When Great Trees Fall (Hard)

Questions and Answers

What does the falling of big trees symbolize in the poem?

The inevitable changes in nature over time.

The literal falling of trees in a storm.

The death of influential individuals and its ripple effect. (correct)

The impact of great leaders on society.

How are smaller creatures depicted in their reaction to the falling trees?

They are apathetic and indifferent to the event.

They seek to escape from their usual habitats immediately.

They completely lose their ability to feel anything. (correct)

They respond with anger and aggression.

What effect does the speaker suggest the death of great souls has on the bereaved?

It leaves them feeling rejuvenated and hopeful.

It inspires them to lead stronger lives.

It creates unbearable silence in their surroundings.

It leads to a deep sense of emotional numbness. (correct)

What emotion is primarily associated with the memories of the deceased according to the speaker?

Regret Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the state of being of the bereaved after losing a loved one?

They struggle to breathe and feel detached from living. Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker compare 'great souls' to 'great trees'?

Both contribute to nourishment Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker imply through the use of the pronoun 'us' in the poem?

The loss of influential people is felt by all of humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of memory does mourning heighten according to the speaker?

The sharpness of painful recollections. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'souls are suddenly starving' imply about the bereaved person's state?

They lack emotional support Signup and view all the answers

How does the poem characterize the strength of the trees and the creatures discussed?

All entities are shown as strong but equally affected by loss. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the healing process after losing a loved one?

It follows a natural rhythm like seasons Signup and view all the answers

What imagery does the speaker use to describe the bereaved's perception of the world after a loss?

A dark and obscure environment devoid of joy. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the speaker's use of 'a kind of soothing electric vibration'?

Comfort can emerge from grief Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'our senses are restored' suggest after the loss of a loved one?

Gradual acceptance of the changed reality Signup and view all the answers

What role does Maya Angelou see great souls having on those around them?

They provide a basis for emotional healing Signup and view all the answers

What does the repeated phrase 'They existed' convey in the final stanza?

The legacy of the deceased remains impactful Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme does the speaker address regarding the nature of grief?

Grief eventually allows for personal growth Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker refer to the emotional state of despair following a loss?

As a cold dark cave Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of Falling Trees

The fall of large trees in a forest reverberates throughout the landscape, causing distant rocks to shake and animals to respond with caution.
The imagery of rocks, lions, and elephants emphasizes strength, yet they all feel vulnerability in the face of the trees' downfall.

Reaction of Smaller Creatures

Smaller animals are also affected, becoming silent and completely shocked by the event, indicating a widespread impact on the ecosystem.

Metaphor of Loss

The poem transitions from discussing trees to the death of 'great souls,' suggesting that the loss of significant individuals creates a vacuum in the lives of those left behind.
The bereaved experience shallow breathing and a sense of merely surviving, signifying deep emotional pain.

Overwhelming Grief

The bereaved's senses are overwhelmed, leading to brief moments of painful clarity where they perceive significant changes in their lives following the loss.
Memory intensifies in mourning, highlighted by feelings of regret over missed opportunities and unspoken words with the deceased.

Concept of Reality Alteration

The loss of 'great souls' fundamentally alters the bereaved's reality, making the world seem unrecognizable.
Great individuals provide emotional nourishment, and their absence leaves a feeling of starvation within the survivors.

Influence of Great Souls

Using "formed" and "informed," the poet emphasizes how 'great souls' shape others' lives and thoughts, compared to the nourishing role of great trees in nature.

Description of Despair

Grief is illustrated as a "cold dark cave," representing profound loneliness and incomprehension experienced in mourning.

Healing and Moving Forward

Healing is suggested to occur over time, described as "a period of peace blooms," indicating the eventual return of comfort and clarity.
"Spaces fill" with new vibrations, hinting at the capacity for renewal and positive change following loss.

Lasting Legacy

Though the bereaved feel the impact of loss, they are reminded of the existence and influence of those they've lost.
The phrase "They existed" emphasizes that the legacy of 'great souls' continues to inspire and motivate the living, encouraging them to strive for a better world despite their grief.

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Description

Explore the themes of impact and strength in nature with this literature analysis quiz. Delve into how the fall of large trees affects the surrounding landscape and wildlife, highlighting the connection between environment and animal behavior.