The Laburnum Top by Ted Hughes

Front

What is the setting described in the poem?

Back

The setting is a silent Laburnum tree in the afternoon yellow September sunlight.

Front

What happens to the leaves and seeds of the Laburnum tree?

Back

The leaves are yellowing and all its seeds have fallen.

Front

What bird is mentioned in the poem?

Back

The goldfinch.

Front

How does the goldfinch enter the scene?

Back

She enters with a twitching chirrup, creating a suddenness and startlement.

Front

What simile is used to describe the goldfinch's entrance?

Back

She is described as sleek as a lizard.

Front

What does the goldfinch's arrival trigger in the tree?

Back

It triggers a machine of chitterings, tremor of wings, and trillings.

Front

What does the tree do in response to the goldfinch?

Back

The whole tree trembles and thrills.

Front

What metaphor is used to describe the goldfinch's role in her family?

Back

She is described as the engine of her family.

Front

What does the goldfinch do after stoking the engine?

Back

She flirts out to a branch-end showing her barred face identity mask.

Front

What sound does the goldfinch make as she launches away?

Back

She makes eerie delicate whistle-chirrup whisperings.