If you are searching for The Laburnum Top questions and answers, this blog gives you all the important exam-oriented solutions in a simple and clear format. Written by Ted Hughes, the poem is a part of the Hornbill book in Class 11 English syllabus.
It beautifully shows how the silence of a laburnum tree is broken by the arrival of a goldfinch, which brings energy and life. Here, we provide Class 11th poem The Laburnum Top question and answer sets, including extract-based, short, and long answers to help you prepare effectively for your English exams.
The Laburnum Top Question Answers (Extract-based)
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 season is depicted in the poem?
a) Spring
b) Autumn
c) Winter
d) Summer
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Autumn
Q2. What does “yellowing leaves” signify?
a) Growth
b) Aging and decay
c) Hope
d) Energy
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Aging and decay
Q3. Fill in the blank: The laburnum tree is described as _________ in the September sunlight.
Show Answer:
Answer: silent and still
Q4. What mood does this opening stanza create?
a) Joyful
b) Calm and lifeless
c) Energetic
d) Angry
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Calm and lifeless
Q5. The fallen seeds suggest:
a) Hope of regeneration
b) Silence
c) Emptiness
d) Both a and c
Show Answer:
Answer: d) Both a and c
Extract 2
“Till the goldfinch comes, with a twitching chirrup
A suddenness, a startlement, at a branch end.”
Q6. Whose arrival breaks the silence of the tree?
a) A sparrow
b) A crow
c) A goldfinch
d) A dove
Show Answer:
Answer: c) A goldfinch
Q7. The word “chirrup” refers to:
a) Human whistle
b) Soft laughter
c) A bird’s sharp sound
d) Cry of pain
Show Answer:
Answer: c) A bird’s sharp sound
Q8. Fill in the blank: The arrival of the goldfinch brings a sense of ________ to the tree.
Show Answer:
Answer: sudden energy
Q9. The phrase “a startlement” shows:
a) Quietness
b) Surprise and sudden activity
c) Anger
d) Fear
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Surprise and sudden activity
Q10. What literary device is used in “twitching chirrup”?
a) Metaphor
b) Alliteration
c) Simile
d) Hyperbole
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Alliteration
Extract 3
“She stokes it full, then flirts out to a branch-end
Showing her barred face identity mask.”
Q11. Who is “she” in this extract?
a) The poet’s mother
b) The goldfinch
c) A sparrow
d) The laburnum tree
Show Answer:
Answer: b) The goldfinch
Q12. What does “stokes it full” mean?
a) Filling her nestlings with food and energy
b) Building a new nest
c) Singing a song
d) Playing with chicks
Show Answer:
Answer: a) Filling her nestlings with food and energy
Q13. Fill in the blank: The goldfinch’s ________ face is her identity mask.
Show Answer:
Answer: barred
Q14. What does the goldfinch symbolize here?
a) Silence
b) Motherhood and responsibility
c) Decay
d) Energy of the tree
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Motherhood and responsibility
Q15. The comparison of the bird’s energy to an “engine” highlights:
a) Silence of the laburnum
b) Life-giving role of the goldfinch
c) Emptiness of autumn
d) Fear in the tree
Show Answer:
Answer: b) Life-giving role of the goldfinch
More Important Resources for CBSE Exam:
| CBSE Board: All details | CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects |
| CBSE Full Form | CBSE Class 11 English Syllabus |
| All about CBSE Class 11th | Class 11th Hornbill Syllabus |
| CBSE Class 11 Economics Syllabus |
Class 11 The Laburnum Top Question Answer (Very Short)
Q1. Who is the poet of The Laburnum Top?
Ans: Ted Hughes.
Q2. Which bird is mentioned in the poem?
Ans: The goldfinch.
Q3. In which season is the laburnum tree described?
Ans: September (autumn).
Q4. What does the silence of the laburnum tree symbolize?
Ans: Emptiness and lifelessness.
Q5. What brings life to the silent tree?
Ans: The arrival of the goldfinch.
Q6. How is the movement of the goldfinch described?
Ans: Sleek as a lizard, quick and alert.
Q7. What does “engine of her family” refer to?
