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How doth the little crocodile Improve his shining tail, And pour the waters of the Nile On every golden scale! How cheerfully he seems to grin, How neatly he spreads his claws, And welcomes little fishes in, With gently smiling jaws!
Lewis Carroll
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This poem depicts the clever nature of a crocodile as it prepares to lure in its prey, reflecting themes of cunning and deception.

In this whimsical poem by Lewis Carroll, the little crocodile is portrayed as a cunning and cheerful creature, delighting in its ability to attract fish with its shiny tail and welcoming demeanor. The contrast between the crocodile's friendly appearance and its predatory nature serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, highlighting the theme of deception in nature.

Themes

CrocodileDeceptionNatureAppearancePredator

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the nature of deceit in relationships.

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