All questions of Poem - The Trees for Class 10 Exam

The poet likely avoids mentioning “the departure of the forest from the house” directly to highlight human indifference towards nature. The lack of direct reference reflects how people often overlook or disregard the significant impacts on the environment.

Metaphor of "Long-Cramped Boughs"
The metaphor of "long-cramped boughs" encapsulates the idea of trees being confined and struggling for freedom. This imagery evokes a powerful sense of restriction and the yearning for liberation.
Representation of Confinement
- The term "long-cramped" suggests a prolonged state of being restricted.
- It implies that the boughs, or branches, have been unable to grow freely due to external limitations, whether they be physical barriers or environmental challenges.
Struggle for Freedom
- The metaphor conveys the idea that the trees are not just alive but are yearning for a space to expand and thrive.
- The use of the word "boughs" emphasizes the natural instinct of trees to reach out, grow, and flourish in an unconfined space.
Emotional Resonance
- This imagery resonates with themes of struggle and resilience.
- It reflects a broader human experience, symbolizing the desire to break free from constraints and seek one's true potential.
Conclusion
In sum, the metaphor of "long-cramped boughs" serves as a poignant representation of the trees' confinement and their inherent struggle for freedom. It highlights the tension between the natural desire to grow and the limitations imposed by the environment, making it a powerful and evocative image within the poem.

Contrast Between Night and Day in the Poem
The poem effectively illustrates the contrast between night and day primarily through the transformation of the moon’s appearance. This choice emphasizes the unique qualities that define both phases of the day.
Significance of the Moon's Transformation
- The moon serves as a central symbol in the poem, representing night.
- Its changing phases—from full to crescent—mirror the transition from night to day.
- The brightness or dimness of the moon can evoke different feelings and atmospheres, showcasing night’s mystery compared to day’s clarity.
Imagery and Emotion
- The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the moon, highlighting its glow or shadowy presence.
- As night deepens, the moon can illuminate the surroundings, creating a serene yet eerie feeling.
- This contrasts with the brightness of day, which brings clarity and a sense of vibrancy.
Symbolic Representation
- Night often symbolizes rest, contemplation, and quietude, while day represents activity, life, and visibility.
- The moon’s transformation encapsulates these themes, illustrating how night nurtures introspection while day encourages engagement.
In conclusion, the moon's appearance serves as a powerful metaphor in the poem, effectively contrasting the tranquil, reflective nature of night with the lively, vibrant essence of day. This transformation deepens the reader’s understanding of the cycle of time and its impact on the world.

The movement of the trees symbolizes the human tendency to confine and control nature. The poem depicts how trees, confined within the poet’s house, yearn to break free and return to their natural environment, reflecting how humans often restrict nature's freedom.

Significance of "Leaves and Lichen" Smell in the Poem
The scent of "leaves and lichen" carries profound connotations that symbolize the vitality and renewal of the natural world. Here’s how this interpretation unfolds:
Connection to Nature
- The smell evokes a strong sensory connection to the outdoors.
- Leaves and lichen are integral components of healthy ecosystems, suggesting life and growth.
Symbol of Renewal
- Lichen often thrives in diverse environments, indicating resilience and adaptability.
- The scent represents the cycle of life, where decay fosters new growth, emphasizing nature's regenerative capabilities.
Contrast with Urban Life
- In a world increasingly dominated by urbanization, the fragrance of leaves and lichen serves as a reminder of untouched nature.
- It highlights the beauty and vibrancy of the natural world, contrasting with artificial surroundings.
Emotional Resonance
- Smells often evoke memories and emotions; the scent of leaves and lichen can trigger feelings of nostalgia and peace.
- This emotional connection reinforces the idea of nature as a source of comfort and rejuvenation.
Conclusion
In summary, the smell of "leaves and lichen" symbolizes the vitality and renewal of the natural world. It serves as a reminder of the beauty of nature, its ability to regenerate, and the emotional solace it provides, reinforcing our connection to the environment.

The personification of the trees emphasizes their struggle and agency. By attributing human-like qualities to the trees, the poem underscores their active role in seeking freedom and transformation, reinforcing the themes of growth and renewal.

Understanding Simile
Simile is a literary device that makes a comparison between two different things using the words "like" or "as." This technique aims to create vivid imagery and enhance the reader's understanding of a concept or emotion by linking it to something familiar.
Analysis of the Example
In the phrase "the moon breaking into pieces like a cracked mirror," the comparison is drawn using "like," which clearly indicates that it is a simile. Here’s why this example fits the definition:
- Imagery: The description evokes a strong visual image of the moon, suggesting fragility and beauty, much like a cracked mirror.
- Emotional Impact: This imagery might evoke feelings of loss or destruction, enhancing the emotional weight of the scene.
- Clarity and Relatability: By comparing the moon to a cracked mirror, readers can easily visualize and understand the delicate nature of the moon's appearance.
Other Literary Devices Explained
- Metaphor: Unlike similes, metaphors do not use "like" or "as" for comparison. They assert that one thing is another, which is not the case here.
- Personification: This device gives human qualities to non-human entities. The moon is not being given human traits in this example.
- Hyperbole: This involves exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally. The description does not exaggerate but rather offers a specific visual comparison.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct identification of the literary device in the given example is a simile, as it effectively compares the moon's appearance to that of a cracked mirror using "like." This enriches the reader's experience by providing a vivid and relatable image.