Q 1. Why is the old lady sitting under a willow tree? Why not some other tree?

Answer:
The old woman is sitting under the willow tree because she needs to have a positive outlook
towards life. By the end of the poem, she learns to appreciate whatever she has. In literature, the
willow tree is symbolic of the fulfillment of the wishes of the heart, learning from the past, inner
vision and dreams. So, it is a symbol of hope for the old woman who is disillusioned with life. It
reminds us to let go and surrender completely to our innermost selves and gain a deeper
understanding of our subconscious. In the same way, the woman in the poem is immersed in the
contemplation of the course of her life so, she is found to be sitting under the willow tree, instead
of any other tree.
One of the most valuable traits of the willow tree is its flexibility as the willow tree is one of the
few trees that are capable of bending without breaking. Another powerful symbolic meaning of
the willow tree is its adaptability, that is, the willow tree’s ability to not only survive, but also
grow in some of the most challenging conditions. So, we can say that it encourages the expression
of deep emotions, including grief and sadness through tears and teaches us the value and
consequences of love and loss. Hence, willow tree, also referred to as weeping willow, is a
powerful metaphor used in the poem for a woman who is dejected and disappointed with her life
and is seeking spiritual recovery.

Q 2. What is the old lady’s attitude towards the intruding boy at first? What is her attitude towards
the boy after she finds out he was blind?

Note: In the second part of the statement of the question, there is a correction of tense. The correct
statement is:
What is the old lady’s attitude towards the intruding boy at first? What is her attitude towards the
boy after she finds out he is blind?

Answer:
When the young boy suddenly approaches the old lady, intruding her course of contemplation
towards life, her attitude towards him is indifferent. Dejected and dissatisfied with the course of
life, the old lady is in no mood to allow any sort of interference, so she gets irritated. When he
offers her a flower, she extends a fake smile and drifts herself away. The flower is wilting and
colorless, but she decides to take it because she knows that this is the only way she can have the
boy leave. However, as soon as she finds out that the boy is blind, her attitude towards him
changes. She takes the flower with tears in her eyes, and thanks him.

Q 3. Do you know that the willow tree is also called a 'Weeping Willow?'
Answer:
The willow tree is also called a 'Weeping Willow' due to the fact that it has drooping branches.
Whenever it rains, the raindrops fall to the ground from such drooping trees in a way as it seems
that resemble the human tears. That's why it is also known as a 'Weeping Willow.'

Q 4. This change of attitude towards the boy also brings about a change in her attitude towards
life. What is that change? How would you describe her attitude towards life before and after the
incident?
Answer:
When she realizes that she is blind towards the beauty of life, the old lady promises herself to
enjoy the true spirit of life and appreciate every second of life she is blessed with. She breathes in
the fragrance of the wilted flower, which appears more beautiful to her than any other flower
now. It brings about a change in her perception of the world, and life. Before the incident, the old
lady was deserted and dissatisfied with life. She was disappointed with the world around her.
However, after the incident, she is gifted with a vision to appreciate beauty in every aspect of life
and seeks satisfaction in whatever she has. In this way, this little incident leaves a profound effect
on her and opens her eyes toward reality.