Worksheet Solutions: The Trees

Q.1. Find, in the first stanza, three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest?

Ans: In a treeless forest three things cannot happen: birds cannot sit on branches, insects cannot hide in the branches, and the sun cannot bury its feet in the shadow of trees. These images show how much is lost when trees are absent - shelter for animals, hiding places for small creatures and the cool, dappled shade that trees provide.

Q.2. How does the poet describe the moon : (i) at the beginning of the third stanza, and (ii) at its end ? What causes this change ?

Ans:

(i) At the beginning of the third stanza, the moon is described as whole and shining clearly in the open night sky.

(ii) By the end of the stanza, the moon appears to be broken into fragments as its light passes through the crown of the oak tree.

This change occurs because the moonlight is interrupted and scattered by the branches and leaves of the oak tree, creating shifting patches of light and shadow that make the moon seem fragmented.

Q.3. Why do you think the poet does not mention "the departure of the forest from the house" in her letters? (Could it be that we are often silent about important happenings that are so unexpected that they embarrass us? Think about this again when you answer the next set of questions.)?

Ans: The poet probably does not mention the forest's departure in her letters because the event is startling and almost unbelievable; she may feel embarrassed, ashamed or unsure how to describe it. Such a surprising loss can be hard to explain in ordinary correspondence, and she may prefer silence to the difficulty of finding words that do justice to the strangeness and pain of what has happened.

Q.4. On the other hand, Adrienne Rich has been known to use trees as a metaphor for human beings;this is a recurrent image in her poetry. What new meanings emerge from the poem if you take its trees to be symbolic of this particular meaning?

Ans: If the trees stand for human beings, the poem suggests several new meanings: the trees' leaving can speak of people breaking away from social roles or expectations; their slow movement hints at a quiet reclaiming of freedom and identity; their roots and branches straining to move suggest longings to change or to return to a more natural, unpressured way of life. The image also evokes loss and loneliness when those who give shelter and support depart, and it can celebrate resilience - even small actions (a branch reaching out) can be acts of courage or renewal.

Q.5. How does Patol Babu reconcile to the dialogue given to him?

Ans: Patol Babu first feels disappointed to learn that his entire part is a single word, but he remembers the advice of his old mentor not to despise any role, however small. He then sees the acting possibilities in the monosyllable and practises it carefully, finding ways to make that single word expressive. By focusing on craft and intention, he reconciles himself to the part and treats it with professional care.

Q.6. Why does Patol Babu walk away before he could be paid for his role? What does this reveal about his character?

Ans: Patol Babu walks away without taking his payment because, for him, the satisfaction of performing the role well matters more than money. This shows that he is dedicated, proud of his art and guided more by dignity and inner fulfilment than by material reward. It also reveals humility and a belief that a sincere performance is its own reward.

Q.7. Do you agree with the statement that Patol Babu is a practical man who comes to terms with whatever life has to offer?

Ans: Yes. Patol Babu adapts to changing circumstances throughout his life: he accepts different kinds of work, learns new trades and keeps trying despite setbacks. He does not brood over loss of status; instead he meets reality with steady effort and modesty. Even when he behaves in an idealistic way by refusing pay, that act stems from a practical, lived belief in the value of doing a job well - so overall he is a practical, resilient man who makes the best of what life offers.

Q.8. What picture do these words create in your mind: "... sun bury its feet in shadow..."? What could the poet mean by the sun's 'feet?'

Ans: The phrase creates the picture of sunlight stepping into and sinking down among the dark, cool shadows under the trees. The poet's 'sun's feet' are a poetic way of referring to the sun's rays. To say the sun buries its feet in shadow suggests the rays reaching down and being absorbed or hidden by the deep shade of the trees.

Q.9. What does the poet compare their branches to?

Ans: The poet describes the branches as "long, cramped" and compares them to newly discharged patients who move in a dazed, half-conscious way. This comparison gives the image of branches struggling and pushing awkwardly to emerge from the roof, as if they are weak but eager to regain freedom.

Q.10. Where are the trees in the poem? What do their roots, their leaves, and their twigs do?

Ans: In the poem, the trees are inside the poet's house. Their roots work all night to free themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. Their leaves press against the glass panes of the windows, and their twigs strain and stretch toward freedom. These actions show the trees' strong desire to escape from the house and return to the forest.