Ans: The goldfinch feeding and energizing her chicks.
Q8. What happens when the goldfinch departs?
Ans: The tree returns to silence and emptiness.
Q9. What is the main theme of the poem?
Ans: Contrast between stillness and vitality in nature.
Q10. What does the goldfinch symbolize in the poem?
Ans: Motherhood, energy, and responsibility.
The Laburnum Top Questions and Answers (Short)
Q1. Describe the state of the laburnum tree at the beginning of the poem.
Ans: At the beginning, the laburnum tree is silent and lifeless in the September sunlight. Its leaves are turning yellow and its seeds have fallen, symbolizing decay, emptiness, and the stillness of nature in autumn.
Q2. How does the arrival of the goldfinch change the atmosphere of the tree?
Ans: The arrival of the goldfinch breaks the silence of the tree. Her chirruping and movement energize the nestlings, filling the branches with fluttering wings and sounds. The once quiet laburnum becomes vibrant and alive with activity.
Q3. Why does the poet compare the goldfinch’s movement to that of a lizard?
Ans: The poet compares the goldfinch to a lizard because of her sleek, alert, and abrupt movements. Just like a lizard darts quickly and cautiously, the goldfinch moves swiftly through the branches to reach her nest.
Q4. Explain the phrase “engine of her family” in the poem.
Ans: The phrase “engine of her family” refers to the goldfinch as the source of energy and life for her chicks. By feeding and caring for them, she acts like an engine that powers and sustains her family.
Q5. What role does the goldfinch play in the poem?
Ans: The goldfinch symbolizes vitality, responsibility, and motherhood. She transforms the silent laburnum tree into a lively hub when she arrives, feeds, and energizes her chicks. Her role is central in highlighting life’s fleeting energy.
Q6. What happens to the laburnum tree after the goldfinch leaves?
Ans: Once the goldfinch departs, the laburnum tree returns to silence and emptiness. The activity and energy vanish, and the tree once again stands still, symbolizing the transient nature of life and vitality.
Q7. What message does Ted Hughes convey through this poem?
Ans: Ted Hughes conveys that life is a cycle of silence and activity, stillness and vitality. The poem emphasizes the interdependence of living beings and the fleeting nature of energy that gives meaning to moments of silence.
Q8. How does the poet use contrast in the poem?
Ans: The poet contrasts the lifeless, silent laburnum tree with its transformation when the goldfinch arrives. The shift from stillness to liveliness and then back to silence highlights the temporary yet powerful presence of vitality in nature.
Q9. What qualities of the goldfinch are brought out in the poem?
Ans: The goldfinch is shown as swift, cautious, and energetic. She symbolizes responsibility and motherhood as she feeds her chicks. Her brief but powerful presence transforms the silent tree into a lively and vibrant space.
Q10. Why is The Laburnum Top considered a symbolic poem?
Ans: The Laburnum Top is symbolic because the tree represents silence and lifelessness, while the goldfinch represents vitality, responsibility, and the cycle of life. Together, they reflect the rhythm of nature and the balance between stillness and activity.
Class 11th The Laburnum Top Question Answers (Long)
Q1. Describe the contrast between silence and liveliness in The Laburnum Top.
Ans: The poem begins with the laburnum tree in a state of complete silence and stillness. Its leaves are yellowing and its seeds have fallen, symbolizing emptiness and decay. This lifeless image is suddenly broken by the arrival of the goldfinch. Her quick, sleek movements and chirruping transform the tree into a hub of activity. The nestlings respond with sounds, fluttering, and energy, turning the silent tree into a lively space.
However, this vitality is short-lived. As soon as the goldfinch departs, the tree returns to silence once again. This contrast between stillness and activity underlines the fleeting nature of life and the interdependence between living beings and their environment. Ted Hughes uses this shift to highlight the beauty of temporary but meaningful moments in nature.
Q2. How does Ted Hughes use imagery to bring the laburnum tree and the goldfinch to life?
