Chapter 7: The TreesClass 10 English — summary, notes, extra questions & MCQ quiz

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The story in short

Adrienne Rich’s poem “The Trees” describes trees that have long been confined inside a house and are now moving out to take their rightful place in the forest. The poet pictures the trees struggling all night to break free — their roots working loose from the cracks in the floor, their leaves straining towards the glass, and their twigs stiffening with effort — until by morning they will stand in the open forest where they belong. Inside the house the poet writes letters and barely mentions the trees’ departure, while outside the moon shines on the freed trees. On the surface the poem is about nature reclaiming its space, but it is also widely read as a symbol of freedom and liberation — of living things, and especially of women, breaking out of confinement to claim independence and their natural place in the world. The poem celebrates the irresistible urge for freedom.

The story in 5 beats

1. 1The poet says trees are moving out into the forest, though no trees should actually be inside a house.
2. 2Roots work all night to leave the veranda floor, leaves press hard against the glass, and twigs strain to break free.
3. 3The poet sits inside writing long letters and hears the whispers and breaking sounds of the trees leaving.
4. 4She smells fresh air and notices the moon is broken like a mirror by the moving branches outside.
5. 5By morning the trees reach the forest, and the empty house feels silent after their departure.

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