Tree at my Window by Robert Frost - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 7
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Tree at my Window
—Robert Frost
Tree at my window, window tree,
My sash is lowered when night comes on;
But let there never be curtain drawn
Between You and me. ,
Vague dream-head lifted out of the ground,
And thing next most diffuse to cloud,
Not all your light tongues talking
Could be profound.
But tree, I have seen you taken and tossed,
And if you have seen me when I slept.
You have seen me when I was taken and swept
And all but lost.
That day she-put our heads together,
Fate had her imagination about her,
Your head so much concerned with outer.
Mine with inner, weather.
Theme:
Ans. The nature-loving poet doesn't want separation with the tree at his window. At night when window sash is lowered and the tree is screened from his view, he sees the shadow outline of the tree with his mind's eye. Both the poet and the tree are destined to fate. Man has inner conflict whereas tree has outer conflict for rough weather like cold air. The cause behind man's inner conflict may be
his torturing thoughts.
Paraphrasing
"Tree at my window, window tree,"
The speaker is directly addressing the tree, which is positioned outside the window, making it an object of contemplation. The phrase suggests an intimate connection between the speaker and the tree, and the repetition of "window" emphasizes the proximity.
"My sash is lowered when night comes on;"
The speaker mentions that when night arrives, the window is shut or partially lowered. This could represent a physical barrier, but the speaker's connection with the tree remains strong.
"But let there never be curtain drawn / Between You and me."
The speaker wishes for no barrier, either physical (like a curtain) or metaphorical, to come between themselves and the tree. This line suggests an openness or desire for closeness with nature.
"Vague dream-head lifted out of the ground,"
The tree is described as having a "vague dream-head," implying a surreal or almost dreamlike quality. It seems to rise from the ground in a mystical or undefined way, contributing to the dream-like, contemplative tone.
"And thing next most diffuse to cloud,"
The tree is compared to a cloud, which is something that is diffuse and not easily definable. The tree seems to have an ethereal or intangible nature in this comparison.
"Not all your light tongues talking / Could be profound."
The tree has "light tongues," which could symbolize the sounds of wind rustling through its leaves. However, the speaker implies that despite the sounds, the tree cannot speak deeply or profoundly, contrasting the tree's physical presence with human thoughts or emotions.
"But tree, I have seen you taken and tossed,"
The speaker acknowledges that they have observed the tree in a vulnerable state, being "taken and tossed," perhaps by wind or external forces. This reflects the speaker's own experience of being affected or shaken by life events.
"And if you have seen me when I slept."
The speaker suggests that if the tree has seen them during moments of sleep, it has witnessed a more vulnerable side of them. Sleep represents a time of vulnerability and unconsciousness.
"You have seen me when I was taken and swept / And all but lost."
The speaker reflects on a time when they felt overwhelmed or helpless, as if they were "swept" away by circumstances and almost "lost." The tree is seen as a silent witness to this emotional state.
"That day she-put our heads together,"
This line may refer to a significant event where the speaker and another person ("she") came together, possibly in a shared experience or emotional moment. The tree may symbolize the outside world witnessing this connection.
"Fate had her imagination about her,"
The speaker suggests that fate, or some external force, influenced the situation and brought the two individuals together. "Imagination" here might refer to the unpredictability or creativity of fate.
"Your head so much concerned with outer. / Mine with inner, weather."
The speaker contrasts their perspective with that of the tree (or perhaps another person). The tree's "head" is described as concerned with the "outer" world, meaning the physical or external environment. In contrast, the speaker's thoughts are focused on the "inner," their emotional or mental state (referred to as "weather," suggesting changing moods or conditions).
Short Answer Questions
Short Answer Questions:
What is the speaker's relationship with the tree in the poem?
The speaker feels an intimate connection with the tree. The tree is viewed as a silent witness to the speaker’s life, emotions, and personal experiences. The speaker desires no barriers between them and the tree, symbolizing closeness and understanding.
How does the speaker describe the tree?
The tree is described as a "vague dream-head lifted out of the ground," which gives it an ethereal, surreal quality. It is also compared to a cloud, something diffuse and hard to define, highlighting the tree's mystical and transcendent presence.
