Pre-Reading Task
Which of the following tasks do you associate with your grandmother:
Cooking: Grandmothers are often known for preparing delicious home-cooked meals, from traditional dishes to family recipes.
Knitting: Many grandmothers enjoy knitting scarves, socks, or blankets for their loved ones.
Sewing: Another common activity for grandmothers, creating handmade clothes or repairing old garments.
Preparing pickles: Preserving seasonal fruits and vegetables by making pickles is a skill many grandmothers take pride in.
Climbing trees: This might be less common for older generations, but some grandmothers may still recall climbing trees in their youth.
Have you ever climbed a tree? Did you find the task easy and enjoyable or difficult? Discuss with your friends some risks involved in climbing trees.
Answer – Yes, I have climbed a tree once during a picnic with my friends. I found it exciting and fun, but also a bit challenging, especially while trying to balance on the branches. Climbing required strength and focus, but the view from the top made it worth the effort.
While climbing trees can be enjoyable, it also involves certain risks. Some common risks include:
Falling from the tree and getting injured.
Slipping on a weak or wet branch.
Getting scratched or bitten by insects like ants or bees.
Breaking a branch unknowingly and losing balance.
So, while tree climbing can be adventurous, it’s important to be careful and make sure the tree is strong and safe.
Do you know what a tree-top house is? Discuss with your friends how different living in a tree-top house would be from living in an ordinary house.
Answer – Yes, a tree-top house is a small house or room built on a large tree, usually supported by its branches. It is often made of wood and offers a beautiful view from the height. Tree-top houses are usually surrounded by nature and are peaceful and adventurous.
Living in a tree-top house would be quite different from living in an ordinary house. In a tree-top house, one would be much closer to nature, hearing birds chirp and feeling the fresh breeze all the time. It would be quiet and away from the noise of the city. However, there would also be challenges, like climbing up and down, lack of electricity or running water, and safety concerns during storms or strong winds.
Still, it could be a fun and refreshing experience, especially for short stays or vacations.
Word Meaning
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Genius | A person with exceptional intelligence or talent. | प्रतिभा, अत्यधिक बुद्धिमत्ता या कौशल वाला व्यक्ति |
Trice | A very short time, an instant. | क्षण, बहुत कम समय |
Lift | An elevator. | लिफ्ट, एक उच्च स्थान तक जाने का यंत्र |
Gracefully | In an elegant and smooth manner. | शालीनता से, सौम्यता से |
Disgracefully | In a manner that is shameful or improper. | अपमानजनक रूप से, अनैतिक रूप से |
Tucked | To arrange something in a neat or secure way. | लपेटना, किसी चीज़ को सुरक्षित और व्यवस्थित करना |
Confined | Restricted or limited. | सीमित, बंद किया गया |
Season | A period of the year, often used to denote a specific time. | मौसम, एक विशेष समय का उल्लेख करने के लिए |
Undaunted | Not discouraged or intimidated by difficulty. | निडर, भयभीत या निराश न होना |
Chore | A routine task, usually household work. | गृहकार्य, रोज़ाना का काम |
Expert | A person who has a high level of skill in a particular area. | विशेषज्ञ, जिसको किसी विशेष क्षेत्र में उच्च कौशल हो |
Upholding | To support or maintain something. | समर्थन करना, बनाए रखना |
Reside | To live in a particular place. | निवास करना, किसी विशेष स्थान पर रहना |
Relief | A feeling of ease or comfort after stress. | राहत, तनाव के बाद आराम का अनुभव |
Breeze | A gentle wind. | हल्की हवा, मंद ब्रीज़ |
Undaunted | Determined and unafraid despite challenges. | निडर, किसी भी कठिनाई से प्रभावित न होना |
Sherry | A type of sweet wine. | शैरी, एक प्रकार का मीठा शराब |
In state | Sitting or behaving in a dignified manner. | सम्मान के साथ, गरिमा से बैठना या व्यवहार करना |
Summary in English: Granny’s Tree Climbing
In Ruskin Bond’s poem “Granny’s Tree Climbing”, the narrator describes his grandmother as a genius because she could climb trees even at the age of sixty-two. She had a natural gift for climbing trees since childhood and enjoyed being in them more than in any lift or elevator. Though people advised her to stop climbing trees as she grew older, she humourously dismissed the idea and continued to climb trees. Her family was worried that one day she might fall, and eventually, she did get stuck up a tree. When she was unable to come down, the doctor advised her to rest in bed for a week, but Granny couldn’t bear being confined. Instead, she requested a tree-house, and her son made her one. She moved to live in it and enjoyed sitting there, drinking sherry, and maintaining her right to reside in a tree.
