Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 7 Previous Year Questions - The Trees

Ans: In "The Trees," Adrienne Rich uses trees as a metaphor for human resilience, growth, and liberation.  

They symbolise:

• The ability of humans to transform and free themselves from limitations.
• The welcoming of new beginnings and opportunities.
• The journey of reconnecting with nature, reflecting the trees' movement from captivity to the forest.

Ans: (iv)
The Trees is a poem by Adrienne Rich that explores themes of nature, freedom, and the environment.

Ans: (i)
In the poem, "the crown of the tallest oak" refers to the uppermost branches of the tree, symbolizing its height and grandeur.

Ans: trees
The winds in the poem are described as rushing to meet the trees, symbolizing the movement and freedom of nature.

Ans: Flash
The word "flash" in the poem conveys the meaning of something shining or reflecting light, like pieces of the broken moon.

Ans: The trees are trying to move out into the forest.

Ans: The forest was empty because there were no trees, birds or insects and it is because humans have destroyed the forest for building cities and other uses.

Ans: (ii)
The forest is described as empty because it lacks the natural flora and fauna that would usually inhabit it.

Ans: (iii)
The poet personifies the trees, giving them human-like qualities of moving and leaving, which is characteristic of personification.

Ans: The poet is writing long letters probably to keep herself busy in some activity. She does not mention the departure of the trees in her long letters because she doesn't want anyone to know that the trees inside her house are rebelling and fighting their way out to reach the forest. The trees struggle silently at night to break free from their captivity when no one is watching them. She wants the trees to be liberated and be one with nature where they belong. Therefore, she feels that it is best not to say a word about it to anybody.

Ans: In a treeless forest, no birds could sit, no insect could hide and no sun could bury its feet in shadow.

Ans: The trees are inside the house. The roots, leaves, twigs, etc. all are trying to make an escape from the house. The roots disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor, leaves strain towards the glass, small twigs and boughs move to the doors.

Ans: When the trees move out of the house, the doors remain open. The moonlight, the smell of the leaves, and lichen enter the rooms.

Ans:  (a) The poet compares the branches to the newly discharged patients.
(b) Simile - boughs are compared with the patients.
(c) Shuffling means moving repeatedly from one position to another/ mixing up.

Ans:  (a) In a treeless forest, no birds could sit, no insect could hide and no sun could bury its feet in shadow.
(b) The forests are empty because the trees have been cut down to create land for buildings, houses, etc. in other words, expansion of cities.
(c) Hide means to hide from view.