Chapter 2: Laburnum Top (Poem)

English

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Class: XI

Exercise 1

Question 1

What laburnum is called in your language.

Answer 1

In hindi, it is called ‘Amaltaas’.

Question 2

Which local bird is like the goldfinch.

Answer 2

‘Indian Lutino Ringneck’ is local bird like the goldfinch.

Exercise 2

Question 1

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

Answer 1

In the beginning of the poem the tree is calm & silent & in the ending it ends with motionless & empty level.

Question 2

To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?

Answer 2

The goldfinch’s movement is compared to that of a lizard. The basis of the comparison is the sleek, abrupt and alert movements of a lizard. The same kinds of movements are observed when the goldfinch arrives on the laburnum tree.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

The engine is the source of energy to run machine. It is compared to bird as she is too a source of energy for her family. As without engine a machine can’t work in the same without a bird her family can’t survive.

Question 4

What do you like most about the poem?

Answer 4

I like the simpilicity and pictorial presentation of the poem. The comparison between bird’s movement with machine and Lizrad made in nice way. Also chirruping & trilling of goldfinch.

Question 5

What does the phrase "her barred face identity mask" mean?

Answer 5

The phrase means that the bird’s barred or covered face becomes her identity mask recognition.