The Heart of the Tree: Question and Answers

The Heart of the Tree: Question and Answers

Click here for line by line explanation video

**Click here for more information on the poem: https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/the-heart-of-tree-important-references.html

Q1. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

What does he plant who plants a tree? 

He plants cool shade and tender rain, 

And seed and bud of days to be,

 And years that fade and flush again; 

He plants the glory of the plain 

He plants the forest's heritage; 

The harvest of a coming age; 

The joy that unborn eyes shall see

 These things he plants who plants a tree.

i) List the benefits of planting a tree as discussed in the given stanza.

Planting a tree results in cooler summers and more rain. In addition, one takes care not just of the present, but also of the future. Even a single tree can lead to the birth of a forest. Even after a person is no more, his/her legacy will live on in the form of a greener environment and other advantages for the future generation.

ii) What does the poet mean by the words 'forest's heritage'?

When a person plants a tree, she or he does not plant just one tree. Rather, she or he sets a cycle of growth in motion. Each tree bears seeds which in turn grow and give birth to more trees. Ultimately, a forest is created. A forest not only supports biodiversity but also helps create rain, cools the climate and provides food. These benefits endure for years together and become a heritage, that is something valuable, to be enjoyed by the current and future generations.

iii) How does planting a tree bring joy to 'unborn eyes'? Which figure of speech has the poet used in the line?

"Unborn eyes' refer to the future generation. By planting a tree we ensure that its benefits are enjoyed by future generations. Trees may die, but they give out seeds from which more trees grow. Thus, planting one tree in the present contributes to preserving our biodiversity for years to come.

The poet has used a synecdoche in this line where a part (eyes) represents a whole (people).

iv) Through this poem, Henry Cuyler Bunner encourages random acts of

goodwill. Comment.

The poem seems to be just about the benefits of planting trees. But on a deeper level, the poem urges us to be kind to one another. Just as one tree begets another, one act of kindness leads to more such acts. A cycle of kindness is set in motion ensuring that the world is a safe and happy place even for future generations.

v) Briefly state what the poet's response to the question "What does he plant who plants a tree?' is. Why do you think he has repeated the question at the beginning of each stanza? 

Henry Cuyler Bunner has begun all three stanzas of the poem with the same question, and in each stanza he proceeds to explain a different significance of planting trees. In the first stanza, he highlights the benefit of trees to the environment. In the second stanza, he focuses on the legacy of planting a tree, while in the third stanza he states that planting a tree helps in building up a nation as well.

The poet makes the poem more impactful by repeating the question. Moreover, he also makes readers pause and ponder the answer to the question.

Q2. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

What does he plant who plants a tree? He plants cool shade and tender rain, And seed and bud of days to be, And years that fade and flush again; He plants the glory of the plain He plants the forest's heritage; The harvest of a coming age; The joy that unborn eyes shall see These things he plants who plants a tree.

i) Explain the line 'And far-cast thought of civic good'. How does planting a tree benefit a community?

By planting a tree, a person demonstrates his/her sense of civic responsibility towards the neighbourhood. A tree provides clean air, shade, food etc. in addition to improving the environment and protecting it. Moreover, its benefits are enjoyed by multiple generations. Planting a tree is also akin to practising kindness which can have a chain effect and contribute to creating a happy and friendly society. Thus, tree planting benefits the community at different levels.

ii)What is the connection between planting a tree and nation building? 

Tree-planting benefits the economy in the long run by checking pollution levels, improving the green cover, providing employment and conserving the environment. A strong economy builds a strong nation. Thus, a simple act of planting a tree can have an overall positive effect on the economic, social and environmental situation of a nation at large.

 iii) Why has the poet capitalised 'His' in the line "Who in the hollow of His hand"?

By capitalising the pronoun 'His', Bunner demonstrates his respect and awe for the person who plants a tree, because he believes that such a person plays a role in changing the destiny of the neighbourhood and ultimately the nation. He commends the person for his foresight and for keeping the nation's interests at heart.

iv) Do you think the poem is relevant in this day and age? Why? 

Yes, the poem is extremely relevant even today.

This poem explains the virtues of a tree and the greater glory in planting it for the future generation. In today's world of rampant deforestation and environmental degradation, this simple poem sends out a strong message to protect and plant trees. The poet states that whoever plants trees is not only fulfilling his obligation to society but also ensuring that the future generation benefits from this act. Moreover, planting a tree is a random act of kindness that also influences and inspires others, thereby making the world a better place to live in.

v) Comment on the appropriateness of the title 'The Heart of the Tree'. 

The title is appropriate for the poem. Like the heart that pumps blood selflessly into every part of the body, a tree selflessly serves all living beings. If the heart stops functioning, the human body can no longer survive. Similarly, if there are no trees, Earth will turn barren and can no longer sustain life. A tree willingly gives of itself and its benefits last for generations together Similarly, a person who plants a tree is large-hearted enough to do it for future generations without expecting anything in return. He has society's and the nation's best interests at heart.