Ans: Ted Hughes employs vivid imagery to create a strong visual and auditory picture in The Laburnum Top. At the beginning, he describes the laburnum tree as “silent, quite still” in “yellow September sunlight,” which paints an image of autumnal decay and lifelessness. The arrival of the goldfinch introduces contrasting imagery. Her movement is compared to a lizard, highlighting her sleek, sudden, and alert nature.
The chirruping sounds and fluttering of wings create an auditory image of the tree bursting into life, much like a machine being switched on. The phrase “engine of her family” further deepens this imagery, making the bird the driving force of vitality. Finally, the description of her delicate “whistle-chirrup” and flight into the infinite sky concludes the poem with a sense of departure and silence. These images allow readers to feel the transformation of the tree vividly.
Q3. What does the goldfinch symbolize in the poem? Explain with reference to the text.
Ans: The goldfinch in The Laburnum Top is more than just a bird—it is a symbol of energy, motherhood, and responsibility. When the tree is silent and lifeless, her arrival instantly transforms it into a hub of activity. She feeds her chicks and energizes them with her presence, becoming the “engine of her family.” This metaphor emphasizes her role as the giver of life and vitality.
Her actions highlight the theme of care and duty, showing how even a small creature plays a vital role in the cycle of life. The goldfinch also represents the fleeting but powerful force of energy in nature. As soon as she leaves, the tree returns to silence, symbolizing the transient nature of vitality. Through this symbolism, Ted Hughes conveys the deep connection between responsibility and the rhythm of life.
Q4. Explain how the laburnum tree is both a setting and a symbol in the poem.
Ans: The laburnum tree functions on two levels in The Laburnum Top: as a physical setting and as a symbol. As a setting, it provides the background for the events of the poem. Initially, it is described as lifeless and still in the September sunlight, setting the mood of calm emptiness.
When the goldfinch arrives, the tree transforms into a lively hub, echoing with sounds and movements. Symbolically, the tree represents silence, decay, and the inevitable emptiness of life. Its lifeless state before and after the bird’s arrival reflects the transience of vitality. The brief moments of liveliness when the goldfinch is present show how energy is fleeting yet meaningful. Thus, the laburnum tree is not just a backdrop but a powerful symbol of stillness, change, and the cycle of life in nature.
Q5. How does the poem reflect the cycle of life through the interaction between the laburnum tree and the goldfinch?
Ans: The Laburnum Top reflects the natural cycle of life by showing the interaction between the silent tree and the active goldfinch. The tree, in autumn, represents stillness, decay, and emptiness—an inevitable stage in life. This state is interrupted when the goldfinch arrives. She feeds her young ones, bringing energy and sound to the tree. This brief period of liveliness reflects the vitality and growth phase of life.
However, once the bird departs, the tree returns to silence, showing the temporary nature of energy and the return to stillness. Through this cycle of silence, activity, and silence again, Ted Hughes highlights the rhythm of existence. Life alternates between emptiness and vitality, stillness and activity, but both are essential parts of the natural order. The poem thus captures the transient yet meaningful essence of life.
Q6. Discuss the role of the goldfinch as the “engine of her family.”
Ans: The goldfinch is described as the “engine of her family” in The Laburnum Top, a metaphor that captures her role as the source of energy and sustenance for her chicks. Just like an engine powers a machine, the goldfinch provides food, care, and vitality to her young ones. Her arrival transforms the silent laburnum tree into a vibrant hub of activity, filled with chirruping sounds and fluttering wings.
This description emphasizes her responsibility and nurturing role as a mother. The metaphor also highlights the interdependence of living beings, where the goldfinch’s presence is essential for her chicks’ survival. Once she departs, the tree returns to stillness, reinforcing the idea that her role as an “engine” is central to the life and liveliness of the scene.
Q7. How does Ted Hughes highlight the fleeting nature of energy in the poem?
Ans: Ted Hughes highlights the fleeting nature of energy by structuring The Laburnum Top around the arrival and departure of the goldfinch. The poem begins with silence and lifelessness, as the tree stands still under the autumn sun. With the goldfinch’s arrival, the tree bursts into life. The bird feeds her chicks, creating sounds, movements, and vitality that completely transform the atmosphere.
