When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Class 10 ICSE” offers essential explanations and insights for the ICSE Exam 2025. Master key themes, symbolism, and detailed analysis for exam success.
About the Poet
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) poet, memoirist, author, activist, and scholar Maya Angelou was best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.
About the Text:
The poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou reflects on the profound impact of losing someone important. Angelou compares great people to towering trees whose absence shakes the world around them. When such souls leave, everything feels empty and silent, and we feel a deep sense of loss. Our memories and awareness grow sharper as we remember their kindness and the moments we missed sharing with them. This loss feels like entering a dark, cold place. However, in time, peace returns, and we feel their influence inspiring us to live better. Their existence reminds us to be stronger and wiser.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers
- The paper (paper – 2) has four Sections: SECTION A – MCQs, SECTION B – DRAMA, SECTION C – PROSE – SHORT STORIES, SECTION D – POETRY
- Section A is compulsory – All questions in Section A must be answered.
- You must attempt one question from each of the Sections B, C, and D and one other question from any Section of your choice.
Section A
Attempt all questions from this section
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 1
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What impact do great trees have when they fall?
A) Rocks crumble
B) Distant hills rejoice
C) Rocks on distant hills shudder
D) Trees turn green
Answer: C) Rocks on distant hills shudder
2. Which animals are described as hunkering down when great trees fall?
A) Tigers
B) Lions
C) Elephants
D) Bears
Answer: B) Lions
3. What reaction do elephants have to the falling of great trees?
A) Trumpet loudly
B) Run towards the trees
C) Lumber after safety
D) Stand still in silence
Answer: C) Lumber after safety
4. The phrase “small things recoil into silence” most likely refers to:
A) Birds and insects
B) Large animals
C) Rocks and stones
D) Humans
Answer: A) Birds and insects
5. In the poem, what do small things experience when great trees fall?
A) Joy
B) Fear beyond measure
C) Silence beyond fear
D) Relief
Answer: C) Silence beyond fear
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 2
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. When “great souls die,” the air becomes:
A) Denser
B) Light, rare, sterile
C) Thick and humid
D) Cold and damp
Answer: B) Light, rare, sterile
2. What happens to our memory when great souls die?
A) It fades away
B) It sharpens
C) It becomes unclear
D) It brings joy
Answer: B) It sharpens
3. Which of the following is a central theme of the poem?
A) Celebration of life
B) The strength of nature
C) The impact of loss
D) The mystery of animals
Answer: C) The impact of loss
4. The phrase “our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us” suggests:
A) We lose touch with our identity
B) We become more powerful
C) We understand ourselves better
D) We return to normal life quickly
Answer: A) We lose touch with our identity
5. “Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance” implies that great souls:
A) Enlighten our understanding
B) Are forgettable
C) Bring darkness to our thoughts
D) Misguide us
Answer: B) Are forgettable
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 3
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What does “wizened” mean in the context of “our souls now shrink, wizened”?
A) Expanded
B) Withered or shrunken
C) Confused
D) Enthusiastic
Answer: B) Withered or shrunken
2. In the poem, the line “We are not so much maddened as reduced” suggests:
A) Loss brings anger
B) Loss reduces our understanding
C) Loss makes us indifferent
D) Loss leads to madness
Answer: B) Loss reduces our understanding
3. The imagery of “dark, cold caves” symbolizes:
A) Fear of nature
B) Ignorance and isolation
C) Happiness
D) Comfort and safety
Answer: B) Ignorance and isolation
4. When peace blooms after the passing of great souls, it is described as:
A) Instant
B) Gradual and irregular
C) Chaotic
D) Bright and loud
Answer: B) Gradual and irregular
5. The phrase “soothing electric vibration” indicates a feeling of:
A) Tension
B) Calm and subtle energy
C) Fear
D) Anger
Answer: B) Calm and subtle energy
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 4
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. The repetition of “They existed” at the end emphasizes:
A) Denial of their loss
B) The insignificance of their life
C) The lasting influence of great souls
D) Fear of their memory
Answer: C) The lasting influence of great souls
2. “Be and be better. For they existed” suggests that:
A) We should live aimlessly
B) We should improve ourselves in their honor
C) We should forget them
D) We should be resentful
Answer: B) We should improve ourselves in their honor
3. The “hurtful clarity” in the poem refers to the:
A) Pain of seeing things clearly after a loss
B) Confusion after a death
C) Joy of living
D) Pride in great souls
Answer: A) Pain of seeing things clearly after a loss
4. “Promised walks never taken” is an example of:
A) Literal meaning
B) Irony
C) Regret over missed moments
D) Happiness in memories
Answer: C) Regret over missed moments
5. The term “lumber after safety” most likely indicates:
A) Swift movement
B) Slow, cautious movement
C) Standing still
D) Running rapidly
Answer: B) Slow, cautious movement
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 5
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. What poetic device is used in “rocks on distant hills shudder”?
