Class 10 English First Flight Poem 8 Question Answer | The Trees
Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English First Flight Poem 8 – The Trees by Adrienne Rich. This poem is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the poem text, summary, explanation, central idea, textbook solutions (Thinking about the Poem), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and literary devices to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
The Poem – The Trees by Adrienne Rich
The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.
All night the roots work
to disengage themselves from the cracks
in the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
small twigs stiff with exertion
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
like newly discharged patients
half-dazed, moving
to the clinic doors.
I sit inside, doors open to the veranda
writing long letters
in which I scarcely mention the departure
of the forest from the house.
The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
in a sky still open
the smell of leaves and lichen
still reaches like a voice into the rooms.
My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.
Summary of The Trees
The poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is a powerful and symbolic poem about the movement of trees from a house back into the forest. The poem opens with the image of trees that have been kept inside a house, now preparing to move out into a forest that has been empty for a long time. The forest has been barren — no bird could sit on a branch, no insect could hide, and no sun could bury its feet in shadow — because all the trees were indoors.
In the second stanza, the poet describes the nocturnal struggle of the trees to free themselves. The roots work all night to disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. The leaves strain towards the glass windows, the small twigs become stiff with exertion, and the long-cramped boughs shuffle under the roof. The poet compares them to newly discharged patients from a hospital who move half-dazed towards the clinic doors.
In the third stanza, the poet describes herself sitting inside the house with the doors open to the veranda, writing long letters. She scarcely mentions the departure of the trees from the house in her letters. The night is fresh, the full moon shines in the open sky, and the smell of leaves and lichen reaches like a voice into the rooms.
In the final stanza, the poet’s head is full of whispers that will be silent by the next day. She hears the glass breaking as the trees stumble forward into the night. The winds rush to meet them. The moon is broken like a mirror, and its pieces flash in the crown of the tallest oak tree. The trees have finally escaped and returned to the forest where they truly belong.
Central Idea of The Trees
The central idea of the poem “The Trees” is the conflict between man and nature, and the desire of nature to return to its rightful place. The trees, which have been confined indoors, symbolise nature that has been imprisoned by human beings. They struggle throughout the night to free themselves and finally break out of the house to return to the empty forest. The poem conveys the message that nature cannot be held captive forever; it will eventually reclaim its freedom. The empty forest represents the damage caused by deforestation, and the return of the trees represents nature’s resilience and its constant effort to restore the ecological balance.
On a deeper level, Adrienne Rich, a well-known feminist poet, uses trees as a metaphor for women who have been confined to domestic spaces. The trees breaking free from the house and moving into the forest can be seen as women breaking free from patriarchal restrictions and stepping out into the world to fulfil their true potential. The house represents the domestic confinement and the forest represents freedom, opportunity, and self-actualisation.
Stanza-wise Explanation
Stanza 1
“The trees inside are moving out into the forest, / the forest that was empty all these days / where no bird could sit / no insect hide / no sun bury its feet in shadow / the forest that was empty all these nights / will be full of trees by morning.”
Explanation: The poem begins with the dramatic announcement that the trees kept inside a house are moving out into the forest. The forest has been empty for a long time. In this treeless forest, no bird could find a branch to sit on, no insect could find a place to hide, and the sun could not create shadows because there were no trees to cast them. The phrase “the sun bury its feet in shadow” is a beautiful personification where the sun’s rays are compared to feet that rest in the shade created by trees. The poet assures us that by morning, this empty forest will be full of trees again. The stanza establishes the central movement of the poem — nature returning to where it belongs.
Stanza 2
“All night the roots work / to disengage themselves from the cracks / in the veranda floor. / The leaves strain toward the glass / small twigs stiff with exertion / long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof / like newly discharged patients / half-dazed, moving / to the clinic doors.”
Explanation: This stanza describes the immense effort the trees put in throughout the night to free themselves. The roots work hard to disengage (separate) themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor where they have been trapped. The leaves strain (push with great effort) towards the glass windows, perhaps seeking sunlight and the open air. The small twigs become stiff with exertion (physical effort), and the long-cramped (confined for a long time) boughs (large branches) shuffle (move slowly and awkwardly) under the roof. The poet uses a powerful simile here, comparing the branches to “newly discharged patients” from a hospital who are “half-dazed” (confused and disoriented) as they move towards the clinic doors. Just as patients who have been ill and confined to beds for a long time move slowly and unsteadily when released, the trees too move awkwardly after their long confinement indoors.
Stanza 3
“I sit inside, doors open to the veranda / writing long letters / in which I scarcely mention the departure / of the forest from the house. / The night is fresh, the whole moon shines / in a sky still open / the smell of leaves and lichen / still reaches like a voice into the rooms.”
