The Laburnum Top Class 11 English Hornbill Poem 2 Summary is available here. This summary is created by the subject experts of CBSE Wale. By reading this summary, students can better understand the poem.
The Laburnum Top Class 11 English Hornbill Poem 2 Summary
The Laburnum Top Short Summary
The poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes describes the relationship between a laburnum tree and a goldfinch. The laburnum tree is described as being silent, quite still, and yellowing in the afternoon sunlight. The goldfinch, on the other hand, is described as being twitching, startling, and abrupt. When the goldfinch arrives at the tree, it enters the thickness and starts up a machine of chitterings, tremors, and trills. The tree, in turn, trembles and thrills. The goldfinch then leaves, and the tree subsides to empty.
The Laburnum Top Short Summary In Hindi
टेड ह्यूजेस की कविता “The Laburnum Top” एक लैबर्नम पेड़ और एक सुनहरी चिड़िया के बीच के संबंध का वर्णन करती है। लैबर्नम के पेड़ को शांत, काफी स्थिर और दोपहर की धूप में पीला होने के रूप में वर्णित किया गया है। दूसरी ओर, गोल्डफिंच को चिकोटी काटने, चौंका देने वाला और अकस्मात वर्णित किया जाता है। जब गोल्डफिंच पेड़ पर आता है, तो वह मोटाई में प्रवेश करता है और चिटरिंग, कंपकंपी और ट्रिल की मशीन शुरू करता है। पेड़, बदले में, कांपता है और रोमांचित होता है। गोल्डफिंच तब निकल जाता है, और पेड़ खाली हो जाता है।
The Laburnum Top Summary
In the poem “The Laburnum Top” the poet talks about what he sees and feels in a Laburnum tree. He starts by saying that the leaves of the tree are yellow. Even in September, the top of the tree is still and quiet. It’s autumn, so the tree has lost all its leaves and the seeds are on the ground. The poet uses the colour yellow to describe the leaves and the sunlight. Yellow represents silence, death, and beauty in this context. The poet then sees a goldfinch bird land on the tree, and the tree makes a sudden sound. The poet compares the bird’s quickness and alertness to that of a lizard. The bird moves towards the branch where its babies are, and they start chirping and flapping their wings. This movement causes the tree to shake. The poet shows two contrasting scenes of the tree – first, it was lifeless, and then it came to life when the bird arrived. The poet realises that the bird and the tree are important for the bird’s family. The bird brings food for the babies and moves to another branch. The poet describes the bird’s appearance, with a dark striped face and a yellow body that blends with the yellow leaves. The bird makes a sweet chirping sound and flies away. After the bird leaves, the Laburnum tree becomes silent and lifeless again.
The Laburnum Top Summary In Hindi
“The Laburnum Top” कविता में कवि लेबरनम के पेड़ में जो देखता और महसूस करता है, उसके बारे में बात करता है। वह यह कहकर शुरू करता है कि पेड़ की पत्तियाँ पीली होती हैं। सितंबर में भी, पेड़ की चोटी शांत और शांत रहती है। पतझड़ का मौसम है, इसलिए पेड़ ने अपने सारे पत्ते खो दिए हैं और बीज जमीन पर हैं। पत्तियों और धूप का वर्णन करने के लिए कवि पीले रंग का उपयोग करता है। पीला इस संदर्भ में मौन, मृत्यु और सुंदरता का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। कवि तब देखता है कि एक सुनहरी चिड़िया पेड़ पर उतरी है, और पेड़ अचानक आवाज करता है। कवि पक्षी की फुर्ती और सतर्कता की तुलना छिपकली से करता है। चिड़िया उस शाखा की ओर बढ़ती है जहाँ उसके बच्चे होते हैं, और वे चहकने लगते हैं और अपने पंख फड़फड़ाने लगते हैं। यह आंदोलन पेड़ को हिलाने का कारण बनता है। कवि पेड़ के दो विपरीत दृश्य दिखाता है – पहला, यह निर्जीव था, और फिर पक्षी के आने पर यह जीवित हो गया। कवि महसूस करता है कि चिड़िया और पेड़ चिड़िया के परिवार के लिए महत्वपूर्ण हैं। चिड़िया बच्चों के लिए भोजन लाती है और दूसरी शाखा में चली जाती है। कवि पक्षी की उपस्थिति का वर्णन करता है, एक गहरे धारीदार चेहरे और एक पीले रंग के शरीर के साथ जो पीले पत्तों के साथ मिश्रित होता है। चिड़िया मधुर चहकती आवाज करती है और उड़ जाती है। चिड़िया के जाने के बाद लबरनम का पेड़ फिर से खामोश और बेजान हो जाता है।
The Explanation of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
Stanza 1
The Laburnum top is silent, quite still
In the afternoon yellow September sunlight,
|A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen.
