The Cherry Tree (Part- II) Class 8 Poorvi – Summary, Themes, Question Answers & Competency-Based Questions
📚 Table of Contents
Summary of The Cherry Tree – Part II
The second part of Ruskin Bond’s The Cherry Tree continues the story of Rakesh and the cherry tree, highlighting resilience, growth, love for nature, and the deep bond between humans and the natural world. After surviving the earlier damage caused by a goat, the cherry tree faces another serious setback when a woman cutting grass accidentally cuts it in two with her scythe. Grandfather is angry with her, but the damage cannot be undone. Although Rakesh fears that the tree may die, it soon proves its strength by sending out several new shoots with fresh green leaves.
As the years pass, both Rakesh and the cherry tree continue to grow. Rakesh becomes taller, stronger and more mature, while the tree gradually develops into a large, healthy tree. During one monsoon, Rakesh visits his parents in the village and returns to find that the tree has grown another foot. His affection for it has deepened so much that he sometimes waters it even when it rains, simply because he wants the tree to know that he is there.
The cherry tree also becomes a part of the surrounding ecosystem. A praying mantis becomes its first visitor, followed by a caterpillar that feeds on its leaves. Rakesh protects the tree by removing the caterpillar and humorously tells it to return when it becomes a butterfly. Winter brings heavy snow, but the tree survives once again. By Rakesh’s ninth birthday, the tree is four years old and almost as tall as he is.
A particularly beautiful moment occurs when Grandfather discovers the tree’s first pale pink blossom. The following year, more blossoms appear, and the tree eventually grows taller than both Rakesh and Grandfather. Bees and birds visit the blossoms, and the tree produces its first small cherries. Although Rakesh finds the cherries too sour, birds such as bulbuls and scarlet minivets enjoy them.
The final scene beautifully expresses the emotional significance of the tree. Grandfather rests beneath its shade, admiring its leaves, while Rakesh lies on the grass and looks through the branches at the sky and mountains. As they sit together beneath the tree in the evening, Rakesh asks why this particular tree is so special when there are so many trees in the forest. Grandfather explains that they planted it themselves, making it special because it represents their shared effort, care and memories.
The story ends with Rakesh touching the tree he has helped grow and wondering whether this feeling is similar to being God. The ending celebrates the wonder of creation and shows how a tiny seed can grow into something beautiful through time, patience, care and perseverance. The cherry tree ultimately becomes a symbol of life, growth, resilience and the special relationship between human beings and nature.
Theme Explanation
🌱 Three Major Themes in The Cherry Tree – Part II
1. Resilience and the Power to Overcome Setbacks
The strongest theme in this part is resilience. The cherry tree faces repeated challenges: it is cut in two by a woman, bends under the weight of snow, and loses some of its leaves to insects. Yet it never gives up. After being cut, it produces several new shoots with tender green leaves and continues to grow. Its recovery teaches that setbacks may interrupt growth, but they do not necessarily destroy the possibility of renewal. The tree becomes a powerful symbol of endurance and hope.
2. Love, Care and the Bond with Nature
The text also explores the deep emotional connection between Rakesh and the cherry tree. Rakesh does not simply regard it as a plant; he treats it almost like a companion. He waters it even when it rains because he wants it to know that he is there. He protects it from the caterpillar and observes its visitors, blossoms and fruits. His relationship with the tree shows how caring for nature can create a meaningful emotional bond between humans and the natural world.
3. Growth, Creation and the Joy of Nurturing Life
The story presents growth as a gradual and rewarding process. Rakesh grows from a young child into a stronger and more mature boy, while the tiny seed develops into a magnificent tree. Grandfather's statement that the tree is special because “We planted it ourselves” highlights the satisfaction that comes from creating and nurturing something. Rakesh's final wonder at having grown the tree suggests his appreciation of the mystery and beauty of creation. The theme reminds us that nurturing life can give us a profound sense of achievement, wonder and connection.
Textual Analysis
Text
Towards the end of the rainy season new leaves appeared on the tree. Then a woman cutting grass scrambled down the hillside, her scythe swishing through the heavy monsoon foliage. She did not try to avoid the tree: one sweep, and the cherry tree was cut in two.