Summary in Hindi:
रस्किन बॉन्ड की कविता “दादी की पेड़ चढ़ाई” में लेखक अपनी दादी को एक प्रतिभाशाली व्यक्ति बताते हैं क्योंकि वह 62 वर्ष की उम्र में भी पेड़ चढ़ सकती थीं। बचपन से ही उन्हें पेड़ चढ़ने का शौक था और वह लिफ्ट से ज्यादा पेड़ों में रहना पसंद करती थीं। हालांकि लोगों ने उन्हें उम्र बढ़ने के साथ पेड़ चढ़ने से रोकने की सलाह दी, दादी हँसते हुए इसे नकार देती थीं और पेड़ चढ़ती रहती थीं। उनके परिवार को डर था कि एक दिन दादी गिर जाएँगी, और एक दिन ऐसा हुआ भी। जब वह एक पेड़ पर चढ़ कर नीचे नहीं उतर सकीं, तो डॉक्टर ने उन्हें एक सप्ताह तक बिस्तर पर आराम करने की सलाह दी। लेकिन दादी बिस्तर पर रहना पसंद नहीं करती थीं। उन्होंने एक पेड़ के ऊपर घर बनाने की इच्छा व्यक्त की, और उनके बेटे ने उनके लिए एक पेड़ का घर बनाया। दादी वहाँ रहने चली गईं और शैरी पीते हुए अपने पेड़ के घर में रहना जारी रखा।
Understanding the Story
A. On the basis of your understanding of the poem, Answer the following questions in one word/phrase.
- At what age did Granny learn climbing trees?
Answer – Six
- Who taught her the art of climbing trees?
Answer – Loving brother
- How old was she when she last climbed a tree?
Answer – Sixty-two
- In which season did she get trapped in a tree?
Answer – Summer
- For how long was she advised to take rest after
Answer – A week
- Who made a tree-top house for her?
Answer – Her son (Dad)
- What things does the narrator cany to his granny’s tree-top house daily?
Answer – Glasses and a tray
B. Read the extracts given below and Answer the questions that follow.
- We sighed with relief and tucked her up well.
Poor Granny! For her, it was like a brief season in hell, Confined to her bedroom, while every breeze Whispered of summer and dancing leaves.
(a) Why did the narrator and his family ‘sigh in relief?
Answer – They sighed in relief because the doctor recommended Granny to take rest in bed after she was rescued from the tree, which meant she was safe and not seriously injured.
(b) Why was Granny confined to bed? Why did she find it ‘a brief season in hell’?
Answer – Granny was confined to bed as per the doctor’s advice after she got stuck in a tree. She found it ‘a brief season in hell’ because she was not allowed to go outside and missed the summer breeze and nature.
(c) How did she finally get rid of this ‘season in hell’?
Answer – She insisted on having a house built in a tree-top so that she could live among trees. Her son agreed, built her a tree-house, and she happily moved into it.
- … but it was feared by all
That one day she’d have a terrible fall.
The outcome was different…
(a) What did everyone fear?
Answer – Everyone feared that Granny might fall one day while climbing trees due to her old age.
(b) The outcome was different’. What was this outcome? How was it different from what everyone had expected?
Answer – Instead of falling, Granny climbed a tree and couldn’t come down. People had feared an accident, but the real outcome was her getting stuck, not injured.
(c) What did this outcome lead to?
Answer – This led to her being advised bed rest and eventually demanding a tree-top house, which her son built for her so she could stay close to the trees she loved.
C. What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
Answer – The rhyme scheme of Ruskin Bond’s poem “Granny’s Tree Climbing” is mostly AABB, which means every two consecutive lines rhyme with each other.
Example:
My grandmother was a genius. You’d like to know why? (A)
Because she could climb trees. Spreading or high. (A)
She’d be up their branches in a trice. (B)
And mind you, when last she climbed a tree, she was sixty-two. (B)
The poem maintains this couplet rhyme scheme (two rhyming lines) throughout most of its stanzas.
HOTS
The poet says:
’… every breeze
Whispered of summer and dancing leaves.’
