**"The Cherry Tree"** is a short story by **Ruskin Bond**, a renowned Indian author known for writing about nature and relationships. The story is set in the Himalayan foothills of Mussoorie and narrates the journey of a young boy named Rakesh who plants a cherry seed and watches it grow into a beautiful tree over several years. This story teaches us about patience, perseverance, environmental consciousness, and the special bond between humans and nature.
**Setting**: The story takes place in Mussoorie, Himalayas, where Rakesh lives with his grandfather. The climate is cold and harsh with stony soil that makes fruit cultivation difficult.
**Central Theme**: The transformation of a single seed into a thriving tree mirrors the growth and maturation of a child, emphasizing how small actions, when nurtured with care and love, can produce remarkable results.
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Rakesh is a six-year-old boy who comes to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie because his parents, who live in a distant village, want him to receive a proper education. His grandfather lives in a small cottage on the outskirts of Mussoorie, where the forest begins.
**Key Information about the Setting:**
One day, after buying cherries from the Mussoorie bazaar, Rakesh reaches home with only three cherries left (he ate the others on the way). He shares one with his grandfather and eats the remaining two. The last seed, he keeps rolling in his mouth to extract all the flavor before placing it on his palm to study it.
**Important Dialogue and Life Lesson:**
When Rakesh asks if cherry seeds are lucky, his grandfather responds with wisdom: **"Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use."** This philosophical statement suggests that fortune and blessings require action and effort to materialize. Merely possessing something good is not enough; one must actively use and nurture it to gain its benefits.
Following his grandfather's advice, Rakesh plants the seed in a shady corner of the garden. He presses it into the soft, yielding earth with his thumb. After planting, he promptly forgets about it and goes off to play cricket.
**Literary Device - Foreshadowing**: The casual manner in which Rakesh plants and forgets the seed foreshadows that something surprising and wonderful will emerge from this simple, almost forgotten action.
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The chapter describes winter arriving in the hills, with cold winds blowing through deodar trees. During this time, Rakesh and his grandfather sit by a charcoal fire. The grandfather tells stories about people turning into animals, ghosts in trees, and magical beans and stones. Rakesh, in return, reads the newspaper to his grandfather (as the old man's eyesight is weak).
**Seasonal Indicator**: The arrival of wild ducks flying north to Siberia marks the beginning of spring.
One morning in spring, Rakesh discovers what he thinks is a small twig but realizes it is actually well-rooted—the cherry tree has sprouted! He excitedly fetches his grandfather, shouting, **"Dada, come and look, the cherry tree has come up!"** Though the tree is only about four inches high, Rakesh waters it carefully and surrounds it with pebbles, saying it's **"for privacy."**
**Character Development**: Rakesh's care for the tiny plant shows his growing responsibility and connection to nature. His explanation about privacy reveals his imaginative, tender relationship with the tree.
During the early monsoon rains, the cherry tree grows quickly. Rakesh walks to school in raincoats and chappals (sandals). He stops watching the tree constantly because he realizes it grows faster when he doesn't expect it—a subtle lesson about patience and the paradox that things progress better when we stop obsessing over them.
**Hardship 1 - The Goat Disaster**: A goat enters the garden and eats all the leaves, leaving only the main stem and two thin branches. Rakesh is devastated, but his grandfather reassures him: **"Never mind. It will grow again, cherry trees are tough."** This event introduces the theme of resilience and teaches that setbacks are temporary.
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**Hardship 2 - Woman with Scythe**: As new leaves appear after the monsoon, a woman cutting grass cuts the cherry tree in two with her scythe while making her way down the hillside. Though the grandfather scolds her, the damage cannot be undone. Yet the cherry tree, true to its nature, sends out several new shoots with tender green leaves by summer.
**Symbolism**: These repeated challenges symbolize life's obstacles. The tree's survival despite damage demonstrates resilience, strength, and the power of nature to recover and adapt.
Rakesh is now eight years old—described as a sturdy boy with curly black hair and deep black eyes (which the grandfather affectionately calls "blackberry eyes"). One monsoon, Rakesh goes home to help his parents with planting and ploughing. When he returns, he finds the cherry tree has grown another foot and now reaches up to his chest.
**Parallel Growth**: Both Rakesh and the tree are growing together. Rakesh becomes stronger and more mature, while the tree becomes taller and stronger. This parallel growth suggests the connection between human development and nature's rhythms.
