Question

Write the central idea of "The Trees".

Hint:

Nature is powerful and self-healing. If humans disturb its balance, it will always strive to restore itself.

Answer 1

The poem “The Trees” by Adrienne Rich symbolizes the conflict between human beings and nature. The poet expresses how trees, which have been trapped inside houses and urban environments, struggle silently to return to their natural home—the forest. Their slow, silent march to freedom represents nature’s resistance against human exploitation.
Step 1: The condition of trees.
The poet describes that the trees, kept away from their rightful place, have been deprived of their freedom. Inside houses, they are lifeless and suffocated, unable to fulfill their purpose.
Step 2: Struggle for freedom.
During the night, the trees begin their silent movement back towards the forest. This symbolizes that nature can never be permanently suppressed—it always finds a way to regain balance and independence.
Step 3: Central idea.
The central message is about ecological balance and environmental conservation. The poem reminds us that human beings cannot control or confine nature forever. It is a warning that nature’s resistance is inevitable, and it urges mankind to respect and preserve the natural world.