Lesson 4 TALL TREES

Nature’s presence is ubiquitous, with trees adorning landscapes in forests, villages, and on mountain slopes. The poet metaphorically describes these tall trees as having their feet firmly grounded in the earth while reaching toward the sky. Their towering stature allows them to witness the passage of clouds, emphasizing their true height. As evening falls, the sky darkens, prompting birds to seek refuge in the trees. Throughout the night, illuminated by the moonlight, the trees stand sentinel, watching over the sleeping world.

The poet parallels noble individuals and tall trees, attributing a noble character to both. Like the trees rooted in the soil, noble people exhibit humility. Just as trees provide shelter for birds and animals, noble individuals extend care and protection to the vulnerable. This portrayal of nature reflects a selfless display of care and guardianship.

In considering nature’s role in our surroundings, it contributes to the aesthetic beauty of our environment. The imperative to preserve and respect nature is emphasized, discouraging its treatment as a mere receptacle for waste. Planting trees is encouraged, while the act of cutting them down is discouraged, acknowledging the pervasive and vital presence of nature.

The text underscores the importance of recognizing the values of care and protection demonstrated by nature. In literature, readers often encounter figurative language, where words or expressions carry meanings beyond their literal interpretation.

The poet skillfully likens empowered human beings to tall trees, emphasizing their grounded nature with lines such as “Their feet in the earth, Their heads in the sky.” This portrayal signifies human strength, height, and power, coupled with a down-to-earth quality.

Ultimately, the reimagined content retains the essence of the original while providing a fresh perspective and clarity in expression.

Q The poetess Eileen Mathais has presented trees with human like traits. They have been picturesquely described with physical human qualities as well as emotional attributes. Describe in your own words the poetic parallel between the tall trees and human beings.

In Eileen Mathais’s poetic portrayal, trees are endowed with human-like characteristics, creating a vivid parallel between these towering natural entities and human beings. The poetess artfully ascribes both physical and emotional traits to the trees, blurring the boundary between the botanical and the human experience.

Physically, the trees are described with a likeness to humans, as they stand tall with their roots firmly embedded in the ground, reminiscent of human feet firmly planted on the earth. The imagery of their heads reaching towards the sky conveys a sense of aspiration, mirroring the upward gaze of human ambition.

Emotionally, the poetess delves into the inner world of the trees, attributing a capacity for observation and sentiment. The mention of trees seeing clouds passing by suggests a contemplative nature as if the trees are engaged in a silent dialogue with the ever-changing sky. The evening scene, where birds seek shelter in the trees, introduces an element of protection and care, echoing human instincts of providing refuge to those in need.

This poetic parallel emphasizes a profound connection between nature and humanity. By endowing trees with human-like qualities, the poetess invites readers to reflect on the shared experiences and emotions between the natural world and ourselves. It suggests that, like humans, trees too have a presence that extends beyond their physical form, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living beings.

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