However, this activity is temporary. As soon as the goldfinch leaves, the tree returns to its original state of silence and emptiness. This structure shows how energy and activity in life are transient. They come suddenly, make an impact, and disappear, leaving behind stillness once again. By presenting this cycle, Hughes conveys the message that while energy is brief, it gives meaning and significance to life’s silences.
Q8. Comment on the poet’s portrayal of motherhood in The Laburnum Top.
Ans: Ted Hughes portrays motherhood in The Laburnum Top through the role of the goldfinch. She is shown as the “engine of her family,” providing food and energy to her chicks. Her arrival transforms the silent tree into a lively hub, symbolizing the nurturing and energizing role of a mother. The way she moves swiftly, cautiously, and efficiently highlights her dedication and responsibility. Her role is central not only to her family but also to the transformation of the environment around her.
Once she departs, the tree returns to silence, underlining how her presence is vital. Through this portrayal, Hughes emphasizes the selfless care, responsibility, and importance of motherhood in sustaining life. The goldfinch becomes a powerful symbol of nurturing energy and duty.
Q9. How does the poet use sound to contrast with silence in the poem?
Ans: In The Laburnum Top, Ted Hughes creates a vivid contrast between sound and silence. The poem begins with complete silence—the tree is “still” and lifeless in the September sunlight. This silence is broken by the “chirrup” of the goldfinch as she arrives. Her movements cause a burst of sounds—fluttering wings, trillings, and chirping nestlings. These sounds make the tree come alive, resembling the starting of a machine.
The poet’s careful use of auditory imagery emphasizes the sudden transformation of the scene. However, once the goldfinch departs, the sounds fade away and the silence returns. By contrasting sound and silence, Hughes highlights the fleeting nature of vitality and the cyclical rhythm of life.
Q10. What makes The Laburnum Top a modern nature poem?
Ans: The Laburnum Top is considered a modern nature poem because it goes beyond simply describing a natural scene; it uses nature to symbolize deeper ideas about life, vitality, and transience. Ted Hughes portrays the laburnum tree not just as a setting but as a symbol of silence and emptiness. The goldfinch represents vitality, care, and responsibility, transforming the scene into a reflection of life’s cycle.
The poem also uses modern imagery, like comparing the bird’s role to an “engine,” blending natural and mechanical elements. Its focus on contrast, symbolism, and fleeting energy makes it more than a traditional descriptive nature poem—it becomes a thoughtful reflection on the interconnectedness of life. This modern perspective is what gives the poem its universal and timeless appeal.
Read the chapter-wise summaries of Class 11 English here:
Important Questions on The Laburnum Top Poem
- Who is the poet of The Laburnum Top and what is the poem about?
- Which bird is mentioned in the poem and what does it symbolize?
- Describe the state of the laburnum tree at the beginning of the poem.
- How does the arrival of the goldfinch change the atmosphere of the tree?
- Explain the phrase “engine of her family” in the poem.
- What happens to the tree after the goldfinch departs?
- What is the main theme of The Laburnum Top?
- How does Ted Hughes use imagery in the poem?
- Discuss the role of the goldfinch as a mother in the poem.
- What is the central idea of The Laburnum Top?
About The Laburnum Top Poem
The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes is a beautiful nature poem prescribed in the Hornbill textbook for Class 11 students. The poem captures a simple yet profound moment in nature. At first, the laburnum tree is described as quiet, lifeless, and still in the September sunlight, with its leaves turning yellow and seeds fallen. This image reflects silence, decay, and emptiness.
Suddenly, the scene changes with the arrival of a goldfinch bird. As the bird enters the tree to feed its chicks, the whole tree seems to come alive with sounds, fluttering wings, and energy. The poet compares this sudden burst of activity to a machine starting up, emphasizing the goldfinch’s role in energizing her family.
Once the bird departs, the tree returns to its calm and silent state. The poem highlights the fleeting nature of life and the interdependence of living beings in the natural world.
Wrapping Up:
The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes is a thoughtful poem that balances silence and vitality through vivid imagery. Practicing these important questions and answers helps students understand its central idea, themes, and symbolism clearly, while also preparing effectively for their Class 11 English exams.