A) Metaphor
B) Simile
C) Personification
D) Alliteration
Answer: C) Personification
2. The word “sterile” in the line “air around us becomes light, rare, sterile” means:
A) Fertile
B) Impure
C) Pure and lifeless
D) Warm and humid
Answer: C) Pure and lifeless
3. The line “Our senses, restored, never to be the same” suggests:
A) Healing without change
B) A permanent transformation
C) A return to previous self
D) An incomplete healing
Answer: B) A permanent transformation
4. The tone of the poem can best be described as:
A) Joyful
B) Reflective and melancholic
C) Angered
D) Satirical
Answer: B) Reflective and melancholic
5. The poet mentions “kind words unsaid” to indicate:
A) Regret for unexpressed emotions
B) Joy of memories
C) Irrelevance of words
D) Carefree relationships
Answer: A) Regret for unexpressed emotions
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 6
Choose the correct answers to the questions from the given options. (Do not copy the question, write the correct answers only.)
1. The “electric vibration” in the poem could be interpreted as:
A) A sign of destruction
B) The energy left by those who have passed
C) An actual electric field
D) A flash of lightning
Answer: B) The energy left by those who have passed
2. The structure of the poem is primarily:
A) A rhyming pattern
B) Free verse
C) Sonnet form
D) Limerick style
Answer: B) Free verse
3. The phrase “gnaws on kind words unsaid” implies:
A) Joy over expressing words
B) Painful regret
C) Forgetfulness
D) Contentment
Answer: B) Painful regret
4. In the context of the poem, the phrase “our memory, suddenly sharpened” means:
A) We forget past memories
B) We experience heightened awareness after loss
C) We remember unimportant events
D) We lose all memories
Answer: B) We experience heightened awareness after loss
5. The poem’s ending suggests that great souls inspire us to:
A) Live in fear
B) Ignore their teachings
C) Live more meaningfully
D) Be indifferent to life
Answer: C) Live more meaningfully
SECTION D
(Answer one or more questions from this Section.)
POETRY
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 1
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.”
1. Why do you think rocks on distant hills shudder when great trees fall?
Ans: When great trees fall, they create an impact that reverberates across the landscape, symbolizing the far-reaching effects of losing something monumental. The rocks shudder metaphorically, representing the disruption caused even in remote places, suggesting that the fall of greatness affects everything around it, even from a distance. This imagery highlights the interconnectedness between nature and the loss of something powerful, where a change in one part of the ecosystem influences all other parts, causing everything, even the rocks, to feel the disturbance.
2. What does the phrase “lions hunker down in tall grasses” signify?
Ans: The image of lions hunkering down symbolizes a retreat in the face of overwhelming change or danger. Lions, typically proud and fearless, crouch in fear, highlighting how even the strongest are affected when greatness falls. This line conveys that the loss of greatness causes those around to seek shelter, signaling vulnerability and respect toward the lost entity. It underscores how great losses induce caution and fear, reminding even the most powerful beings of their limitations and the void left behind.
3. Explain the significance of “even elephants lumber after safety.”
Ans: Elephants, known for their strength and resilience, are depicted here as moving toward safety, showing that even the mightiest are affected by the fall of greatness. The use of “lumber” emphasizes their slow, deliberate movement, indicating the weight of the event. This line underlines the idea that the loss of great beings causes upheaval in the natural order, prompting even the largest and most enduring creatures to retreat. It’s a powerful metaphor for how deeply the impact of such a loss resonates, instilling a universal sense of vulnerability.
