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The Cherry Tree

The document discusses the story 'The Cherry Tree' by Ruskin Bond, focusing on Rakesh's journey of education in Mussoorie and his relationship with nature and his grandfather. It highlights themes of nurturing, the bond between humans and nature, and the joy of watching life grow. Rakesh's reflections on his experiences with the cherry tree reveal feelings of pride, responsibility, and a deep connection to the miracle of life.

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753 views2 pages

The Cherry Tree

The document discusses the story 'The Cherry Tree' by Ruskin Bond, focusing on Rakesh's journey of education in Mussoorie and his relationship with nature and his grandfather. It highlights themes of nurturing, the bond between humans and nature, and the joy of watching life grow. Rakesh's reflections on his experiences with the cherry tree reveal feelings of pride, responsibility, and a deep connection to the miracle of life.

Uploaded by

anvi9724
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

0THE CHERRY TREE

BY
RUSKIN BOND
1. Why did Rakesh’s parents send him to Mussoorie?
Rakesh’s parents lived in a small village where there were no schools. They
wanted their son to get an education, so they sent him to Mussoorie to live with
his grandfather, where he could attend school.
2. Why did Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the
cherry tree?
Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain because he saw it as the cherry tree’s first
visitor. He felt happy about the creature’s presence and wanted to let it be part of
the tree’s life.
3. How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?
Life in the Himalayan foothills is simple and closely connected to nature. The
soil is stony and cold winds limit plant growth, but sheltered slopes have oak and
deodar forests. People live in villages, farming maize, rice, and barley on terraced
fields. Seasonal changes are vividly described—cold snowy winters, misty
monsoons, and colourful springs filled with birds and blossoms.
4. What might Rakesh mean when he says, “Is this what it feels to be God?”
at the end of the story?
By saying this, Rakesh expresses a deep sense of wonder and responsibility at
having nurtured a small seed into a tree. Watching life grow under his care makes
him feel powerful, creative, and almost godlike, because he has helped bring
something new and beautiful into the world.
5. How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his
grandfather?
Their relationship is warm, loving, and supportive. Grandfather guides Rakesh
with wisdom and patience, teaching him to nurture the cherry tree and to respect
nature. They share stories, sit together by the fire, and spend quiet, thoughtful
moments under the tree. Their bond reflects trust, companionship, and affection
between generations.
6. What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature
based on the story?
The story shows that humans and nature share a deep bond. When cared for,
nature responds with growth, beauty, and life. Rakesh’s nurturing of the cherry
tree shows how love and patience can help nature thrive. At the same time, the
tree becomes a companion, bringing joy, lessons, and a sense of belonging to
both Rakesh and his grandfather.
7. Imagine Rakesh reflects on his wonderful experience of watching a seed
being transformed into a full-grown cherry tree. Write how he must have
felt.
Rakesh must have felt amazed and proud as he reflected on the journey of the
tiny seed growing into a tall tree. He would have remembered how it faced
hardships—being eaten by a goat, cut by a scythe, and weighed down by snow—
yet survived and blossomed. Watching the tree grow alongside him gave him a
sense of achievement, responsibility, and joy. He must have felt grateful for being
part of this miracle of life, realising that caring for something living brings a deep
and lasting happiness.

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