When Grandfather saw what had happened, he went after the woman and scolded her; but the damage could not be repaired.
‘Maybe,’ said Grandfather.
Word Meaning
- Scrambled – Climbed or moved quickly and awkwardly
- Scythe – A long, curved blade used for cutting grass or crops
- Foliage – Leaves and branches of plants
- Sweep – A single broad movement
Explanation
The cherry tree begins to recover and produces new leaves. However, its growth is suddenly interrupted when a woman cutting grass accidentally cuts the tree in two with her scythe. Grandfather becomes angry and scolds the woman, but the damage cannot be undone. Rakesh worries that the tree may die. This incident introduces another major challenge in the tree's life and strengthens the theme of resilience and survival.
Text
But the cherry tree had no intention of dying. By the time summer came round again, it had sent out several new shoots with tender green leaves.
Rakesh had grown taller too. He was eight now, a sturdy boy with curly black hair and deep black eyes. Blackberry eyes, Grandfather called them.
That monsoon Rakesh went home to his village, to help his father and mother with the planting and ploughing and sowing. He was thinner but stronger when he came back to Grandfather’s house at the end of the rains to find that the cherry tree had grown another foot. It was now up to his chest.
Word Meaning
- Tender – Young, soft and delicate
- Shoots – New stems or branches growing from a plant
- Sturdy – Strong and healthy
- Ploughing – Turning over soil with a plough
Explanation
The cherry tree refuses to give up. By the following summer, it develops several new shoots with fresh green leaves. At the same time, Rakesh also grows taller and stronger. He visits his parents' village during the monsoon to help them with agricultural work. When he returns, he discovers that the cherry tree has grown another foot and has reached his chest. The parallel growth of Rakesh and the tree beautifully connects human development with natural growth.
Text
Even when there was rain, Rakesh would sometimes water the tree. He wanted it to know that he was there.
One day he found a bright green praying-mantis perched on a branch, peering at him with bulging eyes. Rakesh let it remain there; it was the cherry tree’s first visitor.
‘Come back when you’re a butterfly,’ he said.
Word Meaning
- Praying mantis – A green insect with long front legs held as though praying
- Perched – Rested or sat on something
- Bulging – Protruding outward
- Caterpillar – The larval stage of a butterfly or moth
Explanation
Rakesh's relationship with the cherry tree has become deeply emotional. He waters it even when rain is already falling because he wants the tree to feel his presence and care. The praying mantis becomes the tree's first visitor, while a caterpillar begins eating its leaves. Rakesh removes the caterpillar to protect the tree and says it to return when it will become a butterfly. His behaviour shows his responsibility, affection and growing bond with nature.
Text
Winter came early. The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow. Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.
In February it was Rakesh’s birthday. He was nine—and the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.
Word Meaning
- Bent low – Leaned downward because of pressure or weight
- Shelter – A safe or protected place
- Grumpy – Irritable or bad-tempered
- Blocked – Prevented from being used or passed through
Explanation
Winter arrives early and brings heavy snowfall. The cherry tree bends under the weight of the snow, while field-mice seek shelter in the cottage. The road becomes blocked, preventing newspapers from reaching Grandfather. As a result, Grandfather becomes grumpy and even his stories develop unhappy endings. Meanwhile, Rakesh celebrates his ninth birthday, and the four-year-old cherry tree has grown almost as tall as him. The passage highlights the passage of time and continuous growth.
Text
One morning, when the sun came out, Grandfather came into the garden to let some warmth ‘get into my bones,’ as he put it. He stopped in front of the cherry tree, stared at it for a few moments, and then called out, ‘Rakesh! Come and look! Come quickly before it falls!’
Word Meaning
- Blossom – A flower, especially on a fruit tree
- Gazed – Looked steadily and attentively
- Miracle – An extraordinary or wonderful event
- Pale – Light or faint in colour
Explanation
One sunny morning, Grandfather notices something extraordinary on the cherry tree. A delicate pale pink blossom has appeared. He immediately calls Rakesh, and together they look at the flower with wonder. After surviving several difficulties, the tree has finally reached the stage of flowering. The blossom represents hope, achievement and the reward of patience and care.
