Poem 2, Ted Hughes’ “The Laburnum Top” Summary, Theme, Analysis, Line-by-Line Explanation, Literary Devices, Textbook Question and Extract Based Questions.
Poem 2- The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes:
Ted Hughes
Ted Hughes (1930-1998) was an English poet and writer. As one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, his work was characterised by its vivid imagery, connection to nature, and exploration of primal instincts. Hughes’ poetry delved into themes of human-animal relationships, the natural world, and the darker aspects of human existence.
Table of Contents
Next on Hornbill: Poem 3-‘The Voice of the Rain‘ by Walt Whitman, Chapter 3-‘Discovering Tut: The Saga Continue‘
Vocabulary:
- Laburnum: A flowering tree central to the poem’s setting.
- Silent: Describing the Laburnum tree’s initial state, setting a tranquil tone.
- Still: Reflecting the absence of movement or activity in the tree.
- Yellowing: Describing the colour of the leaves, indicative of autumn and change.
- Goldfinch: A bird whose presence brings energy and vitality to the scene.
- Twitching: Describing the bird’s movements, adding to the imagery of its arrival.
- Startlement: Signifying the suddenness of the goldfinch’s appearance.
- Sleek: Describing the bird’s appearance, conveying its agility and grace.
- Lizard: A comparison used to illustrate the goldfinch’s sleekness and alertness.
- Abrupt: Describing the bird’s movements, adding to the suddenness of its actions.
- Tremor: Describing the movement of the tree in response to the goldfinch’s presence.
- Trillings: Describing the sounds produced by the goldfinch and its family.
- Chitterings: Another description of the sounds made by the birds.
- Eerie: Describing the delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings of the goldfinch.
- Infinite: Evoking a sense of vastness and endlessness as the bird flies away.
- Subsides: Describing the return to stillness and calm after the goldfinch’s departure.
- Empty: Reflecting the absence of activity and vitality once the goldfinch is gone.
‘The Laburnum Top’ is a small excerpt from a much larger poem, The Laburnum. ‘The Laburnum Top’ is from the collection Howls & Whispers, published in a limited edition by the Gehenna Press in 1998.
Summary “The Laburnum Top”:
The poem ‘The Laburnum Top’ by Ted Hughes portrays a moment in nature set in the September sunlight. It captures the essence of a laburnum tree with yellowing leaves and fallen seeds, signifying the changing season. The arrival of a goldfinch, signalled by a sudden chirrup, transforms the tree into a vibrant hub with a cacophony of sounds. The goldfinch tends to her family, stoking the “engine” of the tree and revealing her role within the collective activity. The poem explores nature’s fleeting yet dynamic moments, inviting readers to contemplate the ever-changing beauty of these brief moments in the natural world.
Central Idea: The Laburnum Top:
The central idea of “The Laburnum Top” revolves around the juxtaposition of stillness and vitality in nature. Ted Hughes portrays the Laburnum tree in a serene state, bathed in September sunlight until the sudden appearance of a goldfinch disrupts its quietude. The bird’s arrival triggers a flurry of activity, described vividly through the imagery of chitterings, wings, and trillings, highlighting the tree’s transformation into a hub of life. This contrast emphasises the transient nature of vitality within the larger backdrop of nature’s enduring calmness. Through the goldfinch’s departure, Hughes reflects on the cyclical rhythms of life, where moments of vibrant energy punctuate the timeless serenity of the natural world.
The Laburnum Top Explanation:
- ‘The Laburnum Top’ by Ted Hughes is a vivid and evocative poem that captures a moment in nature, focusing on a laburnum tree and a goldfinch. The poem describes the serene and silent atmosphere surrounding the laburnum tree in the yellow September sunlight. The tree appears still and quiet, with a few yellowing leaves (hinting towards the autumn season) and all its seeds falling.
- However, the tranquillity is interrupted when the goldfinch arrives with a sudden twitching chirrup, startling the scene. The goldfinch is described as sleek, alert, and abrupt as it enters the tree’s thick foliage. Its arrival activates a lively and intense interaction within the tree, resembling the engine of a family.
