Have any of your classmates/schoolmates had an experience like the one described in the story where they needed help? Describe how they were helped.

What is the meaning of “My cat was back and so was I ?” Had the author gone anywhere? Why does he say that he is also back?

What actions of the schoolmates change the author’s understanding of life and people, and comfort him emotionally? How does his loneliness vanish and how does he start participating in life?

The cat and the author are very fond of each other. How has this been shown in the story ? Where was the cat after the fire? Who brings it back and how?

Why is the author deeply embarrassed the next day in school? Which words show his fear and insecurity?

Why does he break down in tears after the fire?

What does the author notice one Sunday afternoon? What is his mother’s reaction? What does she do?

What finally kills the tree?

What does he mean by ‘the strength of the tree exposed’?

What is the meaning of ‘anchoring earth’ and ‘earth cave’?

The poet says ‘No’ in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?

How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.

Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?