Pre-reading activity –
“You reap what you sow” __ Bible.
If you sow a single grain, in return you will get a bunchful. If you
plant a tree and see that it grows into full size, what rewards can
be got?
Ans.- : The phrase “You reap what you sow” from the Bible reminds us that our actions have consequences. Just as planting a single grain yields a bountiful harvest, nurturing a tree to its full size offers countless rewards. A fully grown tree provides shelter for animals, shade for humans, fruits, and a haven for biodiversity. It also contributes to the environment by purifying air, conserving water, and preventing soil erosion. Ultimately, the effort put into growing a tree is richly rewarded by nature’s bounty.
Ans.- : The old tree’s roots dug deep into the ground, providing a solid foundation for the vibrant ecosystem above. A cheeky monkey swung playfully from branch to branch, disturbing a nest that held a curious bird. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, casting shadows on the ripe jackfruit and raw jackfruit hanging from the sturdy stem. Each element of the tree symbolized the harmony of nature and the enduring hope of growth.
Introduction to the Poet
The poem “Plant Tree” is written by an anonymous poet. The poet emphasizes the numerous benefits and joys that come from planting trees, highlighting their importance in our lives and the environment.
Summary of the Poem
The poem “Plant Tree” describes the various positive outcomes of planting a tree. It explains that planting a tree brings hope, joy, comfort, peace, youth, and love. Each stanza focuses on a different benefit, illustrating how trees contribute to the well-being of people and the environment. The poet uses vivid imagery to show how trees provide shelter, beauty, and a sense of tranquility. The poem concludes by stating that planting a tree is a rewarding act that benefits both the planter and the world.
Glossary
- Blithe: Sprightly, cheerful
- Bliss: Highest happiness
- Slumber: Sleep
- Vigour: Active strength
- Sturdy: Hardy, strong
Synonyms
- Blithe: Joyful, merry
- Bliss: Joy, delight
- Slumber: Nap, rest
- Vigour: Energy, vitality
- Sturdy: Robust, tough
Antonyms
- Blithe: Sad, gloomy
- Bliss: Misery, sorrow
- Slumber: Wakefulness, alertness
- Vigour: Weakness, lethargy
- Sturdy: Weak, fragile
Rhyming Words
- Tree and Free
- Hope and Grope
- Climb and Time
- Sublime and Time
- Be and Tree
I. Comprehension
A. Answer the Questions
1. According to the poet one who plants a tree can get Five kinds of joys. List those joys in an order.
Ans. – Five Joys from Planting a Tree:
- Hope: Planting a tree gives hope for the future.
- Joy: It brings happiness.
- Comfort: It provides comfort that lasts.
- Peace: It creates a peaceful environment.
- Youth: It symbolizes strength and new life.
2. What prophecy or message man should get from the bough of a tree?
Ans. – Message from the Tree’s Branches:
- The branches of a tree tell us that life can grow and reach great heights, just like the tree.
3. What role does a tree play for the creatures blithe with song?
Ans. – The tree provides a home and shelter for birds and other creatures that sing happily.
4. What benediction would a tired person have under the green curtains?
Ans. – A tired person can rest under the tree’s shade and feel peaceful and refreshed.
5. What would the shoots teach us?
Ans. – The new shoots (young branches) teach us that life continues to grow and renew itself.
6. How is the person who plants a tree rewarded?
Ans. – The person who plants a tree is rewarded with the tree’s growth and the benefits it brings to the environment and people.
B. A. Look at the first stanza, you will find pairs of rhyming words :
For example: Tree and free. Hope and grope.
Sit in pairs and find out the other pairs of rhyming words in the
poem and list them out.
Ans. – Rhyming Words in the First Stanza
- Tree – Free
- Hope – Grope
- Climb – Time
- Sublime – Time
- Be – Tree
C. Look up the dictionary and find out the meaning and explanation for the following words and usages contained in the first two
stanzas. (Work in pairs)
1.horizon, 2.grope, 3.clods of time, 4.heavens sublime, 5.prophesy, 6.glory, 7.cloy, 8.throng, 9.blithe with song, 10.bliss, 11.inhabit.
Ans. –
- Horizon: The line where the earth and sky seem to meet.
- Grope: To search for something by feeling with your hands.
- Clods of Time: The passage of time, like lumps of earth.
- Heavens Sublime: The beautiful and high sky.
- Prophesy: To predict or tell what will happen in the future.
- Glory: Great beauty or splendor.
- Cloy: To become too sweet or rich, making you feel sick.
- Throng: A large group of people or animals.
- Blithe with Song: Happy and carefree, singing joyfully.
- Bliss: Perfect happiness.
- Inhabit: To live in or occupy a place.
D. Sit in groups and discuss the following phrases used in the last stanza and write the explanations for each phrases in your note book.
- plant love 2.tents of coolness 3. gifts that grow are best 4.He may not live to see the wayfarers 5. hands that bless, 6. his work its own reward
Ans. –
- Plant Love: To create love and care by planting a tree.
- Tents of Coolness: The shade provided by the tree.
- Gifts that Grow are Best: The best gifts are those that grow and keep giving, like a tree.
- He may not live to see the wayfarers: The person who plants the tree might not see the travelers who benefit from it.
- Hands that Bless: Hands that do good deeds, like planting a tree.
- His Work its Own Reward: The act of planting a tree is rewarding in itself.
E. Read and appreciate.
“Poetry is born when emotions flow out powerfully.”
Look out those usages, which have implied meanings in stanza three (working in groups)
- green curtain 2. jargons cease 3. zephyr murmur soothingly
- tired eyelids 5. balm slumber deep 6. blessed tree.
- Green Curtain:
- Implied Meaning: The leaves of the tree that provide shade and a sense of privacy.
- Jargons Cease:
- Implied Meaning: The noise and confusion of the world stop under the peaceful shade of the tree.
- Zephyr Murmur Soothingly:
- Implied Meaning: The gentle breeze through the tree’s leaves creates a calming and soothing sound.
- Tired Eyelids:
- Implied Meaning: The eyes of a person who is very tired and in need of rest.
- Balm of Slumber Deep:
- Implied Meaning: A deep and restful sleep that heals and refreshes.
- Blessed Tree:
- Implied Meaning: The tree is considered holy or special because of the peace and comfort it provides.
F. The strength of a tree has been described in stanza four ….. describe those points of strength.
In stanza four, the strength of a tree is described through several points:
- Vigour Won for Centuries:
- The tree has gained strength over many years, showing its enduring power.
- Life of Time, That Hints Eternity:
- The tree’s life spans a long time, almost hinting at eternal life.
- Boughs Their Strength Up Rear:
- The branches of the tree grow strong and reach upwards.
- New Shoots Every Year:
- Every year, new branches grow, showing the tree’s continuous renewal and growth.
- On Old Growths Appear:
- New growth appears on the old branches, symbolizing the tree’s ability to keep growing and renewing itself.
- Teach the Ages:
- The tree teaches us about strength and resilience over time.
- Youth of Soul is Immortality:
- The tree symbolizes eternal youth and the idea that the spirit of life continues forever.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers.
- What does planting a tree symbolize in the poem?
a) Wealth
b) Hope
c) Power
d) Fame
Answer: b) Hope
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