The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes

Think it Out

1. What Do You Notice about the Beginning and the Ending of the Poem?

Ans. At the beginning of poem a laburnum tree is bathed in yellow light. Only a few leaves of the tree had turned golden and all the seeds had fallen. The tree was portrayed as calm and silent. At the end of the poem the goldfinch departs making its final whistle-chirping sounds the tree remained empty and still. 

2. To What is the Bird’s Movement Compared? What is the Basis for the Comparison?

Ans. The bird’s movement is compared with a lizard. Lizards when moving on the wall make watchful movements towards their prey and suddenly attach it. According to the poet, the bird’s movements were vigilant and unexpected as it arrived at the laburnum tree just like a lizard. 

3. Why is the Image of the Engine Evoked by the Poet?

Ans. The little goldfinch ensures that sustainment is provided to its family so the future generation remains alive. Thus the bird’s behavior of bringing food to its family has evoked the image of an engine in the poet’s mind which similarly provides energy to a machine to keep it running. 

4. What Do You Like Most about the Poem?

Ans. I like the simple yet beautiful description of the relationship between the tree and bird given in the poem. I like how the poet described the routine of a bird and how it was pouring life in the silent and still laburnum tree. 

5. What Does the Phrase “Her Barred Face Identity Mask” Mean?

Ans. The phrase “her barred face identity mask” has referred to the appearance of the goldfinch bird. The bird’s body is yellow while its face has stripes. Though the bird can hide its body in the yellow flowers of the laburnum tree, its striped face can only identify its presence on the tree