Class 11 English - ODISHA
Poetry: The Laburnum Top
The chapter 'The Laburnum Top' by Ted Hughes is a captivating poem prescribed for Class 11 students under the Odisha (BSE) board. It describes a silent, yellowing Laburnum tree in the daytime that suddenly comes alive with the arrival of a goldfinch bird and her chirping chicks. The poem beautifully portrays the mutual relationship between the tree and the bird, symbolizing life, movement, and energy. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' ability to analyze poetic devices, understand symbolism, and interpret hidden meanings behind simple yet profound imagery.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
The Laburnum Tree
A small, quiet tree with yellow flowers and yellow leaves in autumn, serving as the silent backdrop for the poem's action.
The Goldfinch's Arrival
The sudden, alert, and abrupt entry of the goldfinch that shatters the absolute silence of the tree, bringing it to life.
Engine of her Family
A metaphor used by the poet to describe the mother goldfinch as the powerhouse that feeds and energizes her chicks.
The Strouding and Trembling Tree
The physical reaction of the Laburnum tree as it trembles and thrills with the sudden activity and movement of the birds.
Poetic Symbolism
The contrast between the lifeless-looking tree and the vibrant life of the birds, representing the cycle of nature.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 11 English examinations, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Questions usually include short answer questions (SAQs) testing comprehension, reference to context (RTC) from stanzas, and long-answer questions focusing on the central theme, poetic devices, and the symbolism of the Laburnum top and the goldfinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the yellow color in the poem?
The yellow color represents autumn and the fading leaves of the Laburnum tree, matching the yellow plumage of the goldfinch, which provides camouflage and blends the bird seamlessly into the tree.
Why is the Laburnum tree called 'empty' at the beginning and end of the poem?
The tree is considered empty because it lacks the noise, movement, and energy of the goldfinch and her chicks when they are not active or when the mother flies away into the infinite sky.
What poetic device is used in 'It is the engine of her family'?
A metaphor is used here, comparing the mother goldfinch to an engine because she is the driving force that runs her family by feeding and providing energy to her young ones.
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