Explore the detailed summary of ‘The Laburnum Top’ by Ted Hughes in Hindi, revealing the poem’s themes of motherhood, vitality, and nature’s quiet energy through simple and clear explanation.
The Laburnum Top Class 11 By Ted Hughes

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Summary of The Laburnum Top By Ted Hughes
Introduction
Ted Hughes was a famous English poet of the twentieth century who had a special love for nature. His poems express deep philosophies of life through animals, birds, trees and natural phenomena.
“The Laburnum Top” is also one of his poems, which at first glance seems like a simple natural scene, but in reality this poem symbolically depicts motherhood, life energy, relationship and liveliness.
Structure and initial situation of the poem
At the beginning of the poem, the poet describes a Laburnum tree. This tree is absolutely lifeless, calm, yellow and desolate.
The leaves are withered
There is no movement
There is a silent and dry feeling in the atmosphere
This scene becomes a symbol of a stagnant life – where there is no energy or movement. It depicts that moment of life where everything feels chaotic and stagnant.
Entry of Life – Arrival of Goldfinch
Then a goldfinch enters the poem. This bird comes to the tree slowly and cautiously.
She is “sleek as a lizard”
She lands on a thin branch of the tree
Then she goes towards the nest of her children which is hidden in the thick branches of the tree
As soon as this bird comes to the tree, the whole tree starts bustling with life.
The branches start shaking due to the bird’s movements
The children start chirping
Suddenly there is a surge of energy in the atmosphere
The poet describes this moment as extremely lively and fast-paced, as if everything is happening at a fast speed like a machine.
Role of the Bird – Portrayal of Motherhood
The Goldfinch is not just a bird. She is a mother who has come to see, feed and take care of her children.
This is a very emotional picture:
The children were waiting for their mother
They are filled with joy when they hear her voice
She gives them some time, and then flies away again
This coming and going of the bird says a lot:
She comes quickly, but leaves a deep impact
The whole atmosphere comes alive with her arrival
And after her departure, the same silence returns again
Symbolic meaning and philosophy of life
Symbol Depth
Laburnum Tree A life which is lifeless without energy and inspiration
Goldfinch Inspiration, motherhood, spark of life
Nest and children Dependent life, which is incomplete without affection and protection
Transfusion of energy It shows how one presence can change the whole life
Through this poem Ted Hughes wants to show that —
“Even in nature, the movement and depth of life is hidden,
And a little inspiration – like a mother’s love –
Can give a new color to the whole existence.”
Language and Craft (Style & Technique)
Rhythm and live depiction: While reading the poem, it feels like you are seeing the scene with your eyes.
Humanization of nature: The tree is shown as if it can feel, can react.
Depth in short sentences: The poem is not long, but the meaning is hidden in every line.
Subtle use of sound and movement: Lines like “chitterings”, “machine-starting movement” reflect this liveliness.
Importance of the poem in the modern context
In today’s time where hustle bustle, busyness and digital life have distanced relationships, this poem reminds us that:
The pace of life is driven by inspiration and love.
The presence of a mother or a loved one can completely change life even today.
We should accept the moments of stagnation in life and find the inspiration to get out of them.
Lessons from the poem
The power of love and protection: The presence of a mother or a loved one can change life.
Energy and inspiration: Sometimes just a spark is enough to make an inactive life dynamic.
Connection with nature: If we look carefully, nature can teach us all the philosophy of life.
Conclusion
“The Laburnum Top” is not just the story of a tree and a bird – it is a deep life-view.
This poem forces us to think that –
When does our life become inactive?
And what brings it back into motion?
This poem by Ted Hughes is a silent but resonant voice – that says there is a possibility hidden in every still moment of life – it just needs someone to awaken it.
Recommended Reading
The Quarrel Poem By Eleanor Farjeon