Skip to main content

The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes for class 11 English CBSE ( Summary, Detailed Explanation, Stanza based Q-A, Poetic devices, difficult words and their meanings and NCERT solution)

 


The Laburnum Top

By Ted Hughes

Introduction Of The Poem “The Laburnum Top”

 

"The Laburnum Top" is a beautifully written nature poem that highlights the transformation of a quiet laburnum tree into a lively one with the arrival of a goldfinch. The still tree bursts into life, filled with the bird’s cheerful chirps, trills, and songs. This vivid change from silence to energy is what makes the poem truly stand out. The use of poetic devices such as onomatopoeia and alliteration adds depth, making it a remarkable piece of nature poetry.


About The Poet

Ted Hughes, who lived from 1930 to 1998, was a well-known English poet. His early years spent in the countryside, where he was born, had a significant impact on his poems. Among Hughes's noteworthy works are "The Hawk in the Rain" and "Birthday Letters,". His poetry generally embodied raw, elemental powers and often explored themes of nature, mythology, and human struggle. In 1984, Hughes was named Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom, a position he retained until his passing. He received multiple honours for his literary efforts, such as the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry and the Whitbread Prize.


Theme Of The Poem “The Laburnum Top”

The poem “The Laburnum Top” presents the connection between the laburnum tree and the goldfinch. It demonstrates how both of them are interdependent. The poem also reflects the laburnum tree’s ability to survive even in harsh weather and its power to thrive Therefore, the poem portrays the strength and the beauty of nature to triumph in any form of adversity. It also focuses on the importance of coexistence in life. In this case, it demonstrates how the goldfinch benefits from the laburnum tree and in turn how the tree benefits from the goldfinch. Thus, it can be viewed as people’s concern with their counterparts and the interdependence between different species in the forests.







Summary Of The Poem “The Laburnum Top”


In the poem, “The Laburnum Top," Ted Hughes gives a striking description of a serene, tranquil laburnum tree. Everything appears to be quiet and nearly solitary. When a goldfinch suddenly soars to the top of the tree, where her chicks are waiting for her in a secret nest, and the atmosphere shifts.


The tree comes to life with the arrival of the goldfinch. As soon as the chicks begin to chirp, the mother bird moves swiftly to feed them, creating a cacophony of activity and noise. The tree, which was previously so silent, is now brimming with enthusiasm and vitality. However, as the goldfinch takes off, everything returns to being quiet and peaceful.


The relationship between the bird and the tree has beautifully been captured in this poem, which demonstrates how even a calm, still environment can momentarily burst into vibrant life. It serves as a reminder of the tiny spurts of activity that animate the natural world and the tiny connections that bind everything in the universe together.


Poetic Devices used in the poem “The Laburnum Top”

Alliteration

  • September sunlight

  • The whole tree trembles and thrills


Simile

  • Sleek as a lizard


Metaphor

  • A machine starts up

  • It is the engine of her family

  • Her barred face identity mask


Personification

  • The Laburnum top is silent

  • The whole tree trembles and thrills


Transferred epithet

  • her barred face identity mask


 Onomatopoeia

  • Twitching chirrup

  • Chittering

  • Trillings

  • Whistle chirrup



Difficult words and their meanings

Laburnum – a small tree with long stems of yellow flowers

Goldfinch – a small singing bird with yellow feathers on its wings

Twitching – sudden jerk/ movement

Chirrup – high-pitched sound produced by the birds

Startlement – sudden shock

Abrupt – sudden and unexpected

Chitterings – twittering/chattering sound

Tremor of wings – involuntary vibration of the wings

Trillings – singing in quickly repeated high notes

Trembles – shake/tremble

Thrills – a sudden feeling of pleasure/excitement

Flirts out – lead on to

Stokes – to add fuel to the engine

Barred – marked by bars

Eerie – weird and strange


Explanation & Extract based Question- Answer (The Laburnum Top)

Stanza-1 Explanation & Extract-based Question- Answer

The laburnum top is silent. quite still………..

A suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end


  • In the first three lines, the poet uses the laburnum top to symbolise peace and serenity. There is death-like silence on the laburnum top. As it is the month of September, its leaves have become yellow and all of its seeds have fallen. Here, autumn is the symbol of hopelessness.

  • But suddenly it comes to life with the arrival of the goldfinch. The bird sits at the end of the branch.


Q. Which poetic devices have been used in the first line of the stanza?

Ans. Personification (The Laburnum top is silent) and synecdoche (top)

Q. Which poetic device has been used in the second line of the stanza?

Ans. Alliteration (September sunlight) 

Q. Which season has been described here?

Ans. Autumn season

Q. Which words in the poem show that it is the autumn season?

Ans. The expressions like “yellow September”, “leaves yellowing”, and “seeds fallen” show that it is autumn.

