfaction in their violent actions.
It evokes imagery of menacing, sharp-toothed mouths and captures the intimidating nature of
the lions in the midst of their battle.
8. Explain the phrase "a wind went with their paws." What effect does this imagery create?
Ans. The phrase "a wind went with their paws" suggests that the lions' movements are swift and
powerful, creating a rush of air or force as they strike at each other.
This imagery emphasizes the speed and impact of their actions, adding to the sense of chaos
and intensity in the scene.

9. How does the description of the arena contrast with the courtly setting above?
Ans. The description of the arena as chaotic, violent, and primal contrasts sharply with the
controlled and refined courtly setting above.

10. Why does King Francis make the statement, "Faith, gentlemen, we're better here than
there"? What does this reveal about his character?
Ans. King Francis makes this statement to emphasize the safety and comfort of watching the
lion fight from a distance in the court, compared to being down in the pit with the raging lions. It
reveals his practical and cautious nature who values security and control over risking oneself in
dangerous situations. It also reflects his authority and leadership, as he considers the well-being
of those under his care.

11. Who is referred to as "De Lorge's love" and how is she described?
Ans. "De Lorge's love" refers to the lady whom Count de Lorge admires. She is described as
beautiful and lively, with smiling lips and sharp, bright eyes that always appear the same.

12. What does the lady think about Count de Lorge's bravery? What action does she decide to
take to test it?
Ans. The lady believes that Count de Lorge is exceptionally brave and would perform
extraordinary feats to prove his love for her.

To test his bravery and devotion, she decides to drop her glove into the lions' arena, expecting
him to retrieve it.

13. Why does the lady believe the occasion is "divine"? How does she plan to use this occasion
to her advantage?
Ans. The lady believes the occasion is "divine" because it presents a perfect opportunity with
the king, nobles, and other spectators all watching.
She plans to use this moment to her advantage by dropping her glove into the arena, thereby
creating a public test of Count de Lorge's bravery and love for her, which she hopes will bring
her admiration and glory.

14. What is the significance of the glove in the context of the poem?
Ans. The glove serves as a symbol of the lady's challenge to Count de Lorge. By dropping it into
the dangerous arena, she sets up a test of his courage and love. The glove becomes a means
for her to publicly demonstrate his devotion to her and to elevate her own status through his
actions.
15. How does the lady's perception of bravery and love reflect the themes of the poem?
Ans. The lady's perception of bravery and love reflects the themes of superficiality and the
societal expectations of romantic gestures. She equates bravery with the willingness to perform
dangerous and public acts to prove love and thus earn glory.

16. How does Count de Lorge's react initially and what does he do after retrieving the glove?
Ans. Count de Lorge responds quickly to the lady's challenge. He bows to her and immediately
leaps into the arena among the wild lions. His leap and return are both swift.
After retrieving the glove, he throws it back at the lady's face, expressing his disgust with her
manipulative test.

17. How does King Francis react to Count de Lorge's actions? What does he say, and what
does this reveal about his view on the lady's challenge?
Ans. King Francis approves to Count de Lorge's actions. He exclaims, "By God! rightly done!"
and stands up and supports the Count's rejection of the lady's test.

This reaction reveals that King Francis views the lady's challenge as vain and inappropriate, and
he respects Count de Lorge's refusal to be manipulated by such a superficial display.

18. What is the significance of Count de Lorge throwing the glove "right in the lady's face"?
What message is he conveying through this action?
Ans. By throwing the glove back at the lady's face, Count de Lorge is conveying his disdain and
rejection of her manipulative test.
This action signifies that he does not appreciate being used as a means for her to gain glory
and that he does not equate true love with performing dangerous and unnecessary stunts.

19. What does King Francis mean when he says, "No love, but vanity, sets love a task like
that"?
Ans. King Francis means that only vanity, not genuine love, would prompt someone to set such
a dangerous and foolish task to prove love. He is criticizing the lady's superficiality and
suggesting that true love does not require such showy and risky demonstrations.

20. How do Count de Lorge's actions reflect the themes of bravery, love, and vanity in the
poem?
Ans. Count de Lorge's actions reflect true bravery as he swiftly and fearlessly retrieves the glove
from the lions. But his subsequent rejection of the lady's challenge by throwing the glove back at
her highlights his disdain for vanity and superficial displays of love.

21. What is the theme of the poem?

Ans.
Leigh Hunt's "The Glove and the Lions" explores themes of bravery, love, and vanity. The poem
contrasts genuine courage and love with outward displays of valour designed to impress or
prove a point. It demonstrates that genuine love does not necessitate dangerous or reckless
behaviour to prove its authenticity.