Explanation: In this stanza, the poet shifts the focus to herself. She sits inside the house with the doors open to the veranda, writing long letters. Interestingly, she “scarcely” (barely, hardly) mentions the departure of the trees from the house. This could mean that humans tend to ignore or remain indifferent to the destruction of nature happening around them. The night is described as fresh and beautiful. The whole (full) moon shines brightly in an open sky. The smell of leaves and lichen (a type of moss-like plant that grows on tree bark and rocks) still reaches into the rooms “like a voice,” as if nature is making a last attempt to communicate with the poet before the trees leave. This simile of smell compared to a voice adds a haunting quality to the scene.
Stanza 4
“My head is full of whispers / which tomorrow will be silent. / Listen. The glass is breaking. / The trees are stumbling forward / into the night. Winds rush to meet them. / The moon is broken like a mirror, / its pieces flash now in the crown / of the tallest oak.”
Explanation: The final stanza is dramatic and powerful. The poet says her head is full of whispers — the sounds made by the rustling leaves and moving trees. These whispers will be silent tomorrow because the trees will have left by then. Suddenly, she says “Listen” — a command that creates urgency and drama. The glass is breaking as the trees force their way out through the windows. The trees are “stumbling forward” (moving unsteadily) into the night, and the winds rush to meet and welcome them. The moon, which was earlier described as whole and shining, is now “broken like a mirror.” This is because as the trees move outside and stand tall, they partially block the moonlight, making it appear as if the moon has been shattered into fragments. These pieces of moonlight now flash in the “crown” (the topmost branches) of the tallest oak tree. The image is both beautiful and powerful — nature has reclaimed its place, and even the moon, a celestial body, seems to celebrate by adorning the tallest tree with its fragmented light.
Important Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Disengage | To separate or free from something |
| Strain | To push or stretch with great effort |
| Exertion | Physical or mental effort |
| Cramped | Confined in a restricted space; not having enough room |
| Boughs | Large branches of a tree |
| Shuffling | Moving slowly by dragging or sliding |
| Discharged | Released or sent away (from hospital) |
| Half-dazed | Half-confused, partially stunned or bewildered |
| Scarcely | Hardly; barely |
| Lichen | A crusty, moss-like plant growth found on tree bark, rocks, etc. |
| Whispers | Soft, hushed sounds |
| Stumbling | Moving unsteadily; tripping or almost falling |
| Crown | The topmost part of a tree, where the branches spread out |
| Oak | A large, strong tree with hard wood |
Thinking about the Poem (NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers)
Q1. (i) Find, in the first stanza, three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest.
Ans: The three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest are: (a) no bird could sit on a tree branch, (b) no insect could find a place to hide, and (c) the sun could not bury its feet in the shadow of the trees. Without trees, the forest loses its ability to shelter birds and insects, and there are no shadows because there are no leaves to block the sunlight.
Q1. (ii) What picture do these words create in your mind: “…sun bury its feet in shadow…”? What could the
sun
‘s feet
be
?
Ans: The words “sun bury its feet in shadow” create a vivid picture in our mind of sunlight falling on the ground through the trees, and the base of each ray of sunlight being surrounded by the shadows of the trees. The “sun’s feet” refers to the rays of the sun that touch the earth. When sunlight falls through the canopy of a dense forest, the rays appear like columns or legs of light, with their “feet” (the base where they touch the ground) buried in the shadow cast by the trees. Without trees, there would be no shadows, and the sun’s feet would have nowhere to rest.
Q2. (i) Where are the trees in the poem? Are they indoor or outdoor trees?
Ans: In the poem, the trees are inside a house. They are indoor trees — plants that have been kept inside the poet’s house, possibly as decorative houseplants. Their roots are trapped in the cracks of the veranda floor, their leaves press against the glass windows, and their branches are cramped under the roof. The entire poem describes their movement from inside the house to the forest outside.
Q2. (ii) What do their roots, their leaves, and their twigs do?
Ans: The roots work all night to disengage (free) themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. The leaves strain (push with great effort) towards the glass windows, seeking sunlight and freedom. The small twigs become stiff with exertion (physical effort) as they try to break free from their confined space.
Q2. (iii) What does the poet compare their branches to?
Ans: The poet compares the long-cramped branches (boughs) of the trees to “newly discharged patients” from a hospital. Just as patients who have been confined to hospital beds for a long time move slowly, unsteadily, and half-dazed towards the clinic doors when they are released, the branches too shuffle awkwardly under the roof as they try to move out. Both have been confined for a long time and are weak, disoriented, and eager to return to their natural environment.
Q3. (i) How does the poet describe the moon: (a) at the beginning of the third stanza, and (b) at its end? What causes this
change?
Ans: (a) At the beginning of the third stanza, the poet describes the moon as whole (full) and shining brightly in a sky that is still open. The night is fresh and the full moon illuminates the scene beautifully. (b) At the end of the poem (in the fourth stanza), the moon is described as “broken like a mirror,” with its pieces flashing in the crown of the tallest oak tree. This change is caused by the trees moving outside and standing tall in the forest. As the trees spread their branches, they partially block the moonlight, making it appear fragmented. The moonlight that filters through the gaps in the branches and leaves creates the illusion of a broken mirror, with pieces of light scattered among the treetops.