Q. What kind of atmosphere was on the laburnum top before the arrival of the goldfinch?

Ans. There was death-like silence.




Stanza-2 Explanation & Extract based Question- Answer


Then sleek as a lizard, ……………

………………. Trembles and thrills


  •  The silence on the laburnum top is broken after the arrival of the goldfinch. The arrival of the goldfinch changes everything. 

  • The goldfinch enters the thickness of the tree very smoothly. The poet has compared the movement of the goldfinch to that of a lizard. The tree once again becomes full of life. The goldfinch enters the thickness of the tree like a lizard. There is a chittering. Then the whole tree starts trembling and then there is a kind of thrill there. 


Q. What happens after the arrival of the goldfinch?

Ans. After the arrival of the goldfinch, the tree becomes alive. The death-like silence disappears.

Q. Which poetic device has been used in the expression, “ sleek as a lizard”?

Ans. Simile.

Q. Which two poetic devices have been used in the line “The whole tree trembles and thrills”?

Ans. Personification and alliteration.

Q. Find the examples of onomatopoeia in this stanza.

Ans. Chirrup, chitterting, and trillings.

Q. What does the machine symbolise?

Ans. The machine symbolises noise as well as life.

Q. The poet has compared goldfinch to …….

Ans. The poet has compared the goldfinch to a lizard and a machine

Q. What has the poet compared machine to?

Ans. Goldfinch

Q. Which poetic device has been used in the expression,” engine of her family”?

Ans. The poet uses metaphor here, as the goldfinch is compared to an engine.


Stanza-3 Explanation & Extract based Question- Answer


It is the engine of her family.

……… the laburnum subsides to empty.


  • Here the poet has compared the goldfinch to an engine. The engine carries all the compartments of a train. In the same way, the goldfinch is also the engine because the survival of the younger ones can not be possible without her. When the goldfinch comes, the younger ones show their excitement by chittering. The goldfinch feeds the younger ones and after that, she again flies out to the branch end. shows her path for face identity mask.

  • After feeding the younger ones, the goldfinch once again starts her journey. She goes up in the sky. After the departure of the goldfinch once again, the laburnum is silent. Once again there are no activities on the tree. Here the poet has created the image of emptiness, seclusion, loneliness, and hollowness.





Q. What does the goldfinch do after feeding the younger ones?

Ans. It flies out to the end of the branch and gets ready to move away from there.

Q. Whose sound has been compared to a delicate whistle?

Ans. Goldfinch

Q. Where does goldfinch fly away?

Ans. In the sky

Q. What does infinite refer to

Ans. The sky.

Q. Explain the expression, “the laburnum subsides to empty”.

Ans. With the departure of the goldfinch, once again laburnum tree becomes silent and there is death-like silence.

Q. Is there a similarity between the beginning and the end of the poem?

Ans. Silence on the laburnum tree.

Q. What does the goldfinch do after feeding the younger ones?

Ans. It flies out to the branch's end and prepares to move away from there.

Q. What does the expression “barred face identity mask” mean?

Ans. Goldfinch has stripes, which is her identity and in this way, she is recognised.

Q. Which potic device has been used in the expression,” barred face identity mask”?

Ans. The barred face identity mask is transferred epithet


NCERT SOLUTION (The Laburnum Top)

Think it out …………..

Q. What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?

Ans. The beginning and the ending of the poem present the same picture. The laburnum top is silent and quite still before the arrival of the goldfinch. After the departure of the goldfinch once again there is stillness. 


Q. What is the bird’s movement compared to? What is the basis for the comparison?

Ans. The goldfinch’s movement has been compared to that of a lizard. Just like a lizard, the goldfinch enters the thickness of the tree in a sleek, alert and abrupt manner.


Q. Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet? 

Ans. The poet deliberately evokes the image of the engine to show the noisy atmosphere. The goldfinch produces a sound like a machine by chirping and chittering. It also symbolises life.


Q. What do you like most about the poem?

Ans. The goldfinch changes the still atmosphere of the laburnum tree into a noisy musical one. 

This is most fascinating.


Q. What does the phrase, “her barred face identity mask” mean?

Ans. It means that the face of the goldfinch is marked with stripes that look like a mask. Thus, the bird is identified by its barred face.


Also Read just by a click

Hornbill



Snapshots

Writing Section








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Invitations & their Replies for 12 CBSE (Format and solved examples of Formal Invitations, Informal Invitations, Formal Reply & Informal Reply)

  INVITATIONS & THEIR REPLIES Formal Invitations For family function For official function Q. On behalf of Mrs & Mr Sharma, draft an invitation card to be sent on the occasion of their wedding anniversary. Mr. & Mrs. Sharma  seek your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion of their WEDDING ANNIVERSARY on Monday, January 28, 2024 at 7:30 pm at Hotel Park International (Parliament Street, New Delhi) Programmes Cake Ceremony: 7:45 pm Cultural Programme: 8:15 pm Dinner: 9:15 pm RSVP Arun Neha 9999432165 On behalf of the principal and the staff of DAV Public School, sector-14, Faridabad. Write a formal invitation to be sent on the occasion of the Annual Day Celebration of the school. The Principal & The Staff DAV Public School (Sector-14, Faridabad)  Seek your gracious presence on the auspicious occasion of  ANNUAL DAY CELEBRATION On Sunday, January 27, 2024 at 4:30 pm in the school premises Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana has conse...

