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Are you looking for easy and detailed NCERT Class 11 English The Laburnum Top solutions? This blog covers everything you need to understand Ted Hughes’ beautiful poem. Whether you’re revising for exams or just want a clearer understanding of the poem, these answers will help you score better and appreciate the hidden beauty of nature in the poem
Table of Contents
Explore Notes of Class 11 English Hornbill
Think it out
1. What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?
2. To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?
3. Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?
4. What do you like most about the poem?
5. What does the phrase “her barred face identity mask” mean?
NCERT Class 11 English The Laburnum Top Solutions
1. What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?
The poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes beautifully depicts a quiet tree that momentarily comes alive with the arrival of a bird. The poem’s structure reflects the themes of stillness and sudden energy.
At the beginning, the laburnum tree is described as completely silent and lifeless in the soft, yellow September sunlight. Its leaves are turning yellow and its seeds have fallen, symbolising inactivity or near-death. This stillness is sharply contrasted by the arrival of the goldfinch, which activates the tree with movement and sound.
However, the ending of the poem mirrors the start — after the goldfinch flies away, the tree returns to silence and emptiness. This circular structure emphasises the transient nature of life and energy.
Thus, the poem begins and ends on the same note of stillness, highlighting how moments of liveliness are brief but beautiful interruptions in the otherwise calm and quiet rhythm of nature.
2. To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?
Ted Hughes uses vivid imagery and comparisons to bring the goldfinch’s movements to life in the poem.
The movement of the goldfinch is compared to that of a lizard– “sleek as a lizard, and alert, and abrupt.” This simile highlights the bird’s quick, sharp, and alert movements as it darts into the thickness of the tree. Just like a lizard moves swiftly and cautiously, the goldfinch too enters suddenly and carefully, reflecting her instinctive and purposeful actions as a mother.
The comparison effectively captures the bird’s agile and secretive nature, making her presence feel even more alive and dynamic within the calm tree.
3. Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?
Ted Hughes uses strong metaphors to describe the sudden transformation of the laburnum tree when the goldfinch arrives.
The poet compares the tree to an engine that “starts up” when the goldfinch enters. This metaphor shows how the tree, which was lifeless moments ago, suddenly becomes noisy, active, and full of energy, just like an engine coming to life. The phrase “engine of her family” also refers to the goldfinch herself, who feeds her chicks and keeps them alive. She is the driving force that powers the life hidden within the tree.
This engine imagery effectively conveys the burst of energy brought by the goldfinch and underlines her role as a nurturer and provider.
4. What do you like most about the poem?
“The Laburnum Top” is a short yet powerful poem that captures a moment in nature with deep meaning.
The aspect I like most about the poem is the way the poet shows how life can suddenly appear in a still and silent setting. The transformation of the laburnum tree from silence to activity, and back to silence again, is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The goldfinch becomes a symbol of life, care, and energy, and her visit teaches us to value fleeting moments of joy. I also appreciate the poet’s use of rich imagery and metaphors, which help the reader visualise the scene.
5. What does the phrase “her barred face identity mask” mean?
Ted Hughes uses symbolic language and unique descriptions to paint a clear picture of the goldfinch.
The phrase “her barred face identity mask” refers to the goldfinch’s distinctive facial markings. The word “barred” means having stripes or lines, and “identity mask” suggests that these patterns make her easily recognisable, like a mask. This description also suggests the bird’s individuality and uniqueness, making her stand out even in a moment of brief appearance.
So, this phrase highlights the physical beauty and mystery of the bird while also giving her a sense of character and identity within the natural scene.
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