- The goldfinch stokes the activity within the tree, setting off a cacophony of chitterings, wing tremors, and trillings. The whole tree trembles and thrills with life as the goldfinch navigates through the branches. The tree becomes a metaphorical “engine” that comes alive with the goldfinch’s presence.
- The goldfinch then briefly reveals its barred face, almost like an identity mask, before launching away with eerie, delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings. The bird’s departure is depicted with a sense of mystery and enchantment as it heads towards the infinite, symbolising the fleeting nature of life and its constant movement.
- As the goldfinch departs, the laburnum tree subsides to emptiness again, returning to its silent and still state. The poem conveys life’s transient and cyclical nature, where intense activity and beauty give way to moments of quiet emptiness.
In conclusion, ‘The Laburnum Top’ showcases Ted Hughes’ skilful use of imagery and language to explore themes of nature, change, and the intricate connections between living beings and the world around them. The poem leaves readers with a profound sense of wonder and contemplation about the beauty and impermanence of life.
Analysis “The Laburnum Top”:
‘The Laburnum Top’ by Ted Hughes is a captivating poem that presents a vivid portrayal of a laburnum tree and its encounter with a goldfinch. The poem captures the fleeting beauty of nature and the abrupt transition from stillness to life when the goldfinch appears.
The poem begins by setting the scene with the laburnum top described as “silent” and “quite still” in the September sunlight. The tree’s leaves are yellowing, and its seeds have fallen, indicating the approach of autumn and the end of its life cycle.
The introduction of the goldfinch changes the atmosphere dramatically. With a “twitching chirrup,” the bird’s arrival is sudden and startling, signifying the unexpected nature of life’s moments. The goldfinch moves with sleekness and alertness, enlivening the tree as it enters the thick foliage.
The poet beautifully describes the goldfinch’s interaction with its family, using powerful imagery to depict the sounds and movements of the birds. The chitterings, tremors of wings, and trillings symbolise the vibrant life within the tree as the goldfinch attends to its family.
Ted Hughes masterfully compares the goldfinch to a machine that ignites life in the tree. The goldfinch stokes the engine of its family, bringing energy and vitality to the previously silent laburnum top. The tree becomes alive with the goldfinch’s presence, trembling and thrilling with life.
The poem’s final stanza portrays the goldfinch’s departure with mystery and ethereal beauty. The bird’s eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings enhance the mystical atmosphere as it launches away “towards the infinite,” representing the limitless expanse of the world beyond the tree.
As the goldfinch departs, the laburnum tree gradually returns to stillness and emptiness. The poem concludes with a sense of contemplation on the transient nature of life as the laburnum top subsides and becomes empty once again.
In ‘The Laburnum Top,’ Ted Hughes captures the essence of nature’s beauty and the cyclical nature of life. The poem celebrates the magic of unexpected encounters and the fleeting moments of vitality in the midst of stillness. Through vivid imagery and skilled storytelling, Hughes leaves readers with a profound appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Theme “The Laburnum Top”:
- Nature and its Cycles: The poem captures the essence of nature and its seasonal changes. It begins with describing a laburnum tree in September, its leaves yellowing and seeds falling, signifying the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.
- The Natural World’s Vibrancy: The poem vividly portrays the sudden burst of life when the goldfinch arrives. The contrast between the tree’s initial stillness and the vibrant activity highlights the energy and dynamism in the natural world.
- Family and Relationships: The poem indirectly touches upon the theme of family and relationships. The goldfinch’s actions within the tree suggest a sense of family responsibility and nurturing and caring for one’s offspring.
- Transient Beauty: The laburnum tree’s beauty and activity are fleeting, as it subsides to emptiness once the goldfinch departs. This theme highlights beauty and life’s temporary and transient nature, reminding us to appreciate the moment.
- The Cycle of Life and Death: The falling leaves and seeds symbolise the cycle of life and death in the natural world. While the goldfinch represents life and vitality, the laburnum tree’s ageing and eventual emptiness signify the inevitable passage of time and the end of life.
- Transformation: The goldfinch’s sudden appearance and change from a still, silent tree into a lively, bustling hub of activity emphasise the transformative power of nature and the unexpected events that can occur in life.
Tone:
- The tone of the poem is contemplative and observational. It begins with a calm and serene description of the laburnum tree in September, portraying a sense of stillness and calm.
