Summary of Trees by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s poem Trees paints a vivid picture of a summer day. The trees sway like tassels, moving as if in rhythm with a tune. Tiny creatures hum along with the sun’s warmth, creating a soft, enchanting melody. However, their music never fully satisfies—it remains distant, even when at its most beautiful.
The sun plays a game of hide and seek. Sometimes, it shines brightly; at other times, it hides behind the clouds, as if choosing when to appear. The poet imagines the sun owning vast estates of clouds, retreating behind them at will, except when it whimsically allows orchards to grow.
The world is alive with motion. A bird perches lazily on a fence. Another chatters away in a lane. A snake, lured by something unseen, winds itself around a stone. Flowers bloom, breaking free from their buds, rising like banners unfurling in the breeze. Their fragrance lingers in the air.
The poet finds it impossible to describe everything she sees. She compares the beauty of the day to the famous paintings of Van Dyck, suggesting that no words can match the splendour of nature in summer.
This poem, part of Kaleidoscope in Class 12 Elective English NCERT, captures the essence of a bright, animated summer day. It blends movement, sound, and light, making nature come alive. It reminds readers to observe and appreciate the simple yet extraordinary details of the world around them.
Important Themes in Trees by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s poem Trees, included in Kaleidoscope for Class 12 Elective English NCERT, captures the vibrancy of nature. The poet blends movement, sound, and light to depict a lively summer day. The poem explores several key themes that reveal the poet’s deep connection with the natural world.
The Rhythmic Movement of Nature
Nature is in constant motion in this poem. The trees sway like tassels, responding to an unseen rhythm. The movement of leaves, the shifting sun, and the swaying flowers create a dynamic, almost musical experience. Dickinson shows how nature dances to its own tune, with creatures like birds and snakes becoming part of this grand symphony. This theme highlights the ever-changing yet harmonious quality of the natural world, where even the slightest breeze or movement of sunlight can transform the entire scene.
The Fleeting Beauty of Nature
Dickinson suggests that nature’s beauty is enchanting yet unsatisfying. The tune of the miniature creatures is never enough, always distant. The sun shines in intervals—sometimes fully, sometimes partially, and sometimes hidden. These shifting images create a sense of impermanence. The poet captures the idea that beauty is often at its most captivating when it is elusive. This theme reflects the human desire to hold onto beauty, only to realise that it is always changing, just like the seasons.
Nature’s Independence and Mystery
The poem presents nature as an independent force, not bound by human control. The sun appears and disappears as if making its own choices. Dickinson describes the sun as having "estates of cloud," suggesting it has a home beyond human reach. Even the creatures—birds, snakes, and flowers—exist in their own world, following their instincts. This theme emphasises the mystery of nature, reminding readers that the natural world operates on its own terms, beyond human understanding or influence.
The Connection Between Nature and Art
In the final lines, Dickinson compares the beauty of the summer day to the famous paintings of Van Dyck. This reference suggests that while art attempts to capture nature’s splendour, it can never truly match its depth. Nature’s colours, movements, and scents surpass anything that can be painted or described in words. This theme highlights the poet’s admiration for nature’s unmatched artistry, implying that no human creation can fully replicate its magnificence.
Each of these themes deepens our understanding of Trees, revealing Dickinson’s unique perspective on the natural world. The poem, a part of Class 12 Poetry NCERT Solution, encourages readers to observe, appreciate, and reflect on the simple yet profound moments in nature.
Line by Line Explanation of Trees by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s poem Trees, part of Kaleidoscope in Class 12 Elective English NCERT, describes a lively summer day through images of trees, birds, flowers, and the sun. Below is a simple explanation of each line to help students understand the poem easily.
The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung
The trees move back and forth, just like tassels swinging in the wind. Their branches and leaves appear to be hitting the air as they sway.
There seemed to rise a Tune From Miniature Creatures Accompanying the Sun
Small creatures, like insects and birds, seem to create a soft musical sound. Their humming and chirping blend with the warmth of the sun, making it feel as if they are singing to welcome the day.
Far Psalteries of Summer Enamoring the Ear
The sounds of summer are compared to psalteries (ancient stringed musical instruments). These sounds are pleasant and attractive to the ear.
They never yet did satisfy Remotest – when most fair
Even though these sounds are beautiful, they never completely satisfy the listener. They always feel distant, as if they can never be fully grasped or enjoyed.
The Sun shone whole at intervals Then Half – then utter hid
The sun does not shine constantly. Sometimes it is fully visible, sometimes only half, and at times, it disappears completely behind the clouds.
As if Himself were optional And had Estates of Cloud
It seems as if the sun has the power to choose whether to appear or not. The poet imagines that the sun owns vast lands of clouds, where it can hide whenever it wants.
Sufficient to enfold Him Eternally from view
The clouds are so big that they can cover the sun completely, keeping it hidden forever if it chooses.
