How the Leaves Came Down: A Simple Guide for Class 8 Students

Welcome, dear students! Today, we will study a lovely poem called “How the Leaves Came Down” by Susan Coolidge. This poem compares the falling of autumn leaves to children being put to bed by their kind father. The father is the great Tree. We will read, understand, and enjoy its deeper meaning together. I have explained the poem for you, summarised it, shared word meanings, and answered all questions at the end. Let’s dive in!

Summary of the Poem

The poem tells the story of how the leaves fall from the tree in autumn. The great Tree is like a gentle father. It speaks to its leaves and tells them it is time to go to bed. The leaves, called Yellow, Brown, and Red, do not want to fall. They ask the Tree to let them stay a little longer as they enjoy the pleasant day. The fatherly Tree allows them one more day to play and dance in the wind. However, after that, the Tree gently shakes its branches, and the leaves flutter down to the ground. There, they wait to be covered warmly by the snow, just like children tucked into bed. The Tree bids them goodnight, and the leaves sleep peacefully.

Word Meanings

• Clung: Held on tightly.
• Frolicked: Played and moved happily.
• Leaflets: Little leaves.
• Urge: To request or beg.
• Fluttering: Moving or flying lightly and quickly.
• Rustling: Soft, crackling sound made by dried leaves.
• Huddled: Sitting or lying closely together.
• Swarm: A large group together.
• Whispering: Speaking very softly.
• Coax: Gently persuade.
• Bare: Without leaves.
• Bedclothes: Blanket or covering used on a bed.

Q&A – Solutions to All Questions

1. What did the great Tree tell his children to do? What was their response?

• The great Tree told his children, the leaves, that it was time to go to bed. The leaves asked to stay a little longer. They did not want to go away. They wanted to enjoy the pleasant day.

2. What are the names of the children? What do the names indicate?

• The names of the children are Yellow, Brown, and Red. These names show the different beautiful colours that autumn leaves turn before they fall.

3. What did the Tree do after one day? Were the children happy about it?

• After one more day, the Tree gently shook his branches, and all the leaves fell down. The children (leaves) were not happy. They wanted to stay, but they followed their father’s wish and went to ‘bed.’

4. What time of the year is it?
   a. spring
   b. summer
   c. autumn
   d. winter
   (Tick the right answer.)

• The correct answer is: c. autumn

5. What is the main imagery in the poem? Explain in your own words.

• The poem compares leaves to children who resist bedtime. The Tree symbolizes a father tucking his children in. Colorful falling leaves and a blanket of snow create a gentle, cozy atmosphere.

10 Extra Questions about the Poem “How the Leaves Came Down”

1. Who is speaking to the leaves in the poem?

• The great Tree is speaking to the leaves.

2. What colours are mentioned for the leaves?

• Yellow, Brown, and Red.

3. What season is described in the poem?

• Autumn.

4. What do the leaves want when told to go to bed?

• They want to stay longer and enjoy the day.

5. How do the leaves come down from the tree?

• The tree shakes, and the leaves flutter down through the air.

6. What does the “white bedclothes” refer to in the poem?

• The snow that will cover the leaves.

7. How do the leaves feel about going to bed?

• They feel sad and do not want to go.

8. What is the tree compared to in the poem?

• The tree is compared to a gentle father.

9. Why do you think the poet calls the leaves “children”?

• To show they behave playfully and do not want to sleep, just like children.

10. Why does the tree finally say “Good-night” to the leaves?

• Because the leaves have come down and it is time for them to “sleep.”