Very Short Questions: Poem - The Trees

Q1: What type of trees are described in the poem 'The Trees'
Ans: The poem describes decorative trees - plants kept for ornament rather than for fruit, shade or shelter.

Q2: Where are the decorative plants kept?
Ans: The decorative plants are kept inside houses, often placed on verandahs or window-sills for display.

Q3: Where do the decorative plants grow?
Ans: The decorative plants grow in small pots, rather than in open ground.

Q4: What does the poetess compare these decorative plants to?
Ans: The poetess compares these decorative plants to a newly discharged patient, suggesting they are fragile and recovering rather than strong and free.

Q5: Why can't birds sit and insects hide in them?
Ans: Birds and insects cannot use them because these plants are kept purely for decoration; they are trimmed, constrained and do not offer natural shelter or hiding places.

Q6: What do the roots do all night?
Ans: All night the roots work, pushing and straining to free themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor, as if seeking space to spread.

Q7: What does the poetess not mention in the letters?
Ans: The poetess does not mention the forest's departure from the house - she omits direct reference to the loss of wildness that brought these plants indoors.

Q8: How does the poetess describe the moon in the end?
Ans: In the end, the poetess likens the moon to a broken mirror, suggesting scattered, fragile reflections of light.

Q9: What does the poetess compare the tree branches to?
Ans: The poetess compares the tree branches to a newly discharged patient, implying they are thin, delicate and constrained.

Q10: What rushes out to meet the trees?
Ans: The wind rushes out to meet the trees, moving quickly to touch their leaves and branches.