Discuss with your partner how breeze can ‘whisper’ and leaves ‘dance’. Which figure of speech has been used here?
Answer – In the lines “every breeze / Whispered of summer and dancing leaves,” the poet uses personification as a figure of speech. Here, breeze is described as if it can whisper, and leaves are described as if they can dance—both are human actions attributed to non-human elements of nature.
This personification creates a vivid image of a lively, joyful natural environment. The “whispering breeze” suggests a soft, soothing wind, while the “dancing leaves” evoke a picture of leaves playfully moving with the wind, symbolizing freedom and vitality.
Would you like an explanation of more literary devices used in the poem?
Life Skills
Granny liked living in a tree-top house more than living in an ordinary house. If you get a chance to live in a tree-top house, what problems would you face while living there and what things would you enjoy?
Answer – Living in a tree-top house would be a unique and adventurous experience. Some problems I might face include climbing up and down daily, lack of electricity or water supply, danger during storms, and insects. However, I would enjoy the fresh air, the peaceful natural surroundings, the beautiful view, and the feeling of being close to nature. It would also give me a sense of freedom and thrill.
Values
Grandparents are always very dear to grandchildren. What all do you do to spend quality time with your grandparents?
Answer – I spend quality time with my grandparents by talking to them, listening to their stories, helping them with their daily chores, and taking walks together. I also teach them how to use phones and video calls, and we often watch old movies or play board games. Their company brings me wisdom, warmth, and lots of love.
Writing Skills
Imagine yourself to be Granny. Write a diary entry expressing your ardent wish to climb trees and your family’s disapproval of it.
Answer – Date: 00.00.0000
Dear Diary,
Today again I heard the same sentence – “Granny, you’re too old to climb trees!” But how can they understand? Climbing trees is not just a hobby for me—it’s my freedom, my joy, my way of being alive! Ever since my brother taught me as a child, the trees have been my playground, my escape, and my best friends.
They say it’s risky. I say it’s worth it. I know they care for me, but they don’t realize that denying me this joy is like denying me the air I breathe. I wish I could make them see that even at sixty-two, I still have the spirit of a child. One day, I’ll live in a tree-top house and prove that age is just a number!
With hope,
Granny
Granny’s Tree Climbing – Questions and Answers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Answers
- What made the grandmother a “genius” according to the poet?
- a) Her ability to write poetry
- b) Her skill in climbing trees
- c) Her talent for cooking
- d) Her wisdom in old age
Answer: b) Her skill in climbing trees
- At what age did the grandmother last climb a tree before the incident in the poem?
- a) Fifty-two
- b) Sixty-two
- c) Seventy-two
- d) Eighty-two
Answer: b) Sixty-two
- How did the grandmother feel about growing old gracefully?
- a) She agreed to grow old gracefully
- b) She wanted to grow old disgracefully
- c) She ignored the idea of growing old
- d) She feared growing old
Answer: b) She wanted to grow old disgracefully
- Who taught the grandmother to climb trees?
- a) Her father
- b) Her mother
- c) Her loving brother
- d) Her grandfather
Answer: c) Her loving brother
- At what age did the grandmother learn to climb trees?
- a) Six
- b) Ten
- c) Twelve
- d) Fifteen
Answer: a) Six
- What did the family fear about the grandmother’s tree-climbing habit?
- a) She would damage the trees
- b) She would have a terrible fall
- c) She would get lost in the trees
- d) She would refuse to come down
Answer: b) She would have a terrible fall
- What happened when the grandmother climbed a tree while the family was in town?
- a) She fell and broke her leg
- b) She got stuck and couldn’t come down
- c) She climbed down safely
- d) She stayed up there for days
Answer: b) She got stuck and couldn’t come down
- What did the doctor recommend after the grandmother’s incident?
- a) A month in the hospital
- b) A quiet week in bed
- c) A new hobby
- d) A visit to the countryside
Answer: b) A quiet week in bed
- How did the grandmother feel about being confined to her bedroom?
- a) She enjoyed the rest
- b) She felt it was like a season in hell
- c) She was indifferent
- d) She felt relieved
Answer: b) She felt it was like a season in hell
- What did the grandmother demand after recovering from her bed rest?
- a) A new garden
- b) A house in a tree-top
- c) A trip to the mountains
- d) A new set of climbing gear
Answer: b) A house in a tree-top
- Who built the tree-house for the grandmother?
