ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Tree is a friend of congenial atmosphere. It reduces air temperature and even purifies air by trapping dust, pollen and smoke. It ensures free gentle breezes. Thus it is correctly described as ‘a friend of sun and sky’.

Detailed explanation-2: -Similarly, the tree is a friend of the sky because it takes in carbon dioxide from the air and releases oxygen in the air and thus purifies the air.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Title “The Heart of the Tree” is apt and suggestive. It is the tree that remains in focus throughout the poem. The poet refers to the ‘heart’ of the tree – what kind of heart it possesses. It is kind generous and magnanimous.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answer: The poet says that the tree is a friend of the sun and sky because it shares their benefits like a friend and helps to create cool breeze to lessen the heat of the sun and the glare of the sky.

Detailed explanation-5: -Stanza 3. What does he plant who plants a tree? Stirs in his heart who plants a tree. Bunner equates planting trees to displaying your love and respect for your society and humanity.