Q3. (ii) What happens to the house when the trees move out of it?
Ans: When the trees move out of the house, the glass windows break as the trees force their way through them. The whispers of the rustling leaves, which filled the poet’s head, become silent. The smell of leaves and lichen that had been reaching into the rooms like a voice also disappears. The house is left empty and quiet, stripped of the natural presence that the trees had provided.
Q3. (iii) Why do you think the poet does not mention “the departure of the forest from the house” in her letters?
Ans: The poet does not mention the departure of the trees from the house in her letters because it reflects the human tendency to remain silent about or ignore the destruction of nature. Humans have been responsible for cutting down forests and confining nature, yet they rarely acknowledge this damage in their communication with others. The poet’s silence in her letters symbolises how people are aware of the environmental crisis but choose not to talk about it or take action. It could also suggest that the event is too overwhelming or surreal for her to describe in words, or that she feels a sense of guilt and helplessness about it.
Q4. Now, let us try to answer some questions that do not have any fixed, “technically correct” answer. Share your ideas with your partner and with the class.
(i) Does the poem present a conflict between man and nature? If so, what is it about? Who do you think will win this conflict?
Ans: Yes, the poem clearly presents a conflict between man and nature. Human beings have destroyed forests, cut down trees, and confined nature within the four walls of their houses for decoration. The trees, which rightfully belong in the forest, have been imprisoned indoors. The conflict is about nature’s desire to break free from human control and return to its natural habitat. In the poem, nature ultimately wins this conflict. The trees break free from the house, shatter the glass, and return to the forest. The poem suggests that nature cannot be held captive forever. Despite all human efforts to control and confine nature, it will eventually reclaim its freedom. This victory of nature conveys the message that we must learn to coexist with nature rather than trying to dominate it.
(ii) 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 we take the trees as a metaphor for human beings, particularly women (since Adrienne Rich was a prominent feminist poet), the poem takes on a powerful new meaning. The trees trapped inside the house symbolise women who have been confined to domestic spaces by patriarchal society. They have been kept indoors for decorative purposes, just as women have historically been expected to stay at home and look beautiful. The struggle of the roots, leaves, and branches to free themselves represents the struggle of women against the restrictions imposed on them by society. The comparison of branches to “newly discharged patients” suggests that women have been weakened by years of confinement but are still determined to break free. The breaking of the glass and the trees stumbling into the night represent the women’s liberation movement — the breaking of societal barriers and stepping out into the world. The empty forest that becomes full of trees by morning represents a world that needs women’s active participation. The poem thus becomes a powerful statement about the need for freedom, equality, and the reclaiming of one’s rightful place in the world.
Additional Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. What is the theme of the poem “The Trees”?
Ans: The theme of the poem “The Trees” is the conflict between man and nature. It highlights how human beings have confined nature by cutting down forests and keeping trees indoors as decorative plants. The poem conveys the message that nature yearns for freedom and will eventually reclaim its rightful place. It also emphasises the importance of preserving our natural environment.
Q2. Why has the forest been empty all these days?
Ans: The forest has been empty all these days because all the trees have been taken indoors. Human beings have cut down trees and destroyed forests for their own use. The trees are now confined inside houses, probably as indoor plants or decorations. Without trees, the forest is empty and lifeless — no birds can perch, no insects can hide, and no shadows can form.
Q3. How do the trees try to free themselves?
Ans: The trees make a determined effort to free themselves throughout the night. The roots work hard to disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. The leaves strain towards the glass windows, pushing against them. The small twigs become stiff with exertion. The long-cramped boughs shuffle under the roof, trying to straighten themselves. Finally, they break through the glass and stumble forward into the night.
Q4. Why does the poet compare the branches to “newly discharged patients”?
Ans: The poet compares the branches to “newly discharged patients” because both share a similar condition. Just as patients who have been ill and confined to hospital beds for a long time are weak, disoriented, and move unsteadily when they are finally released, the tree branches have also been cramped and confined under the roof for a long time. When they try to move out, they shuffle awkwardly and move half-dazed, just like recovering patients heading towards the clinic doors.
Q5. What does the poet mean by “the smell of leaves and lichen still reaches like a voice into the rooms”?
Ans: The poet uses a simile to compare the smell of leaves and lichen to a voice. Just as a voice can travel from one room to another and be heard by someone, the smell of leaves and lichen also travels from the veranda into the rooms of the house. The word “voice” suggests that nature is trying to communicate with the poet, making a last attempt to remind her of its presence before the trees depart. It is as if nature is calling out to the poet.
Q6. What is the significance of the title “The Trees”?
