Notes For All Chapters – English Poorvi Class 8th
Chapter: The Cherry Tree
Author: Ruskin Bond
Theme: Relationship between humans and nature, patience, care, and growth.
Summary of the Story
Rakesh, a six-year-old boy living with his grandfather in Mussoorie, plants a cherry seed from a cherry he ate.
The seed is planted in a shady corner of their garden.
Over time, the tree faces many challenges:
- A goat eats its leaves.
- A woman accidentally cuts it with a scythe.
- Harsh winters and heavy snow weigh it down.
Despite all obstacles, the cherry tree grows strong, blossoms, and bears fruit.
Rakesh and his grandfather admire its growth, feeling proud of what they nurtured.
The story symbolizes patience, love for nature, and the miracle of life.
Main Characters
Rakesh
- Curious and caring boy.
- Loves nature and learns patience and responsibility.
- Grows alongside the cherry tree.
Grandfather
- Wise and loving guardian.
- Encourages Rakesh to plant the seed.
- Represents guidance and wisdom.
Key Events (in sequence)
- Rakesh eats cherries and plants a seed in the garden.
- Forgets about it but discovers it sprouted in spring.
- He waters it and surrounds it with pebbles.
- Tree faces damage from a goat and later from a woman’s scythe.
- New shoots grow, and the tree survives winters and snow.
- The tree blossoms and bears fruit.
- Rakesh feels proud and amazed, realizing the power of creation.
Key Messages
Nature’s resilience: The tree survives many challenges.
Patience and care: Growth takes time and dedication.
Bonding with nature: Planting a tree makes us feel connected to the Earth.
Life lesson: Small efforts can create miracles
New Words & Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stunted | Growth stopped or slowed. |
| Outskirts | Edge of a town or city. |
| Tang | Strong, sharp taste. |
| Haunches | Sitting on feet with bent knees. |
| Peered down | Looked closely or carefully. |
| Scrambled | Moved quickly and with difficulty. |
| Scythe | A tool with a curved blade. |
| Grumpy | Bad-tempered or irritated. |
| Gazed | Looked steadily with admiration. |
| Foliage | Green leaves of a tree or plant. |
Character Traits
Rakesh: Curious, kind, observant, nature-loving.
Grandfather: Wise, calm, supportive, storyteller.
Grammar & Language Points
Tenses used: Simple Past, Past Progressive, Past Perfect.
Punctuation focus:
Commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, apostrophes.
Vocabulary exercises: Taste words, antonyms, syllables.
Values & Life Lessons
Respect nature and nurture it with care.
Small actions can create big changes.
Connection between humans and nature is spiritual and rewarding.
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