WHEN GREAT TREES FALL
MAYA ANGELOU
1. What is the central idea/theme of the poem?
Ans. The impact of the death of a loved one on those
struggling to cope with the loss.
2. What effect does the falling of "great trees" have on
distant hills and animals in the jungle?
Ans. The rocks shudder on distant hills.
In the jungle, the lion hunkers (crouches) down, the
elephant runs to safety, and small things recede into
silence.
3. Explain in your own words the line, "Small things recoil
into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear."
Ans. It means that with the falling of a great soul,
creatures in the forest are too terrified to make a sound.
Their senses are eaten up by fear.
4. How does the death of a great soul affect the lives of
those left behind in the immediate aftermath of their
passing?
Ans. For the loved ones, it is difficult to breathe because
the air becomes light, rare, and sterile. The person is
choked with emotion. We see with wistful clarity; we
remember the unfulfilled promises with regret.
MAYA ANGELOU
1. What is the central idea/theme of the poem?
Ans. The impact of the death of a loved one on those
struggling to cope with the loss.
2. What effect does the falling of "great trees" have on
distant hills and animals in the jungle?
Ans. The rocks shudder on distant hills.
In the jungle, the lion hunkers (crouches) down, the
elephant runs to safety, and small things recede into
silence.
3. Explain in your own words the line, "Small things recoil
into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear."
Ans. It means that with the falling of a great soul,
creatures in the forest are too terrified to make a sound.
Their senses are eaten up by fear.
4. How does the death of a great soul affect the lives of
those left behind in the immediate aftermath of their
passing?
Ans. For the loved ones, it is difficult to breathe because
the air becomes light, rare, and sterile. The person is
choked with emotion. We see with wistful clarity; we
remember the unfulfilled promises with regret.