- As the poem progresses, the tone becomes more vibrant and animated when the goldfinch arrives. There is a sense of excitement and energy in describing the bird’s sudden presence and activity within the tree.
- Towards the poem’s end, the tone becomes melancholic as the laburnum tree subsides to emptiness once the goldfinch departs. This shift in tone reflects the transient nature of life and beauty.
Type:
‘The Laburnum Top’ by Ted Hughes is primarily a nature poem with elements of lyricism. While it focuses on describing a laburnum tree and the arrival of a goldfinch in a natural setting, it also contains aspects of lyricism in the poet’s observations and emotions. The poem captures a moment in nature and expresses the poet’s feelings and reflections on that moment, blending nature’s and lyric poetry’s characteristics.
Structure:
- The poem consists of a single stanza with 15 lines. It doesn’t follow a traditional rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a free-verse structure.
- The poem’s structure mirrors the suddenness and unpredictability of nature, with the goldfinch’s arrival and departure disrupting the laburnum tree’s initial stillness.
Imagery:
- The poem uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture of the laburnum tree and the goldfinch. Examples include “yellow September sunlight,” “sleek as a lizard,” and “a machine starts up of chitterings.”
- The imagery of the goldfinch “launching away, towards the infinite” conveys a sense of freedom and boundless possibility.
Symbolism:
- The laburnum tree can be seen as a symbol of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. Its yellowing leaves and fallen seeds represent ageing and the end of one phase of life.
- The goldfinch symbolises vitality, transformation, and the fleeting moments of vibrancy that punctuate the stillness of life. It represents the unexpected and the beauty that can emerge suddenly and disappear just as quickly.
- The tree’s transformation from stillness to activity symbolises the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the natural world.
Line-by-Line Explanation “The Laburnum Top”:
1. “The Laburnum top is silent, quite still”
The poem begins with depicting the laburnum tree, which stands silently and motionless.
2. “In the afternoon yellow September sunlight,”
The setting is described as a sunny afternoon in September, with yellow sunlight illuminating the scene.
3. “A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen.”
The tree is starting to show signs of autumn, as a few leaves are turning yellow, and all its seeds have fallen.
4. “Till the goldfinch comes, with a twitching chirrup”
The arrival of a goldfinch is signalled by its “twitching chirrup,” a sudden and distinctive sound.
5. “A suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end.”
The goldfinch’s appearance at the end of a branch is sudden and startling, creating a sense of surprise.
6. “Then sleek as a lizard, and alert, and abrupt,”
The goldfinch is described as sleek and lizard-like, showing alertness and abrupt movements.
7. “She enters the thickness, and a machine starts up”
As the goldfinch enters the dense foliage of the laburnum top, it activates a “machine” of sounds and movements.
8. “Of chitterings, and a tremor of wings, and trillings —”
The “machine” that starts up represents the lively sounds and actions of the goldfinch and its family.
9. “The whole tree trembles and thrills.”
The presence of the goldfinch and its family causes the entire tree to vibrate with excitement and energy.
10. “It is the engine of her family.”
The goldfinch’s activity within the tree is likened to an engine that sustains and energises its family.
11. “She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end”
The goldfinch tends to its family, filling the “engine” with activity and then playfully moving to the end of a branch.
12. “Showing her barred face identity mask”
The goldfinch’s face, with its distinctive bars, is like an identity mask that reveals its unique features.
13. “Then with eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings”
The goldfinch communicates with soft, eerie, and delicate sounds resembling whispers.
14. “She launches away, towards the infinite”
The goldfinch takes flight, moving towards the vast expanse of the infinite sky.
15. “And the laburnum subsides to empty”
As the goldfinch departs, the laburnum tree returns to its previous state of stillness and emptiness.
Textbook Question/Answers “The Laburnum Top”:
Think It Out:
Q1. What do you notice about the beginning and the ending of the poem?
A1: The poem begins with a serene description of the laburnum tree in the September sunlight, setting a tranquil atmosphere. However, it ends with a sense of emptiness as the goldfinch departs, leaving the tree silent and still. The contrast between the lively presence of the bird and the subsequent emptiness highlights themes of transience and the cyclical nature of life.