Text
And suddenly the tree was taller than Rakesh, even though it was less than half his age. And then it was taller than Grandfather, who was older than some of the oak trees.
But Rakesh had grown too. He could run and jump and climb trees as well as most boys, and he read a lot of books, although he still liked listening to Grandfather’s tales.
Word Meaning
- Taller – Having greater height
- Climb – Move upward using hands and feet
- Tales – Stories, especially imaginative or traditional ones
- Mature – Fully developed
Explanation
The following year, the cherry tree produces many more blossoms and grows taller than Rakesh and eventually even taller than Grandfather. Rakesh too has grown physically and intellectually. He can run, jump and climb trees, and he reads many books. However, he still enjoys listening to his grandfather's stories. The parallel growth of the boy and the tree emphasises the connection between human life and nature.
Text
In the cherry tree, bees came to feed on the nectar in the blossoms, and tiny birds pecked at the blossoms and broke them off. But the tree kept blossoming right through the spring, and there were always more blossoms than birds.
That summer there were small cherries on the tree. Rakesh tasted one and spat it out.
‘It’s too sour,’ he said.
‘They’ll be better next year,’ said Grandfather.
Word Meaning
- Nectar – Sweet liquid produced by flowers
- Foliage – Leaves of a plant or tree
- Feasting – Eating eagerly or plentifully
- Sour – Having a sharp acidic taste
Explanation
The flowering cherry tree becomes an active part of the natural ecosystem. Bees visit the blossoms for nectar, while birds peck at the flowers. Despite their activity, the tree continues producing more blossoms. Later, it bears its first small cherries. Rakesh tastes one but finds it too sour. Grandfather reassures him that the cherries will become better the following year. The passage shows the cycle of nature and the gradual process of growth and fruitfulness.
Text
But the birds liked them—especially the bigger birds, such as the bulbuls and scarlet minivets—and they flitted in and out of the foliage, feasting on the cherries.
On a warm sunny afternoon, when even the bees looked sleepy, Rakesh was looking for Grandfather without finding him in any of his favourite places around the house. Then he looked out of the bedroom window and saw Grandfather reclining on a cane chair under the cherry tree.
Word Meaning
- Bulbuls – Small songbirds commonly found in South Asia
- Scarlet minivets – Small, brightly coloured birds found in forests
- Flitted – Moved quickly and lightly
- Foliage – Leaves and branches of a plant
- Reclining – Resting in a relaxed, leaning position
Explanation
Although Rakesh dislikes the sour cherries, birds enjoy them greatly. Bulbuls and scarlet minivets move among the branches and feed on the fruit. Rakesh looks for his Grandfather, on a sunny afternoon, but he does not find him after searching in his Grandfather's favourite places. Then he goes to the bedroom window and sees his grandfather taking rest on a cane chair beneath the Cherry Tree. The tree has now become an important part of the surrounding ecosystem, providing food and shelter for different creatures. This illustrates the interdependence of living organisms in nature.
Text
‘There’s just the right amount of shade here,’ said Grandfather. ‘And I like looking at the leaves.’
‘They’re pretty leaves,’ said Rakesh. ‘And they are always ready to dance, if there’s a breeze.’
After Grandfather had come indoors, Rakesh went into the garden and lay down on the grass beneath the tree. He gazed up through the leaves at the great blue sky; and turning on his side, he could see the mountains striding away into the clouds.
Word Meaning
- Shade – An area protected from direct sunlight
- Breeze – A gentle movement of air
- Gazed – Looked steadily
Explanation
Grandfather finds a peaceful place beneath the cherry tree and enjoys its shade and beautiful leaves. Then his Grandfather goes inside the home and Rakesh lies beneath the tree and looks at the blue sky and distant mountains. The tree has become a source of comfort, beauty and tranquillity for both of them. The scene also shows how their shared creation has become an important part of their daily lives.
Text
He was still lying beneath the tree when the evening shadows crept across the garden. Grandfather came back and sat down beside Rakesh, and they waited in silence until the stars came out and the nightjar began to call. In the forest below, the crickets and cicadas began tuning up; and suddenly the trees were full of the sound of insects.