Except it were a whim of His To let the Orchards grow
The sun only comes out when it wants to, as if it enjoys letting the orchards (fruit-bearing trees) grow under its light.
A Bird sat careless on the fence One gossiped in the Lane
A bird sits calmly on a fence, not worrying about anything. Another bird is seen in the lane, chirping as if it is talking to someone.
On silver matters charmed a Snake Just winding round a Stone
A snake, mesmerised by something shiny, slowly coils itself around a stone.
Bright Flowers slit a Calyx And soared upon a Stem
Flowers bloom by opening their calyx (outer covering) and rise up on their stems, standing tall.
Like Hindered Flags – Sweet hoisted With Spices – in the Hem
The flowers look like flags that are lifted but slightly held back. They release a sweet fragrance, like spices sewn into their edges.
’Twas more – I cannot mention
There is more beauty in the scene, but the poet cannot describe it all.
How mean – to those that see Vandyke’s Delineation Of Nature’s – Summer Day!
Compared to the real beauty of nature, even the famous paintings of Van Dyck (a great artist) seem ordinary. The poet suggests that nature’s summer day is far more beautiful than any artwork can capture.
This line-by-line explanation simplifies Trees, helping Class 12 Poetry NCERT students understand Dickinson’s vivid imagery. The poem shows how nature moves, sings, and changes, making every moment unique and beautiful.
Words Meaning of Trees by Emily Dickinson
The poem Trees, from Class 12 Elective English NCERT, uses classical English, which may be difficult for younger students to understand. Below is a list of challenging words and expressions with their simple meanings.
| Word/Expression | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tassels | Loose threads or strips hanging from fabric, like fringes. |
| Swung | Moved back and forth. |
| Miniature | Very small. |
| Psalteries | An old musical instrument like a harp. |
| Enamoring | Making someone feel love or admiration. |
| Remotest | Farthest away, distant. |
| Intervals | Gaps or breaks in between something. |
| Utter hid | Completely hidden. |
| Optional | Not necessary, by choice. |
| Estates of Cloud | Imaginary lands of clouds where the sun can hide. |
| Enfold | Wrap or cover completely. |
| Eternally | Forever, without an end. |
| Whim | A sudden wish or decision. |
| Orchards | Farms where fruit trees grow. |
| Careless | Without worry or concern. |
| Gossiped | Talked casually, often about others. |
| Charmed | Attracted or fascinated. |
| Slit | Cut or opened. |
| Calyx | The outer covering of a flower before it blooms. |
| Soared | Rose or lifted up high. |
| Hindered | Held back, slowed down. |
| Hoisted | Raised or lifted. |
| Spices in the Hem | Fragrance in the edges, like perfume in clothes. |
| Mean | Inferior or unimportant. |
| Delineation | A detailed drawing or description. |
This glossary helps Class 12 Poetry NCERT students and younger readers grasp the meanings of complex words and phrases, making the poem easier to understand.
Trees Questions and Answers
1. What imagery does the poet use to delineate Summer’s day more picturesquely than any painter could?
Emily Dickinson describes a summer day using vivid imagery of movement, sound, and light. She portrays swaying trees, chirping birds, and a sun playing hide and seek. The flowers bloom like flags rising in the wind. These details create a dynamic scene that even a great painter like Van Dyck could not fully capture.
2. What do you understand by ‘Psalteries of Summer’?
The phrase "Psalteries of Summer" compares the sounds of nature to a psaltery, an ancient musical instrument. It suggests that the buzzing of insects and rustling leaves create a soft, continuous melody that enhances the beauty of the season. This imagery gives nature a musical quality, making it feel alive and enchanting.
3. In which lines are creatures attributed with human qualities? How does this add to the beauty of the Summer’s day?
The poet personifies birds, describing one as “careless on the fence” and another as “gossiped in the Lane.” This makes them seem playful and social, like humans. The snake is "charmed" by silver matters, as if it has emotions. These descriptions add charm and movement to the poem, making the summer day feel even more animated and full of life.
4. How would you explain the image of the ‘Hindered Flags’?
The phrase "Hindered Flags" refers to flowers that have bloomed but are slightly held back, as if struggling to open fully. They stand tall, waving in the wind like flags, yet their movement seems restricted. This image suggests both beauty and restraint, showing how nature unfolds at its own pace. The flowers' fragrance, described as "spices in the hem," adds to the sensory richness of the scene.
5. Why are the pronouns referring to the Sun capitalised?
The poet capitalises "Himself" and "His" when referring to the Sun, giving it a human-like presence. This personification suggests that the Sun is not just an object but a powerful, almost divine being that decides when to shine. It acts with independence, choosing to appear or hide behind clouds as if making its own decisions.
