Summary of The Laburnum Top
The Laburnum Top, by English poet Ted Hughes, is a crisp representation of human life. Our lives are not steady. We experience certain moments and events of joy, excitement and sorrow that subside eventually to let us return to our original state of stability and stagnation. The laburnum tree in which the goldfinch and her family reside represents the timeline of life. The otherwise quiet tree is disturbed by the sudden activities of the goldfinch. It is also a beautiful representation of mother nature’s patience and effort in providing us with a life of comfort and joy. Class 11 The Laburnum Top Summary is a part of BYJU’S CBSE Summary. Students can also log in to CBSE Notes to access various other learning materials on Class 11 CBSE English syllabus. Read the full summary of the poem given below to understand the poem in detail.
CBSE Class 11 English The Laburnum Top Summary
The Laburnum Top is a poem to be relished through its active imagery. The name itself presents a picture of hanging yellow flowers that relaxes our mind and takes us to the world of nature’s beauty.
The poet talks about an afternoon in autumn. The laburnum tree is standing still. There are no particular movements in its branches, flowers or leaves. The afternoon sun shines upon the tree. The yellow sunlight seems to intensify the aura of the yellow laburnum tree. Along with the bountiful growth of yellow flowers on the tree, the leaves are also yellow since it is autumn. All the seeds have fallen down.
This peaceful silence is interrupted by the arrival of a goldfinch. Its arrival causes some activity in the tree. There are sounds of chirrups, and one end of a branch seems to come alive with brisk movements. It is as if someone startled the quiet, meditating tree. The goldfinch, with her lizard-like swift movements, enters the rustling end of the branch. Her movement is alert and abrupt as if she knows exactly where to go and what her objectives are. Her entry into the branch end livens up her birdlings in the nest. They chitter and trill with joy, and there are vibrations caused by their fluttering wings. The whole laburnum tree trembles with this series of events. The chittering birdlings and the vibrant laburnum tree are like the engine of her family.
The poet uses the word ‘stokes’ to refer to the goldfinch’s merry encounter with her family that brings the silent laburnum tree to life as well. After a duration of content uniting with her family in the laburnum branch, she goes to another branch playfully. Her face is visible now. Goldfinch birds generally have patches or stripes across their faces. Hence, her face looks like a mask covering her true identity. It can also be interpreted as her barred face providing her with some sort of distinctive identity.
Next, we can see her making delicate whistling sounds. Her sounds sound like delicate chirrups, also. After lingering around the tree for some time whistling and chirruping, the goldfinch flies away. The poet uses the word ‘infinite’ to denote the goldfinch flying far away into the sky. It also denotes the long duration of her absence from the tree.
The laburnum tree returns to its initial state of rest and calm.
Conclusion of The Laburnum Top
Class 11 The Laburnum Top Summary provides us with insight into the role of nature in building our lives. The laburnum tree represents the strength and resourcefulness that nature provides to our lives. The momentary buzzing activity of the goldfinch family is quite evocatively contrasted with the everlasting cycle of life and time in general. We might face struggles in life, but that does not mean time is going to stop or life is going to wait for better times. Life goes on strong and quietly without making a fuss, like the laburnum tree standing steadfast in its original state of peace and quiet.
A detailed understanding of the poem can help students critically analyse and appreciate the poem. Students can refer to our website for further information and content related to the Class 11 English subject for better understanding and preparation for CBSE board exams. They can also access topics like grammar and writing in English.
