Comprehension I: Plant Tree

Question 1.
According to the poet, one who plants a tree can get five kinds of joys. List those joys in order.

Answer:

• Hope
• Joy
• Peace
• Youth
• Love

Question 2.
What prophecy or message should man get from the bough of a tree?
Answer:
The bough of a tree symbolizes growth, strength, and the future rewards of selfless actions. It teaches that just as a tree grows and provides benefits, human life should also strive toward higher goals and contribute positively to the world.

Question 3.
What role does a tree play for the creatures blithe with song?
Answer:
A tree provides shelter and a safe home for birds and other creatures, allowing them to thrive in its branches while filling the air with their joyful songs.

Question 4.
What benediction would a tired person have under the green curtains?
Answer:
The tree offers shade, peace, and comfort, allowing a tired person to rest and rejuvenate under its soothing and cool shelter.

Question 5.
What would the shoots teach us?
Answer:
The shoots symbolize renewal and continuity, teaching us that growth and rejuvenation are constant processes in life. They remind us of the cycle of life, hope, and perseverance.

Question 6.
How is the person who plants a tree rewarded?Answer:
The person is rewarded with the satisfaction of contributing to nature, the joy of providing shelter and comfort to living beings, and the legacy of leaving something valuable for future generations. Heaven and earth support his noble act, and his work becomes its own reward.

B. Look at the first stanza, you will find pairs of rhyming words : Plant Tree

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.

1. Tree – Free
2. Hope – Grope
3. Climb – Time
4. Sublime – Time
5. Joy – Cloy
6. Strong – Song
7. Reality – Thee
8. Peace – Cease
9. Soothingly – Tree
10. Sleep – Creep
11. Deep – Sleep
12. Youth – Sooth
13. Eternity – Tree
14. Rear – Year
15. Love – Above
16. See – Tree
17. Best – Rest
18. Be – Tree

C. Look up the dictionary and find out 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

1. Horizon – The line where the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet; metaphorically, it can mean the limit of one’s knowledge or experience.
2. Grope – To feel about or search blindly or uncertainly, often using the hands; metaphorically, it means to struggle to find an answer or a way forward.
3. Clods of time – “Clods” refer to lumps of earth, and “clods of time” metaphorically suggests the burdens or remnants of the past that hinder progress.
4. Heavens sublime – “Heavens” refers to the sky or the divine realm, while “sublime” means of great beauty or excellence, implying a majestic or spiritual realm.
5. Prophesy – To predict or foretell future events, often based on divine inspiration or insight.
6. Glory – High renown or honor, often achieved through great deeds; also means magnificence or beauty.
7. Cloy – To become too much or excessive, leading to a sense of disgust or over-satisfaction.
8. Throng – A large, densely packed crowd of people or things.
9. Blithe with song – “Blithe” means carefree and happy, so “blithe with song” suggests a joyful and cheerful expression through singing.
10. Bliss – Perfect happiness or great joy.
11. Inhabit – To live in or occupy a place.

D. Sit in groups and discuss the following phrases used in the first stanza and write the explanations for each phrases in your note book.

1. 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

1. Plant love – This phrase metaphorically means to spread kindness, compassion, and affection. Just like planting a seed leads to growth, showing love can create a positive impact on others.
2. Tents of coolness – This phrase symbolizes comfort, peace, and relief. It may refer to a safe or soothing place where one can find rest and tranquility, much like shade from the sun.
3. Gifts that grow are best – This means that the most valuable gifts are those that continue to benefit others over time. For example, knowledge, kindness, and good deeds keep spreading and making a lasting impact.
4. He may not live to see the wayfarers – This suggests that the person doing good deeds may not witness the full impact of their actions in their lifetime, but their efforts will benefit others in the future.
5. Hands that bless – This refers to hands that help, support, and bring goodwill to others. It symbolizes generosity, kindness, and the act of offering blessings to those in need.
6. His work its own reward – This means that the joy of doing good work is a reward in itself, without needing recognition or material benefits. The satisfaction of helping others is fulfilling enough.

E. Read and appreciate. Plant Tree

Poetry is born when emotions flow out powerfully”.

Look out those usages, which have implied meanings (stanza three and four) (working in groups)

1. green curtain                             2. jargons cease                        3. zephyr murmur soothingly    
4. tired eyelids                               5. balm slumber deep              6. blessed tree.

1. Green curtain – Refers to the shade provided by the tree, symbolizing peace, protection, and tranquility.
2. Jargons cease – Indicates that under the tree’s shade, noise, arguments, and unnecessary talk fade away, representing harmony and peace.
3. Zephyr murmur soothingly – Refers to the gentle and calming sound of the breeze passing through the leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
4. Tired eyelids – Represents fatigue or exhaustion, suggesting that the tree provides rest and relaxation.
5. Balm of slumber deep – Implies the soothing and healing effect of the tree’s shade, allowing people to sleep peacefully.
6. Blessed tree – Refers to the tree as a source of blessings, symbolizing prosperity, shelter, and eternal rewards.

F. The strength of a tree has been described in stanza four ….. describe those points of strength.

1. “Vigour won for centuries, in sooth;” – A tree grows strong over time, representing endurance and resilience.
2. “Life of time, that hints eternity;” – The tree stands as a symbol of immortality, as it continues to grow and renew itself over generations.
3. “Boughs their strength up rear,” – The branches grow upwards, signifying determination, growth, and power.
4. “New shoots every year.” – The tree regenerates itself, showing its continuous renewal and adaptation.
5. “On old growths appear.” – Even as it ages, new leaves and branches sprout, indicating that strength and growth coexist.
6. “Thou shalt teach the ages, sturdy tree,” – The tree serves as a lesson in perseverance and wisdom, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life.
7. “Youth of soul is immortality.” – The ability to renew and stay vibrant makes the tree a metaphor for everlasting youth and strength.

Plant Tree Summary