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Have you ever wondered why trees are compared to silent rebels? What message is hidden behind their quiet departure from the house? Why does the poet speak for them? These are some of the powerful questions explored in Poem 7: The Trees by Adrienne Rich, a thought-provoking piece in the Class 10 CBSE English Syllabus.
These are some of the compelling questions that The Trees, Poem 7 in the CBSE Class 10 English textbook, urges us to reflect upon. Written by Adrienne Rich, this powerful and symbolic poem is more than just a description of nature — it’s a subtle protest, a metaphor for freedom, and a reflection on human confinement. Through simple yet striking imagery, the poet speaks about trees as if they are people, silently pushing their way out of the walls that confine them.
In this blog, we dive into detailed yet easy-to-understand notes on the poem The Trees. Whether you're preparing for exams or just want to grasp the deeper meaning behind the verses, these notes will help you understand the poem’s theme, literary devices, and central message. Written in straightforward language, this guide is ideal for revision and self-study. Let’s explore how the poet uses nature as a symbol of freedom, resistance, and change.
The Trees Class 10 notes will provide a summary and topic-wise details to help students understand what the story is about. Below, we have provided the links to downloadable PDFs of chapter-wise Notes for class 10 English and that too for different categories of marks.
The Trees by Adrienne Rich is a symbolic and powerful poem included in the Class 10 CBSE English textbook – First Flight. At first glance, the poem appears to be about actual trees moving out of a house. However, when read closely, it becomes clear that the trees represent people, especially women, who have been trapped in social restrictions and are now silently rebelling to reclaim their space and freedom.
About the Poet – Adrienne Rich
Adrienne Rich (1929–2012) was a well-known American poet, essayist, and feminist. Much of her work focused on social justice, gender equality, and personal freedom. In The Trees, she uses nature as a metaphor to express deeper social and emotional themes, particularly around freedom and silent protest.
Theme of the Poem
The central theme of The Trees is the struggle for freedom and individuality. The poem suggests that everything in nature — including humans — has a deep-rooted need to be free and to grow in its natural environment. The trees, symbolising confined lives, particularly of women, are shown breaking free from man-made boundaries to return to their rightful place — the open forest
Important Themes:
The Trees by Adrienne Rich is a symbolic poem featured in the CBSE Class 10 English textbook (First Flight). It uses the imagery of trees moving out of a house to represent a deeper message about freedom, identity, and silent resistance.
Stanza 1:
“The trees inside are moving out into the forest,
the forest that was empty all these days
where no bird could sit
no insect hide
no sun bury its feet in shadow
the forest that was empty all these nights
will be full of trees by morning.”
Explanation:
In this opening stanza, the poet describes a powerful and mysterious event — trees that were kept inside are now moving out into the forest. The forest has been lifeless for a long time, with no birds, insects, or even sunlight finding rest there. But now, the trees are returning to where they belong, and by morning, the forest will be full again.
This is not just about trees — it’s a symbol of freedom and renewal, showing how something once confined can reclaim its natural place.
Stanza 2:
“All night the roots work
to disengage themselves from the cracks
in the veranda floor.
The leaves strain toward the glass,
small twigs stiff with exertion,
long-cramped boughs shuffling under the roof
like newly discharged patients
half-dazed, moving
to the clinic doors.”
Explanation:
Here, the poet gives us a vivid image of the trees struggling to free themselves from inside the house. Their roots are breaking through the floor, and their leaves are pushing towards the glass windows. The trees are no longer passive — they are actively trying to escape.
The poet compares the trees to patients leaving a hospital, suggesting they were trapped or unwell while confined indoors. Now they are slowly but surely returning to health, freedom, and their natural environment.
Stanza 3:
“I sit inside, doors open to the verandah
writing long letters
in which I scarcely mention the departure
of the forest from the house.”
Explanation:
In this stanza, the speaker describes herself sitting quietly inside the house, with the doors open. She is writing letters but barely mentions the important event happening — the trees leaving the house.
This shows a sense of silence or detachment, but also perhaps quiet acceptance or support. The poet may not speak loudly about the change, but she observes and records it, which means she recognises its significance.
Stanza 4:
“The night is fresh, the whole moon shines
in a sky still open
the smell of leaves and lichen
still reaches like a voice into the rooms.
My head is full of whispers
which tomorrow will be silent.
Listen. The glass is breaking.”
Explanation:
The final stanza is full of senses and emotions. The night is fresh, the moon is shining, and the smell of leaves and nature is entering the room. These details show that nature is returning, and it’s powerful.
The speaker says her head is full of whispers, suggesting thoughts or messages — perhaps the voices of those seeking freedom. But these whispers will be gone tomorrow, meaning the moment of change is now.