Important Word Meaning
Laburnum: Laburnum is a type of tree that is known for its yellow flowers. The flowers are often used in floral arrangements and are considered to be a symbol of springtime.
Yellow: Yellow is a colour that is often associated with autumn. The color yellow is used in the stanza to create a sense of decay and death.
September: September is the ninth month of the year. The month of September is often associated with the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Explanations
The first stanza of Ted Hughes’ poem “The Laburnum Top” describes the tree in the late afternoon sunlight of a September day. The tree is silent and still, with only a few leaves yellowing and all its seeds fallen. The colour yellow is used throughout the stanza to create a sense of autumnal decay and death. The poet’s use of the word “silent” suggests that the tree is not only physically still, but also emotionally and spiritually dead. The only sound that breaks the silence is the rustling of the leaves as they fall from the tree.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: The repetition of the “s” sound in “silent, quite still” and “September sunlight” creates a sense of calmness and peace.
Assonance: The repetition of the ‘i’ sound in “is silent quite still”, ‘o’ sound in “afternoon yellow” and ‘e’ sound in “A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen” creat a sense of warmth and brightness.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the laburnum tree in the late afternoon sunlight. The reader can almost feel the warmth of the sun and the softness of the leaves.
Metaphor: The poet compares the laburnum tree to a “golden shower” in the sunlight. This metaphor creates a sense of beauty and abundance.
Personification: The poet gives the laburnum tree human qualities by describing it as “silent” and “still.” This personification creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the poet and the tree.
Stanza 2
Till the goldfinch comes, with a twitching chirrup
A suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end.
Then sleek as a lizard, and alert, and abrupt,
She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up
Of chitterings, and a tremor of wings, and trillings —
The whole tree trembles and thrills.
It is the engine of her family.
She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end
Showing her barred face identity mask.
Important Word Meaning
Goldfinch: Goldfinch is a small, brightly colored bird that is known for its beautiful song. The goldfinch is a member of the finch family, which includes other small birds such as the sparrow and the finch.
Twitching: Twitching means moving or jerking suddenly and irregularly. The poet uses the word “twitching” to describe the goldfinch’s movements as it arrives at the tree. This suggests that the goldfinch is either nervous or excited.
Chirrup: Chirrup is a short, high-pitched sound that is made by birds. The poet uses the word “chirrup” to describe the goldfinch’s song. This suggests that the goldfinch’s song is light and cheerful.
Startlement: Startlement is a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm. The poet uses the word “startlement” to describe the goldfinch’s reaction as it arrives at the tree. This suggests that the goldfinch is either surprised or alarmed by its surroundings.
Sleek: Sleek means smooth and shiny. The poet uses the word “sleek” to describe the goldfinch’s appearance. This suggests that the goldfinch is well-groomed and healthy.
Lizard: Lizard is a small, cold-blooded reptile that has a long tail and smooth skin. The poet uses the word “lizard” to compare the goldfinch’s movements to those of a lizard. This suggests that the goldfinch is quick and agile.
Abrupt: Abrupt means sudden and unexpected. The poet uses the word “abrupt” to describe the goldfinch’s movements as it enters the tree. This suggests that the goldfinch is quick and decisive.
Thickness: Thickness means the state of being thick or dense. The poet uses the word “thickness” to describe the inside of the laburnum tree. This suggests that the inside of the tree is dark and enclosed.
Machine: Machine is a device that is used to do work. The poet uses the word “machine” to describe the goldfinch’s song. This suggests that the goldfinch’s song is powerful and effective.
Trembling: Trembling means shaking or quivering. The poet uses the word “trembling” to describe the tree as the goldfinch sings. This suggests that the tree is moved by the goldfinch’s song.
