Worksheet Solutions: Poem - Laburnum Top | English Class 11 PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks 

Q1: The poem "Laburnum Top" describes a moment on an autumnal ____________ afternoon.
Ans: September
The blank is filled with "September." This description sets the season for the poem's setting, emphasizing the autumnal atmosphere.

Q2: The goldfinch suddenly breaks the silence with its chirping, making the tree come alive like a working ____________.
Ans: machine
The blank is filled with "machine." This simile compares the activity and sounds created by the goldfinch to a machine, emphasizing the sudden and lively transformation of the tree.

Q3: The goldfinch's face remains partly visible, and the bars on her face serve as a ____________ for her identity.
Ans: mask
The blank is filled with "mask." In this context, "mask" suggests that the bars on the goldfinch's face obscure her identity, adding an element of mystery to her presence.

Q4: The goldfinch shoots forward towards the endless ____________ with a soft sound of whistling and chirping.
Ans: heaven
The blank is filled with "heaven." This description signifies the goldfinch's upward flight into the sky, creating a sense of wonder and transcendence.

Q5: The Laburnum tree becomes calmer and seems to be empty when the goldfinch rises towards God's ____________.
Ans: abode
The blank is filled with "abode." This indicates that the tree returns to a state of quiet and stillness when the goldfinch departs towards a divine or heavenly realm.

Q6: What season is described in the poem "Laburnum Top" - _________.
Ans: Autumn
The blank is filled with "Autumn." This word helps establish the setting and ambiance of the poem. The poem's descriptions of yellowing leaves and the goldfinch's activities suggest an autumnal scene.

Q7: What kind of bird suddenly appears in the Laburnum tree - _________.
Ans: Goldfinch
The blank is filled with "Goldfinch." This identifies the specific bird species that enters the Laburnum tree, adding detail to the poem's imagery and narrative.

Q8: The goldfinch's chirping is described as breaking the ____________.
Ans: silence
The blank is filled with "silence." This description signifies the goldfinch's role in disrupting the initial quiet and stillness of the Laburnum tree with its chirping.

Q9: The bars on the goldfinch's face are likened to a ____________.
Ans: mask
The blank is filled with "mask." In this context, the bars on the goldfinch's face are metaphorically compared to a mask, suggesting that they obscure or hide her identity, creating an aura of mystery.

Q10: The goldfinch shoots forward towards ____________ with a soft sound of whistling and chirping.
Ans: heaven
The blank is filled with "heaven." This phrase highlights the goldfinch's upward flight into the sky with the imagery of moving towards a heavenly or divine realm. The soft sound of whistling and chirping adds a sense of transcendence.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The Laburnum tree becomes calmer when the goldfinch rises towards heaven.
Reason: The goldfinch's departure marks the end of the poem's excitement.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true. The departure of the goldfinch indeed marks the end of excitement in the poem, and this is the correct explanation for why the tree becomes calmer. Thus, option A is correct.

Q2: Assertion: The goldfinch's chirping sounds break the silence in the poem.
Reason: The poem takes place in the middle of the night.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. The assertion is correct, as the goldfinch's chirping disrupts the initial silence. However, the reason is not relevant because the time of day is not specified in the poem. Thus, option B is correct.

Q3: Assertion: The goldfinch enters the Laburnum tree smoothly like a lizard.
Reason: Lizards are common birds that often nest in trees.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (c)
The assertion is true, as the poem describes the goldfinch's smooth entry into the tree. However, the reason is false, as lizards are not birds; they are reptiles. Therefore, option C is correct.

Q4: Assertion: The goldfinch's face remains partly visible at the branch end.
Reason: The goldfinch is hiding from other birds.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion. The goldfinch's face remains partly visible, and the idea that it is hiding from other birds justifies why it remains partly visible. Thus, option A is correct.

Q5: Assertion: The goldfinch's departure marks the end of the poem's excitement.
Reason: The poem highlights the eternal beauty of the Laburnum tree.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but the reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but the reason is true.
Ans: (b)
Both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion. The assertion is accurate, as the goldfinch's departure indeed marks the end of excitement in the poem. However, the reason is not relevant to why the excitement ends. Thus, option B is correct.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the Laburnum tree's condition in the poem.
Ans: Silent, calm, and quiet with some turning yellow leaves.

Q2: What suddenly breaks the silence in the poem?
Ans: The goldfinch's chirping.

Q3: How does the goldfinch enter the Laburnum tree?
Ans: Smoothly like a lizard.

Q4: What is the goldfinch's role in the tree, according to the poem?
Ans: Perhaps she has made a nest and is feeding her young ones.

Q5: What serves as a mask for the goldfinch's identity?
Ans: The bars on her face.

Q6: What sound does the goldfinch make when shooting forward?
Ans: Mysterious and frightening, light pleasant soft sound of whistling and chirping.

Q7: When does the Laburnum tree become calmer in the poem?
Ans: When the goldfinch rises towards heaven.

Q8: What season is described as the setting for the poem?
Ans: Autumn.

Q9: What bird suddenly appears at the Laburnum tree in the poem?
Ans: Goldfinch.