4. Discuss the use of nature to represent human emotions in the extract.
Ans: Nature in this extract symbolizes the emotional upheaval people experience in the face of monumental loss. The shuddering rocks, cautious lions, and fleeing elephants personify reactions to losing great individuals, mirroring human fear, respect, and the search for safety. By illustrating nature’s response, the poet draws a parallel to the human psyche, emphasizing that such losses cause a profound, universal reaction that transcends both the animal kingdom and human experience, showing how the fall of greatness leaves all life seeking stability.
5. What effect does the imagery in this stanza have on the reader’s understanding of loss?
Ans: The imagery in this stanza presents loss as a monumental event with widespread impact, affecting even the strongest and mightiest aspects of nature. By using lions and elephants, symbols of power, the poet conveys that loss induces vulnerability in all. Readers sense the depth and gravity of such a loss as a disturbance that shakes the very core of existence, evoking empathy and highlighting the universal response to the departure of greatness. This makes the reader contemplate the void left by profound losses, understanding that the impact of such falls goes beyond individuals to encompass all life.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 2
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.”
1. How does the poet describe the air after great souls die?
Ans: After great souls die, the poet describes the air as “light, rare, sterile,” which creates a feeling of emptiness and desolation. This description suggests that their passing leaves a void, making the environment feel unnatural and lifeless. The air, usually full and sustaining, becomes rare and sterile, indicating the absence of warmth and vitality once provided by these great souls. This metaphor paints a picture of loss as a departure that leaves everything devoid of its essence, causing the world to seem vacant and devoid of meaning.
2. What is the significance of the phrase “we breathe, briefly”?
Ans: “We breathe, briefly” reflects the temporary shock and disbelief that often accompany the initial stages of grief. This line suggests that the impact of losing someone great momentarily halts normal life, as if even breathing becomes difficult. The word “briefly” implies that life is momentarily suspended, highlighting the disruption and disorientation felt. This phrase encapsulates the suffocating nature of grief, where the world stands still, and regular activities like breathing lose their rhythm, symbolizing the overwhelming pause that occurs in the presence of profound loss.
3. Why does the poet describe the air as “sterile”?
Ans: By describing the air as “sterile,” the poet implies that it has lost its nurturing quality, symbolizing the loss of the inspiration and influence once provided by great souls. Sterile air lacks life, warmth, and fertility, suggesting that their death has left an emptiness, where nothing new can grow. This use of sterile imagery evokes a sense of barrenness and desolation, capturing how the presence of great individuals enriches the environment, and without them, the world becomes devoid of that life-giving essence.
4. How does this stanza reflect the emotional impact of losing someone significant?
Ans: This stanza captures the immediate, unsettling feeling of emptiness and isolation that follows the death of someone important. By describing the air as “light, rare, sterile,” the poet conveys the world’s transformation into a space devoid of the warmth and richness provided by the great soul. The idea of “breathing briefly” suggests a temporary state of suspension and disorientation, illustrating how profound losses cause an interruption in one’s sense of normalcy. It reveals how such events can leave individuals grappling with an unfamiliar and lifeless reality.
5. In what ways does the poet evoke a sense of collective grief in this stanza?
Ans: Through words like “we” and descriptions that affect all who breathe the air, the poet captures the communal experience of grief. The phrases “light, rare, sterile” and “we breathe, briefly” suggest a shared, suffocating shock, highlighting how the loss of a great soul affects everyone. The poet suggests that the world collectively experiences this shift to a barren state, emphasizing that such losses go beyond personal sorrow, impacting entire communities and even the atmosphere around them. This universal reaction to greatness lost strengthens the bond between those who remember and the departed, collectively grieving the void they leave.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 3
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“When great souls die,
our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.”
1. What effect does the death of great souls have on memory?
Ans: The poet suggests that the death of great souls sharpens our memories, intensifying our recall of moments and words. This heightened awareness makes us revisit things we left unsaid or actions we didn’t complete, often with regret. This sharp memory highlights the impact that great people have on us; their absence forces us to reflect deeply, cherishing what was lost and lamenting missed opportunities, which brings a painful clarity and appreciation for their influence.
