4.1 The Cherry Tree - Class 8 - Poorvi (New)

Author: Ruskin Bond

Textbook: Poorvi

Genre: Short Story / Fiction

Summary

The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond narrates the touching story of Rakesh, a young boy living with his grandfather in Mussoorie. One day, while eating cherries, Rakesh saves a seed and plants it in a corner of the garden. At first, he forgets about it, but months later, he notices a tiny sapling. With guidance from his grandfather, Rakesh begins to care for the tree. The sapling faces many hardships—a goat eats its leaves, a woman accidentally cuts it while grass-cutting, and harsh winters threaten its survival. However, the tree proves resilient, sprouting fresh leaves each time. Over the years, it grows taller than Rakesh, blossoms with pink flowers, and eventually bears sour cherries. For Rakesh and his grandfather, the tree becomes a symbol of patience, nurturing, and the wonders of nature. The story ends with Rakesh marvelling at the miracle of life, realising the deep connection between humans and nature.

Character Sketch (Point-Wise)

• Rakesh

  • A curious, imaginative child who plants a cherry seed.

  • Innocent and playful, but gradually learns patience and responsibility.

  • Forms a close emotional bond with the tree.

  • Symbolises growth and discovery alongside the tree.

• Grandfather

  • Wise, patient, and supportive figure in Rakesh’s life.

  • Encourages Rakesh to nurture the sapling with care.

  • Tells stories, shares wisdom, and instils respect for nature.

  • Represents guidance, experience, and love for the environment.

• The Cherry Tree

  • Starts as a fragile sapling, vulnerable to animals and humans.

  • Survives hardships and grows stronger each year.

  • Becomes a symbol of resilience, patience, and the miracle of nature.

Themes

Literary Devices

Title Justification

The title The Cherry Tree is appropriate because the story revolves around the growth of a cherry tree from a single seed planted by Rakesh. The tree symbolises resilience, patience, and the miracle of life. It represents Rakesh’s journey of learning and his bond with nature. Thus, the cherry tree is not just a plant but the central character and symbol of the narrative.

One-Mark Questions

1. Where did Rakesh live and with whom? Answer: Rakesh lived with his grandfather in Mussoorie, on the outskirts of the forest.

2. What did Rakesh do with the last cherry seed? Answer: Rakesh planted the last cherry seed in a corner of his grandfather’s garden.

3. How did the cherry sapling face difficulties? Answer: The cherry sapling faced difficulties when a goat ate its leaves, a woman cut it with her scythe, and winter snow weighed it down.

4. What was Rakesh’s reaction on seeing the first blossom? Answer: Rakesh gazed in wonder at the pale pink blossom, feeling it was a miracle of nature.

5. Why did the tree become special for Rakesh and his grandfather? Answer: The tree became special because they had planted it themselves, and it symbolised growth, patience, and life’s wonder.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Why did Rakesh’s parents send him to live with his grandfather? Answer: Rakesh’s parents lived in a small village fifty miles away where they farmed maize, rice, and barley. Since there were no schools in their village, they sent him to Mussoorie to stay with his grandfather and study. This arrangement ensured better education for Rakesh.

2. How did Grandfather support Rakesh in growing the cherry tree? Answer: Grandfather guided Rakesh to plant the seed in a proper spot and reminded him to water it occasionally. He reassured Rakesh when the goat ate the leaves or when the woman cut it by mistake. His patience and encouragement instilled confidence in Rakesh.

3. What events showed the cherry tree’s resilience? Answer: The cherry tree’s resilience was shown when it survived after a goat ate its leaves, after being cut by a woman’s scythe, and after bending under heavy snow. Each time, it grew back stronger, sprouting new shoots and blossoms, symbolising life’s ability to endure hardships.

4. How did the cherry tree change as Rakesh grew up? Answer: The cherry tree grew taller each year, sprouting blossoms and eventually bearing cherries, though sour at first. As Rakesh matured into a sturdy boy, the tree too flourished. Their growth paralleled each other, reflecting the passage of time and mutual care.

5. What does Rakesh realise about life at the end of the story? Answer: At the end, Rakesh realises the miracle of life when he touches the bark and whispers, “Is this what it feels to be God?” This reflects his awe at having nurtured a tree from a seed, symbolising the creative power and deep connection between humans and nature.

Value-Based Question

Q. What moral lesson does the story The Cherry Tree teach students? Answer: The story teaches students patience, resilience, and respect for nature. It shows that small beginnings, if nurtured with care, can lead to great outcomes. The growth of the cherry tree symbolises how persistence helps overcome hardships. It also reminds students to appreciate the bond between humans and nature and to take responsibility for nurturing the environment.

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