Q10: What marks the end of the poem's excitement?
Ans: The goldfinch's departure.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the significance of the goldfinch's presence in the Laburnum tree.
Ans: The goldfinch's presence in the Laburnum tree signifies the cycle of life and nature's beauty. It brings life and activity to the tree, possibly by tending to her young ones. The sudden appearance of the goldfinch contrasts with the tree's initial quiet, emphasizing the transient and dynamic nature of life in the natural world.

Q2: How does the poet describe the goldfinch's entrance into the tree?
Ans: The poet describes the goldfinch's entry as smooth and lizard-like. This simile suggests that the goldfinch's movement is graceful and unobtrusive, adding to the poem's sense of natural beauty and harmony.

Q3: What is the role of the goldfinch's bars in the poem?
Ans: The bars on the goldfinch's face serve as a mask for her identity. They add an element of mystery and intrigue to the bird, making it seem like a hidden and enigmatic presence in the Laburnum tree.

Q4: How does the goldfinch's departure affect the Laburnum tree?
Ans: The goldfinch's departure marks the end of the poem's excitement and activity. The tree becomes calmer and seemingly empty. This transition highlights the temporary nature of life and the cyclicality of nature, with moments of vibrant activity followed by moments of stillness.

Q5: Describe the Laburnum tree's condition at the beginning of the poem.
Ans: At the beginning of the poem, the Laburnum tree is described as silent, calm, and quiet. While a few of its leaves are turning yellow, all its seeds have fallen.

Q6: What sound does the goldfinch make when it enters the tree?
Ans: When the goldfinch enters the tree, the poem describes a series of short, quick, high-pitched chattering sounds, the shaking movement of wings, and repeated short sounds, making it seem as if a whole machine has started working.

Q7: How does the poet characterize the goldfinch's departure towards heaven?
Ans: The goldfinch's departure is characterized as mysterious and frightening, with a light, pleasant, soft sound of whistling and chirping. This description creates a sense of wonder and beauty in the poem.

Q8: What does the poem "Laburnum Top" convey about the relationship between nature and life?
Ans: The poem conveys that nature is a dynamic and interconnected force. It shows how the presence of a small bird like the goldfinch can bring the Laburnum tree to life. The cycle of life, from the tree's autumnal state to the goldfinch's arrival and departure, reflects the ongoing and harmonious relationship between nature and life.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the thematic significance of the Laburnum tree in the poem "Laburnum Top."
Ans: The Laburnum tree serves as a central symbol in the poem, representing the beauty and cyclical nature of life in nature. In the poem, the tree is described as being in an autumnal state, with some of its leaves turning yellow and all its seeds having fallen. This state of transition mirrors the various phases of life and death that occur in the natural world. The tree's silence and calmness at the beginning of the poem highlight the temporary stillness in nature, which is later disrupted by the arrival of the goldfinch. The presence of the goldfinch and its activities in the tree emphasize the rejuvenating and life-giving aspects of nature, showing that even in the autumn of life, there is vitality and beauty. The poem suggests that the Laburnum tree is not just a passive element of the natural world but is intricately connected to the cycles of life and the ecosystem.

Q2: Analyze the impact of the goldfinch's presence in the Laburnum tree.
Ans: The goldfinch's presence has a profound impact on the Laburnum tree and the poem's atmosphere. Initially, the tree is described as silent, calm, and quiet, symbolizing the dormant or static phase of nature. The goldfinch's sudden appearance and chirping break this silence and bring the tree to life. This sudden contrast highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the natural world. The goldfinch's actions, such as entering the tree smoothly and creating chattering sounds, suggest that it is caring for its young ones. This underscores the nurturing and life-sustaining role that even small creatures play in nature. As the goldfinch departs with mysterious and pleasant sounds, the tree calms down, indicating the cyclic nature of life and the ebb and flow of activity in nature.

Q3: Explore the metaphorical significance of the goldfinch's bars serving as a mask for her identity.
Ans: The metaphor of the goldfinch's bars serving as a mask for her identity adds depth to the poem's interpretation. The bars on the goldfinch's face create an element of mystery and ambiguity, suggesting that nature's beauty and life are not always fully revealed or understood. The idea of a mask implies that the goldfinch, like all creatures, may have hidden aspects or roles in the larger ecosystem that are not immediately apparent. The mask can also symbolize the idea that nature conceals its true workings from human understanding, and there is always more beneath the surface. Overall, the metaphor of the mask deepens the poem's themes of nature's complexity, beauty, and the enigmatic aspects of life.

Q4: Explain how the poem "Laburnum Top" conveys the eternal beauty of nature.
Ans: The poem "Laburnum Top" conveys the eternal beauty of nature through its descriptions and thematic elements. The Laburnum tree, despite being in an autumnal state with yellowing leaves, is portrayed as beautiful and serene. This suggests that even in the midst of change and decay, nature maintains its inherent beauty. The arrival of the goldfinch and the sudden burst of life in the tree exemplify the continuous cycle of life and death in nature. The poem emphasizes that life's beauty endures, and new life always emerges. The goldfinch's departure marks the end of the poem's excitement, but it also signals a return to the tree's natural state, highlighting the cyclical and enduring nature of nature's beauty. The poem suggests that nature's beauty is not bound by time or season and remains eternal, even in its changing forms. It invites readers to appreciate the everlasting charm of the natural world.