Ans: The title “The Trees” is significant because the entire poem revolves around the movement of trees from indoor captivity to outdoor freedom. The trees are the central characters and symbols of the poem. They represent not only the natural world that has been imprisoned by human beings but also, symbolically, any group of people (particularly women) who have been confined and suppressed. The simple, direct title focuses attention on the trees and their journey towards liberation.
Q7. What does the poet do while the trees are leaving?
Ans: While the trees are leaving, the poet sits inside the house with the doors open to the veranda and writes long letters. However, she scarcely (barely) mentions the departure of the trees in her letters. She is aware of the fresh night, the shining moon, and the smell of leaves and lichen. Her head is full of whispers from the trees, but she remains a passive observer, choosing not to actively acknowledge or report the significant event unfolding around her.
Q8. What is the mood of the poem?
Ans: The mood of the poem changes as it progresses. It begins with a sense of hope and anticipation as the trees prepare to move out. In the second stanza, the mood becomes one of struggle and effort as the trees work hard to free themselves. In the third stanza, there is a sense of calm contemplation as the poet observes the scene. In the final stanza, the mood becomes urgent and dramatic with the breaking of glass and the trees stumbling forward. Overall, the poem carries a mood of liberation and triumph of nature over confinement.
Q9. Why does the poet say “my head is full of whispers which tomorrow will be silent”?
Ans: The poet says this because her head is filled with the soft sounds (whispers) of the rustling leaves, the creaking of branches, and the movement of the trees as they prepare to leave. These whispers are the sounds of the trees still inside or near the house. By tomorrow, the trees will have moved out completely into the forest, and the house will be empty and silent. The whispers represent the last connection between the poet and the trees before they depart forever.
Q10. What does the breaking of the glass symbolise in the poem?
Ans: The breaking of the glass symbolises the breaking of barriers and the moment of liberation. The glass windows of the house represent the barriers that have confined the trees (and symbolically, nature or women) indoors. When the glass breaks, it signifies that the trees have finally succeeded in their struggle to break free. It is a powerful moment of escape and victory. It also suggests that freedom often comes with a forceful break from confinement, not through gentle permission.
Q11. How does the wind react when the trees come out?
Ans: When the trees come out of the house, the winds rush to meet them. The wind’s response is welcoming and supportive. It is personified as rushing forward eagerly, as if it has been waiting for the trees to return to the forest. The wind’s reaction represents nature’s joyful acceptance and celebration of the trees’ return to their rightful place outdoors.
Q12. What is the image created by “the moon is broken like a mirror”?
Ans: The image created is that of the full moon appearing to be shattered into fragments. As the tall trees stand in the forest, their branches and leaves partially block the moonlight. The moonlight that passes through the gaps in the foliage appears as scattered, broken pieces of light, much like fragments of a broken mirror reflecting light in different directions. The pieces of the moon’s reflection flash in the crown (top) of the tallest oak tree, creating a beautiful visual image of light and shadow.
Q13. What message does the poem convey about nature?
Ans: The poem conveys the message that nature cannot be permanently confined or controlled by human beings. Trees and forests are essential for the survival of all living beings, including birds, insects, and even the sun (for creating shadows). When humans try to imprison nature indoors, it yearns for freedom and eventually breaks free. The poem is a call for environmental awareness and urges humans to respect nature and let it flourish in its natural habitat rather than confining it for selfish purposes.
Q14. What are the three stages in the liberation of the trees as described in the poem?
Ans: The three stages in the liberation of the trees are: (i) The preparation stage — where the roots work to disengage from the floor cracks, the leaves strain towards the glass, and the twigs and boughs try to straighten themselves. (ii) The breaking free stage — where the glass breaks and the trees stumble forward out of the house into the night. (iii) The arrival stage — where the trees reach the forest, the winds rush to welcome them, and the moon shines through their branches. By morning, the forest will be full of trees again.
Q15. How is the poem “The Trees” relevant to our times?
Ans: The poem “The Trees” is highly relevant to our times because the world is facing serious environmental crises such as deforestation, global warming, and loss of biodiversity. Human beings have been cutting down forests at an alarming rate for urbanisation, industrialisation, and agriculture. The poem reminds us that trees are not meant to be decorative houseplants but are vital components of the natural ecosystem. It warns us that nature will fight back against human destruction. The poem urges us to protect forests, plant more trees, and restore the ecological balance before it is too late.
Q16. What does the “empty forest” represent in the poem?
Ans: The “empty forest” represents the devastating effect of deforestation. It symbolises a world where humans have stripped the forests of their trees, leaving them barren and lifeless. An empty forest cannot support wildlife — birds have no branches to perch on, insects have no leaves to hide under, and there are no shadows. On a symbolic level, the empty forest can also represent a society devoid of freedom and natural order, waiting to be restored by the return of its rightful inhabitants.
Additional Long Answer Questions (5-6 Marks)
Q1. Discuss the symbolism in the poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich.