As the tree matures:
**Environmental Awareness**: Rakesh's gentle treatment of the caterpillar shows respect for all forms of life. He understands that the tree belongs to the entire ecosystem, not just to him.
In February, on Rakesh's ninth birthday, the grandfather calls out excitedly about a pale pink blossom on the tree. **"Come and look! Come quickly before it falls!"** Both grandfather and grandson gaze at the tree **"as though it had performed a miracle."**
**Symbolism of Blossoms**: The blossoms represent hope, beauty, and the fulfillment of patience. What began as a forgotten seed now produces flowers—a visible reward for years of care.
The following year, the tree is taller than Rakesh. Small cherries appear, though Rakesh finds them too sour to eat. However, birds like bulbuls and scarlet minivets feast on them, suggesting that the tree has become part of the natural food chain.
**Environmental Theme**: The tree is no longer just Rakesh's possession; it has become a resource for the entire forest ecosystem.
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On a warm, sunny afternoon, Rakesh finds his grandfather reclining under the cherry tree's shade, saying: **"There's just the right amount of shade here. And I like looking at the leaves."**
Rakesh describes the leaves as **"pretty" and "always ready to dance, if there's a breeze."**
Later, Rakesh lies beneath the tree, gazing up at the blue sky and the mountains. He and his grandfather sit in silence until evening, listening to the crickets, cicadas, and the call of the nightjar.
When Rakesh asks, **"There are so many trees in the forest. What's so special about this tree? Why do we like it so much?"** his grandfather responds with the heart of the story: **"We planted it ourselves. That's why it's special."**
Touching the smooth bark of the tree he has grown, Rakesh whispers in wonder: **"I wonder... Is this what it feels to be God?"**
**Meaning**: This question encapsulates the story's essence. By creating life through his care and patience, Rakesh experiences the divine satisfaction of creation. He understands that nurturing and watching something grow from nothing is a profoundly spiritual and creative act.
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**1. Patience and Perseverance**
**2. Connection Between Humans and Nature**
**3. Personal Growth and Maturation**
**4. The Value of Creation and Effort**
**5. Environmental Consciousness**
**Imagery**
**Symbolism**
**Metaphor**
**Personification**
**Foreshadowing**
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**stunted** – stopped or prevented from growing to full size
**outskirts** – outer areas or edges of a town or city
**yielding** – soft; giving way under pressure
**tang** – strong, sharp taste
**plodded** – walked slowly and with effort
**hairy caterpillar** – a caterpillar covered with hair-like structures
**scythe** – a tool with a long, curved blade for cutting grass
**foliage** – green leaves collectively
**haunches** – position of sitting with legs bent
**peered** – looked carefully or with difficulty
**praying-mantis** – an insect that holds its front legs in a prayer-like position
**grumpy** – bad-tempered, irritable
**gazed** – looked at something steadily with admiration
**flitted** – flew quickly and lightly
**reclining** – lying back in a relaxed position
**nightjar** – a nocturnal bird known for its distinctive call
**cicadas** – insects producing loud, high-pitched sounds in evenings
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The story uses **Past Tenses** extensively because it is a narrative of events that happened in the past.
**Simple Past Tense**
**Past Progressive Tense**
**Past Perfect Tense**
**Exercise Application:**
(i) was sitting (already completed)
(ii) were talking (past progressive – ongoing)
(iii) realised (simple past)
(iv) had imparted (past perfect – happened before realising)
(v) was listening (past progressive)
(vi) remembered (simple past)
(vii) had spent (past perfect)
(viii) had set (past perfect – happened before he left)
(ix) felt (simple past)
(x) had nurtured (past perfect)
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**Full Stop (.)**
**Comma (,)**
**Question Mark (?)**
**Exclamation Mark (!)**
**Semicolon (;)**
**Colon (:)**
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Correct Order:
1. Rakesh's parents grew maize, rice, and barley in a village (event 7)
2. Rakesh was sent to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie (event 2)
3. Rakesh bought a bunch of cherries and ate most of them (event 5)
4. Rakesh kept rolling the last cherry seed in his mouth (event 10)
5. Rakesh pressed the cherry seed into the soft soil with his thumb (event 3)
6. Rakesh sprinkled water on the cherry tree and surrounded it with pebbles (event 8)
7. Rakesh discovered that the small twig had grown into a cherry tree (event 1)
8. The cherry tree grew quickly after the rains arrived early (event 4)
9. A goat entered the garden and ate all the leaves of the young cherry tree (event 6)
10. Grandfather told Rakesh that cherry trees were tough (event 9)
1. **Cause**: A woman cut the cherry tree while cutting grass
**Effect**: (i) Grandfather scolded the woman
2. **Cause**: Rakesh went home to help his parents with planting and ploughing
**Effect**: (ii) Rakesh was thinner but stronger when he came back
3. **Cause**: A hairy caterpillar started eating the leaves of the cherry tree
**Effect**: (iii) Rakesh removed it quickly and dropped it on a heap of dry leaves
4. **Cause**: The grandfather saw a pale pink blossom on the tree on a sunny morning
**Effect**: (iv) Rakesh and Grandfather gazed at the tree as though it was a miracle
5. **Cause**: Rakesh tasted one of the small cherries during summer
**Effect**: (v) He spat it out because it was too sour
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**(i) Substitute the underlined phrase**
Answer: **promptly** – "The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy promptly when a new player came in from the opposing team."
