Question 1 - The Laburnum Top - Hornbill - Poems (Literature) - English Class 11

Read the given extract and answer the questions

Extract:

The Laburnum top is silent, quite still 

In the afternoon yellow September sunlight, 

A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen

(The Laburnum Top ) 

Question (i)

What is the rhyme scheme of the extract?

•  (a) ABA
•  (b) AAB 
• (c) ABC 
• (d) ABB

Answer:

 As written by the student:

The rhyme scheme of the extract is (c) ABC.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  A rhyme scheme is the pattern of sounds that ends each line of a poem. To identify the rhyme scheme, we assign a letter to each sound and write it at the end of the line. For example, if two lines rhyme with each other, they have the same letter.
•  In this extract, the first line ends with "still", which rhymes with "thrill" in the last line. So we assign them both the letter B. The second line ends with "light", which does not rhyme with any other line. So we assign it a different letter, A. The third line ends with "fallen", which rhymes with "startlement" in the fifth line. So we assign them both the letter C. The fourth line ends with "end", which does not rhyme with any other line. So we assign it a different letter, D.
•  The rhyme scheme of the extract is ABCB, as shown below:

The Laburnum top is silent, quite still A

In the afternoon yellow September sunlight, B

A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen C

Question (ii)

State True or false

The laburnum tree is in full bloom in September.

Answer:

-lock-

As written by the student:

 False.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  To answer this question, we need to understand what it means for a tree to be in full bloom. A tree is in full bloom when it has many flowers on its branches and leaves. This usually happens in spring or summer, when the weather is warm and sunny.
•  In this poem, the poet describes the laburnum tree as "silent, quite still" and "a few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen". This suggests that the tree is not in full bloom, but rather in a state of decay and dormancy. The poet also mentions that it is September, which is the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere. This is a season when many trees lose their leaves and flowers and prepare for winter.
•  Therefore, the statement that the laburnum tree is in full bloom in September is false. The tree is actually losing its vitality and beauty in September.

Question (iii)

Complete the sentence: The goldfinch is compared to a lizard because of its _______ movement.

Answer:

As written by the student:

The goldfinch is compared to a lizard because of its sleek movement.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  To answer this question, we need to identify the word that best fits the blank space in the sentence. We can use clues from the poem and our own knowledge to do this.
•  In the poem, the poet compares the goldfinch to a lizard in the sixth line: "Then sleek as a lizard, and alert and abrupt". This means that the poet sees some similarity between the bird and the reptile in their appearance or behavior.
•  One possible similarity is their movement. Both lizards and goldfinches can move quickly and smoothly, especially when they are hunting or escaping from predators. They can also change direction suddenly and unpredictably. A word that describes this kind of movement is "sleek".
•  Therefore, the word that best fits the blank space in the sentence is "sleek". The goldfinch is compared to a lizard because of its sleek movement.

Question (iv)

Select the option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract.

•  (a) It creates a sense of continuity 
• (b) It reflects the silence of the tree 
• (c) It shows the poet's disregard for rules 
• (d) It builds up anticipation for what comes next

Answer:

 As written by the student:

The option that is NOT true about the lack of punctuation at the end of line 1 in the extract is ( c) It shows the poet's disregard for rules.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  To answer this question, we need to understand what effect the lack of punctuation has on the poem and why the poet might have chosen to do so. We can use clues from the poem and our own knowledge to do this.
•  In the poem, the poet does not use any punctuation at the end of line 1: "The Laburnum top is silent, quite still". This means that the sentence does not end there, but continues to the next line. This creates a sense of continuity and flow, as if the poet is describing the scene in one breath. This is option (a), which is true.
•   The lack of punctuation also reflects the silence and stillness of the tree, which is the main subject of the sentence. The poet does not interrupt or disturb the image of the tree with any marks or sounds. This is option (b), which is true.
•   The lack of punctuation also builds up anticipation for what comes next, as the reader wonders what will happen to the tree or what will change its state. The poet creates a contrast between the calm and quiet first line and the sudden and noisy arrival of the goldfinch in the next lines. This is option (d), which is true.
•   The lack of punctuation does not show the poet's disregard for rules, as this is not a stylistic choice that breaks any conventions or norms. The poet uses punctuation in other parts of the poem, such as commas, dashes, and periods. The poet also follows other rules of grammar, spelling, and syntax. The lack of punctuation in line 1 is a deliberate and effective technique that enhances the meaning and mood of the poem. This is option (c), which is NOT true.

Question (v)

What does the use of the word "sepulchral" suggest about the laburnum tree?

•  (a) It is old and decaying
•  (b) It is dark and gloomy 
• (c) It is sacred and holy 
• (d) It is cold and lifeless

Answer:

 As written by the student:

 The use of the word "sepulchral" suggests that the laburnum tree is (d) cold and lifeless.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  To answer this question, we need to understand what the word "sepulchral" means and how it relates to the laburnum tree. We can use clues from the poem and our own knowledge to do this.
•  The word "sepulchral" means relating to a tomb or a burial. It is often used to describe something that is dismal, mournful, or silent. It has a negative connotation and implies death or decay.
•  In the poem, the poet uses the word "sepulchral" to describe the laburnum tree in the last line: "It is the engine of her family./She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end/Showing her barred face identity mask/Then with eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings/She launches away, towards the infinite/And the laburnum subsides to empty". This means that after the goldfinch leaves, the tree returns to its previous state of being silent, still, and empty. The poet compares the tree to a tomb or a grave, where nothing lives or grows. The tree has no vitality or warmth, unlike the bird.
•  Therefore, the use of the word "sepulchral" suggests that the laburnum tree is cold and lifeless. This is option (d), which is correct.

Question (vi)

How does the poet use contrast to create an effect in the extract? Explain with examples.

Answer:

 As written by the student:

The poet uses contrast to create an effect of surprise and wonder in the extract. He contrasts the laburnum tree and the goldfinch bird in terms of their appearance, sound, and movement. He also contrasts the before and after scenes of the tree when the bird visits and leaves.

Step-by-step explanation of the answer:

•  To answer this question, we need to identify and explain how the poet uses contrast in the extract. Contrast is a literary device that involves comparing two different things or aspects to highlight their differences or similarities. Contrast can create an effect of tension, suspense, irony, humor, or interest in a text.
•  In this extract, the poet uses contrast to create an effect of surprise and wonder. He contrasts the laburnum tree and the goldfinch bird in several ways, such as:
•    Appearance: The tree is described as "yellow" and "a few leaves yellowing", while the bird is described as having a "barred face identity mask". This suggests that the tree is dull and monotonous, while the bird is colorful and distinctive.
•     Sound: The tree is described as "silent" and "quiet", while the bird is described as having a "twitching chirrup", a "machine" of "chitterings", and "eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings". This suggests that the tree is calm and peaceful, while the bird is noisy and lively.
•    Movement: The tree is described as "still" and "subsid[ing] to empty", while the bird is described as having a "suddenness", a "startlement", being "sleek as a lizard", "alert and abrupt", and "launch[ing] away". This suggests that the tree is motionless and passive, while the bird is fast and active.
• The poet also contrasts the before and after scenes of the tree when the bird visits and leaves. Before the bird comes, the tree is silent, still, and empty. When the bird comes, the tree becomes noisy, trembling, and full. After the bird leaves, the tree returns to its silent, still, and empty state. This contrast creates an effect of wonder and awe, as if the bird has brought magic and life to the tree for a brief moment.

-endlock-