2. Explain the phrase “gnaws on kind words unsaid.”
Ans: The phrase “gnaws on kind words unsaid” illustrates the regret felt over missed expressions of gratitude or affection. The verb “gnaws” conveys a continuous, uncomfortable feeling, as if one is consumed by remorse. It suggests that after losing a great person, one often reflects on what could have been shared, but wasn’t. This feeling symbolizes the pain of realizing the significance of such expressions only after it’s too late, emphasizing how loss magnifies unspoken kindness.
3. What do “promised walks never taken” symbolize?
Ans: “Promised walks never taken” symbolizes unfulfilled plans and missed opportunities shared with those we lose. This line reflects how we often postpone meaningful moments, assuming there will be time later, only to face regret when that time never comes. These unfulfilled promises become painful reminders of our unrealized intentions and of the brevity of life, encouraging readers to value and fulfill their commitments to others before it’s too late.
4. How does this extract reflect human tendencies in relationships?
Ans: This extract reflects human tendencies to delay expressions of love and appreciation, often taking relationships for granted. It highlights how we tend to leave words unspoken and promises unfulfilled, assuming more time is available. The lines reveal how the loss of loved ones brings a painful realization of these missed moments, reminding us to express our feelings and take meaningful actions while we have the chance. This stanza urges readers to cherish loved ones in the present.
5. What tone does the poet establish in this stanza, and why?
Ans: The tone in this stanza is reflective and remorseful, as the poet examines the regrets that often surface after a loved one’s death. Words like “gnaws” and “unsaid” evoke a sense of lingering sorrow, while phrases like “promised walks never taken” emphasize missed opportunities. This introspective tone encourages readers to reflect on their relationships and appreciate others fully, underlining the impact of regret on human emotions, especially in the context of loss.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 4
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“Great souls’ die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.”
1. What does the poet mean by “our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us”?
Ans: The poet suggests that our perception of reality is deeply intertwined with the great souls we cherish. When they pass, it’s as though a part of our world vanishes, leaving us feeling disoriented. Their influence was so significant that their absence alters our reality, as they were a foundation upon which we built our understanding of the world. This line conveys how losing such individuals feels like losing a part of ourselves, as they shaped our experiences and perspectives.
2. Explain the importance of great souls in shaping our “reality.”
Ans: Great souls influence our values, perceptions, and beliefs, often serving as role models or sources of inspiration. They play a role in shaping how we see ourselves and our world, providing guidance and purpose. When they leave, it feels as if a part of our reality is lost with them, as they were integral to our identity and worldview. This line highlights the idea that significant people have the power to impact our entire outlook on life, showing how deeply they are woven into our personal realities.
3. What impact does the departure of great souls have on those left behind?
Ans: The departure of great souls leaves those who remain feeling unanchored and disoriented. As the poet suggests, our reality becomes destabilized, and we struggle to adjust to life without them. This impact goes beyond mere sadness; it involves a restructuring of one’s entire outlook, as these figures were central to our sense of self. The loss creates a void that challenges us to find new purpose and meaning, often leaving us grappling with a sense of emptiness.
4. How does this line contribute to the theme of loss?
Ans: This line encapsulates the profound effect of losing those we hold dear, suggesting that their absence fundamentally changes our existence. It reinforces the theme of loss by illustrating how the death of significant individuals leaves a void in our lives, not only emotionally but also in how we experience reality. The phrase “takes leave of us” underscores the enduring influence these souls have, making their departure feel like a separation from part of ourselves.
5. How does this line deepen the reader’s understanding of grief?
Ans: This line conveys grief as an experience that reshapes our entire reality, underscoring the deep emotional void left by great souls. It highlights how grief isn’t just sadness; it’s an alteration of how we view the world, as the presence of such individuals shaped our reality. Readers gain insight into the weight of loss, understanding that grief involves not only mourning a person but also adapting to a transformed perception of life without them, making the process even more challenging.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 5
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.”
1. What does the poet mean by “our souls…now shrink, wizened”?
Ans: The poet suggests that, in the absence of those who nurtured and guided us, our souls feel deprived and weakened, as if they have lost a source of growth and vitality. The term “wizened” implies a withering or aging effect, showing that our inner selves suffer without their influence. This line conveys how great souls not only affect us externally but also shape our inner strength and wisdom, leaving us feeling diminished when they’re gone.