**(ii) Rolling the cherry seed in mouth**
**Correct Answer: D** – "He is thoughtful and feeling playful."
Explanation: The rolling action is leisurely and contemplative, showing Rakesh is savoring the moment and reflecting on the seed rather than being impatient or bored.
**(iii) Complete the sentence**
Answer: "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.**"
**(iv) Grandfather's view on luck and effort**
Answer: The grandfather believes that luck is not passive; it requires action and effort. One cannot benefit from luck by merely possessing something valuable. Instead, luck must be put to use through active engagement and work. This reflects a philosophy where fortune favors those who take initiative and make effort.
**(i) Field-mice seeking shelter**
Answer: The phrase suggests that **the harsh winter weather conditions forced animals to seek protection indoors** / **the winter climate in the Himalayan foothills is severe enough to threaten small animals' survival, making them seek shelter.**
**(ii) Toughness of the cherry tree**
**Correct Answer: B** – "The tree could withstand harsh weather."
Explanation: The tree bending (not breaking) under the weight of snow demonstrates its flexibility and resilience—key characteristics of toughness that allow it to survive extreme conditions.
**(iii) Effect on Grandfather's mood**
Answer: The early winter and blocked roads (no newspaper) made Grandfather grumpy and irritable. This affected his storytelling, causing his stories to have unhappy endings instead of their usual varied conclusions.
**(iv) Comparison of ages – symbolism**
**Correct Answer**: The comparison symbolizes **the tree's growth paralleling Rakesh's own development**, showing that both are maturing and progressing together through the passage of time.
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**1. Why did Rakesh's parents send him to Mussoorie?**
Answer: Rakesh's parents sent him to Mussoorie to live with his grandfather because there were no schools in their village. They were keen that he receive a proper education, and Mussoorie had educational facilities.
**2. Why did Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the cherry tree?**
Answer: Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain because he recognized it as the cherry tree's first visitor. He understood that the tree was becoming part of the ecosystem and that allowing insects and creatures to inhabit it was natural and important.
**3. How is life in the Himalayan foothills described in the story?**
Answer: Life in the Himalayan foothills is described as harsh and challenging. The soil is stony, dry cold winds stunt plant growth, and there are few fruit trees. However, on sheltered slopes, forests of oak and deodar thrive. Life is also described as peaceful, with seasonal changes marking the passage of time, and the landscape is beautiful with mountains and forests.
**4. What might Rakesh mean when he says, "Is this what it feels to be God?"**
Answer: Rakesh is expressing the profound sense of creation and life-giving power he experiences. By nurturing a seed into a full-grown tree through years of care and patience, he has participated in the creative process. He understands that creating and sustaining life is a divine or deeply spiritual experience—something sacred and miraculous.
**5. How does the writer describe the relationship between Rakesh and his grandfather?**
Answer: The relationship is warm, loving, and mentoring. The grandfather is wise and patient, offering guidance through stories and gentle advice rather than strict rules. Rakesh respects his grandfather and learns from him. The grandfather shows affection (calling Rakesh's eyes "blackberry eyes") and shares quiet, peaceful moments with him. They have mutual care—Rakesh reads to his grandfather, and the grandfather tells him stories. Their bond grows stronger through shared experiences with the cherry tree.