Q2. To what is the bird’s movement compared? What is the basis for the comparison?
A2: The bird’s movement is compared to a sleek lizard’s, highlighting its agility and alertness. This comparison emphasises the bird’s swift and graceful motion as it enters the thickness of the tree’s branches. The basis for the comparison lies in the bird’s physical characteristics and how it navigates its environment with precision and speed.
Q3. Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?
A3: The image of the engine is evoked by the poet to symbolise the bustling activity and vitality of the Goldfinch family. It represents the bird’s social structure’s collective energy and purposeful motion. The poet uses the engine metaphor to convey life’s dynamic interconnectedness within the natural world.
Q4. What do you like most about the poem?
A4: What stands out most about the poem is its vivid imagery and how Ted Hughes captures the intricacies of nature’s rhythms. The poem immerses the reader in the sensory experience of the scene, from the golden September sunlight to the tremor of wings and trillings of the goldfinch. Hughes skillfully explores themes of life, movement, and emptiness, inviting reflection on the fleeting beauty of existence.
Q5. What does the phrase “her barred face identity mask” mean?
A5: “Her barred face identity mask” refers to the distinctive markings on the goldfinch’s face, which serve as a form of identification or “mask.” The word “barred” suggests the pattern of bars or stripes on the bird’s face, emphasising its unique features. This phrase highlights the individuality and identity of the goldfinch as it flirts and interacts within its environment.
Note down:
1. The sound words
2. The movement words
3. The dominant colour in the poem
1. Sound words:
- Chirrup
- Chitterings
- Tremor of wings
- Trillings
- Whistle-chirrup whisperings
2. Movement words:
- Twitching
- Sleek
- Alert
- Abrupt
- Trembles
- Thrills
- Launches away
3. Dominant colour:
The dominant colour in the poem is yellow, as evident from the mention of “yellow September sunlight” and “yellowing leaves.” The golden hue of September sunlight permeates the atmosphere, providing a backdrop for the actions of the goldfinch and the laburnum tree.
The colour yellow symbolises warmth, vibrancy, and the transitional nature of the season, reflecting the themes of life and transience explored in the poem.
List the following:
1. Words which describe ‘sleek’, ‘alert’ and ‘abrupt’.
A: Words which describe ‘sleek’, ‘alert’, and ‘abrupt’:
- Sleek: sleek, lizard
- Alert: alert
- Abrupt: abrupt
2. Words with the sound ‘ch’ as in ‘chart’ and ‘tr’ as in ‘trembles’ in the poem.
A: Words with the sound ‘ch’ as in ‘chart’ and ‘tr’ as in ‘trembles’ in the poem:
- ‘ch’ sound: chirrup, chitterings, launch, branch-end
- ‘tr’ sound: tremor, trillings, tree, towards, infinite, trembles.
3. Other sounds that occur frequently in the poem.
A: Other sounds that occur frequently in the poem:
- ‘s’ sound: silent, still, seeds, starts, sleek, shows, subsides.
- ‘t’ sound: top, quite, afternoon, twitching, startlement, alert, stokes, full, showing, identity, launches, towards, empty.
Extra Questions “The Laburnum Top”:
Short Answer Type:
Q1: Describe the initial state of the laburnum tree in the poem.
A1: The laburnum tree is described as “silent” and “quite still” in the afternoon sunlight of yellow September. Its leaves are turning yellow, and all its seeds have fallen.
Q2: What brings a sudden change to the laburnum top?
A2: The arrival of the goldfinch brings a sudden change to the laburnum top. The goldfinch’s twitching chirrup and abrupt appearance at a branch end startle the otherwise quiet scene.
Q3: How does the goldfinch behave upon entering the laburnum top?
A3: The goldfinch behaves sleekly and alertly, like a lizard. It enters the thickness of the tree, and its presence triggers a chorus of chitterings, wing tremors, and trillings, making the entire tree tremble and thrill.
Q4: What significance does the phrase “the engine of her family” hold?
A4: The phrase “the engine of her family” symbolises the goldfinch’s vital role in bringing life and energy to the laburnum tree. It suggests that the goldfinch’s presence and activities animate the tree and the bird’s family.
