Textbook Solution: The Tree House | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

A. Read the lines from the poem and answer the questions.

It could hold two children at a time.

a. What does 'it' refer to?

Answer: 'It' refers to the tree house.

Explanation: The context of the line mentions the completion of a structure that could hold two children, which implies that 'it' is the tree house that was being built.

b. Who fixed up its roof?

Answer: Chetan fixed up its roof.

Explanation: The poem explicitly states that "Chetan fixed up the roof," indicating that he was responsible for completing the roof of the tree house.

.. but then I had always a treasure chest of word weapons!

a. Who does 'I' refer to?

Answer: 'I' refers to the narrator or the speaker of the poem.

Explanation: In poetry, 'I' usually refers to the person telling the story, which in this case is the narrator describing their experience building and enjoying the tree house.

b. What does 'I' mean by word weapons?

Answer: By 'word weapons,' 'I' means using words as a means of defense or to stand up for oneself.

Explanation: The narrator likely means that they use clever or sharp words to defend themselves or to respond to bullies, suggesting a skill in verbal expression or argument.

B. Answer these questions briefly.

Q1: When did the children build the tree house?

Answer: During the summer holidays.

Explanation: The poem begins by noting that the tree house was built during the summer holidays, a common time for schoolchildren to engage in such projects.

Q2: Where was it built?

Answer: In the back 'muttam' of Sarojini Amma's compound.

Explanation: The 'muttam' likely refers to a courtyard or open area within Sarojini Amma's property where the tree house was constructed.

Q3: How did the poet help?

Answer: The poet helped by sawing planks and doing all the odd jobs.

Explanation: Although not familiar with the geometric aspects, the poet contributed by assisting in physical tasks necessary for building the tree house.

Q4: Who was the last one to climb the tree?

Answer: The narrator or the poet was the last to climb the tree.

Explanation: The poem mentions that all other children were already on the branches, and the narrator was the last to go up.

Q5: What did the tool set look like?

Answer: The tool set looked like it was all open, resembling reptile's teeth or baby-mouth-open crocodiles.

Explanation: This simile describes the tool set as having parts that were wide open and potentially dangerous, similar to how the open mouth of a crocodile might look.

C. Think and answer the questions.

Q1: What message is the poet trying to convey through the poem?

Answer: The poet is conveying a message of childhood freedom, creativity, and the joy of building something together despite challenges.

Explanation: Through the building of the tree house, the children experience teamwork, adventure, and the overcoming of physical and social challenges, reflecting the essence of a carefree and inventive childhood.

Q2: What do you think the poet means when she says- but when we are children, boys can be girls and girls might be boys?

Answer: The poet means that gender roles are less rigid in childhood, allowing children to be more fluid and free in their identities and actions.

Explanation: This line suggests that children, unlike adults, are less bound by societal expectations about gender-specific behaviors, allowing them to explore and express themselves more freely.