- a) The poet alone
- b) The poet’s father with the poet’s assistance
- c) The grandmother herself
- d) A professional builder
Answer: b) The poet’s father with the poet’s assistance
- What does the poet bring to the grandmother in her tree-house?
- a) Books and flowers
- b) Glasses and a tray
- c) A ladder and rope
- d) A chair and table
Answer: b) Glasses and a tray
- What does the grandmother drink with the poet in her tree-house?
- a) Tea
- b) Coffee
- c) Sherry
- d) Juice
Answer: c) Sherry
- What does the grandmother uphold by living in the tree-house?
- a) Her right to reside in a tree
- b) Her love for gardening
- c) Her dislike for the ground
- d) Her family traditions
Answer: a) Her right to reside in a tree
- How does the grandmother react to being told to stop climbing trees?
- a) She agrees reluctantly
- b) She laughs and refuses
- c) She cries and stops
- d) She ignores the advice
Answer: b) She laughs and refuses
- What does the phrase “in a trice” mean in the poem?
- a) Very slowly
- b) Very quickly
- c) With difficulty
- d) With care
Answer: b) Very quickly
- What does the word “undaunted” describe about the grandmother?
- a) Her fearfulness
- b) Her firm enthusiasm
- c) Her sadness
- d) Her confusion
Answer: b) Her firm enthusiasm
- How does the family react after the doctor’s recommendation?
- a) They argue with the doctor
- b) They sigh with relief and tuck her in
- c) They ignore the advice
- d) They take her to the hospital
Answer: b) They sigh with relief and tuck her in
- What does the grandmother hear while confined to her bedroom?
- a) The sound of rain
- b) Whispers of summer and dancing leaves
- c) The voices of her family
- d) The sound of construction
Answer: b) Whispers of summer and dancing leaves
- What does the poet mean by “she sits there in state”?
- a) She is sad and lonely
- b) She sits with dignity and authority
- c) She is unwell
- d) She is angry
Answer: b) She sits with dignity and authority
Short Questions andAnswers
- Question: Why was the grandmother considered a genius?
Answer: Because she could climb trees.
- Question: At what age did the grandmother last climb a tree before the incident?
Answer: Sixty-two.
- Question: How did the grandmother feel about growing old gracefully?
Answer: She wanted to grow old disgracefully.
- Question: Who taught the grandmother to climb trees?
Answer: Her loving brother.
- Question: At what age did the grandmother learn to climb trees?
Answer: Six.
- Question: What did the family fear about the grandmother’s tree-climbing?
Answer: That she would have a terrible fall.
- Question: What happened when the grandmother climbed a tree in town?
Answer: She got stuck and couldn’t come down.
- Question: What did the doctor recommend for the grandmother?
Answer: A quiet week in bed.
- Question: How did the grandmother feel about being in bed?
Answer: It was like a season in hell.
- Question: What did the grandmother demand after recovering?
Answer: A house in a tree-top.
- Question: Who built the tree-house for the grandmother?
Answer: The poet’s father with the poet’s assistance.
- Question: What does the poet bring to the grandmother in her tree-house?
Answer: Glasses and a tray.
- Question: What does the grandmother drink with the poet?
Answer: Sherry.
- Question: What does the grandmother uphold by living in the tree-house?
Answer: Her right to reside in a tree.
- Question: How does the grandmother react to advice about stopping tree-climbing?
Answer: She laughs and refuses.
- Question: What does “in a trice” mean in the poem?
Answer: Very quickly.
- Question: What does “undaunted” describe about the grandmother?
Answer: Her firm enthusiasm.
- Question: How does the family react to the doctor’s recommendation?
Answer: They sigh with relief and tuck her in.
- Question: What does the grandmother hear while in bed?
Answer: Whispers of summer and dancing leaves.
- Question: What does “she sits there in state” mean?
Answer: She sits with dignity and authority.
Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion) andAnswers
- Question:
Assertion (A): The grandmother’s tree-climbing ability made her a genius in the poet’s eyes.
Reason (R): She could climb any tree in the garden, even at the age of sixty-two.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the poet calls her a genius for her tree-climbing, as the poem states. The reason explains this by highlighting her skill and age-defying ability, as the poem notes, directly supporting the poet’s admiration.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The grandmother rejected the idea of growing old gracefully.
