The Cherry Tree

1. Who is the main character who interacts with the cherry tree in the poem?

1. • The poet
2. • A gardener
3. • Goat
4. • The grandfather

Answer: The poet

2. What challenge does the cherry tree face in the poem?

1. • It is eaten by a goat
2. • It is damaged by a storm
3. • It is overshadowed by other trees
4. • It is covered by snow

Answer: It is eaten by a goat

3. How does the poet feel about the cherry tree's condition after the goat incident?

1. • He is indifferent
2. • He is upset
3. • He is happy
4. • He is relieved

Answer: He is upset

4. What action does the author take to care for the cherry tree?

1. • He prunes the tree
2. • He waters the tree
3. • He protects it from animals
4. • He fertilizes the soil

Answer: He waters the tree

5. What does the cherry tree eventually produce by the end of the poem?

1. • Fruit
2. • Blossoms
3. • Seeds
4. • New branches

Answer: Fruit

6. How does the cherry tree’s growth symbolize the author's development?

1. • Both face challenges and recover
2. • Both grow without any issues
3. • Both are neglected and die
4. • Both are protected and thrive immediately

Answer: Both face challenges and recover

7. What does the poem convey about nature and growth?

1. • Growth happens quickly with minimal effort
2. • Nature is always predictable and stable
3. • Growth requires patience and care despite difficulties
4. • Nature can be controlled easily

Answer: Growth requires patience and care despite difficulties

8. In the poem, how does the poet's interaction with the cherry tree reflect his own character?

1. • It shows his impatience
2. • It highlights his neglectfulness
3. • It demonstrates his dedication and care
4. • It reveals his disinterest

Answer: It highlights his neglectfulness

Question: Why did the poet want a tree?

Answer: The poet wanted a tree of his own, likely driven by a desire for a personal connection with nature. To call the tree 'his own' symbolized a wish for a lasting bond with the natural world.

Question: Did he take care of the cherry tree? Did the cherry tree survive at the end?

Answer: Initially, the poet didn’t take much care of the cherry tree, only watering it once before going to bed. Despite this initial neglect, the cherry tree did survive and eventually thrived, showing its resilience.

Question: What is the underlying meaning of the poem 'The Cherry Tree'?

Answer: The poem illustrates the challenges faced by the cherry tree, such as being nibbled by goats and battered by storms. Through these difficulties, the tree's perseverance and eventual thriving symbolize the importance of resilience in overcoming life's obstacles.

Question: How does the poet show that he and the cherry tree have grown in its way when he meets it after returning from Kashmir?

Answer: Upon returning from Kashmir, the poet observes that the tree has grown taller and is now bearing fruit. This signifies that, like the tree, the poet has also matured and experienced personal growth during his absence. The tree's fruitfulness and increased height serve as a metaphor for the poet's own development and accomplishments over the eight years.