6. Give examples from the poem to show that great poetry is a result of close observation of natural phenomena.
Dickinson’s poem demonstrates her sharp observation of nature. She notices the trees swaying "like tassels," the gradual blooming of flowers, and the way the Sun sometimes shines fully, then partially, and then disappears. She captures the movement of a bird on a fence, the slow winding of a snake around a stone, and the delicate scents of flowers. These fine details reveal her deep understanding of how nature behaves. Instead of just describing a sunny day, she makes readers see, hear, and feel the scene. This close attention to natural phenomena is what makes her poetry powerful and vivid.
Trees Extra Questions and Answers
1. How does Dickinson portray the movement of the trees in the poem?
The poet compares the movement of trees to tassels swaying in the wind. The phrase “hit – and – swung” suggests a rhythmic motion, as if the trees are dancing. This imagery captures the liveliness of nature, making the trees seem full of energy and movement.
2. What does the poet mean by ‘The Sun shone whole at intervals’?
This line means that the sun appears and disappears at different times. Sometimes, it shines brightly; at other times, it is partly hidden or completely covered by clouds. The poet treats the sun as if it has a choice in how much light it gives, adding a sense of mystery to its presence.
3. How does Dickinson create a musical effect in the poem?
Dickinson uses words like “tune,” “psalteries,” and “enamoring the ear” to compare nature’s sounds to music. The humming of insects, the chirping of birds, and the rustling of leaves together form a soft, continuous melody. This gives the poem a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
4. Explain the poet’s use of contrast between movement and stillness in the poem.
The poem balances movement and stillness. The trees “hit – and – swung,” flowers “soared upon a stem,” and the sun appears and disappears. At the same time, a bird sits “careless on the fence,” showing a moment of calm. This contrast makes the imagery more dynamic and engaging.
5. What is the significance of the line ‘Except it were a whim of His To let the Orchards grow’?
The poet suggests that the sun controls the growth of orchards as if it acts on a whim, or a sudden decision. This portrays the sun as a powerful force, almost like a ruler deciding when to help plants grow. It reinforces the theme of nature’s unpredictability.
6. How does Dickinson’s choice of words enhance the sensory appeal of the poem?
The poet uses words that appeal to different senses—sight (“bright flowers”), sound (“psalteries of summer”), touch (“hindered flags”), and smell (“spices in the hem”). These descriptions help readers not just see but also hear, feel, and even smell the summer day, making the poem more vivid.
7. Why do you think Dickinson compares flowers to ‘Hindered Flags’?
The comparison suggests that flowers are like flags being raised but slightly held back. This might represent how flowers bloom gradually, as if hesitating before fully opening. It also creates a sense of movement, making the flowers appear as if they are waving gently in the wind.
8. How does the poet use personification in the poem? Give examples.
Dickinson gives human-like qualities to non-human elements. The sun is treated as if it has a mind of its own, deciding when to shine. A bird “sat careless,” as if it had emotions. A snake is “charmed,” as if it feels fascination. These personifications make nature feel more alive and expressive.
9. What mood or atmosphere does the poem create?
The poem creates a peaceful yet lively atmosphere. The movement of trees, the soft music of nature, and the gentle play of sunlight give a sense of warmth and joy. At the same time, the idea of the sun hiding and flowers struggling to bloom adds a touch of mystery and anticipation.
10. How does the last stanza reflect the poet’s admiration for nature?
In the last stanza, Dickinson suggests that no painting, not even those by Van Dyck, can capture the beauty of a summer day. She implies that nature is beyond human ability to fully recreate. This reflects her deep admiration for the natural world and its unmatched perfection.