Ans: The poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is rich in symbolism. The most prominent symbol is the trees themselves. On the surface, the trees represent nature that has been confined indoors by human beings. They symbolise the natural world’s desire to return to its rightful place — the forest. The house symbolises human-made spaces where nature has been imprisoned for decorative purposes. The forest symbolises freedom, the natural order, and the ecosystem that needs trees to function properly.
On a deeper level, Adrienne Rich uses trees as a metaphor for women. The trees confined in the house represent women trapped within the domestic sphere by patriarchal society. The house becomes a symbol of domestic confinement and societal restrictions. The trees breaking free and moving into the forest symbolise women’s liberation — breaking free from traditional roles and stepping into the wider world to fulfil their potential.
The glass windows symbolise the barriers that keep the trees (or women) confined. The breaking of glass represents the shattering of these barriers. The “newly discharged patients” simile symbolises the weakened state of those who have been confined for too long but are still determined to reclaim their freedom. The wind rushing to meet the trees symbolises nature’s (or society’s) acceptance of those who break free. The broken moon symbolises the transformation that occurs when the natural order is restored — the world looks different, perhaps more beautiful, when trees (or women) reclaim their place in it.
Q2. Explain the feminist interpretation of the poem “The Trees.”
Ans: Adrienne Rich was one of the most influential feminist poets of the twentieth century, and her poem “The Trees” can be interpreted as a powerful feminist statement. In this reading, the trees represent women who have been confined to the domestic space (the house) by patriarchal society. For centuries, women were expected to stay at home, look after the household, and serve as decorative presences — much like the indoor plants in the poem.
The struggle of the roots to disengage from the floor, the leaves straining towards the glass, and the twigs becoming stiff with exertion represent the ongoing struggle of women against patriarchal restrictions. The comparison to “newly discharged patients” suggests that years of confinement have weakened women, but they are still recovering and determined to break free. The poet sitting inside and writing long letters but barely mentioning the departure could represent women who are aware of the need for liberation but remain passive or silent about it.
The breaking of the glass is the most powerful feminist symbol — it represents the shattering of the “glass ceiling” and societal barriers that have kept women confined. The trees stumbling into the night suggest that the path to freedom is not easy; women may stumble and struggle, but they keep moving forward. The wind rushing to meet the trees suggests that nature itself supports this liberation. The forest that was empty and will be “full of trees by morning” represents a world that needs women’s active participation to be complete. Without women in public life, society is like an empty forest — lifeless and incomplete.
Q3. Describe the night scene in the poem “The Trees.” What happens during the night?
Ans: The poem “The Trees” is set during a single night, and the night scene is both beautiful and dramatic. The poet creates a vivid picture of the night through several sensory details.
The night is described as “fresh,” suggesting cool, clean air. A full moon shines brightly in an open sky, illuminating the scene. The smell of leaves and lichen reaches into the rooms of the house, adding an olfactory dimension to the scene. The poet’s head is full of whispers — the soft sounds made by the moving trees.
During the night, the trees engage in a determined struggle to free themselves. The roots work to disengage from the veranda floor cracks. The leaves push against the glass windows. The twigs stiffen with effort, and the long-cramped branches shuffle under the roof like patients leaving a hospital. As the night progresses, the struggle reaches its climax — the glass windows break, and the trees stumble forward into the darkness. The winds rush to welcome them. By the end of the night, the scene has transformed dramatically: the full moon now appears broken like a mirror, its fragments of light flashing in the crowns of the tallest oak trees that now stand in the forest. By morning, the empty forest will be full of trees, and the house will be empty and silent. The entire night serves as the backdrop for this dramatic liberation of nature.
Q4. How does Adrienne Rich use imagery in the poem “The Trees”? Discuss with examples.
Ans: Adrienne Rich makes masterful use of imagery in the poem “The Trees,” engaging multiple senses to create a vivid and powerful picture of the trees’ liberation.
Visual Imagery: The poem is filled with striking visual images. The trees moving out into the forest, the roots disengaging from the floor cracks, the leaves straining towards the glass, and the branches shuffling under the roof all create powerful visual pictures. The most striking visual image is that of the moon “broken like a mirror,” with its pieces flashing in the crown of the tallest oak. This image is both beautiful and dramatic, capturing the moment when the trees have reclaimed the forest.
Olfactory Imagery (Smell): The poet uses the sense of smell when she writes about “the smell of leaves and lichen” reaching into the rooms. This creates a strong sensory impression of the natural fragrance of the trees that fills the house.
Auditory Imagery (Sound): The poem is rich in sound imagery. The “whispers” in the poet’s head, the sound of glass “breaking,” and the trees “stumbling forward” all create auditory impressions. The word “Listen” is a direct appeal to the reader’s sense of hearing. The silence that will come “tomorrow” also creates an auditory image through its absence of sound.
Kinesthetic Imagery (Movement): Rich excels in creating images of movement. The roots “working” to disengage, the leaves “straining,” the twigs becoming “stiff with exertion,” the boughs “shuffling,” the trees “stumbling forward,” and the winds “rushing” to meet them all create a strong sense of physical movement and effort. This kinesthetic imagery brings the trees to life and makes their struggle feel real and urgent.
