Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:

When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder, lions hunker down in tall grasses, and even elephants lumber after safety.

1. What does “great trees” represent in the poem? (Analysis)
2. What does the shuddering of ‘rocks’ on distant hills symbolise? (Analysis)
3. How do animals behave when great trees fall? Why? (Understanding and Analysis)
4. What happens to small things when great trees fall? (Understanding)
5. Which words used in this extract give us the idea that the fall of great trees impact all? (Analysis)

Answer 1

1. The “great trees” represent great and noble people whose lives have a profound influence on others. Their fall symbolises their death and the immense loss felt by society.
2. The shuddering of the rocks symbolises that the deaths of great people affect everyone, even those who seem distant or emotionally strong. It highlights the far-reaching impact of their loss.
3. The animals become frightened and seek safety. Lions hide in the tall grass, and elephants move away slowly to protect themselves because the fall of great trees causes fear, disturbance, and insecurity.
4. When massive trees fall, small things recoil into silence. They become quiet and fearful because the sudden loss and disturbance deeply affect them.
5. The words “rocks on distant hills”, “lions”, “even elephants”, and “after safety” show that the fall of these enormous trees affects all alike. They suggest that the loss of greatness disturbs both nature and living creatures.