LABURNUM TOP CLASS 11 ENGLISH

LABURNUM TOP CLASS 11 ENGLISH

The video provides a detailed explanation of the poem "The Laburnum Top," focusing on its literal event and deeper metaphorical meaning.

The poem describes an event where a Goldfinch bird arrives at the top of a Laburnum tree (0:20). Before the bird's arrival, the tree is silent, quiet, and still (2:53-3:16). The setting is described as an afternoon in September, with yellow sunlight and yellowing leaves, creating an overall yellow color pattern that matches the Goldfinch itself (3:52-5:30).

Upon the Goldfinch's sudden and abrupt arrival (6:37-7:09), it moves sleekly and alertly into the thickness of the tree (7:16-7:47). Its entry causes a "machine" to start up, which symbolizes the bird's family becoming active and joyful (8:08-8:59). This results in a lot of noise, including chitterings, tremblings of wings, and thrillings, making the entire tree tremble and thrill with activity (9:14-10:21). The bird is described as the "engine of her family" (10:26), and it "stokes it full," encouraging more activity and noise (10:57-11:54).

After the burst of activity, the Goldfinch flits out to a branch end, revealing its "barred face identity mask" (11:57-13:00), which distinguishes it. It then launches away with a delicate whistle, disappearing "towards the infinite" (13:13-14:23).

The video then delves into the metaphorical meaning of the poem, explaining that the Goldfinch's journey of coming from "nothingness" to the Laburnum tree (symbolizing the world) and then disappearing back into the "infinite" is a symbol for human life (14:28-15:20). The period of activity on the tree represents our lives and actions (15:49-15:53). Finally, once the Goldfinch leaves, the Laburnum tree subsides to emptiness again, returning to its silent and still state, symbolizing the end of life and the return to nothingness (15:56-16:15).