2. How were our souls “dependent upon their nurture”?
Ans: Our souls were enriched by the guidance, love, and inspiration provided by these great souls. They nurtured our growth, imparting values and wisdom that helped shape our identity. This line suggests that our well-being and moral grounding were closely tied to their presence, making us reliant on their support. The poet highlights the importance of these individuals in our lives, portraying them as essential to our spiritual and emotional development.
3. Why does the poet use the word “wizened” to describe our souls?
Ans: The word “wizened” implies something that has shriveled or withered over time, often due to lack of nourishment. By using this term, the poet suggests that our souls, deprived of the nurture provided by great souls, suffer from their absence, losing vitality and becoming fragile. This choice of word emphasizes the withering effect of their loss, conveying how grief diminishes our spirit and leaves us feeling frail and less whole.
4. Discuss the impact of nurturing souls on human growth as implied in this extract.
Ans: The nurturing presence of great souls contributes significantly to our growth, providing us with strength, guidance, and a sense of purpose. Their support enriches us, fostering our character and moral compass. When we lose them, the effect is akin to a plant losing its source of water — our souls feel diminished and weakened. This extract implies that nurturing figures are essential to our development, shaping not only our actions but also our sense of self and inner resilience.
5. How does this line relate to the theme of spiritual emptiness?
Ans: This line portrays the theme of spiritual emptiness by illustrating how the loss of nurturing souls leaves a void within us. Their influence is irreplaceable, and without them, our souls shrink, symbolizing the emotional and spiritual depletion that follows. The term “wizened” emphasizes the sense of withering, suggesting that the absence of their support makes us feel frail and incomplete. This conveys the poet’s view that great souls nourish our inner lives, and without them, we face an internal desolation that only they could fill.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 6
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance, fall away.”
1. What does the poet mean by “our minds…fall away”?
Ans: The poet suggests that our minds, shaped and illuminated by the wisdom and brilliance of great souls, feel empty or lacking when these individuals are gone. Their “radiance” refers to their inspiring qualities, which guided and educated us. In their absence, we lose part of that guidance, causing our thoughts and understanding to feel diminished, as if a part of our mental foundation has vanished along with them.
2. How does “radiance” characterize the influence of great souls?
Ans: The word “radiance” characterizes the influence of great souls as bright, enlightening, and uplifting. Their wisdom and character illuminate our lives, helping us see things more clearly and guiding us in our personal growth. This term suggests that their influence brings warmth and clarity to our minds, encouraging us to think and act with greater insight. Their radiance enriches us, helping shape our mental and moral outlook, like light that guides us on a dark path.
3. Why does the poet use the word “formed” alongside “informed”?
Ans: By using both “formed” and “informed,” the poet emphasizes how these great souls not only educate and inspire us (“inform”) but also play a fundamental role in shaping our character and worldview (“form”). Their presence is deeply influential, molding our thoughts, beliefs, and values. This dual impact signifies that great souls are instrumental in both developing and enlightening our minds, leaving a lasting imprint on who we are.
4. What does this extract suggest about the relationship between individuals and their mentors?
Ans: This extract suggests a profound relationship between individuals and their mentors or role models. Great souls, like mentors, shape our minds, providing not only knowledge but also purpose and direction. Their influence is enduring, and when they are gone, it leaves a void that’s difficult to fill, as they were integral to our understanding of the world. This relationship is one of guidance and mutual growth, highlighting the importance of having inspiring figures in our lives.
5. How does this extract reflect the theme of loss and transformation?
Ans: This extract reflects the theme of loss and transformation by illustrating how the departure of great souls impacts our mental state. The phrase “fall away” signifies a loss of stability and understanding, suggesting that these figures were central to our intellectual and emotional structure. Their absence forces a transformation in our thinking, as we must adapt to life without their guidance. This change, while painful, encourages self-reflection and growth, aligning with the poem’s exploration of how loss reshapes us.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 7
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of
dark, cold
caves.”
1. What does the poet mean by “reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves”?
Ans: The poet uses the metaphor of “dark, cold caves” to describe the sense of isolation and confusion experienced after the loss of great souls. This imagery conveys a feeling of being lost and disconnected from the warmth and wisdom these figures provided. The word “ignorance” suggests a return to a less enlightened state, as if their departure leaves us in emotional darkness, unable to grasp the understanding and comfort they once offered.