Q5: How does the goldfinch interact with its family?
A5: The goldfinch stokes the “engine” of its family, possibly by attending to its nest or feeding its young. It flirts to a branch end, showing its barred face, an “identity mask” distinguishing the goldfinch from other birds.
Q6: How is the Goldfinch’s departure described?
A6: The goldfinch’s departure is described with eerie and delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings as it launches away “towards the infinite.” This description adds an element of mystery and beauty to the bird’s departure.
Q7: What happens to the laburnum tree after the goldfinch leaves?
A7: After the goldfinch leaves, the laburnum tree “subsides to empty.” The tree returns to its initial state of stillness and silence without the goldfinch’s presence and activities.
Q8: How does the goldfinch’s departure contribute to the broader themes of impermanence and renewal in “The Laburnum Top”?
A8: The goldfinch’s departure is a poignant reminder of life’s impermanence, emphasising the transient nature of vibrant moments. Additionally, its exit hints at the theme of renewal, suggesting that the fading of one moment paves the way for new cycles of growth and vitality within the natural world.
Q9: What emotions does the goldfinch’s departure evoke in the poem?
A9: The goldfinch’s departure evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, highlighting the bittersweet nature of transient experiences. It prompts reflection on the fleeting beauty of existence and the human desire to hold onto fleeting moments of vitality.
Q10: How does the goldfinch’s departure impact the overall atmosphere of the poem?
A10: The goldfinch’s departure marks the poem’s atmosphere from vibrancy and activity to a quieter, more contemplative tone. Its exit brings about a return to stillness and calm, highlighting the cyclical rhythms of nature and the inevitability of change.
Q11: What role does the goldfinch’s departure play in the poem’s exploration of the interconnectedness of nature?
A11: The goldfinch’s departure highlights all living things’ interconnectedness and the natural world’s dynamic equilibrium. It emphasises the transient nature of vitality and the continual renewal inherent in nature’s cycles, highlighting the intricate web of relationships within the ecosystem.
Q12: How does the goldfinch’s departure invite readers to contemplate deeper truths within the poem?
A12: The goldfinch’s departure prompts readers to reflect on life’s fleeting moments and the enduring cycles of nature. It encourages contemplation of the broader themes of impermanence, renewal, and the transient beauty of existence, inviting readers to delve into the deeper layers of meaning within the poem.
Long Answer type:
Q1: Explain or analyse what the Laburnum tree’s portrayal at the start of the poem signifies and how it connects to the poem’s themes.
A1: In “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes, the portrayal of the tree in the beginning sets the stage for the narrative. It is initially depicted as silent and still, embodying a sense of tranquillity that contrasts with the eventual burst of activity caused by the goldfinch’s arrival.
Thematically, The Laburnum tree symbolises the cyclical rhythms of nature and the interplay between stillness and vitality. It reflects dormancy and renewal, suggesting that quiet reflection is essential. Upon the goldfinch’s arrival, the tree transforms from repose to an animated state.
The Laburnum tree’s portrayal invites reflection on the transient nature of existence and the impermanence of life’s ebbs and flows. Its depiction as “subsided to empty” following the goldfinch’s departure emphasises the ephemeral nature of vibrancy moments, highlighting the fragility and fleeting beauty inherent within the natural world.
At the poem’s beginning, the Laburnum tree symbolises cyclical renewal, stillness and vitality, and the transient nature of existence, enriching the poem’s exploration of the dynamics of the natural world.
Q2: How does Ted Hughes use sensory details to describe the goldfinch’s coming and going, and what does this add to the poem’s meaning?
A2: Ted Hughes employs vivid sensory imagery to depict the goldfinch’s arrival and departure in “The Laburnum Top,” enriching the poem with thematic depth. When the goldfinch arrives, Hughes uses phrases like “a suddenness, a startlement” and “twitching chirrup,” creating a sense of immediacy and energy.
The imagery of the goldfinch’s sleekness and alertness adds to the intensity of its presence. Similarly, the goldfinch’s departure is marked by the tree “subsiding to empty,” evoking a profound sense of stillness and loss.
This sensory imagery vividly portrays the bird’s movements and highlights broader themes of transience, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life within the natural world.