Q5. Compare and contrast the beginning and end of the poem “The Trees.” How does the scene change?
Ans: The beginning and end of the poem “The Trees” present a striking contrast that highlights the transformation brought about by the trees’ liberation.
At the beginning of the poem, the trees are inside the house, trapped and confined. The forest outside is empty — “no bird could sit, no insect hide, no sun bury its feet in shadow.” The forest is described as having been empty “all these days” and “all these nights,” suggesting a long period of barrenness. The image is one of desolation and unnatural emptiness.
At the end of the poem, the trees have broken free from the house. The glass has shattered, the trees have stumbled forward into the night, and the winds have rushed to welcome them. The forest is no longer empty but is being filled with trees. The moon, which was whole at the start, is now “broken like a mirror,” with its pieces flashing in the crown of the tallest oak. This change in the moon’s appearance signifies that the forest is now full of trees that partially block the moonlight.
The mood also shifts. The beginning carries a sense of sadness about the empty forest, mixed with hope that the trees are on their way. The end is dramatic and triumphant — glass breaking, trees stumbling forward, winds rushing, and moonlight scattered among the treetops. The house that was once full of trees is now empty, while the forest that was once empty is now full. This complete reversal is the central movement of the poem and its most powerful message: nature reclaims what belongs to it.
Q6. What is the role of the poet (speaker) in the poem? Why does she remain a passive observer?
Ans: The poet (speaker) in the poem plays the role of a passive observer. She sits inside the house with the doors open to the veranda, writing long letters. She is aware of the trees’ departure — she can sense the fresh night, see the shining moon, smell the leaves and lichen, and hear the whispers of the trees. Yet, she “scarcely” mentions the departure of the trees in her letters.
The poet’s passivity is significant for several reasons. First, it represents the attitude of human beings towards environmental destruction. We are all aware that forests are being destroyed, yet most of us choose to ignore this reality and carry on with our daily lives, just as the poet continues writing her letters. Second, the poet’s silence may reflect a sense of guilt. As a human being, she is partly responsible for the trees’ confinement, and she may not feel worthy of documenting their liberation. Third, her role as a passive observer creates a contrast with the active struggle of the trees, highlighting the trees’ determination and courage.
In the feminist interpretation, the poet’s passivity could represent women who are aware of the need for liberation but remain confined themselves, watching silently as others break free. Her silence in her letters could represent the inability or unwillingness of some women to speak about the oppression they witness. However, the fact that the poet is writing a poem about the trees’ departure (even if she does not mention it in her letters) suggests that she is ultimately bearing witness to this act of liberation and sharing it with the world.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who is the poet of the poem “The Trees”?
(a) Robert Frost
(b) Walt Whitman
(c) Adrienne Rich
(d) Carolyn Wells
Ans: (c) Adrienne Rich
Q2. Where are the trees in the poem?
(a) In the forest
(b) In the garden
(c) Inside a house
(d) On the roadside
Ans: (c) Inside a house
Q3. What are the roots trying to do?
(a) Grow deeper into the floor
(b) Disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor
(c) Find water underground
(d) Break the walls of the house
Ans: (b) Disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor
Q4. What does the poet compare the tree branches to?
(a) An old man walking
(b) Children running
(c) Newly discharged patients
(d) Soldiers marching
Ans: (c) Newly discharged patients
Q5. What is the poet doing while the trees are leaving?
(a) Sleeping
(b) Reading a book
(c) Writing long letters
(d) Watching television
Ans: (c) Writing long letters
Q6. What does “scarcely” mean in the poem?
(a) Frequently
(b) Completely
(c) Hardly; barely
(d) Loudly
Ans: (c) Hardly; barely
Q7. What rushes to meet the trees when they come out?
(a) Sunlight
(b) Rain
(c) Wind
(d) Birds
Ans: (c) Wind
Q8. What happens to the moon at the end of the poem?
(a) It disappears behind clouds
(b) It is broken like a mirror
(c) It turns red
(d) It becomes brighter
Ans: (b) It is broken like a mirror
Q9. The pieces of the moon flash in the crown of which tree?
(a) Pine
(b) Maple
(c) Oak
(d) Banyan
Ans: (c) Oak
Q10. “The moon is broken like a mirror” is an example of which figure of speech?
(a) Metaphor
(b) Personification
(c) Alliteration
(d) Simile
Ans: (d) Simile
Q11. What does “boughs” mean?
(a) Roots
(b) Large branches of a tree
(c) Leaves
(d) Seeds
Ans: (b) Large branches of a tree
Q12. By morning, the forest will be full of:
(a) Birds
(b) Insects
(c) Trees
(d) Flowers
Ans: (c) Trees
Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1
“The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.”
Q1. Where are the trees moving to?