2. Explain the phrase “not so much maddened.”
Ans: The phrase “not so much maddened” suggests that while the loss is painful, it doesn’t drive us to anger or insanity. Instead, it brings about a profound sadness and emptiness, as though part of our inner light has faded. The poet contrasts this subdued response with the stronger, more intense reaction of madness, emphasizing that the loss is more about feeling diminished and ignorant than enraged or unstable.
3. What do “dark, cold caves” symbolize in this context?
Ans: “Dark, cold caves” symbolize the emptiness and isolation one feels after the death of a beloved figure. This imagery evokes a sense of being cut off from warmth, guidance, and comfort, symbolizing how loss creates a void within us. It suggests a retreat to a primal state, devoid of the intellectual and emotional clarity once provided by these great souls, highlighting the feeling of helplessness and confusion that follows their departure.
4. How does this line contribute to the poem’s exploration of grief?
Ans: This line contributes to the poem’s exploration of grief by portraying it as a regressive experience, leaving one feeling cold, empty, and in the dark. The metaphor of “caves” emphasizes the isolation and lack of understanding that grief can bring, showing that the absence of great souls reduces us to a more primitive, unenlightened state. This depiction underscores the depth of loss and the emotional darkness that can accompany the grieving process.
5. What is the poet’s perspective on how humans cope with loss?
Ans: The poet suggests that humans do not respond to loss with madness or rage but rather with a sense of diminished understanding and isolation. Grief leads to a mental and emotional withdrawal, as though we are returning to a cold, dark state of ignorance without the light of those we loved. This perspective highlights the silent, internal struggle of coping with loss, portraying it as an isolating journey that challenges one’s resilience and emotional stability.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 8
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly.”
1. What does “after a period peace blooms” imply about the process of grief?
Ans: This phrase implies that grief is a gradual process, and peace is not immediate. Instead, it arrives “slowly and always irregularly,” suggesting that healing doesn’t follow a predictable path. The poet emphasizes that over time, the pain of loss softens, and a sense of calm returns, but it happens unevenly, with moments of peace emerging amidst ongoing sorrow, symbolizing the slow and non-linear nature of recovery from loss.
2. Why does the poet describe peace as “blooming slowly”?
Ans: The poet describes peace as “blooming slowly” to indicate that healing takes time and does not happen instantly. Just as a flower gradually opens, peace after loss unfolds gently, in its own time, without rushing. This image conveys the idea that coping with loss requires patience and that the return to tranquility is a delicate, slow process that cannot be forced, emphasizing the natural progression of mourning.
3. How does the phrase “always irregularly” add to the meaning of this line?
Ans: The phrase “always irregularly” emphasizes that healing from grief is not a steady or predictable process. There are good days and bad days, moments of peace followed by waves of sorrow. This description mirrors the unpredictable emotional journey of grief, where comfort and calm appear sporadically. It highlights the non-linear path of recovery, where peace emerges gradually and inconsistently, illustrating the complex nature of finding closure.
4. What is the significance of peace following the death of great souls?
Ans: The significance of peace following the death of great souls lies in the eventual acceptance and emotional recovery that people experience. While the initial grief is profound, the poem suggests that time allows a sense of calm to emerge. This peace is not immediate, but it reflects the resilience of the human spirit to heal and find solace, honoring the memory of those lost by continuing forward with a sense of tranquility and acceptance.
5. How does this extract reflect the theme of healing?
Ans: This extract reflects the theme of healing by showing that, while loss is initially overwhelming, time gradually brings peace, even if in an irregular pattern. The imagery of “blooming” suggests a gentle, natural process, symbolizing the slow return of emotional balance after grieving. This line reassures readers that healing is possible, even though it may be unpredictable, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of the human heart in overcoming sorrow.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 9
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.”
1. What does “soothing electric vibration” mean in this context?
Ans: “Soothing electric vibration” in this context symbolizes a new energy or calmness that fills the emptiness left by the departed. This sensation is described as both “soothing” and “electric,” suggesting a blend of comfort and renewed vitality that slowly returns after grief. The poet uses this phrase to represent the gradual renewal of hope and peace, a sense that life is once again energized, even after the loss of great souls.