Reason (R): She preferred to continue climbing trees despite her age.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the grandmother says she’ll grow old disgracefully, as the poem states. The reason explains this by showing her defiance through continued tree-climbing, as her actions and words confirm, directly supporting her stance.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The grandmother’s confinement to bed was unbearable for her.
Reason (R): She longed to be in the trees, hearing whispers of summer and dancing leaves.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the poem describes her bed rest as a “season in hell,” showing her distress. The reason explains this by noting her longing for trees and nature, as the poem’s imagery of breezes and leaves confirms, directly linking her discomfort to her love for trees.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The grandmother’s tree-house fulfilled her lifelong passion for trees.
Reason (R): She could now live in a tree and drink sherry with the poet every day.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the tree-house aligns with her love for trees, as the poem implies. The reason explains how it fulfills her passion by allowing her to live in a tree and enjoy her time with the poet, as the poem’s ending details, directly showing the realization of her desire.
- Question:
Assertion (A): The family was relieved after the grandmother’s tree-climbing incident.
Reason (R): They feared she would have a terrible fall and were glad she was safe.
- a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
- c) A is true, but R is false.
- d) A is false, but R is true.
Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: The assertion is true as the family sighed with relief after the doctor’s advice, as the poem states. The reason explains this relief by referencing their fear of a fall, as the poem earlier notes, directly linking their concern to their reaction.
Long Questions andAnswers
- Question: Analyse the grandmother’s character in the poem and discuss how her tree-climbing reflects her personality and outlook on life.
Answer: The grandmother in Ruskin Bond’s Granny’s Tree Climbing is portrayed as a spirited, defiant, and joyful character whose tree-climbing symbolizes her unconventional and vibrant outlook on life, as the poem illustrates. Her ability to climb trees, even at sixty-two, as the poet notes, showcases her physical agility and zest for life, marking her as a “genius” in the poet’s eyes, reflecting her extraordinary nature. Her rejection of growing old gracefully—declaring she’ll do so “disgracefully,” as the poem states—reveals her rebellious spirit and refusal to conform to societal expectations about aging, emphasizing her determination to live on her own terms. This defiance is further highlighted by her undaunted demand for a tree-house after a forced bed rest, as the poem details, showing her unyielding enthusiasm for life’s joys, like being among trees, which she associates with happiness since childhood, as her brother-taught skill at age six indicates. Her confinement to bed, described as a “season in hell,” as the poem notes, underscores her deep connection to nature, as she longs for the “whispers of summer and dancing leaves,” revealing her free-spirited, nature-loving personality. Living in the tree-house, where she drinks sherry with the poet “in state,” as the poem concludes, she upholds her “right to reside in a tree,” symbolizing her autonomy and dignity in old age. Overall, her tree-climbing reflects a personality that values freedom, joy, and individuality, offering a lesson in embracing life fully, regardless of age or societal norms, as Bond’s affectionate tone suggests.
- Question: Discuss the theme of aging in the poem and how the grandmother challenges societal expectations about growing old.
Answer: The theme of aging in Ruskin Bond’s Granny’s Tree Climbing is explored through the grandmother’s spirited defiance of societal expectations, presenting a critique of conventional notions of growing old, as the poem illustrates. Society expects the elderly to age “gracefully,” implying a passive, restrained lifestyle, as the poem notes with the advice she receives to stop climbing trees, reflecting the stereotype that old age should involve reduced activity and conformity. However, the grandmother challenges this by declaring she’ll grow old “disgracefully,” as the poem states, and continuing her tree-climbing habit, which she’s done since age six, as her brother’s teaching indicates, showcasing her rejection of age-based limitations. Her ability to climb trees at sixty-two, as the poet highlights, defies physical expectations, while her incident of getting stuck and subsequent demand for a tree-house, as the poem details, underline her unapologetic pursuit of joy and freedom, even after a “terrible fall” was feared, as the family’s concerns show. Her confinement to bed, described as a “season in hell,” as the poem notes, contrasts sharply with her love for trees, emphasizing her resistance to a sedentary life, as she hears “whispers of summer and dancing leaves.” By moving into a tree-house and living “in state,” drinking sherry with the poet, as the poem concludes, she asserts her right to live vibrantly, challenging the notion that aging must mean withdrawal. This theme critiques societal norms, advocating for an active, self-determined approach to aging, as Bond’s humourous and admiring tone suggests, inspiring readers to rethink aging stereotypes.