Q3: What does the goldfinch’s behaviour symbolise, and how does it drive activity in the Laburnum tree? How does this symbolism contribute to the poem’s central message?
A3: The goldfinch symbolises vitality and renewal within “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes. Its actions as a catalyst for activity within the tree represent the spark of life within the natural world.
The bird’s arrival triggers a flurry of movement and sound, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living things and the vibrancy of nature. Moreover, the goldfinch’s role highlights the cyclical rhythm of life, where bursts of energy and activity punctuate periods of dormancy.
This symbolism contributes to the poem’s overall message of the transient beauty of existence and the dynamic equilibrium of nature. It highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings and the continual renewal inherent in the natural world’s cycles.
Q4: In what ways does Hughes employ figurative language and poetic devices to convey the interconnectedness of nature and the cyclical rhythms of life?
A4: Hughes uses various figurative language and poetic devices to get the interconnectedness of nature and the cyclical rhythms of life in “The Laburnum Top.” He utilises imagery to paint vivid pictures of the natural world, such as describing the goldfinch’s arrival with phrases like “sleek as a lizard” and “alert, and abrupt,” creating a sensory experience for the reader.
Hughes uses personification to attribute human-like qualities to the natural elements, such as describing the tree as having an “engine of her family” and trembling with activity. Furthermore, Hughes utilises symbolism, such as the goldfinch representing vitality and renewal, to convey deeper meanings about the cycles of life and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Hughes weaves a rich tapestry of imagery and symbolism through these poetic devices, illuminating the intricate dance of nature’s rhythms.
Q5: Discuss the thematic significance of the goldfinch’s departure and its implications for the broader themes of impermanence, renewal, and the transient beauty of existence as depicted in the poem.
A5: The Goldfinch’s Departure: Thematic Significance: In “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes, the Goldfinch’s departure resonates deeply with the poem’s overarching themes of impermanence, renewal, and the transient beauty of existence. As the goldfinch exits, the tree “subsides to empty,” marking a poignant return to stillness after a brief burst of vitality.
Symbolising Impermanence and Renewal: The goldfinch’s exit symbolises life’s impermanence, reminding readers of the fleeting nature of vibrant moments. Its departure highlights the cyclical rhythms of nature, emphasising the ever-changing essence of life. Moreover, it hints at renewal, suggesting that as one moment fades, it clears the path for new cycles of growth and vitality.
Evoking Longing and Nostalgia: The goldfinch’s departure evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia, highlighting the bittersweet nature of transient experiences. It reflects humanity’s desire to cling to fleeting moments of beauty and the poignant realization of their passing.
To conclude, the goldfinch’s departure encapsulates the poem’s exploration of impermanence, renewal, and the ephemeral beauty of existence. It invites readers to reflect on life’s fleeting moments and the enduring cycles of nature, urging contemplation of deeper truths within the transient rhythms of life.
Extract Based Questions “The Laburnum Top”:
Extract 1:
“The Laburnum top is silent, quite still
In the afternoon yellow September sunlight,
A few leaves yellowing, all its seeds fallen.“
Q1: What is the initial state of the laburnum top in the poem?
A1: The laburnum top is described as silent and still in the yellow September sunlight, with yellowing leaves and fallen seeds.
Q2: What does the description of the laburnum tree’s condition in September suggest?
A2: The description suggests that the tree is in a transition state, with the changing seasons and the passage of time.
Q3: How does the initial description of the laburnum tree in the poem set the mood and tone for the rest of the poem, and what does it convey about the natural world?
A3: The laburnum tree is described as silent and still, bathed in yellow sunlight. This creates a peaceful mood, with the imagery of late summer or early autumn signifying the passage of time.
This serene portrayal of the laburnum tree also foreshadows the theme of transience and change that runs throughout the poem. It hints at the idea that even in moments of stillness, an underlying movement and transformation is occurring within the natural world. As the poem progresses, this initial stillness is disrupted by the arrival of the goldfinch, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the environment.
The poem’s opening lines convey the idea that nature has its rhythms and cycles, and it is in these moments of apparent stillness we can observe and appreciate the subtle changes and vibrancy of life. The mood set by these lines invites readers to contemplate the beauty and temporality of the natural world, which is the poem’s central theme.