Trees Summary in Hindi
एमिली डिकिंसन की कविता Trees प्रकृति के सौंदर्य और उसकी गतिशीलता का चित्रण करती है। कवयित्री गर्मी के दिन की तुलना एक जीवंत संगीत से करती हैं, जहाँ पेड़ झूमते हैं, पक्षी चहचहाते हैं, और फूल धीरे-धीरे खिलते हैं।
कविता की शुरुआत में, कवयित्री पेड़ों की हरकत को इस तरह दर्शाती हैं जैसे वे ‘टैसल्स’ (धागों के गुच्छे) की तरह हवा में झूल रहे हों। यह दृश्य मानो किसी धुन की शुरुआत का संकेत देता है, जिसे छोटे-छोटे जीव मिलकर गा रहे हों। वह इस ध्वनि को 'Psalteries of Summer' (ग्रीष्म ऋतु के वीणा वादन) कहकर प्रकृति के संगीत की सुंदरता को उजागर करती हैं।
इसके बाद, वह सूरज की रोशनी का वर्णन करती हैं, जो कभी पूरी चमक से दमकता है, कभी आधा दिखता है, और कभी बादलों के पीछे छिप जाता है। वह सूरज को एक शक्तिशाली और स्वतंत्र इकाई के रूप में चित्रित करती हैं, जो अपनी इच्छा से छुपता और प्रकट होता है।
कविता में अन्य प्राकृतिक तत्वों को भी सजीवता दी गई है। एक पक्षी ‘बेखयाली’ में बाड़ पर बैठा है, और दूसरा ‘गपशप’ कर रहा है। एक साँप एक पत्थर के चारों ओर कुंडली मारकर बैठा है, जबकि फूल अपने कैलीक्स (बाहरी आवरण) को फाड़कर ऊपर की ओर बढ़ रहे हैं, जैसे वे किसी बाधा से मुक्त हो रहे हों। कवयित्री उन्हें 'हindered flags' (रुके हुए झंडे) कहती हैं, जो यह दर्शाता है कि फूल धीरे-धीरे खिल रहे हैं, मानो किसी अदृश्य शक्ति द्वारा रोके जा रहे हों।
अंत में, कवयित्री कहती हैं कि यह दृश्य इतना मनोरम है कि प्रसिद्ध चित्रकार वान डाइक (Van Dyck) भी इसे पूरी तरह से चित्रित नहीं कर सकते। इसका अर्थ यह है कि प्रकृति की वास्तविक सुंदरता को शब्दों या चित्रों में पूरी तरह से कैद करना संभव नहीं है।
यह कविता हमें प्रकृति की खूबसूरती को न केवल देखने, बल्कि उसे महसूस करने और सराहने की सीख देती है।
Trees Summary in Urdu
ایمیلی ڈکنسن کی نظم Trees قدرت کی خوبصورتی اور اس کی متحرک فطرت کو بیان کرتی ہے۔ شاعرہ موسمِ گرما کے دن کو ایک مدھر نغمے سے تشبیہ دیتی ہیں، جہاں درخت جھولتے ہیں، پرندے چہچہاتے ہیں، اور پھول آہستہ آہستہ کھِلتے ہیں۔
نظم کی ابتدا میں شاعرہ درختوں کی حرکت کو یوں بیان کرتی ہیں جیسے وہ "ٹیسلز" (ریشمی دھاگوں کے گچھے) کی مانند ہوا میں جھوم رہے ہوں۔ یہ منظر ایسا محسوس ہوتا ہے جیسے ایک قدرتی موسیقی کا آغاز ہو رہا ہو، جس میں چھوٹے چھوٹے جاندار شامل ہو کر ایک دھن چھیڑ رہے ہوں۔ شاعرہ اس فطری ساز کو "Psalteries of Summer" یعنی "گرمیوں کے ساز" قرار دیتی ہیں، جو قدرت کی ایک دلکش نغمگی کو ظاہر کرتا ہے۔
اس کے بعد، وہ سورج کی روشنی کا ذکر کرتی ہیں، جو کبھی پوری آب و تاب کے ساتھ چمکتا ہے، کبھی آدھا نظر آتا ہے، اور کبھی بادلوں کے پیچھے چھپ جاتا ہے۔ شاعرہ سورج کو ایک طاقتور اور خودمختار ہستی کے طور پر پیش کرتی ہیں جو اپنی مرضی سے نمودار اور اوجھل ہوتا ہے، جیسے وہ کسی بڑے بادشاہ کی طرح اپنی موجودگی کو منتخب کر رہا ہو۔
نظم میں دیگر قدرتی عناصر کو بھی جاندار بنا کر پیش کیا گیا ہے۔ ایک پرندہ لاپرواہی سے باڑ پر بیٹھا ہے، جبکہ دوسرا گلی میں گپ شپ کر رہا ہے۔ ایک سانپ ایک پتھر کے گرد کنڈلی مار کر بیٹھا ہے، اور پھول اپنی پتیاں چیر کر اوپر کی جانب بلند ہو رہے ہیں جیسے وہ کسی رکاوٹ سے آزاد ہو رہے ہوں۔ شاعرہ ان کو "Hindered Flags" یعنی "رُکے ہوئے جھنڈے" کہتی ہیں، جو اس بات کی طرف اشارہ کرتا ہے کہ پھول کھلنے میں جیسے کسی نادیدہ طاقت کے زیرِ اثر تھوڑا وقت لے رہے ہوں۔
آخر میں، شاعرہ کہتی ہیں کہ یہ منظر اتنا حسین ہے کہ مشہور مصور وین ڈائیک (Van Dyck) بھی اس کی مکمل تصویر نہیں بنا سکتے۔ اس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ قدرت کی اصل خوبصورتی کو کسی بھی تصویر یا الفاظ میں مکمل طور پر بیان کرنا ممکن نہیں ہے۔
یہ نظم ہمیں قدرت کی خوبصورتی کو محض دیکھنے کے بجائے اسے محسوس کرنے اور اس کی دلکشی کی قدر کرنے کی تعلیم دیتی ہے۔
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