- Question: Evaluate the role of family dynamics in the poem and how they contribute to the grandmother’s eventual happiness.
Answer: Family dynamics in Ruskin Bond’s Granny’s Tree Climbing play a crucial role in supporting the grandmother’s unconventional lifestyle, ultimately contributing to her happiness, as the poem illustrates. The family’s initial concern—fearing a “terrible fall” due to her tree-climbing, as the poem notes—reflects their protective nature, rooted in love but also in societal norms about aging, as they advise her to stop, aligning with expectations of growing old gracefully. When she gets stuck in a tree while they’re in town, as the poem details, their immediate rescue and relief after the doctor’s recommendation of bed rest, as the line “we sighed with relief” shows, highlight their care, even if it temporarily restricts her, as her “season in hell” indicates. However, the turning point comes with the father’s response to her demand for a tree-house, as the poem states, “You’ll have what you want, dear. I’ll start work tonight,” showing his understanding of her needs and willingness to fulfill her dream, supported by the poet’s “expert assistance,” as the narrative describes. This collaborative effort reflects a family dynamic that evolves from concern to acceptance, enabling her to live in a tree-house, where she drinks sherry with the poet “in state,” as the poem concludes, symbolizing her dignity and joy. The family’s adaptability—balancing care with support for her individuality—ensures her happiness, as Bond’s affectionate tone suggests, illustrating the importance of familial support in honoring personal passions, even when they defy norms.
- Question: Explore the symbolism of trees in the poem and how they reflect the grandmother’s connection to nature and freedom.
Answer: Trees in Ruskin Bond’s Granny’s Tree Climbing symbolize freedom, joy, and a deep connection to nature, reflecting the grandmother’s spirited personality and lifelong pursuit of autonomy, as the poem illustrates. From childhood, as her brother teaches her to climb at six, as the poem notes, trees represent a space of happiness—“happier in a tree than in a lift,” as the poet states—highlighting her preference for nature over modern constraints, a sentiment Bond often explores in his works celebrating the natural world. Her ability to climb “spreading or high” trees “in a trice,” even at sixty-two, as the poem details, symbolizes her enduring vitality and freedom, defying societal expectations of aging, as her “disgracefully” stance shows. The trees’ branches offer her a literal and metaphorical escape, as her confinement to bed, where she hears “whispers of summer and dancing leaves,” as the poem describes, becomes a “season in hell,” underscoring her longing for the freedom trees provide. Her ultimate move to a tree-house, as the poem concludes, where she lives “in state” and drinks sherry, symbolizes the culmination of her lifelong bond with nature, as trees become her permanent home, affirming her “right to reside in a tree.” This symbolism reflects her unyielding spirit and connection to the natural world, as Bond’s imagery suggests, portraying trees as spaces of liberation and joy, encouraging readers to find freedom in nature, regardless of age or societal norms.
- Question: Discuss the humour and warmth in the poem and how they enhance the portrayal of the grandmother’s character and her relationship with her family.
Answer: Ruskin Bond’s Granny’s Tree Climbing uses humour and warmth to vividly portray the grandmother’s spirited character and her affectionate relationship with her family, as the poem illustrates, enhancing its emotional resonance. The humour emerges in the grandmother’s defiance—she declares she’ll grow old “disgracefully,” as the poem states, a witty rejection of aging norms that paints her as a playful rebel, as her climbing at sixty-two confirms, amusingly defying expectations. The incident where she gets stuck in a tree, as the poem notes, adds a light hearted moment—her predicament is comical, yet her undaunted demand for a tree-house, as the line “I’ll lie here no longer!” shows, keeps the tone jovial, reflecting her irrepressible spirit. Warmth shines through the family’s response—their relief after her rescue, as “we sighed with relief” indicates, and the father’s loving agreement to build her tree-house, as “You’ll have what you want, dear” suggests, show deep care, as the poet’s assistance adds a tender touch. The final image of the grandmother and poet drinking sherry “in state” in the tree-house, as the poem concludes, radiates warmth, depicting a bond of mutual respect and joy, as her “right to reside in a tree” is upheld. This blend of humour and warmth, as Bond’s affectionate tone conveys, not only highlights the grandmother’s vibrant, lovable nature but also underscores a family dynamic rooted in love and acceptance, making the poem a heartwarming celebration of individuality and familial support.