Class 11 English NCERT Woven words Poetry Lesson 10 Felling of the Banyan Tree Question and Answer
Understanding the Poem
1. Identify the lines reveal the critical tone of the poet towards the felling of the tree.
2. Identify the words that help you understand the nature of the poet’s father.
3. “Trees are sacred my grandmother used to say’- what does the poet imply by this line?
4. ‘No trees except the one which grows and seethes in one’s dreams’ – why is the phrase’ grows and seethes’ used?
5. How does the banyan tree stand out as different from other trees? What details of the tree does the poet highlight in the poem?
6. What does the references to raw mythology imply?
7. ‘Whose roots lay deeper than our lives’-what aspect of human behaviour does this line reflect?
8. Comment on the contemporary concern that the poem echoes.
Answer:
Understanding the Poem
1. Identify the lines that reveal the critical tone of the poet towards the felling of the tree.
The critical tone of the poet is revealed in lines such as:
- “Felling them is a crime but he massacred them all.”
- “We watched in terror and fascination this slaughter.” These lines convey the poet’s disapproval and emotional distress over the destruction of the trees, particularly the banyan tree.
2. Identify the words that help you understand the nature of the poet’s father.
The words that reflect the nature of the poet’s father include:
- “He massacred them all” – This indicates a ruthless, almost indifferent attitude toward nature.
- “My father ordered it to be removed” – This shows the father’s authoritative and commanding nature, implying a lack of emotional connection to the trees.
3. “Trees are sacred, my grandmother used to say” – What does the poet imply by this line?
The poet implies that in earlier generations, represented by the grandmother, trees were considered sacred and deeply respected. This line highlights the contrast between the traditional reverence for nature and the modern, utilitarian view represented by the father’s decision to cut down the trees.
4. “No trees except the one which grows and seethes in one’s dreams” – Why is the phrase ‘grows and seethes’ used?
The phrase “grows and seethes” suggests that the memory of the banyan tree continues to live in the speaker’s mind. “Grows” indicates that the memory of the tree is still alive and expanding, while “seethes” implies a sense of agitation or unrest, reflecting the poet’s emotional turmoil and the unresolved feelings associated with its destruction.
5. How does the banyan tree stand out as different from other trees? What details of the tree does the poet highlight in the poem?
The banyan tree stands out as different because of its sheer size, age, and deep-rooted presence in the family’s history. The poet highlights the tree’s towering height (“three times as tall as our house”), its massive trunk (“circumference of fifty feet”), and its age (“revealed its rings of two hundred years”). The banyan tree is portrayed as ancient and monumental, unlike the other trees that were felled more easily.
6. What does the reference to “raw mythology” imply?
The reference to “raw mythology” implies that the banyan tree, with its ancient roots and immense size, is more than just a tree; it is a living symbol of history, culture, and spirituality. Its destruction feels like a violation of something sacred, and witnessing its fall reveals an elemental, almost mythic understanding of time, life, and death.
7. “Whose roots lay deeper than our lives” – What aspect of human behavior does this line reflect?
This line reflects the human tendency to underestimate or disregard the significance of things that have existed long before us and that are deeply connected to our heritage and environment. The line emphasizes the disconnect between human actions (like cutting down the tree) and the deeper, more profound connections to the past and nature that are often ignored in the pursuit of progress.
8. Comment on the contemporary concern that the poem echoes.
The poem echoes contemporary concerns about environmental destruction and the loss of natural heritage in the face of urbanization and modernization. It reflects the conflict between progress and conservation, the disconnection between modern generations and nature, and the emotional and spiritual consequences of deforestation. It also touches on the theme of displacement and the human cost of uprooting both people and the natural world.
Try this out
1. Most of us have had this experience of seeing trees in our neighbourhood being mercilessly cut down in order to build a house or a public building or to widen a road. Describe any such experience you have had of the felling of a tree you were attached to, with reasons for your special attachment to the tree.
2. Find out the equivalents for sheoga, oudumber and neem in your language and English and the equivalent of banyan in your language.
3. The adjectives ‘scraggy’ is used to describe as ‘scraggy’: scraggy……….
4. Use the following adjectives to describe suitable items
raw
aerial
sacred
Answer:
1. Personal Experience of Tree Felling
I recall an incident when the large mango tree in our neighborhood park was cut down to make space for a new shopping complex. That tree was a significant part of my childhood memories. I used to play under its shade with friends, and every summer, its juicy mangoes brought excitement to everyone in the area. It was not just a tree, but a gathering spot for people and a symbol of our shared experiences. Watching it being cut down was heartbreaking, as it felt like losing a part of our collective history and childhood joy.
2. Equivalents for Sheoga, Oudumber, Neem, and Banyan
- Sheoga (Hindi: शेवगा): In English, it is called Moringa or Drumstick Tree.
- Oudumber (Hindi: औदुंबर): In English, it is called Ficus racemosa or Cluster Fig Tree.
- Neem (Hindi: नीम): In English, it is called Neem or Azadirachta indica.
- Banyan (Hindi: बरगद): In English, it is called Banyan Tree or Ficus benghalensis.
3. Usage of “Scraggy”
The adjective “scraggy” is used to describe something thin, rough, and unkempt. In the poem, it describes the aerial roots of the banyan tree, which were scraggly and messy-looking. For example:
- “The scraggy branches of the old oak tree barely held any leaves, giving it a skeletal appearance.”
4. Using Adjectives
- Raw: The meat was still raw and needed to be cooked thoroughly.
- Aerial: The aerial view of the city from the helicopter was breathtaking.
- Sacred: The sacred temple stood at the top of the hill, revered by pilgrims for centuries.