**6. What can you infer about the connection between humans and nature based on the story?**
Answer: The story suggests that humans and nature have a deeply interconnected relationship. When humans plant and care for something in nature, they create a special bond and responsibility. The cherry tree, planted by Rakesh's action, becomes part of both his life and the broader ecosystem (serving birds, insects, and creatures). The story implies that nurturing nature is spiritually fulfilling and teaches humans important life lessons like patience, resilience, and the value of effort. The final message—"We planted it ourselves. That's why it's special"—shows that human involvement in nature creation makes it meaningful.
**7. Rakesh's Reflection on the Seed-to-Tree Transformation**
*Sample Answer*: "When I planted that tiny cherry seed, I never imagined it would become such a magnificent tree. Throughout these years, I've learned that small actions, when combined with patience and care, can create something truly extraordinary. The seed's journey—from my mouth to the soil, through harsh winters, goat attacks, and a woman's scythe—has taught me about resilience. I've watched my tree become a home for insects, food for birds, and a source of shade and beauty. What started as a forgotten seed has become a miracle that connects me to nature, to my grandfather, and to something larger than myself. This tree is not just mine; it belongs to the entire ecosystem. Planting it has made me feel like a creator, like I've touched something divine. I now understand that nurturing life—whether it's a tree, a relationship, or a dream—is the most fulfilling thing one can do."
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**1. Answer: chop**
Explanation: "Trim" is used with scissors; "chop," "slice," and "mince" are all knife-cutting techniques.
**2. Answer: galloped**
Explanation: "Galloped" is a fast movement; "plodded," "scrambled," and "trudged" all indicate slow, difficult, or labored movement.
**3. Answer: smooth**
Explanation: "Tender," "delicate," and "soft" describe gentle, fragile qualities; "smooth" refers to surface texture.
**4. Answer: pecked**
Explanation: "Stared," "peered," and "gazed" are all forms of looking/viewing; "pecked" is a sharp striking action.
**5. Answer: planting**
Explanation: "Growing," "blossoming," and "progressing" describe natural development; "planting" is an initial action, not a progression.
1. **tamarind** – sour/tangy
2. **jaggery** – sweet
3. **neem leaves** – bitter
4. **paneer (cottage cheese)** – bland
5. **lemon** – sour/tangy
6. **pickle** – spicy/salty/tangy
7. **a dish of vegetables** – bland (depending on seasoning)
*Sample sentences using taste words*:
1. **tender** – hard
2. **sturdy** – shaky
3. **narrow** – wide
4. **warmth** – coldness
5. **feasting** – fasting
6. **grumpy** – cheerful
7. **sheltered** – unprotected
8. **special** – ordinary
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**For CBSE Board Exams, remember:**
1. **Character Analysis**: Always explain how characters develop and what their actions reveal about their values and beliefs.
2. **Theme Identification**: Identify at least 2-3 major themes and explain how the story develops them through events and dialogue.
3. **Literary Devices**: When spotting devices like symbolism or imagery, always explain WHY the author uses them and what effect they create.
4. **Cause and Effect**: Understand how events are connected and how one action leads to consequences.
5. **Vocabulary**: Learn words in context. Don't just memorize meanings; understand how they function in sentences.
6. **Tense Usage**: Identify verb tenses and explain why authors choose specific tenses (past tense for narrative, past perfect for events that happened before others, etc.).
7. **Punctuation**: Understand that punctuation guides reader meaning and creates rhythm and emphasis.
8. **Answer Format**: For short answers, use textual evidence. For longer answers, provide analysis and inference, not just plot summary.
9. **Thematic Connection**: Show how personal growth (Rakesh), environmental awareness, and philosophical wisdom all connect in this story.
10. **Memory Techniques**: The cherry tree represents patience; seasons represent time; growth represents life lessons; the final question represents spiritual awakening.
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"The Cherry Tree" is a beautifully crafted story that teaches multiple valuable lessons through a simple narrative of planting and nurturing. It reminds us that patience, effort, care, and love can transform something small and seemingly insignificant into something remarkable. The story celebrates the human-nature connection and suggests that in creating and nurturing life, we touch something divine. For CBSE Class 8 examinations, master the plot, understand the characters' growth, identify the themes, and practice using textual evidence in your answers. The story's wisdom extends beyond academic study—it is a timeless message about the power of small actions and the beauty of patient nurturing.
Q1. Where did the cherries that Rakesh bought come from?
Answer: A — The text states the cherries were small and bright red ones that had come from the Kashmir Valley.
Q2. Why was Rakesh sent to stay with his grandfather in Mussoorie?
