**NCERT Solutions: Ch-5- Laburnum Top (Poem), Hornbill English, Class 11**

The stanza question is not explicitly mentioned in the prompt. However, in order to provide a comprehensive answer, it is important to analyze the poem "Laburnum Top" by Ted Hughes and discuss the various stanzas in detail.

**Summary of the Poem:**
"Laburnum Top" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of the cycle of life and death. The poem revolves around a laburnum tree, which serves as a metaphor for life's fleeting moments. The poet observes a young boy climbing the tree, experiencing the joy and wonder of being close to nature. However, tragedy strikes as the boy falls from the tree, losing his life. The poem depicts the tree's indifference to the boy's death, highlighting the harsh reality of nature's indifference to human fate.

**Stanza Analysis:**

**Stanza 1:** The opening stanza sets the scene by describing the laburnum tree, its location, and its appearance. The poet uses vivid imagery and sensory details to capture the reader's attention.

**Stanza 2:** This stanza introduces the young boy who climbs the tree. The poet portrays the boy's joy, curiosity, and sense of adventure as he explores the tree's branches.

**Stanza 3:** Tragedy strikes in this stanza as the boy falls from the tree. The poet highlights the suddenness and brutality of the accident, emphasizing the boy's vulnerability in the face of nature's indifference.

**Stanza 4:** The fourth stanza focuses on the aftermath of the accident. The poet describes the boy's lifeless body lying on the ground, contrasting it with the vibrant and lively laburnum tree.

**Stanza 5:** In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the tree's continued beauty and growth, despite the tragedy that occurred beneath its branches. This highlights the cycle of life and death, as well as nature's indifference to human suffering.

**Conclusion:**
The poem "Laburnum Top" by Ted Hughes is a poignant exploration of life's transience and nature's indifference. Through its vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the poem leaves the reader contemplating the fragile nature of existence. Each stanza contributes to the overall theme, capturing different aspects of the boy's interaction with the laburnum tree and the tragic event that unfolds.

Which question??