Ans: The trees are moving out from inside the house into the forest that has been empty for a long time.
Q2. Why has the forest been empty?
Ans: The forest has been empty because all the trees have been taken indoors by human beings. Without trees, the forest is lifeless and barren.
Q3. Name three things that cannot happen in a treeless forest.
Ans: In a treeless forest: (i) no bird can sit on branches, (ii) no insect can find a place to hide, and (iii) the sun cannot bury its feet in shadow because there are no trees to cast shadows.
Q4. What figure of speech is used in “no sun bury its feet in shadow”?
Ans: Personification is used here. The sun is given human qualities — it is described as having “feet” that can be “buried” in shadow. The sun’s rays touching the ground are compared to feet resting in the shadow of the trees.
Q5. When will the forest be full of trees again?
Ans: The forest will be full of trees by morning. The trees are moving out of the house during the night, and by the time morning arrives, they will have reached the forest and filled it again.
Extract 2
“All night the roots work
to disengage themselves from the cracks
in the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass
small twigs stiff with exertion
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
like newly discharged patients
half-dazed, moving
to the clinic doors.”
Q1. What are the roots trying to do?
Ans: The roots are trying to disengage (free or separate) themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. They have been trapped in these cracks and work all night to pull themselves out so that the trees can move towards the forest.
Q2. What do the leaves and twigs do?
Ans: The leaves strain (push with great effort) towards the glass windows, seeking freedom and light. The small twigs become stiff with exertion (physical effort) as they try to straighten and free themselves from their confined space.
Q3. What simile is used in this stanza? Explain its meaning.
Ans: The simile used is “like newly discharged patients / half-dazed, moving / to the clinic doors.” The long-cramped branches of the trees are compared to patients who have just been released from a hospital. Both have been confined for a long time, both are weak and disoriented, and both move slowly and unsteadily as they head towards the exit. This comparison highlights the trees’ weakened condition after prolonged confinement and their desperate eagerness to get outside.
Q4. What does “long-cramped” suggest about the condition of the boughs?
Ans: “Long-cramped” suggests that the boughs (large branches) have been confined and squeezed in a restricted space for a very long time. They have been forced to grow under the roof of the house, unable to spread out naturally. The word conveys a sense of discomfort, restriction, and prolonged suffering.
Extract 3
“I sit inside, doors open to the veranda
writing long letters
in which I scarcely mention the departure
of the forest from the house.
The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
in a sky still open
the smell of leaves and lichen
still reaches like a voice into the rooms.”
Q1. What is the poet doing?
Ans: The poet is sitting inside the house with the doors open to the veranda. She is writing long letters. Although a significant event (the departure of the trees) is happening around her, she barely mentions it in her letters.
Q2. What does “scarcely mention” tell us about the poet’s attitude?
Ans: “Scarcely mention” means she barely or hardly writes about the trees’ departure. This reflects the human tendency to ignore or remain indifferent to environmental destruction. Despite being aware of what is happening, the poet chooses to remain largely silent about it, just as humans are often aware of deforestation and environmental damage but fail to act or speak up about it.
Q3. What figure of speech is used in “the smell of leaves and lichen still reaches like a voice into the rooms”?
Ans: A simile is used here. The smell of leaves and lichen is compared to a “voice” using the word “like.” Just as a voice travels through the air and reaches the listener, the fragrance of the trees travels from the veranda into the rooms. The comparison to a “voice” also suggests that nature is trying to communicate with or call out to the poet, making a final appeal before the trees depart.
Q4. How is the night described in this stanza?
Ans: The night is described as fresh and beautiful. The whole (full) moon shines brightly in a sky that is “still open” — meaning the sky is clear and not yet obscured by the trees that will soon fill the forest. The smell of leaves and lichen fills the air. It is a calm, fragrant, moonlit night that provides the setting for the dramatic departure of the trees.
Extract 4
“My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.
The trees are stumbling forward
into the night. Winds rush to meet them.
The moon is broken like a mirror,
its pieces flash now in the crown
of the tallest oak.”
Q1. What are the “whispers” in the poet’s head?
Ans: The “whispers” are the soft sounds made by the rustling leaves, creaking branches, and general movement of the trees as they prepare to leave the house. These are quiet, hushed sounds that fill the poet’s consciousness. They will be silent by tomorrow because the trees will have left the house completely by then.
Q2. What does the word “Listen” achieve in the poem?
Ans: The word “Listen” is a command that creates a sudden sense of urgency and drama. It breaks the contemplative mood of the third stanza and signals that the climactic moment has arrived. It directly addresses the reader, pulling them into the scene and making them feel as though they are witnessing the event in real time. It functions as a turning point in the poem, marking the transition from preparation to action.
Q3. What is the significance of the glass breaking?
Ans: The glass breaking signifies the moment of liberation. The trees have been confined inside the house behind glass windows, and the breaking of the glass represents the shattering of the barriers that held them captive. It is a powerful, even violent, moment that shows that freedom often requires force and determination. Symbolically, it can represent the breaking of societal barriers that have kept nature (or women, in the feminist reading) confined.