Extract 2:
“She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end
Showing her barred face identity mask.”
Q1: Who is referred to as “she” in this extract, and what is she doing?
A1: “She” refers to the goldfinch, and she is stoking the engine of her family, which is the activity within the laburnum tree.
Q2: What is the significance of the phrase “barred face identity mask” in this context?
A2: The phrase suggests that the goldfinch reveals her distinct identity and personality as she interacts within the tree, adding a sense of individuality to her actions within the collective activity.
Q3: How do these lines symbolise the intricate relationship between the bird’s individuality and the collective activity of her family?
A3: The lines “She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end / Showing her barred face identity mask” in Ted Hughes’s “The Laburnum Top” encapsulate the profound interplay between the goldfinch’s individuality and her role within the collective family dynamic. The goldfinch, as she stokes the “engine of her family,” signifies her crucial contribution to the family’s vitality and survival. This act of nurturing and feeding embodies her role within the collective.
However, when she “flirts out to a branch-end” and reveals her “barred face identity mask,” it highlights the delicate balance between her individuality and the broader family unit. Her distinct identity shines through, reminding us that each member retains their unique essence even within a collective. This duality highlights nature’s intricate design, where individuality enriches the collective experience. The goldfinch’s actions remind us that even in the most harmonious natural settings, individuality remains a vital part of the whole, adding depth and richness to the collective existence.
Extract 3:
“The whole tree trembles and thrills.
It is the engine of her family.”
Q1: How does the goldfinch’s presence affect the laburnum tree?
A1: The goldfinch’s presence causes the whole tree to tremble and thrill with activity, and it becomes the “engine” of her family, suggesting that the tree serves as a hub for their collective action.
Q2: What does the phrase “engine of her family” symbolise in the context of the poem?
A2: In this context, the term suggests the central and vital role of the laburnum tree in supporting the life and activity of the goldfinch and her family. It highlights the tree’s importance in the natural ecosystem.
Q3: In the poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes, what does the phrase “The whole tree trembles and thrills. It is the engine of her family.” signify, and how does it contribute to the theme and imagery of the poem?
A3: In “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes, the laburnum tree is portrayed as dynamic and vibrant through the goldfinch’s presence. The line “The whole tree trembles and thrills. It is the engine of her family.” symbolises the infusion of life, energy, and activity.
The line is about the transient beauty of life and how it can emerge unexpectedly, even in the quietest moments, before receding just as swiftly. Furthermore, the idea that the tree becomes “the engine of her family” highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings in the natural world. It implies that every creature has its role and significance in the ecosystem, emphasising the delicate balance of nature.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s essence by juxtaposing stillness with vibrant activity, highlighting the transient beauty of life, and symbolising the interdependence of all living things in the natural world.
Extract 4:
“She launches away, towards the infinite
And the laburnum subsides to empty.”
Q1: Where does the goldfinch go when she launches away?
A1: The goldfinch launches away “towards the infinite,” suggesting that she flies away into the vastness of the open sky.
Q2: What happens to the laburnum tree after the goldfinch departs?
A2: After the goldfinch departs, the laburnum tree “subsides to empty,” indicating that it returns to its previous state of stillness and calm, with the activity and vibrancy having left.
Q3: What is the significance of the goldfinch launching away “towards the infinite,” and how does the laburnum tree’s transformation into emptiness reflect the poem’s themes?
A3: In the poem “The Laburnum Top” by Ted Hughes, the goldfinch’s departure “towards the infinite” holds profound symbolic significance. As the goldfinch launches away into the boundless sky, it represents the universal cycle of life and death. The bird’s flight signifies liberation as it leaves behind the laburnum tree’s earthly confines to embrace the universe’s limitless expanse. This departure serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and beauty, emphasising the transient moments that punctuate existence.
Simultaneously, the laburnum tree’s transformation into emptiness highlights the poem’s themes of transience and impermanence. It returns to a state of stillness and silence, emphasising the impermanence of vibrancy and activity in the natural world. This contrast between the bird’s departure toward infinity and the tree’s return to emptiness encapsulates the poem’s profound meditation on the eternal cycle of life and the fleeting nature of moments of vitality within it.