2. How does this line signify renewal?
Ans: This line signifies renewal by portraying the emergence of a comforting and energizing presence that fills the void left by the loss. The “soothing electric vibration” symbolizes a return of life’s vitality and a shift from sorrow to serenity. It suggests that the absence of great souls, while painful, eventually leads to a renewed appreciation for life, as this calming energy helps the grieving person move forward, reinvigorated.
3. What does the phrase “spaces fill” convey about the experience of grief?
Ans: “Spaces fill” conveys that over time, the emptiness left by loss is replaced by something comforting and positive. Initially, the void may feel overwhelming, but as time passes, these spaces are filled with healing energies or memories that bring peace. This phrase suggests a gradual process where grief makes room for growth and resilience, highlighting the adaptive nature of the grieving heart.
4. How does the poet use sensory language in this line?
Ans: The poet uses sensory language like “soothing” and “electric” to evoke a tangible sense of calm and subtle excitement. This language makes the abstract experience of healing more vivid and relatable, as if readers can feel the gentle hum of peace replacing sorrow. By describing grief recovery in sensory terms, the poet helps readers understand the gradual, comforting energy that accompanies emotional healing.
5. What is the poet’s message about the impact of time on grief?
Ans: The poet’s message about the impact of time on grief is that time gradually fills the emptiness left by loss with comfort and a new energy. Though the pain doesn’t vanish completely, time allows soothing moments and positive feelings to return. This perspective suggests that healing is possible with patience, and that time can bring back warmth and meaning, even after profound loss.
When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers Set 10
Read the following extract from the poem “When Great Trees Fall” by Maya Angelou and answer the questions that follow:
“Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.”
1. What does the poet mean by “Our senses, restored”?
Ans: The poet means that after grieving, we gradually regain our ability to perceive and appreciate life’s beauty, though with a different outlook. The word “restored” implies that we emerge from sorrow with our senses revived but altered by the experience. This restoration signifies that while we return to life, the loss leaves an indelible mark on our perceptions, making us more sensitive and reflective.
2. How does this line reflect the impact of loss on personal growth?
Ans: This line reflects the impact of loss on personal growth by suggesting that grief changes us, enhancing our sensitivity and understanding. The restoration of our senses signifies that loss, while painful, leads to a deeper awareness of life’s fleeting beauty. This growth is marked by a quiet wisdom, or “whisper,” which shapes our outlook and encourages us to live with more compassion and appreciation.
3. What do “whisper to us” and the restored senses symbolize?
Ans: “Whisper to us” and the restored senses symbolize a newfound sensitivity and subtle guidance that loss imparts. The whisper represents the gentle insights or quiet wisdom we gain from experiencing grief, which forever alters our way of seeing the world. It implies that our perceptions are now more profound, and we are more attuned to life’s finer, meaningful details, enriched by the lessons of loss.
4. How does the poet view the concept of restoration in this context?
Ans: The poet views restoration as a process of renewal with lasting transformation. Although we recover from grief, we are forever changed by it. Restoration does not mean returning to our original state; rather, it is a renewal where our senses are heightened and deepened, carrying the wisdom of loss. This perspective suggests that restoration brings a bittersweet clarity, enriching our emotional depth and resilience.
5. What is the significance of loss “whispering” to us?
Ans: The significance of loss “whispering” to us is that the experience of loss, though painful, provides lasting insights and gentle reminders that influence our lives. This whisper is a subtle, guiding presence, suggesting that the memories and lessons of those we’ve lost continue to shape us. It implies a quiet strength, where loss serves as an inner voice, offering wisdom and perspective that helps us move forward with a sense of purpose and understanding.
FAQs on When Great Trees Fall Questions Answers
1. What is the central theme of the poem “When Great Trees Fall”?
Ans: The central theme of the poem is the profound impact of loss. The poem reflects on how the death of a great soul, like the fall of a mighty tree, affects everything and everyone around. It highlights how loss brings sadness, silence, and eventually a quiet sense of healing and inspiration to live better in memory of those who are gone.
2. What is the meaning of “hurtful clarity”?
Ans: “Hurtful clarity” refers to the painful awareness and sharpness of memory that comes after losing someone significant. It means that, in grief, one suddenly sees everything clearly, including regrets and unfulfilled promises, which can be emotionally painful.
3. What do great trees represent in the poem?
Ans: In the poem, great trees represent influential or beloved people who have a powerful presence. When they pass away, their absence is deeply felt, much like the impact of a towering tree falling in a forest.