The Last Lesson by Alphonse Daudet, class 12 English CBSE ( Summary, explanation, question-answer, word meaning and literary devices)

  THE LAST LESSON By Alphonse Daudet (13 May 1840 - 16 December 1897) Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French writer known for his realistic and often autobiographical works. He started his career as a journalist before publishing his first collection of short stories, "Lettres de mon moulin" (Letters from My Windmill), which became a critical and popular success. His other notable works include "Tartarin de Tarascon," a humorous novel, and "Le Petit Chose," a semi-autobiographical novel about his childhood. Daudet also wrote plays and poetry and was a member of the Académie Goncourt. Despite suffering from syphilis and losing his hearing later in life, he continued to write until he died in 1897. INTRODUCTION “The Last Lesson” by Alphonse Daudet is about linguistic chauvinism. At the same time, the lesson highlights the ill effects of procrastination and the fact that we realise the importance of anything when it is not with us. The story is set in the 1...

My Mother At Sixty Six By Kamala Das for Class 12 English CBSE (Summary, poetic devices, word meaning and stanza based question-answer)

  MY MOTHER AT SIXTY By Kamala Das (31 March 1934 - 31 May 2009) DETAILED SUMMARY, EXPLANATION, EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS, AND THEIR ANSWER, WORD MEANINGS, AND POETIC DEVICES USED IN “MY MOTHER AT SIXTY SIX”. About the poet Kamala Das, also known as Madhavikutty, was an Indian poet and writer. She was born in 1934 in Kerala. Her poetry mainly deals with the intricacies of human relationships. She wrote both in English and Malayalam, her native language. Her works include "The Descendants," "Summer in Calcutta," and "My Story," an autobiography.  The poem "My Mother at Sixty Six"  highlights ageing problems. Here the experience is personal but the theme is universal.  Poetic Devices used. SIMILE. Her face ashen like that of a corpse. The poetess has expressed that her mother's face lacks energy and vitality. Her face is pale and greyish. Wan, pale as a late winter's moon. The words pale and wan indicate lifelessness.       2. REPETITION Smi...

Poets And Pancakes for Class 12 English (Flamingo), CBSE (Summary, word meaning, literary devices and extract based question-answer)

POETS AND PANCAKES By Asokamitran Detailed summary, extract-based questions with their answer, vocabulary, and very short questions and their answer About the author Asokamitran, born Thiagarajan in 1931 in Secunderabad, was a renowned Tamil writer. He continued to rule the literary world for almost six decades. He started his career in Chennai's film industry, which deeply influenced his writings. Ashokamitran's works deal with ordinary people’s struggles and aspirations. His acclaimed novel "Thanneer" (Water) highlights the impact of urbanisation. He is also known for his short stories, essays, and autobiographical works. He got many awards including the Sahitya Akademi Award. This literary giant passed away in 2017. INTRODUCTION The story Poets and Pancakas is an excerpt from the book “My Years With Boss”.This story is about a well-known film production company called Gemini Studios. It started in 1940 in Chennai and was famous in the early days of Indian cinema. S...

The Third Level by Jack Finney for class 12 English, CBSE (Summary, literary devices, vocabulary and extract based question-answer)

  THE THIRD LEVEL By Jack Finney (2 October 1911-14 November 1995)   SUMMARY, DETAILED EXPLANATION, EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWER, SHORT QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWER AND WORD-MEANING  OF THE THIRD LEVEL About the author Jack Finney was an American author who wrote science fiction and thrillers. He gained popularity with the publication of his novel "The Body Snatchers," In his writings, Finney has explored themes like time travel, alternate realities, and mysterious happenings. His stories are full of suspense, making readers eager to turn the next page. Finney's imaginative storytelling continues to draw the attention of readers worldwide. INTRODUCTION   The story "The Third Level" by Jack Finney is about time travel. Here we find the fantasy world which has been connected with the real world. The main character in the story is Charley who wants to escape from the real world because of tension, worry, fear of war, and the feeling of insecurity. Theref...

