253. IDC 151- The Cherry Tree (4)
1. Summary
Cherry tree is an interesting story which was written by the great author Ruskin Bond. In this story the author said that the difficulties faced by human beings and challenges to overcome further difficulties like a small plant grew into a big tree. In the story the grandfather asked his grandson to plant a tree. And he told his grandson to see how the plant saved itself from different effects of surroundings. "The Cherry Tree" is mainly a tale for children and written in such a manner that every age can read and understand easily. Each and every word used in this tale is very simple and meaningful. It is a tale that gives the reader a brief insight into the life of Rakesh, a young boy, with his grandfather on the outskirts of Mussoorie. The plot revolves around a cherry Tree that is planted by Rakesh himself, and how he comes to understand the significance of the circle of life. The comparison between the growth of the tree with Rakesh’s growth from the time the seed was planted, and the various animals, insects, birds that approach the tree and the cherries themselves is a wonderful book which explores the loving relationship between nature and human beings. It talks about Rahul who loves and cares about the natural surroundings that he is so much connected with.
Rahul is a common school going boy. His parents live in the city areas far away from the Himalayan region. His parents have sent him to stay in the grandpa’s house located in the typical northern part of india. Rahul lives with his grandfather in this beautiful Himalayan place where it is endowed with varieties of plants and animals.
Rahul’s heart would dance in joy whenever he sees flowers dancing in the wind or hear the chirping of the bird in the early cool morning. Rahul has become more and more attracted to all these parts of nature.
Rahul has a ’cherry tree’ that he has planned himself at a certain distance from the house. Every time he takes good care of the tree by watering it and providing good nourishment. Grandfather was very happy and proud of his grandson. Rahul checks every day to ensure how well it is growing. His heart fills with ecstasy to know that it is thriving very well. He pictures the cherry tree everyday. A time comes when the tree has reached its fruit bearing stage. To his greatest sadness and frustration a grass cutter from another valley accidentally cut-off the well growing cherry tree. All his hopes and expectations comes to an end. Rahul has struggled a lot to bring the tree to a full height from all those cold harsh weather and snows.Once upon a time it was destroyed by the hailstones in which all the leaves were shaded off leaving the tree naked. Rahul could not bear this situation and was thrown into utter hopelessness.
His Grandfather succeeded in scolding the women, the grasscutter for not being careful.But it was of no use now.Everything went in vain. The tree stands in front of them just like an old stump. That night Rahul didn't go to bed. His heart was crying a lot. He refuses to take anything.It was at this time that grandpa had a big responsibility. He tries to console Rahul that it will be alright.He sympathized with him by encouraging him that tree will grow again though he knows that it won’t. The day passed by and the season changes as usual. Nothing happens. But one day Rahul noticed a small tender shoot growing from the side of the stump like tree.He was surprised.He told the news to grandfather. grandfather smiled back. He once again began to take care of the tree and at last his dream for full grown beautiful cherry tree came true
We all have heard of Ruskin Bond, though we may not have read any of his books. Ruskin Bond, a resident of Mussoorie, is a well-known writer of fiction. His books can be read by everybody; children, adults, teens, etc. He is an extraordinary writer. He mixes fiction with reality and writes books that are enchanting.
Ruskin Bond was born in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, in 1934, and grew up in Jamnagar, Dehradun and Shimla. In the course of a career spanning more than forty years, he has written over a hundred short stories, essays, novels and thirty odd novels for children. Many of his books have been an all time favourite with children in India and world over. The book received the John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957.
Ruskin Bond also received the Sahitya Academy Award for English writing in India in 1992.
2. IDC 2024
Who is the main character? (1)
A:- The main character is a boy named, Rahul in "The Cherry Tree".
3. IDC 2024
What does Rakesh do to protect his cherry tree from cold winter? (1)
A:- Rakesh protected the cherry tree by watering and caring for it.
4. IDC 2024
How long does it take for the cherry tree to bear fruit? (1)
A:- It took four years.