Summary: The Tree House | Class 6 English Alive PDF Download

Introduction:

The poem tells the story of a child helping with carpentry work in Sarojini Amma's backyard. Despite not understanding the technical aspects, they assisted in various tasks. One day, Chetan, another person, fixes the roof, making the house suitable for two children to play on.

Stanza 1:

in the back 'muttam' of Sarojini Amma's compound. 

In truth I had no idea about the geometry of it. 

I merely helped with sawing of the planks

 did all the odd jobs, but here every screw mattered

Explanation: In this stanza, the speaker begins their narrative with a modest admission, stating they are involved in a carpentry project within the confines of "Sarojini Amma's compound." Despite their limited understanding of the project's "geometry," they actively participate by sawing planks and performing various "odd jobs." This introduction sets a tone of humble involvement, highlighting that each component, down to "every screw," plays a critical role in the overall construction. This detail suggests a deeper metaphor about the importance of every small task and perhaps every individual in a community or family structure.

Stanza 2:

After several afternoons of carpentry

 all of a sudden Chetan fixed up the roof 

the house was hoisted up, the ladder kicked away.

 It could hold two children at a time. 

Explanation:  Here, the stanza captures a pivotal moment in the construction process where, after several afternoons of effort, a significant milestone is achieved with Chetan's installation of the roof. This action, described dramatically with "all of a sudden" and "the ladder kicked away," signifies the completion and stability of the structure, now capable of supporting "two children at a time." This represents not just the physical completion of the house but also a rite of passage or a successful culmination of teamwork and persistence among the children involved.

Stanza 3:

They were all up on the branches. I was the last to go. 

I looked down at the tool set that I had left behind 

all open like reptile's teeth, baby-mouth-open-crocs.

Explanation: In this part of the poem, the focus shifts slightly to a more reflective tone as the speaker, being the last to climb up, gazes at the tools left below. The comparison of the tools to "reptile's teeth" and "baby-mouth-open-crocs" vividly captures the potential danger or the harshness of the tools, which contrasts with the playful and innocent activities of the children. This imagery could symbolize the transition from the reality of hard work and its hazards to the carefree nature of childhood experienced in the treehouse.

Stanza 4:

It might have been a man's job, but when we are children,

 boys can be girls and girls might be boys 

unless a real bully came and bossed us around- 

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

Explanation: This stanza explores themes of gender roles and the fluidity of identity during childhood. The speaker reminisces about a time when gender distinctions were irrelevant among children, where "boys can be girls and girls might be boys." This freedom from societal norms suggests a utopian play environment where roles are interchangeable and personal expression is uninhibited. The mention of a "real bully" introduces a disruption to this idyllic scene, yet the speaker is equipped with "a treasure chest of word weapons," indicating their resilience and ability to defend themselves and perhaps their ideals, using creativity and verbal prowess. This resilience not only shows their capability to navigate challenges but also underscores the importance of intellectual and emotional skills in overcoming adversity.

Theme and Message

The poem highlights the theme of childhood experiences and gender roles. It portrays how children can engage in activities regardless of societal expectations. It also emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and resilience in overcoming challenges.

List of Difficult Words with Meanings

Geometry - the branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, solids, and higher dimensional analogs

Carpentry - the skill or work of making or repairing wooden objects or structures

Planks - long, flat pieces of timber, thicker than a board

Hoisted - lifted or raised

Bully - a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable

Treasure chest - a chest containing valuable items or treasures

Carpentry - the activity or occupation of making or repairing things in wood.