Report Writing 12 English CBSE , How To Write A Report, Format, Solved Examples of Writing Reports For Shool Magazine And Reports For Newspaper

  How to Write a Report Writing a report may appear difficult, but once you know how to write it, you will not face problems. It ought to be accurate and comprise all necessary details. Whether you are writing about an event, a project, an accident, a happening, or an experience, here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you. Reports are put in two categories Reports for school magazine Reports for newspaper How to Write a Report for a School Magazine Format for a School Magazine Report Headline Reporter’s name Designation/Class&Section 1. Title of the Report The title should be simple and clear. It must tell the reader what the report is about. It should be precise and must contain complete information. Example: Report on the School Science Fair 2024 2. Introduction It is necessary to state the purpose of the report in the introduction. The report's purpose, the date and location of the incident or occurrence, and the people involved should all be included. Example :  On Aug...

A Thing Of Beauty By John Keats for class 12 English CBSE (Detailed summary, poetic devices, vocabulary and stanza based question-answer)

    A  THING OF BEAUTY By John Keats (31 October 1795 – 23 February 1821) DETAILED SUMMARY, EXPLANATION, EXTRACT-BASED QUESTIONS, AND THEIR ANSWER, VERY SHORT QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWER, WORD MEANINGS AND POETIC DEVICES USED IN “A THING OF BEAUTY”. "A Thing of Beauty" revolves around the idea that beauty can uplift and provide solace amid life's trials and tribulations. Keats suggests that beauty can be a source of joy and inspiration even in a world filled with suffering and sorrow. He considers beauty eternal and divine. About the poet John Keats, a famous English poet of the Romantic Age,  lived in the early 19th century. His writing often explores the themes of beauty, love, and nature. Even though he died young at just 25, his poetry has left a lasting impact on literature, making him one of the most beloved poets in English literature. DIFFICULT WORDS AND THEIR MEANING Bower - A shady place under the tree Morrow - morning Wreathing - weaving/ encircling/ arrang...

"Going Places" by A R Barton for class 12 English (Flamingo) CBSE (Explanation, Summary, Word-Meaning and Question-Answer)

  GOING PLACES By A R Barton Summary, Explanation, vocabulary, and very short questions and their answer INTRODUCTION In the story "Going Places," A.R. Barton delves into the theme of teenage fantasy and hero worship through the character of Sophie. She is an adolescent from a lower middle-class society. Sophie is always involved in daydreaming. She is also in the habit of cooking up new stories. Her friends and family try to take her out of her daydreams, but she never stops creating castles in the air. Thus, the author has emphasised the goals and aspirations of teenagers as well as the suffering associated with unrealised dreams. ABOUT THE AUTHOR A.R. Barton is the author of the book "Going Places,". He is known for his engaging and relatable storytelling. His work has made a mark in literature with its focus on everyday experiences and human connections. Barton’s writing often explores themes of adventure, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's aspiration...

Journey To The End Of The Earth by Tishani Doshi for class 12 English(Vistas) CBSE (Summary, literary devices, vocabulary and extract based question-answer)

  JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH By Tishani Doshi SUMMARY, DETAILED EXPLANATION, DIFFICULT WORDS, AND THEIR MEANING, AND VERY SHORT QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWER (JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH) INTRODUCTION “Journey to the End of the Earth”  by Tishani Doshi describes her journey to Antarctica. The lesson explores themes of isolation, self-discovery, and the beauty of the natural world. Here we learn a lot about climate change and how it's affecting us and other living things. It suggests us to start doing things to make the Earth a better place to live. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tishani Doshi is an Indian writer, poet, and dancer. Her literary works include poetry, novels, and essays. Tishani often explores themes like identity, love, and the human condition in her work.  DIFFICULT WORDS AND THEIR MEANING USED IN "THE JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH" Amalgamated - joined together Thrive- grow/ flourish Cordilleran folds- an extensive chain of mountains or mountain ranges Precambr...

A Roadside Stand by Robert Frost, 12 English CBSE (Summary, poetic devices, vocabulary and stanza based question-answer)

   A ROADSIDE STAND BY Robert Frost (March 26, 1874 – January 29, 1963) DETAILED SUMMARY, POETIC DEVICES, DIFFICULT WORDS, AND THEIR MEANING, AND VERY SHORT QUESTION-ANSWER OF A ROADSIDE STAND INTRODUCTION The poem “A Roadside Stand” is about the rural-urban divide. The poet has presented the grim picture of the rural folk. According to the poet, rustics are the victims of injustice and apathy. DIFFICULT WORDS AND THEIR MEANINGS  Sped- move fast  Pathetically- very bad condition  Pled- requested  Dole of bread- bread given in alms or charity Withering- drying Marred- destroyed Quart- a unit of volume/measuring unit Wart- outer covering Crossly: angrily Kin- One’s family and relations Beast of Prey- a wild animal killing another animal Beneficent- generous/kind Soothe- relieve Longing- desire In vain- without success or a result Lurk- to wait somewhere secretly Marred- Spoilt Plow: cut/turn up Requisite- required Sane- sensible POETIC DEVICES USED IN THE POE...