4. When great trees fall meaning line by line?
Ans: The poem describes how, when great figures die (symbolized as trees falling), everything around seems to shudder and grow silent. Small creatures are impacted by the event, feeling fear and silence. The loss of great souls brings a painful awareness, sharp memories, and, over time, a restored peace that inspires people to honor their memory by living better.
5. What do the dark cold caves symbolize?
Ans: The “dark, cold caves” symbolize the feeling of emptiness, ignorance, and isolation that comes with grief. It represents the deep sadness and sense of loss experienced when a beloved person dies.
6. What do the trees symbolize in the poem “The Trees”?
Ans: In the poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich, trees symbolize women’s struggle for freedom and independence. They represent the desire to break free from restrictions and live naturally and freely, outside of societal constraints.
7. What is the central idea of the poem?
Ans: The central idea of Maya Angelou’s poem is that the death of great individuals has a lasting impact on those left behind, creating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and eventually inspiring others to honor their lives by striving for goodness.
8. What is the irony in the poem “The Trees”?
Ans: The irony in Adrienne Rich’s poem “The Trees” lies in the fact that the trees, though meant to be a part of nature, have been confined indoors. Their movement towards freedom is a critique of how natural beings (or people) are confined by unnatural boundaries, hinting at societal restrictions on women’s freedom.
9. What do the roots do all night?
Ans: In the poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich, the roots are described as working “all night to disengage themselves from the cracks” as they strive to break free from confinement and return to their natural place outdoors.
10. What does the poet want to convey through the poem “The Trees”?
Ans: Through “The Trees,” the poet Adrienne Rich conveys a message about freedom and liberation. The trees symbolize the desire for women to break free from domestic confines and societal limitations, moving toward independence and self-expression.
11. Do roots grow faster at night?
Ans: Yes, roots often grow faster at night because plants allocate more energy to root growth in the absence of sunlight, focusing on anchoring and nutrient absorption rather than photosynthesis.
12. What does the poet compare their branches to?
Ans: In “The Trees,” Adrienne Rich compares the branches to newly freed arms stretching out, symbolizing the breaking of physical and emotional constraints.
13. Is “The Trees” a feminist poem?
Ans: Yes, “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is often considered a feminist poem because it symbolizes women’s struggle for freedom from restrictive roles and their desire to be independent and self-fulfilled.
14. What did the poet mean?
Ans: In “The Trees,” Adrienne Rich uses the metaphor of trees confined indoors to represent people, especially women, who feel confined by societal norms. She portrays the struggle and ultimate desire to break free and reclaim a natural, unrestricted existence.
15. What happens to the house when the trees move out?
Ans: When the trees move out in Adrienne Rich’s poem, the house becomes empty and silent, symbolizing the absence of life and spirit when freedom is restricted or stifled.
16. What does the poet call the moon?
Ans: In “The Trees,” Adrienne Rich calls the moon a “broken mirror,” symbolizing the fractured or incomplete state of freedom and reflecting a desire for wholeness and clarity.
17. What happens when trees fall down?
Ans: When trees fall, they disrupt the environment around them, impacting animals and ecosystems, as well as representing the emotional disturbance felt when a significant presence is lost, as illustrated in Maya Angelou’s poem.
18. What is a fallen tree called?
Ans: A fallen tree is often referred to as a “snag” or a “downed tree.”
19. What is topping to trees?
Ans: Topping is a pruning practice where the uppermost branches of a tree are cut back, which is generally discouraged because it weakens the tree and can lead to decay.
20. Whose responsibility is it when a tree falls?
Ans: Responsibility for a fallen tree depends on local laws, property ownership, and the circumstances of the fall, such as whether it was due to natural causes or neglect.
21. Is a tree falling an act of God?
Ans: In legal terms, a tree falling due to natural causes, like storms or wind, may be considered an “act of God,” meaning it was unpreventable by human intervention.
22. Who removes fallen trees from roads near me?
Ans: Local government or municipal services, such as public works departments, are typically responsible for clearing fallen trees from public roads.
23. What is the stump of the tree?
Ans: The stump is the remaining base of a tree after it has been cut down or fallen, including its roots and a small portion of the trunk.
