Searching for Bihar Board class 9 English Poetry chapter 5 solutions? Here we have presented our free expert written guide. It provides you written answers for all the questions asked in chapter 5 – “Sound”.
Chapter 5 of the Bihar Board Class 9 English book features the poem “Sound” by Rajni Parulekar, translated from Marathi by Suhas Sooryakant Limaye. This evocative piece explores the hidden language of nature, focusing on the silent communication between two pieces of a felled tree. Through vivid imagery and personification, Parulekar invites readers to consider the deep connections within nature that often go unnoticed by humans.

Bihar Board Class 9 English Poetry Chapter 5 Solutions
Contents
Subject | English |
Class | 9th |
Chapter | 5. Sound |
Author | Rajni Parulekar |
Board | Bihar Board |
A. Work in small groups and discuss the questions given below
Question 1. How do trees help us?
Answer: Trees are vital for our environment. They provide oxygen, clean the air, offer shade and habitat for wildlife, produce fruits, prevent soil erosion, and help maintain ecological balance.
Question 2. Should you cut trees?
Answer: We should avoid cutting trees unnecessarily. If trees must be removed, it’s important to plant new ones to maintain environmental balance.
Question 3. Name the trees which you have in your school garden.
Answer: Our school garden has a variety of trees, including mango, guava, peepal, neem, and a large banyan tree.
Question 4. Have you planted trees in your locality? If not, would you do it?
Answer: While I haven’t planted trees due to limited space in my city, I’m eager to participate in community tree-planting initiatives or grow potted plants on my balcony to contribute to a greener environment.
B. Answer the following questions very briefly
Question 1. What happens to a trees in the woods?
Answer: When a tree is cut down in the woods, it falls with a crash, impacting the forest ecosystem.
Question 2. Do the halves express their grief?
Answer: The halves of the fallen tree silently bear their grief, unable to express it audibly.
Question 3. Do they make a sound because they are in pain?
Answer: Trees don’t make sounds due to pain, but their falling creates noise that echoes through the forest.
Question 4. Where do the logs go?
Answer: The logs from felled trees are often transported to various locations for different uses, such as lumber or firewood.
Question 5. Who knows the predicament of trees?
Answer: Nature itself, symbolized by the wind, understands the plight of trees facing destruction.
Question 6. Can all men sense the agonies of trees.
Answer: Most people are unaware of the vital role trees play and the impact of their loss on the environment.
Question 7. Why does the poet call the songs not song but just sounds?
Answer: The poet describes the sounds of falling trees as cries rather than songs to emphasize the tragedy of deforestation.
Question 8. What will be the ultimate end of such sounds?
Answer: These sounds of falling trees may be forgotten or ignored, leaving only written records of their existence.
C.1. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. The poet has given a touching account of a tree which has been cut down. Don’t you think that this is a sad poem in memory of a felled tree?
Answer: Indeed, this poem is a poignant tribute to a felled tree. The poet vividly describes the tree’s suffering, portraying its branches being scattered and its logs whispering in distress. Through powerful imagery, the poem evokes a sense of loss and mourning for the tree. It highlights the often-overlooked impact of deforestation on individual trees and the environment as a whole.
Question 2. Why has the poet indulged in reminiscences? Has anything ever compelled you to reminisce?
Answer: The poet engages in reminiscence due to the emotional impact of witnessing the tree’s fate. This reflection allows her to explore the tree’s life and its connection to nature. Reminiscing is a common human experience, often triggered by powerful emotions or meaningful events. It helps us process our feelings and find deeper meaning in our experiences, just as the poet does with the felled tree.
Question 3. What does ‘the wind know and what the wind blowing a din’ suggest?
Answer: In the poem, the wind symbolizes nature’s awareness of the tree’s suffering. It “knows” the tree’s history – how it endured various seasons and challenges. The wind’s “din” represents nature’s lament for the lost tree. This personification of the wind emphasizes the interconnectedness of all natural elements and the broader impact of losing a single tree.