What does the speaker mean by "my sash is lowered when night comes on"?
The line suggests that when night arrives, the speaker physically shuts or lowers their window, creating a barrier between the outside world and their inner space. However, the emotional and spiritual connection with the tree remains unbroken.
What is the significance of the line "let there never be curtain drawn / Between You and me"?
This line expresses the speaker's desire for an unimpeded connection with nature (the tree). The speaker does not want any physical or emotional barriers, symbolized by the curtain, to come between them and the natural world.
What does the phrase "not all your light tongues talking could be profound" suggest about the tree?
The tree’s “light tongues” may refer to the rustling of its leaves in the wind. The speaker implies that, although the tree makes sounds, they cannot convey deep or profound meanings as humans can with their words. The tree is symbolic of nature’s simplicity.
How does the speaker view the tree during the line "I have seen you taken and tossed"?
The speaker acknowledges that the tree has been affected by external forces, such as wind or storms, and has been "taken and tossed" around. This represents the vulnerability of both the tree and the speaker in the face of life's challenges.
What does "you have seen me when I was taken and swept / And all but lost" refer to?
This refers to moments of emotional vulnerability when the speaker felt overwhelmed and lost, similar to how the tree is affected by external forces. The tree, as a silent witness, observes the speaker during their most difficult times.
What is meant by "Fate had her imagination about her"?
The line suggests that fate or destiny played a role in bringing the speaker and another person (possibly "she") together. The phrase "imagination about her" implies that fate is unpredictable and shaped by forces beyond human control.
What is the contrast between the tree’s "outer" and the speaker’s "inner" weather?
The tree is focused on the external world (its physical presence in the environment), whereas the speaker is concerned with their internal world (their emotions and thoughts). The “weather” here metaphorically represents the speaker’s fluctuating moods.
What does the poem ultimately suggest about the relationship between the speaker and the tree?
The poem suggests a deep, almost spiritual connection between the speaker and the tree. The tree represents a natural, silent presence in the speaker’s life, one that is attuned to the speaker’s emotions and thoughts. It reflects the idea of finding peace and understanding in nature.
Multiple-Choice Questions:
What does the speaker mean by "window tree"?
a) A tree growing outside a window
b) A tree that is a metaphor for the speaker’s thoughts
c) A tree that can be seen from the window
d) A tree that speaks through the window
Answer: c) A tree that can be seen from the window
What does the line "But let there never be curtain drawn / Between You and me" suggest?
a) The speaker wants privacy
b) The speaker desires closeness with nature
c) The speaker does not like curtains
d) The speaker is being ironic
Answer: b) The speaker desires closeness with nature
What does the phrase "vague dream-head lifted out of the ground" suggest about the tree?
a) It is surreal and mystical
b) It is a dream the speaker is having
c) It is hard to see clearly
d) It is symbolic of a person’s thoughts
Answer: a) It is surreal and mystical
How is the tree described in relation to the speaker’s thoughts?
a) The tree is physically identical to the speaker’s thoughts
b) The tree is unaffected by the speaker’s emotions
c) The tree serves as a silent witness to the speaker’s inner world
d) The tree mirrors the speaker’s words
Answer: c) The tree serves as a silent witness to the speaker’s inner world
What does the speaker mean by "your head so much concerned with outer"?
a) The tree focuses on its external environment
b) The speaker’s thoughts are on the external world
c) The tree is focused on its appearance
d) The speaker does not like the tree
Answer: a) The tree focuses on its external environment
What is the "inner weather" referring to?
a) The weather in the tree’s environment
b) The speaker’s emotional and mental state
c) The weather outside the window
d) The physical condition of the tree
Answer: b) The speaker’s emotional and mental state
What does the line "Tree, I have seen you taken and tossed" indicate?
a) The tree is a passive object in nature
b) The tree has been affected by external forces like the wind
c) The tree is growing uncontrollably
d) The tree has been pruned by humans
Answer: b) The tree has been affected by external forces like the wind
What is the tone of the poem?
a) Angry
b) Melancholic
c) Reflective and contemplative
d) Optimistic
Answer: c) Reflective and contemplative
Why does the speaker feel connected to the tree?
