In which season does the poem take place, and what does the Laburnum tree symbolize at the beginning?

The poem takes place in autumn, and the Laburnum tree symbolizes silence and death at the beginning.

The arrival of the Goldfinch bird brings ___ to the previously lifeless Laburnum tree.

Life and vibrancy

What behavior of the Goldfinch is described as similar to that of a lizard?

The Goldfinch's rapid and precautionary movement along the branch is described as similar to that of a lizard.

True or False: The Goldfinch leaves the Laburnum tree immediately after feeding her young ones.

True

What imagery does the poet use to convey the mood of the Laburnum tree at the start of the poem?

The poet uses the imagery of yellow leaves and a still, silent top to convey a mood of death and tranquility.

What effect does the goldfinch have on the laburnum tree when it arrives?

It brings the tree to life with its chirping and movement, causing it to tremble and thrill.

Fill in the blank: The laburnum tree subsides to ___ after the goldfinch leaves.

Empty

True or False: The goldfinch is described as an engine that provides food for her family.

True

How does the poet describe the sound made by the goldfinch and her young ones?

The sound is likened to a machine starting up, filled with chitterlings and trillings.

What literary device is used in the line 'Sleek as a lizard' from the poem 'The Laburnum Top'?

This line uses a simile, which is a comparison between two things using 'like' or 'as'.

Fill in the blank: The tree in 'The Laburnum Top' symbolizes ___, while the goldfinch represents ___.

Silence; life

True or False: The poem suggests that the tree becomes animated only when the bird is present.

True

Explain the significance of personification in 'The Laburnum Top'.

Personification is significant as it attributes human characteristics to the tree, highlighting its transformation from a lifeless entity to one that 'trembles and thrills' when the bird arrives, emphasizing the connection between nature and life.

What is the effect of alliteration in the phrase 'September sunlight tree trembles'?

Alliteration creates a musical quality and emphasizes the imagery of the scene, enhancing the reader's engagement and the overall atmosphere of the poem.