‘There are so many trees in the forest,’ said Rakesh. ‘What’s so special about this tree? Why do we like it so much?’
Word Meaning
- Nightjar – A nocturnal bird known for its distinctive call
- Crickets – Small insects known for their chirping sounds
- Cicadas – Insects known for their loud buzzing or singing sounds
Explanation
As evening approaches, Rakesh remains beneath the tree. Grandfather joins him, and they quietly observe the transition from evening to night. The sounds of the nightjar, crickets and cicadas fill the surroundings. This peaceful scene creates a strong sense of harmony between human beings and nature. Their silence suggests that nature itself can provide companionship and peace.
Rakesh wonders why he and Grandfather feel particularly attached to this one tree when there are countless trees in the forest. Grandfather gives a simple but meaningful answer: “We planted it ourselves.” The tree is special because it represents their shared effort, memories and affection. It is not merely a tree; it is something they have watched grow and cared for together.
Text
‘Just one small seed,’ said Rakesh, and he touched the smooth bark of the tree that he had grown. He ran his hand along the trunk of the tree and put his finger to the tip of a leaf. ‘I wonder,’ he whispered. ‘Is this what it feels to be God?’
Word Meaning
- Seed – The part of a plant from which a new plant can grow
- Bark – The protective outer layer of a tree
- Trunk – The main woody stem of a tree
- Whispered – Spoke very softly
- God – The supreme creator in many religious traditions
Explanation
In the final scene, Rakesh touches the tree and remembers that it began as just one small seed. He runs his hand along its trunk and touches a leaf with wonder. His question about whether this is what it feels like to be God expresses his amazement at having helped create something so beautiful and alive. The ending captures the story's central idea: creation, nurturing and growth can give human beings a profound sense of wonder and fulfilment.
Textual Question Answers
Let us discuss
I. Complete the table given below based on your understanding of Part II of the story. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1. A woman cut the cherry tree while cutting grass. | (i) Grandfather scolded the woman. |
| 2. | (ii) Rakesh was thinner but stronger when he came back. |
| 3. A hairy caterpillar started eating the leaves of the cherry tree. | (iii) |
| 4. | (iv) Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it was a miracle. |
| 5. Rakesh tasted one of the small cherries during summer. | (v) |
Answer:
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1. A woman cut the cherry tree while cutting grass. | (i) Grandfather scolded the woman. |
| 2. Rakesh went to his village to help his parents with planting, ploughing and sowing. | (ii) Rakesh was thinner but stronger when he came back. |
| 3. A hairy caterpillar started eating the leaves of the cherry tree. | (iii) Rakesh removed it quickly and dropped it on a heap of dry leaves. |
| 4. A pale pink blossom appeared on the cherry tree. | (iv) Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it had performed a miracle. |
| 5. Rakesh tasted one of the small cherries during summer. | (v) He spat it out because it was too sour. |
Let us think and reflect
I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
1. “Have a cherry, Grandfather,” he said, as soon as he saw his grandfather in the garden.
Grandfather took one cherry and Rakesh promptly ate the other two. He kept the last seed in his mouth for some time, rolling it round and round on his tongue until all the tang had gone. Then he placed the seed on the palm of his hand and studied it.
“Are cherry seeds lucky?” asked Rakesh.
“Of course.”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
“Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use.”
(i) Substitute the underlined phrase with a correct word from the extract.
The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy quickly and without delay when a new player came in from the opposing team.
Answer: Promptly
(ii) What does Rakesh’s action of rolling the cherry seed in his mouth most likely suggest about his mood at that moment?
Answer: D. He is thoughtful and feeling playful.
Rakesh carefully rolls the seed around his tongue and then studies it with curiosity. His action shows his playful curiosity and thoughtful interest in the seed.
Rakesh’s decision to plant the seed shows that ______________. (he respects and values his grandfather’s advice/he has a close bond with his grandfather and a willingness to learn from him)
Answer: Rakesh’s decision to plant the seed shows that he respects and values his grandfather’s advice and is willing to learn from him.