Question 4. “Many a man is blunt, so blunt,/ He doesn’t even sense the agonies caught/Even in simple words.” Explain the lines.
Answer: These lines highlight human insensitivity towards nature. The poet suggests that many people have become so disconnected from the natural world that they fail to recognize the suffering conveyed even in simple words. This “bluntness” leads to a lack of empathy for trees and other natural elements. The poem challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with nature and develop greater sensitivity to environmental issues.
Question 5. Justify the title of the poem.
Answer: The title “Sound” aptly encapsulates the poem’s central theme. It refers to the various “sounds” in the poem – the tree’s silent cry, the wind’s lament, and the poet’s words. However, these sounds often go unheard or ignored by humanity. The title thus emphasizes the gap between nature’s suffering and human awareness, urging readers to listen more closely to the “sounds” of the natural world around them.
Question 6. The poem suggests that the writer of this poem is an environmentalist. She is deeply concerned with protecting and preserving the natural environment. Do you agree with it? Write your opinion.
Answer: The poet’s perspective indeed reflects environmental concerns. She vividly portrays the suffering of a felled tree, emphasizing the importance of preserving nature. Her emotive language and imagery demonstrate a deep connection with the natural world. This approach aims to raise awareness about the impact of deforestation and encourages readers to consider the value of trees in our ecosystem.
Question 7. ‘A lot of people are insensitive to the agonies of trees’. Comment.
Answer: The poem highlights human insensitivity towards trees and nature. Many people fail to recognize trees as living entities with intrinsic value, viewing them merely as resources to be exploited. This lack of empathy leads to unnecessary deforestation and environmental damage. The poet urges readers to develop a more compassionate understanding of nature and to consider the consequences of their actions on the environment.
Question 8. What is the theme of the poem? Could you suggest another title?
Answer: The poem’s theme centers on humanity’s destructive impact on nature and our often-overlooked connection to trees. It critiques modern society’s insensitivity to environmental issues and the silent suffering of nature. “Sound” is an apt title, representing nature’s unheard cries, but “Nature’s Lament” or “Silent Suffering” could also capture the poem’s essence.
Question 9. Do trees have souls? Give your opinion.
Answer: While trees don’t have souls in the same way humans are thought to, they are living organisms with complex systems. Scientific research has shown that trees communicate, adapt to their environment, and even share resources with each other. They respond to stimuli, grow, and play crucial roles in ecosystems. Recognizing trees’ importance and complexity can foster a deeper respect for nature.
Question 10. Imagine yourself to be a branch which has just been hacked out. Describe your feelings to your parent tree.
Answer: As a freshly cut branch, I feel a deep sense of loss and pain. The sudden separation from my parent tree is shocking and disorienting. I miss the connection to my roots, the flow of nutrients, and the gentle sway in the breeze. While those who cut me may not understand, I hope my parent tree knows that our bond remains strong in spirit, even as I face this new, uncertain existence.
C.2. Group Discussion
Discuss the following in groups or pairs:
Question 1: Trees are our friends; we must not cut them.
Answer: Trees are indeed our invaluable friends, providing numerous benefits to humans and the environment. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and help combat climate change. Trees offer shade, reduce air temperature, and prevent soil erosion. They provide habitat for wildlife, produce fruits and other resources, and contribute to biodiversity. Trees also have aesthetic value, enhancing our surroundings and improving mental well-being. Given their importance, we should prioritize tree conservation and plant more trees instead of cutting them down unnecessarily. Sustainable forestry practices can help balance human needs with environmental protection.
Question 2: Save trees today for a better tomorrow.
Answer: Saving trees today is crucial for ensuring a better future for generations to come. Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating climate, and supporting biodiversity. By preserving existing trees and planting new ones, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure cleaner air and water for the future. Initiatives like “Vanmahotsava” (Forest Festival) in India raise awareness about the importance of trees and encourage community participation in afforestation efforts. It’s essential to educate people, especially youth, about the long-term benefits of trees and involve them in conservation activities. By taking action today to protect and plant trees, we invest in a healthier, more sustainable world for tomorrow.