Thrilling: Thrilling means causing a feeling of excitement or exhilaration. The poet uses the word “thrilling” to describe the effect of the goldfinch’s song on the tree. This suggests that the goldfinch’s song is beautiful and life-giving.
Engine: Engine is a machine that converts energy into motion. The poet uses the word “engine” to compare the goldfinch to the provider for her family. This suggests that the goldfinch is the source of life and sustenance for her family.
Stoking: Stoking means feeding or supplying with fuel. The poet uses the word “stoking” to describe the goldfinch’s actions as she sings. This suggests that the goldfinch is providing her family with nourishment and support.
Flirt: Flirt means to behave in a playful and teasing way. The poet uses the word “flirt” to describe the goldfinch’s movements as she flies away from the tree. This suggests that the goldfinch is confident and independent.
Identity mask: Identity mask is a face mask that is used to hide one’s identity. The poet uses the word “identity mask” to describe the goldfinch’s face. This suggests that the goldfinch is proud of her appearance and is not afraid to show her true colours.
Explanations
In the second part of Ted Hughes’ poem “The Laburnum Top,” the poet talks about a goldfinch coming to the tree. A goldfinch is a small, colorful bird known for its beautiful singing. The poet describes the goldfinch as twitching and startled when it arrives at the tree, indicating it may be nervous or excited.
Once the goldfinch enters the tree, it starts singing. The poet compares the goldfinch’s song to a powerful machine starting up, suggesting it is loud and strong. The goldfinch’s song makes the tree shake and feel alive, indicating it is beautiful and life-giving.
The poet then compares the goldfinch to the engine of her family, implying that the goldfinch takes care of her family by gathering food and singing to keep them safe.
Afterward, the goldfinch flies away from the tree, revealing its unique barred face markings. This shows that the goldfinch is confident and independent, not afraid to show its true self.
The second stanza of “The Laburnum Top” celebrates the beauty and strength of nature. The goldfinch symbolises life and hope. Its song brings happiness to the tree and the poet. The goldfinch reminds us that even in times of decay and death, there is always hope for new beginnings.
Poetic Devices
Simile: “a suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end” – The poet compares the goldfinch’s arrival to a sudden and startling event.
Metaphor: “a machine starts up” – The poet compares the goldfinch’s song to a machine.
Personification: “She enters the thickness” – The poet gives the goldfinch human qualities by describing it as entering the tree.
Alliteration: “twitching chirrup” – The repetition of the “t” sound creates a sense of movement and energy.
Assonance: “sleek as a lizard” – The repetition of the “a” sound creates a sense of smoothness and agility.
Onomatopoeia: “chitterings” and “trills” – These words imitate the sounds made by the goldfinch.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the goldfinch’s arrival at the tree. The reader can almost see the goldfinch’s movements and hear its song.
Stanza 3
Then with eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings
She launches away, towards the infinite.
Important Word Meaning
Eerie: Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
Delicate: Finely made or worked; fragile.
Whistle-chirrup: A high-pitched sound made by a bird.
Whispering: A soft, quiet sound.
Launches: To move suddenly and forcefully into action.
Infinite: Endless or boundless.
Explanations
In the third part of Ted Hughes’ poem “The Laburnum Top,” the poet talks about the goldfinch leaving the tree. As the goldfinch flies away, it makes a sound that is described as eerie, delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings. This sound is both beautiful and haunting, giving the goldfinch an air of mystery and wonder.
The goldfinch flies towards the infinite, suggesting that it is a creature filled with ambition and hope. It is not satisfied with staying in one place; it wants to explore the world and experience everything it has to offer.
The goldfinch’s departure reminds us that life is always changing. Things come and go, but even in the midst of change, there is always hope for new beginnings. The goldfinch’s flight towards the infinite symbolises hope and endless possibilities.
This stanza paints a beautiful and vivid picture of the goldfinch leaving the tree. The poet uses various words and images to create a sense of mystery, wonder, ambition, hope, and possibility. It serves as a reminder that life is constantly evolving, but there is always room for new beginnings.
Poetic Devices
Alliteration: The repetition of the “w” sound in “whistle-chirrup whisperings” creates a sense of movement and energy.
