CBSE Class 10 English The Trees Summary PDF Download

 CBSE Class 10 English The Trees Summary: The poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich is included in the CBSE Class 10 English First Flight textbook as per the latest CBSE Class 10 English syllabus 2025-26. This poem is important for board exams, especially in the literature section, where students may be asked to answer extract-based questions, identify poetic devices, or write short answers explaining the poem’s theme. The poem focuses on the idea of freedom, nature, and human interference with the environment, making it both relevant and thought-provoking. Understanding the poem deeply helps students perform well in the exam while also enhancing their appreciation for poetry and environmental awareness.

CBSE Class 10 English The Trees Summary

The poem begins with a powerful image — trees inside a house trying to break free and return to the forest. It symbolizes how humans have trapped nature within the walls of their homes for decoration or selfish needs. But now, the trees are moving out. They want to return to their true home — the open forest.

In the first few lines, the poet describes the forest as empty and lifeless. Because there were no trees, birds couldn’t perch, insects had no place to hide, and the sunlight couldn’t form shadows. However, this is changing. By morning, the forest will once again be alive with trees.

In the second stanza, the poet gives a detailed picture of the struggle of the trees. Their roots pull themselves out from the cracks in the floor. Leaves push against the glass, trying to break it. Branches stretch and shake, stiff from being trapped for too long. This movement is compared to patients leaving a hospital, tired but hopeful.

The third stanza describes the poet’s calm and silent observation. She sits inside, writing letters. Even though something big is happening (trees breaking free), she barely mentions it. The night is peaceful, the moon is shining, and the smell of leaves floats into the room — as if nature is speaking through whispers.

Finally, the moment of action arrives. The glass breaks, the trees rush out into the night. The wind meets them, and the moonlight reflects on the branches like a shattered mirror. The image of moonlight shining on the tallest oak tree gives a sense of victory — nature has reclaimed its space.

 Literary Devices Used

• Metaphor: Trees used to symbolize confinement and struggle.

• Personification: Trees are shown performing human actions like “moving,” “shuffling,” and “stumbling.”

• Imagery: Visuals like “roots disengage,” “glass breaking,” “moon broken like a mirror” create strong mental pictures.

• Simile: “Like newly discharged patients,” “moon is broken like a mirror” help us relate to the scene emotionally.

CBSE Class 10 English The Trees Conclusion

Adrienne Rich’s poem “The Trees” is more than just a story about plants. It’s a powerful expression of freedom, struggle, and hope. Whether it is nature, people, or thoughts — everything deserves its space and freedom. The poem teaches us to respect nature and listen to the silent voices that seek liberation.

CBSE Class 10 English The Trees Summary PDF Download

Students of CBSE Class 10 English can easily prepare for their exams with the help of The Trees poem summary. The summary explains the poem in simple words, making it easy to understand and revise. This is useful for last-minute preparation as per the CBSE syllabus and exam pattern. The PDF download link is available below for easy access and offline study.