(i) Where are the trees in the poem? What do their roots, their leaves, and their twigs do? (ii) What does the poet compare their branches to?
In the poem, the trees are located inside the house, specifically on the veranda floor. Throughout the night, the roots work to disengage themselves from the cracks in the veranda floor. The leaves strain toward the glass in an effort to move outside, while the small twigs are stiff with exertion as they struggle to break free from their confined space.
The poet compares the long-cramped boughs (branches) of the trees to newly discharged patients who are half-dazed and shuffling under the roof, moving towards the clinic doors. This comparison highlights their struggle and disoriented state as they slowly move out.
Explanation
The question evaluates the student's understanding of the poem's vivid imagery and symbolism. For part (i), the poem explicitly states the trees are 'inside' and describes the active struggle of the roots, leaves, and twigs trying to escape the house. For part (ii), the poet uses a striking simile in the second stanza, comparing the shuffling branches to half-dazed, newly discharged patients moving toward clinic doors, emphasizing their cramped and disoriented condition after being confined indoors.