Hornbill (Poem): The Laburnum Top

Topics in this chapter

• Setting and Seasonal Change
• Arrival and Vitality
• Maternal Care and Family Bond
• Nature Imagery and Description
• Sound Devices and Poetic Form
• Contrast, Freedom, and Symbolism

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-8D87A0

   How is the laburnum tree described before the goldfinch arrives?

   1. A.It is crowded with birds and filled with loud music.
   2. B.It is covered with fresh flowers and dancing butterflies.
   3. C.It is silent and still, with a few yellowing leaves.
   4. D.It is shaken continuously by a strong wind.
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-AD793C

   What does the expression “It is the engine of her family” suggest about the goldfinch?

   1. A.She repairs a mechanical device hidden inside the tree.
   2. B.She brings energy, movement and nourishment to her young ones.
   3. C.She teaches her family how to fly a machine.
   4. D.She makes the tree produce seeds for other birds.
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-E4928D

   What is the main effect of the goldfinch’s arrival and departure on the laburnum tree?

   1. A.Her arrival changes the tree from silence to lively activity, while her departure restores its quietness.
   2. B.Her arrival destroys the tree, while her departure allows it to grow again.
   3. C.Her arrival makes the tree permanently noisy and crowded.
   4. D.Her arrival and departure have no connection with the tree’s condition.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-0457DA

   Explain how the goldfinch transforms the atmosphere of the laburnum tree in the poem.

   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-C40E28

   In the phrase “sleek as a lizard,” which poetic device is used, and what quality of the goldfinch does it highlight?

   1. A.A metaphor that highlights the bird’s loudness
   2. B.A simile that highlights the bird’s smooth, quick movement
   3. C.Personification that highlights the tree’s emotions
   4. D.Alliteration that highlights the bird’s bright colour
   See the answer and solution