The last line — “Listen. The glass is breaking.” — is powerful. It shows that the barriers are being broken, literally and symbolically. The trees (or people) are finally breaking free, and the silence is ending.
This stanza-wise breakdown shows how Adrienne Rich uses the movement of trees as a metaphor for liberation, quiet resistance, and change. The poem encourages readers to look beyond the surface and recognise the strength in silent action.
The poet describes how the trees, which were once kept inside a house, are now slowly and silently moving out. Their roots are cracking the floor, their leaves are making noise, and their branches are pressing against the glass windows — all signs of a quiet yet powerful effort to escape.
Inside the house, everything seems calm and peaceful. But outside, there's a silent movement, a natural force at work. The poet, sitting quietly and writing, realises this change but doesn’t stop it — perhaps even supports it silently.
The poem ends with a feeling of hope — that freedom is possible, even if it begins in silence.
Tone and Mood of the Poem
The poem maintains a calm, reflective tone, but beneath the surface lies a strong emotional current of resistance and change.
The poem sends a strong message that freedom is a natural right, and anything that is confined will eventually seek to break free. Just like trees grow towards the sunlight, people also strive for growth, expression, and identity.
Adrienne Rich encourages readers to look beyond what appears ‘normal’ and recognise the silent struggles happening all around, especially among those who have been marginalised or silenced.
Symbolic Role of the Trees
In the poem, trees are not just plants. They represent:
The Trees by Adrienne Rich holds a special place in the Class 10 CBSE English syllabus, not only because of its poetic beauty but also due to the important themes it explores, such as freedom, nature, and silent resistance. This poem is often included in exams because it encourages students to think beyond the surface and understand symbolism and deeper meanings in literature.
Commonly Asked in Board Exams
Questions from The Trees regularly appear in CBSE board exams, especially in the Literature section. These include:
Rich Use of Literary Devices
The poem is packed with poetic techniques like personification, symbolism, imagery, and enjambment, which are frequently tested in exams. Students are often asked to explain how these devices enhance the poem’s meaning.
Clear and Powerful Message
The message of The Trees—that freedom is essential for growth—is easy to understand but also deep enough for discussion. This makes it ideal for examiners to assess both comprehension and interpretation skills.
Encourages Critical Thinking
Unlike poems that simply describe nature or emotions, this one asks students to think critically about the symbolism behind the movement of the trees. It helps develop skills that are essential for analytical writing and answers.
Easy to Learn and Revise
The poem is written in simple, free verse, making it accessible to all students, even those who struggle with complex poetry. Its clarity makes it easier to remember and revise before exams.
Relevant to Modern Themes
The poem discusses freedom, feminism, and identity—topics that are still relevant today. Teachers and examiners often use such themes to connect literature with real-world issues, making this poem a frequent choice for test papers.
Tip for Students:
When revising The Trees, focus on the symbolism of the trees, the contrast between inside and outside, and the silent tone of resistance. Ensure you understand the hidden meanings behind the poet’s words, as this is often the focus of exam questions.
Studying poetry can sometimes be tricky, especially when it’s filled with symbolism and hidden meanings. The Trees by Adrienne Rich is a short and simple poem, but many students misunderstand or overlook important details. Knowing these common mistakes can help you avoid losing marks in your CBSE Class 10 English exam.
Taking the Poem Literally
Mistake: Many students think the poem is only about actual trees growing indoors and moving out into the forest.
Correction: The trees are a symbol. They represent people—especially women—breaking free from confinement. It's important to explain both the literal and symbolic meaning in your answers.
Ignoring the Poet’s Message
Mistake: Writing only about what’s happening in the poem without explaining the message or theme.
Correction: Always include the main idea of the poem—freedom, silent protest, and the need for self-expression—especially in long answers.
Missing Out on Literary Devices
Mistake: Forgetting to mention poetic devices such as personification, imagery, symbolism, and enjambment.
Correction: Identify and explain at least two literary devices in your answers, especially when asked how the poem creates meaning or emotion.
Confusing the Speaker with the Poet
Mistake: Assuming that the speaker in the poem is Adrienne Rich herself.
Correction: In literature, the speaker is not always the poet. Use terms like “the speaker” or “the narrator” unless the question specifically asks about the poet’s views.
Skipping Important Lines in Answers
Mistake: Giving general answers without quoting or referring to specific lines from the poem.
Correction: Always refer to important lines or phrases in your answers to support your points. This shows the examiner that you’ve read and understood the poem.
Writing in Informal or Confusing Language
Mistake: Using casual or unclear language in exam answers.
Correction: Use clear, formal, and organised language. Begin with the main point, explain it, and support it with examples from the poem.
To avoid these mistakes, read the poem more than once, think about what each line might mean beyond its surface, and practise writing short and long answers with proper structure. Focus on understanding the poem, not just memorising it.
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