Assonance: The repetition of the “e” sound in “eerie delicate” creates a sense of lightness and airiness.
Onomatopoeia: The words “whistle-chirrup” are onomatopoeic, meaning that they sound like the thing they are describing. This creates a vivid image of the goldfinch’s song in the reader’s mind.
Personification: The goldfinch is personified in the phrase “she launches away.” This gives the goldfinch human qualities and makes it seem more alive.
Simile: The goldfinch’s sound is compared to a whisper in the phrase “eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings.” This creates a sense of mystery and wonder around the goldfinch’s song.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the goldfinch’s flight in the phrase “towards the infinite.” This creates a sense of hope and possibility around the goldfinch’s journey.
Stanza 4
And the laburnum subsides to empty.
Important Word Meaning
Subsides: To sink or settle down.
Empty: Devoid of life or meaning.
Laburnum: A tree with drooping yellow flowers.
Explanations
The last line of the poem “The Laburnum Top” shows the laburnum tree becoming empty and quiet after the goldfinch leaves. It can be understood in different ways. First, it describes the physical change in the tree, which is now empty without the goldfinch’s song. Second, it symbolises the passage of time and the natural cycle of life and death. Lastly, it reminds us to appreciate the present moment and value the beauty and joy of life. Overall, it’s a powerful image of time passing and the importance of living fully.
Poetic Devices
Simile: The laburnum tree is compared to an empty vessel. This creates a sense of emptiness and loss.
Metaphor: The laburnum tree is used as a metaphor for life. The tree’s emptiness represents the end of life, and the goldfinch’s song represents the beauty and joy of life.
Personification: The laburnum tree is personified in the phrase “subsides.” This gives the tree human qualities and makes it seem more alive.
Imagery: The poet uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the laburnum tree in the phrase “empty.” This creates a sense of loss and emptiness.
Poet of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
The poem “The Laburnum Top” was written by Ted Hughes.
About the Poet of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
Ted Hughes was a British poet, playwright, environmentalist and translator. He was born in Mytholmroyd, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, in 1930. He studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and then worked as a teacher and journalist. He published his first book of poetry, The Hawk in the Rain, in 1957. Hughes is best known for his poetry, which is often characterised by its dark and intense imagery. He also wrote several plays, including The Birthday Party and Oh! What a Lovely War. Hughes was a controversial figure, and his work was often criticised for its violence and misogyny. However, he is also considered one of the most important poets of the 20th century. Hughes died in 1998 at the age of 68.
Theme of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
The theme of the poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes is the impermanence of life. The poem describes a laburnum tree in full bloom, which is a symbol of life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that all things must come to an end. The goldfinch, which is a symbol of hope and joy, eventually leaves the tree. The poem ends with the laburnum tree empty and still, a reminder that all things must pass. The poem suggests that we should cherish the beauty and joy of life while we can, because it is all too fleeting.
Main Idea of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
The main idea of the poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes is that life is fleeting and that we should cherish the good times while they last. The poem describes a laburnum tree in full bloom, which is a symbol of life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that all things must come to an end. The goldfinch, which is a symbol of hope and joy, eventually leaves the tree. The poem ends with the laburnum tree empty and still, a reminder that all things must pass. The poem suggests that we should cherish the beauty and joy of life while we can, because it is all too fleeting.
Moral of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
The poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes teaches us that life is short, so we should appreciate the good times. It describes a beautiful laburnum tree in full bloom, representing life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that everything eventually ends. The goldfinch, a symbol of hope and happiness, leaves the tree. The poem concludes with the tree empty and motionless, reminding us that all things come to an end. It suggests that we should value the beauty and joy in life because they don’t last forever.
Message of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
The poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes tells us that life is short and we should enjoy it while we can. The poem describes a laburnum tree in full bloom, which represents life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that all things must come to an end. The goldfinch, which represents hope and joy, eventually leaves the tree. The poem ends with the laburnum tree empty and still, a reminder that all things must pass. The poem suggests that we should cherish the beauty and joy of life while we can, because it is all too fleeting.