Q4. Explain the image: “The moon is broken like a mirror, its pieces flash now in the crown of the tallest oak.”
Ans: This is one of the most striking images in the poem. The full moon, which was earlier shining whole in the open sky, now appears “broken like a mirror.” This is because the tall trees that have moved into the forest now partially block the moonlight with their branches and leaves. The moonlight that passes through the gaps appears as scattered fragments, like pieces of a broken mirror. These fragments of light “flash” (shine brightly) in the “crown” (the topmost branches) of the tallest oak tree. The image beautifully captures the moment when the forest has been restored — the trees are tall enough to reach the moon and fragment its light.
Literary Devices in The Trees
1. Personification: The trees and other elements of nature are given human qualities throughout the poem. The roots “work” all night, the leaves “strain” towards the glass, the boughs “shuffle” under the roof, and the winds “rush” to meet the trees. The sun is said to “bury its feet” in shadow. These human actions attributed to non-human things make the poem vivid and emotionally powerful.
2. Simile: The poet uses two prominent similes. The first is “like newly discharged patients / half-dazed, moving / to the clinic doors,” where the tree branches are compared to hospital patients. The second is “The moon is broken like a mirror,” where the fragmented moonlight is compared to a shattered mirror. Both similes create powerful visual images that enhance the meaning of the poem.
3. Metaphor: The entire poem can be read as an extended metaphor. The trees represent nature (or women) confined by human society, the house represents confinement and control, and the forest represents freedom and natural order. The poet does not explicitly state these comparisons but lets the reader discover them through the imagery and symbolism.
4. Imagery: The poem is rich in visual, auditory, olfactory, and kinesthetic imagery. Visual images include the empty forest, the shining moon, and the broken mirror. Auditory images include the whispers, the glass breaking, and the silence that will come tomorrow. Olfactory images include the smell of leaves and lichen. Kinesthetic images include the roots working, leaves straining, twigs stiffening, boughs shuffling, and trees stumbling forward.
5. Enjambment: The poet uses enjambment extensively, where one line runs into the next without a pause or punctuation. For example: “All night the roots work / to disengage themselves from the cracks / in the veranda floor.” This technique creates a flowing, continuous movement that mirrors the trees’ journey from the house to the forest.
6. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words can be found in several places: “long letters,” “forest from,” “leaves and lichen,” “stumbling…still,” and “flash…forest.” Alliteration adds a musical quality to the poem and draws attention to key phrases.
7. Repetition: The phrase “the forest that was empty all these days” and “the forest that was empty all these nights” is repeated with slight variation, emphasising the prolonged emptiness of the forest and creating a rhythmic effect. This repetition reinforces the sense of time that has passed while the trees were confined indoors.
8. Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbols. The trees symbolise nature or women, the house symbolises confinement, the forest symbolises freedom, the glass symbolises barriers, the breaking glass symbolises liberation, the wind symbolises acceptance and welcome, and the broken moon symbolises the transformation of the world when the natural order is restored.
9. Irony: There is an element of irony in the fact that the poet sits inside writing letters but barely mentions the dramatic event happening around her. This irony highlights the disconnect between human awareness and action when it comes to environmental issues.
About the Poet
Adrienne Rich (1929-2012) was an American poet, essayist, and feminist. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets of the second half of the twentieth century. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, she published her first collection of poems, “A Change of World,” in 1951 while still a student at Radcliffe College. Over her career, she published more than two dozen volumes of poetry and several books of non-fiction prose.
Rich’s poetry evolved significantly over the decades, moving from formal, traditional verse to a more personal, politically engaged, and feminist style. She was deeply involved in the women’s liberation movement and the anti-war movement. Her major works include “Diving into the Wreck” (1973), “The Dream of a Common Language” (1978), and “An Atlas of the Difficult World” (1991). She used her poetry to explore themes of identity, sexuality, politics, and the relationship between language and power. The poem “The Trees” reflects her concern for both nature and women’s freedom.
Conclusion
“The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is a beautifully crafted poem that works on multiple levels. On the surface, it is about the movement of trees from a house back into the forest, conveying a powerful environmental message about the importance of preserving nature. On a deeper level, it is a metaphor for the liberation of women from domestic confinement and patriarchal control. Through vivid imagery, powerful similes, and rich symbolism, the poet brings to life the struggle for freedom and the ultimate triumph of those who refuse to remain confined. This poem is an essential part of the Class 10 English syllabus under the ASSEB board, and students should pay special attention to the literary devices, the dual interpretation (environmental and feminist), and the symbolic significance of the various elements in the poem for their HSLC examination.
We hope this comprehensive guide to Class 10 English First Flight Poem 8 – The Trees by Adrienne Rich helps you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination. For more chapter-wise question answers, visit hslcguru.com.