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The Laburnum top is silent, quite still
In the afternoon yellow September sunlight
A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen.
a. What is laburnum tree?
b. Which season is mentioned in the poem?
c. What is the state of the seeds and leaves?
d. What is the state of the tree?
e. What time of the day it is?
a. Laburnum tree is a type of flowering tree known for its vibrant yellow flowers that hang in long clusters, resembling golden rain. It is a short ornamental tree with hanging branches, yellow flowers and poisonous seeds
b. The season mentioned in the poem is September, specifically referring to the transition from summer to autumn.
c. The seeds of the laburnum tree have fallen, indicating that they have dropped from the tree and are no longer attached. The leaves are described as yellowing, suggesting that they are in the process of changing colour and nearing the end of their life cycle.
d. The state of the tree is silent and still. It is depicted as motionless and tranquil, with no apparent signs of activity.
e. The poem takes place in the afternoon. The mention of yellow September sunlight implies that it is a sunny day in late summer, likely during the latter part of the day
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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.
a. What is a gold flinch?
b. What affect does the gold flinch have on the tree?
c. Why has the gold flinch been compared to a lizard?
d. Explain ‘machine starts up’.
e. How does the tree responds to the bird?
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What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?
"The Laburnum Top" beautifully evoke the themes of silence, seclusion, and hollowness, which reflect essential aspects of life. The depiction of the Laburnum tree at the start of the poem emphasizes its silence and stillness, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility. The mention of the autumn season and the decay and deterioration of the leaves and fallen seeds further enhances the imagery of passing time and impermanence.
As the poem progresses, the arrival of the goldfinch injects a momentary burst of activity and energy, contrasting with the initial stillness. However, the goldfinch's departure leaves the Laburnum tree empty and subsided once again, reinforcing the themes of hollowness and transience.
The juxtaposition of these images and themes invites contemplation on the cycles of life, the fleeting nature of moments, and the inevitable passage of time.
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To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?
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Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?
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What do you like most about the poem?
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What does the phrase “her barred face identity mask” mean?
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Ted Hughes (1930-1998) was an English poet and writer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. He was born in Mytholmroyd, Yorkshire, England, and spent much of his childhood immersed in the natural world, which later became a prominent theme in his poetry.
Hughes studied English at Cambridge University, where he became deeply interested in mythology, folklore , and the power of language. His poetry often delves into the raw and elemental aspects of life, exploring the intricate relationship between humans and nature. He had a unique ability to capture the intense and often violent beauty of the natural world, drawing upon his own experiences and observations.
Throughout his career, Hughes published numerous collections of poetry, including "The Hawk in the Rain" (1957), "Crow" (1970), and "Birthday Letters" (1998). His work is characterized by its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and a profound sense of the natural world's power and mystery. Hughes was also an accomplished essayist, children's book author, and translator.
In addition to his literary achievements, Hughes served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1984 until his death. His poetry continues to resonate with readers worldwide, exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition against the backdrop of nature's elemental forces. Hughes' rich and evocative language, combined with his deep understanding of the natural world, make his poetry a lasting and significant contribution to English literature.
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