🌳 Class 10 English Poem 8 – The Trees Notes

Book: First Flight
Poem: The Trees
Poet: Adrienne Rich
Chapter: 8
Board: CBSE Class 10 (2025)

✍️ Introduction

“The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is a symbolic poem that explores the theme of nature, freedom, and women’s empowerment. The poet uses the image of trees confined inside a house to represent suppression, and their escape into the forest as a symbol of liberation and return to their natural space.

📖 Summary of the Poem

The poem describes how the trees, which were earlier kept indoors, are now moving out of the house. They break through windows, doors, and barriers in their desperate attempt to return to the forest where they naturally belong. This movement of the trees is symbolic of a powerful urge to break free from confinement and oppression.

The poet watches silently as the trees leave. She hears the glass breaking, the whispers of the trees, and the wind rushing through the open doors. The poem has a deeper meaning—it is not only about the physical movement of trees but also about how people, especially women, seek freedom from restrictive environments.

Through poetic language and symbolism, Adrienne Rich delivers a powerful message about reclaiming one’s space, identity, and connection with nature and freedom.

🌟 Central Idea

The poem represents a struggle for freedom and identity. Trees symbolize people—especially women—breaking away from confinement and returning to their natural roles and rights. The central idea is liberation, growth, and a return to balance with nature.

🎨 Poetic Devices Used

  • Symbolism: Trees symbolize suppressed beings (like women) seeking freedom.
  • Imagery: Visuals like “breaking the glass” and “smell of leaves” create strong mental pictures.
  • Personification: Trees are given human qualities like whispering and struggling.
  • Alliteration: “Silent struggle,” “leaves lively” – repetition of consonant sounds.
  • Enjambment: Lines flow into the next without punctuation, maintaining rhythm.

📚 Word Meanings

Word Meaning
WhisperingSpeaking softly and quietly
CrampedCrowded and not free to move
StiffRigid, not flexible
StrainTo push or stretch forcibly
Glass BreakingSymbol of escape or rebellion

❓ Important Questions and Answers

  1. Q1. What do the trees symbolize in the poem?
    Ans: The trees symbolize suppressed people, especially women, who want to break free from their confined lives and reclaim their identity and space.
  2. Q2. How does the poet create a contrast between the indoor and outdoor settings?
    Ans: The indoors are described as cramped, stiff, and artificial, while the outdoors are full of natural movement, freedom, and life.
  3. Q3. What is the tone of the poem?
    Ans: The tone is calm and observant, with an undercurrent of rebellion and liberation.
  4. Q4. What does the line “The glass is breaking” signify?
    Ans: It signifies breaking free from limitations, barriers, and oppression—either physical or emotional.

📥 Download PDF Notes

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📌 Tags: Class 10 English Poem 8, The Trees Poem Summary, Adrienne Rich, First Flight Notes, CBSE 2025, ToppersNoteHub

Posted by ToppersNoteHub Team