a) The tree is always in full bloom
b) The tree is a symbol of growth and beauty
c) The tree shares the speaker’s vulnerabilities and emotional experiences
d) The tree represents the speaker’s fears
Answer: c) The tree shares the speaker’s vulnerabilities and emotional experiences
What is the main theme of the poem?
a) The power of nature
b) The relationship between the speaker and nature
c) The emotional pain of the speaker
d) The passage of time
Answer: b) The relationship between the speaker and nature
Detailed Summary:
"Tree at My Window" by Robert Frost is a reflective poem in which the speaker explores their deep connection with a tree outside their window. The poem begins with the speaker addressing the tree, describing it as a "vague dream-head" that seems to emerge from the ground. The tree is likened to something ethereal, not quite grounded, and yet it holds a significant presence in the speaker's life.
The speaker notes that while the tree is rooted in the external world, their own thoughts are more focused on their inner, emotional world. The tree’s existence is physical and external, while the speaker’s mental state, referred to as "inner weather," is more concerned with emotions, thoughts, and reflection. The speaker expresses a desire for no barriers between them and the tree, stating that there should never be a curtain drawn between them, symbolizing their wish for a constant connection with nature.
The tree is not just a passive observer but a witness to the speaker’s life, including moments of vulnerability. The speaker acknowledges that, like the tree, they too have experienced being “taken and tossed,” alluding to personal struggles and emotional upheaval. The tree, which stands firm in its place, serves as a silent, steady witness to the changes in the speaker's life. Both the speaker and the tree share an understanding of life’s emotional complexities—each one confronting external forces in their own way.
The poem concludes by pointing out how the tree and the speaker, despite their different roles—one being rooted in the physical world and the other reflecting inwardly—remain connected. The speaker recognizes this connection as meaningful and important, allowing them to feel seen and understood by the natural world.
Short Theme:
The theme of "Tree at My Window" revolves around the deep, reflective connection between the speaker and nature. It explores the contrast between the tree's outward, physical existence and the speaker’s inner emotional world, while emphasizing the importance of being in tune with nature and finding solace in its steady presence. The tree acts as a silent witness to the speaker’s life, representing both a literal and metaphorical grounding force.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
রবার্ট ফ্রস্টের লেখা "ট্রি অ্যাট মাই উইন্ডো" একটি প্রতিফলিত কবিতা যেখানে বক্তা তাদের জানালার বাইরের একটি গাছের সাথে তাদের গভীর সংযোগ অন্বেষণ করেন। কবিতাটি শুরু হয় বক্তা গাছটিকে সম্বোধন করে, এটিকে মাটি থেকে বেরিয়ে আসা একটি "অস্পষ্ট স্বপ্নের মাথা" হিসাবে বর্ণনা করে। গাছটিকে অলৌকিক কিছুর সাথে তুলনা করা হয়েছে, পুরোপুরি ভিত্তিহীন নয়, এবং তবুও এটি বক্তার জীবনে একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ উপস্থিতি ধারণ করে।
বক্তা উল্লেখ করেন যে গাছটি বাইরের জগতে প্রোথিত হলেও, তাদের নিজস্ব চিন্তাভাবনা তাদের অভ্যন্তরীণ, আবেগগত জগতের উপর বেশি মনোযোগী। গাছের অস্তিত্ব শারীরিক এবং বাহ্যিক, অন্যদিকে বক্তার মানসিক অবস্থা, যাকে "অভ্যন্তরীণ আবহাওয়া" বলা হয়, আবেগ, চিন্তাভাবনা এবং প্রতিফলনের সাথে বেশি সম্পর্কিত। বক্তা তাদের এবং গাছের মধ্যে কোনও বাধা না থাকার আকাঙ্ক্ষা প্রকাশ করেন, বলেন যে তাদের মধ্যে কখনও কোনও পর্দা টানা উচিত নয়, যা প্রকৃতির সাথে অবিচ্ছিন্ন সংযোগের জন্য তাদের আকাঙ্ক্ষার প্রতীক।