Answer: Grandfather believes that luck has little value if a person simply keeps something unused. His advice, “Nothing is lucky if you put it away,” suggests that opportunities become meaningful only when we make an effort to use them. By asking Rakesh to plant the seed, he teaches him that action, effort and proper use of opportunities are more important than merely depending on luck.
2. Winter came early. The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow. Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.
In February it was Rakesh’s birthday. He was nine—and the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.
The phrase ‘field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage’ suggests that _____________.
Answer: The phrase ‘field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage’ suggests that the winter was extremely cold and harsh, forcing even small animals to seek warmth and protection indoors.
(ii) What can be inferred about the cherry tree’s toughness from the line, ‘The cherry tree bent low with the weight of snow’?
Answer: B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
The tree bends under the heavy snow but continues to survive, showing its strength and resilience.
Answer: The early winter made Grandfather grumpy and unhappy because the road was blocked and he could not receive the newspaper for several days. Since he missed reading the news, his usual cheerful storytelling also changed. His stories began to have unhappy endings, reflecting his gloomy mood.
Answer: The comparison of Rakesh’s age to the cherry tree’s age symbolises the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development.
II Answer the following questions.
Answer: Rakesh’s parents sent him to Mussoorie because there was no school in their village. They wanted him to receive a proper education. Therefore, when he reached school-going age, they sent him to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie, where he could attend school.
Answer: Rakesh allowed the praying-mantis to remain because he considered it the first visitor to his cherry tree. He had developed a strong affection for the tree and was happy to see another living creature become part of its world. His action reflects his love for nature and his protective attitude towards the tree.
Answer: Life in the Himalayan foothills is presented as beautiful but challenging. The region has rocky soil, cold winds, forests of oak and deodar, changing seasons, mist, rain and snow. The natural surroundings are rich and picturesque, but the harsh weather can make life difficult. Through these descriptions, Ruskin Bond presents the beauty, diversity and unpredictability of mountain life.
Answer: Rakesh's words express his wonder and sense of achievement after seeing the tiny seed he planted grow into a large, beautiful cherry tree. He feels amazed that something so magnificent has developed from such a small beginning through his care and patience. His question suggests that creating and nurturing life gives him a feeling of joy, fulfilment and closeness to the wonder of creation.
Answer: The writer presents Rakesh and his grandfather as sharing a warm, affectionate and supportive relationship. Grandfather guides Rakesh, tells him stories and teaches him valuable lessons, while Rakesh reads the newspaper to him because of his weak eyesight. They also share their interest in the cherry tree. Their conversations and experiences reveal mutual care, companionship, trust and affection.
Answer: The story suggests that human beings can develop a deep emotional and meaningful relationship with nature. Rakesh plants the cherry seed, cares for it and watches it grow through the seasons. Gradually, the tree becomes part of his life and memories. It also provides food and shelter for birds and insects and a peaceful place for Rakesh and Grandfather. The story therefore shows that nurturing nature can create a sense of belonging, responsibility and joy.
Answer: Rakesh must have felt amazed, proud, grateful and deeply connected with nature. He had started with nothing more than a tiny cherry seed, yet through time, patience and care, it had become a beautiful tree. He had watched it survive the goat, the cutting, snow and insects and eventually produce flowers and cherries. He must have felt proud that he had played a part in its growth. The experience would also have taught him that great things can emerge from small beginnings when they are given care, time and patience.
Competency-Based Question Answers
1. The cherry tree is repeatedly damaged but continues to grow. What does its journey teach us about dealing with setbacks in life?
2. Rakesh waters the tree even when it is already raining because he wants it to “know that he was there.” What does this reveal about his relationship with nature?
3. The tree grows alongside Rakesh. How does this parallel growth contribute to the meaning of the story?
4. The cherry tree attracts insects, birds and other creatures. What does this suggest about the role of trees in an ecosystem?
5. Grandfather says, “We planted it ourselves. That’s why it’s special.” Why does this statement have a deeper meaning than simply explaining why they like the tree?
6. At the end, Rakesh wonders, “Is this what it feels to be God?” What does this question reveal about his thoughts and emotions?
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