Conclusion of the Poem “The Laburnum Top”
Life is short. Enjoy it while you can. The poem describes a laburnum tree in full bloom, which represents life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that all things must come to an end. The goldfinch, which represents hope and joy, eventually leaves the tree. The poem ends with the laburnum tree empty and still, a reminder that all things must pass. The poem suggests that we should cherish the beauty and joy of life while we can, because it is all too fleeting.
Rhyme Scheme of the poem “The Laburnum Top”
There is no set rhyme scheme in the poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a regular metre or rhyme scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To The Poem The Laburnum Top
Question 1. What is the poem “The Laburnum Top” about?
Answer. The poem is about the passage of time and the importance of living in the present moment. The poem describes a laburnum tree in full bloom, which represents life and beauty. However, the poem also shows that all things must come to an end. The goldfinch, which represents hope and joy, eventually leaves the tree. The poem ends with the laburnum tree empty and still, a reminder that all things must pass.
Question 2. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. There is no set rhyme scheme in the poem. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a regular metre or rhyme scheme.
Question 3. What is the message of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The message of the poem is that life is fleeting and that we should cherish the good times while they last. The poem suggests that we should not take life for granted, and that we should make the most of every moment.
Question 4. What is the tone of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The tone of the poem is reflective and wistful. The poet seems to be aware of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. However, the poem also ends on a note of hope, as the young goldfinches are still alive and chirping.
Question 5. What is the significance of the title of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The title of the poem, “The Laburnum Top,” refers to the top of the laburnum tree, which is where the goldfinch nests. The laburnum tree is a symbol of life and beauty, and the top of the tree is a place of hope and joy. However, the top of the tree is also a place of vulnerability, as it is exposed to the elements. The poem suggests that life is both beautiful and fragile, and that we should cherish the good times while they last.
Question 6. Why does the poet choose to describe the laburnum tree in the afternoon?
Answer. The afternoon is a time of day when the sun is still shining brightly, but the shadows are starting to lengthen. This creates a sense of contrast in the poem, as the laburnum tree is still in full bloom, but the surrounding world is starting to fade. This contrast may be a way for the poet to suggest that life is both beautiful and fleeting.
Question 7. Why does the poet choose to focus on the goldfinch in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The goldfinch is a small, brightly coloured bird that is often associated with joy and happiness. The poet’s focus on the goldfinch may be a way of suggesting that even in the midst of change and loss, there is still beauty to be found in the world.
Question 8. What does the poet mean when he says that the laburnum tree is “a machine” in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The poet is not suggesting that the laburnum tree is a literal machine. Rather, he is using the word “machine” to describe the way that the tree functions. The laburnum tree is a living organism, but it is also a complex system that is constantly in motion. The poet’s use of the word “machine” may be a way of suggesting that even the most beautiful and delicate things in life are still subject to the laws of nature.
Question 9. What is the poet’s relationship to the laburnum tree in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The poet’s relationship to the laburnum tree is not explicitly stated in the poem. However, the poet’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details suggests that he has a deep appreciation for the tree. The poet’s description of the laburnum tree as “a machine” may also suggest that he sees the tree as a symbol of life and its many complexities.
Question 10. Why does the poet mention the “goldfinches” in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The goldfinches are a symbol of hope and joy. They are small, brightly coloured birds that are often seen flitting about in trees. The poet’s mention of the goldfinches may be a way of suggesting that even in the midst of change and loss, there is still beauty to be found in the world.
Question 11. What is the significance of the laburnum tree’s yellow flowers in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The yellow flowers of the laburnum tree are a symbol of life and beauty. They are a reminder that even in the midst of the darkness of winter, there is always hope for spring.
Question 12. What is the tone of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The tone of the poem is reflective and wistful. The poet seems to be aware of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. However, the poem also ends on a note of hope, as the young goldfinches are still alive and chirping.
Question 13. What is the message of the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The message of the poem is that life is fleeting and that we should cherish the good times while they last. The poem suggests that we should not take life for granted, and that we should make the most of every moment.
Question 14. What is the poet’s relationship to the laburnum tree, in the poem “The Laburnum Top”?
Answer. The poet’s relationship to the laburnum tree is not explicitly stated in the poem. However, the poet’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details suggests that he has a deep appreciation for the tree. The poet’s description of the laburnum tree as “a machine” may also suggest that he sees the tree as a symbol of life and its many complexities.