গাছটি কেবল একজন নিষ্ক্রিয় পর্যবেক্ষক নয় বরং বক্তার জীবনের সাক্ষী, যার মধ্যে দুর্বলতার মুহূর্তগুলিও রয়েছে। বক্তা স্বীকার করেন যে, গাছের মতো, তারাও "নেওয়া এবং ছুঁড়ে ফেলা" অভিজ্ঞতা লাভ করেছে, যা ব্যক্তিগত সংগ্রাম এবং মানসিক উত্থানের ইঙ্গিত দেয়। গাছটি, যা তার জায়গায় দৃঢ়ভাবে দাঁড়িয়ে আছে, বক্তার জীবনের পরিবর্তনের একটি নীরব, অবিচল সাক্ষী হিসেবে কাজ করে। বক্তা এবং গাছ উভয়ই জীবনের মানসিক জটিলতাগুলির একটি বোঝাপড়া ভাগ করে নেয় - প্রত্যেকেই তাদের নিজস্ব উপায়ে বাহ্যিক শক্তির মুখোমুখি হয়।
কবিতাটি শেষ করে দেখায় যে কীভাবে গাছ এবং বক্তা, তাদের ভিন্ন ভূমিকা সত্ত্বেও - একটি ভৌত জগতে প্রোথিত এবং অন্যটি অভ্যন্তরীণভাবে প্রতিফলিত - সংযুক্ত থাকে। বক্তা এই সংযোগটিকে অর্থপূর্ণ এবং গুরুত্বপূর্ণ হিসাবে স্বীকৃতি দেন, যা তাদের প্রাকৃতিক জগতের দ্বারা দেখা এবং বোঝার অনুভূতি দেয়।
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20 vocabulary words from "Tree at My Window" by Robert Frost
Word | English Meaning | Bangla Meaning | Example Sentence |
Window | An opening in a wall or structure for light and air. | জানালা | The window was open, letting in a cool breeze. |
Sash | The frame holding the glass of a window. | জানালার কাঁটা | The sash of the window was cracked. |
Curtain | A piece of cloth used to cover or decorate a window. | পর্দা | She drew the curtain to block out the sunlight. |
Vague | Not clearly expressed or defined. | অস্পষ্ট | He gave a vague answer to the question. |
Dream-head | A figurative expression suggesting something unreal or intangible. | স্বপ্নমূর্তি | The dream-head seemed to rise out of the mist. |
Diffuse | Spread over a wide area. | ছড়িয়ে পড়া | The diffuse light made everything look soft and calm. |
Cloud | A visible mass of condensed water vapor floating in the sky. | মেঘ | The sky was full of dark clouds, signaling a storm. |
Profound | Very deep or thoughtful, often beyond ordinary understanding. | গভীর | The philosopher gave a profound lecture on life. |
Tossed | Thrown lightly or casually. | ছোঁড়া | The wind tossed the leaves into the air. |
Taken | To be carried or brought from one place to another. | নেওয়া | He was taken to the hospital after the accident. |
Swept | Moved with a strong current, often forcefully. | আছড়ে পড়া | The flood waters swept through the village. |
Lost | Unable to find one's way; confused or unclear. | হারানো | He felt lost in the crowd, unable to find his friends. |
Fate | The development of events beyond a person’s control. | নিয়তি | Fate brought them together after many years. |
Imagination | The ability to create ideas or images not present in reality. | কল্পনা | The artist's imagination created a beautiful masterpiece. |
Outer | Relating to or situated on the outside. | বাইরের | The outer appearance of the house was old and weathered. |
Inner | Relating to or situated on the inside. | ভিতরের | His inner thoughts were full of doubt and confusion. |
Weather | The state of the atmosphere, including temperature and humidity. | আবহাওয়া | The weather was rainy all week. |
Tangible | Perceptible by touch; real or concrete. | স্পর্শযোগ্য | The evidence was tangible, showing clear signs of guilt. |
Ethereal | Extremely delicate and light, almost too perfect for this world. | অমুলায়ন | The ethereal beauty of the sunset left me in awe. |
Witness | Someone who sees an event or occurrence. | সাক্ষী | The tree stood as a witness to the changes in my life. |
Solace | Comfort or consolation in a time of distress. | সান্ত্বনা | Nature provided him with solace during difficult times. |
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