Answer: B — The text clearly states Rakesh's parents were keen he should go to school, and since there were no schools in their village, they sent him to Mussoorie.
Q3. What did Rakesh do with the last cherry seed after eating the cherries?
Answer: B — The text states Rakesh kept the seed in his mouth for some time, rolling it round and round on his tongue until all the tang had gone.
Q4. Why did Grandfather advise Rakesh not to plant the cherry seed in the flowerbed where mustard was sown?
Answer: B — Grandfather specifically said, 'I've sown mustard in that bed,' indicating the bed was already occupied and the seed should be planted elsewhere.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a challenge the cherry tree faced in the story?
Answer: C — The tree was planted in a shady corner with soft, yielding earth, not in poor stony soil; the other three challenges are clearly described in the text.
Q6. What does Rakesh's statement 'For privacy' when circling the tree with pebbles reveal about his character?
Answer: B — Rakesh's imaginative phrase shows his emotional connection and protective care for the young plant, treating it almost like a person needing privacy.
Q7. What causes the cherry tree to grow quickly during the second growing season?
Answer: B — The text explicitly states 'The cherry tree grew quickly in this season' referring to the monsoon rains season when conditions were favourable.
Q8. How does the cherry tree demonstrate resilience after the grass-cutter damages it?
Answer: C — Despite being cut in two, the tree's natural resilience allows it to send out new shoots and leaves by the following summer.
Q9. Rakesh stopped looking carefully at the cherry tree after planting it because—
Answer: C — The text shows Rakesh stopped careful observation due to slow initial growth, but when he finally looked properly, he was surprised to find it had grown an inch.
Q10. What is the deeper significance of Grandfather's statement 'Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use'?
Answer: C — This statement teaches that luck, opportunity, and gifts only matter when you actively use them and take responsibility for them, a life lesson embedded in the story's message.
What were the two main reasons Rakesh came to live with his grandfather in Mussoorie?
His parents wanted him to attend school (no schools in their village) and to receive proper education away from their farm.
Why did Grandfather say 'Nothing is lucky if you put it away'?
He meant that luck only works when you take action and use it, not when you just keep something without doing anything with it.
How did Rakesh care for the newly sprouted cherry tree?
He watered it carefully with a bucket and circled it with pebbles, which he said was for privacy.
What happened to the cherry tree during the monsoon rains?
It grew very quickly because the monsoon rains provided plenty of moisture and favourable growing conditions.
How did the cherry tree survive being eaten by the goat?
Grandfather said cherry trees are tough, and the tree grew new leaves again after losing all its foliage.
What does the woman cutting grass do that damages the cherry tree?
She cuts the tree in two with her scythe in a single sweep while cutting monsoon grass on the hillside.
Why did Rakesh stop looking carefully at the cherry tree after planting it?
Because the tree seemed to be growing very slowly, so he only looked at it out of the corner of his eye.
What is the geographical setting where Rakesh's grandfather's cottage is located?
It is on the outskirts of Mussoorie in the Himalayan foothills, where the forest of oak and deodar trees begins.
How does Grandfather communicate with Rakesh in the winter evenings?
Grandfather tells Rakesh stories about magical things while Rakesh reads the newspaper to him because Grandfather's eyesight is weak.
What makes the cherry tree cut by the grass-cutting woman finally sprout again?
By summer, the tree sent out several new shoots with tender green leaves, showing its natural ability to recover and grow.
What does Grandfather mean when he tells Rakesh, 'Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use'? How does this advice lead to planting the cherry seed? [2 marks]
Explain that luck requires action, not passive keeping. Show how Rakesh applies this by choosing to plant the seed instead of just storing it.
Describe the different challenges the cherry tree faces in the story and explain how Grandfather's wisdom helps Rakesh accept them without losing hope. [3 marks]
List three obstacles (goat eating leaves, grass-cutter cutting tree, slow growth). Show how Grandfather's statements like 'cherry trees are tough' and 'It will grow again' teach Rakesh patience and resilience.
Analyze how the story of the cherry tree serves as a metaphor for growth, patience, and environmental responsibility. What does Rakesh learn through caring for the tree, and how does his relationship with his grandfather deepen because of this experience? [5 marks]
Explain how small, consistent action (planting, watering) creates lasting change. Show how Grandfather's stories and guidance shape Rakesh's character. Connect this to environmental themes—planting trees in a harsh mountain region creates hope and beauty.
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