Trees by Emily Dickinson: A Beautiful Nature Tribute

Discover the beauty of the poem Trees by Emily Dickinson in this comprehensive post. Explore a detailed summary, line-by-line explanation, important themes, literary devices, and much more. Perfect for students studying Class 12 Elective English or those interested in the wonders of nature through Dickinson’s poetic lens.

Summary of Trees by Emily Dickinson

The Movement of Trees and Nature’s Music

In Trees, Emily Dickinson vividly describes the swaying trees, comparing them to tassels that swing rhythmically. Their motion seems to create a melody, accompanied by tiny creatures basking in the summer sun. However, this music feels incomplete, leaving a yearning for something more, as distant beauty often does.

The Sun’s Playful Hide-and-Seek

The sun takes on a whimsical character, hiding behind clouds and then shining intermittently. This playful act makes it seem as if the sun deliberately controls its presence. It even appears to have the power to decide whether the orchards below will flourish, emphasising its authority over nature.

The Vibrancy of Life Around Trees

Dickinson portrays the life surrounding the trees with rich imagery. A bird perches carelessly on a fence, while another chatters about trivial matters, charming a snake that winds around a stone. Flowers burst through their buds, soaring like vibrant flags. Their sweet scents fill the air, adding to the richness of the scene.

Reflection on Nature’s Incomparable Beauty

In the final lines, the poet reflects on the unmatched beauty of nature. Dickinson suggests that no artist, not even a master like Vandyke, could fully capture the splendour of a summer day. She leaves readers awestruck by the raw and fleeting magnificence of the natural world.

This poem, part of the Kaleidoscope textbook for Class 12 Elective English, showcases Dickinson’s profound connection with nature. It is an essential addition to Class 12 Poetry, offering a unique perspective. Students can explore more NCERT solutions and resources to better understand her work.

Important Themes in Trees by Emily Dickinson

The Rhythmic Motion of Trees

The poem captures the trees’ dynamic movement, comparing them to tassels swinging in the wind. Their rhythmic swaying is described as creating a tune, highlighting nature’s inherent harmony. Tiny creatures seem to accompany this melody, celebrating the vibrancy of summer. However, the poet notes an incompleteness in the music, suggesting that no matter how enchanting nature’s beauty is, it always leaves a yearning for more. This theme reflects the idea that beauty is fleeting and often feels distant, intensifying its allure.

The Sun’s Authority and Playfulness

Dickinson personifies the sun as a whimsical character, choosing when to shine and when to hide behind clouds. This playful hide-and-seek mirrors its dominance over the natural world. The sun’s actions directly affect the growth of orchards, symbolising its control over life on Earth. The theme suggests that nature operates on its own terms, independent of human will. This playful yet commanding portrayal of the sun highlights the balance between unpredictability and order in the natural world.

The Rich Diversity of Life Around Trees

Life surrounding the trees is depicted in vibrant detail, emphasising nature’s diversity. Birds perch carelessly, gossip about trivial matters, and even charm snakes coiled around stones. Flowers bloom brightly, breaking free from their buds and standing tall like flags hoisted in celebration. These images paint a lively, dynamic world where every creature and element plays its part. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of nature, showcasing its ability to thrive in harmony, even in the simplest of moments.

The Incomparable Beauty of Nature

The poet concludes by comparing the beauty of nature to art, stating that even a skilled artist like Vandyke cannot fully capture the essence of a summer day. This reflection reinforces the idea that nature’s magnificence is best experienced firsthand. Its beauty is too vast, dynamic, and ephemeral to be contained in any artistic representation. This theme serves as a reminder of nature’s unparalleled splendour and its ability to evoke awe and wonder in those who truly observe it.

This poem, part of the Kaleidoscope textbook for Class 12 Elective English, offers a profound exploration of nature’s elements. It is an insightful piece in Class 12 Poetry, encouraging students to appreciate the depth of Dickinson’s observations. For further understanding, NCERT solutions provide additional resources.

Line by Line Explanation of Trees by Emily Dickinson

Lines 1–4:

“The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung –
There seemed to rise a Tune
From Miniature Creatures
Accompanying the Sun –”

The poet compares the trees to tassels that sway and swing in the breeze, creating rhythmic movement. This motion seems to produce a melody, as if tiny creatures in nature are singing along with the sun. Dickinson highlights the harmony and liveliness of the natural world in these lines.

Lines 5–8:

“Far Psalteries of Summer –
Enamoring the Ear
They never yet did satisfy –
Remotest – when most fair –”

The sounds of summer, described as distant psalteries (stringed instruments), enchant the ear with their beauty. Yet, the poet expresses that this music never fully satisfies, as the most beautiful things often feel out of reach or incomplete. The idea of beauty being more appealing when distant is emphasised here.

Lines 9–12:

“The Sun shone whole at intervals –
Then Half – then utter hid –
As if Himself were optional
And had Estates of Cloud –”

The sun plays hide-and-seek with the clouds, sometimes shining fully, partially, or not at all. Dickinson personifies the sun as if it has the choice to appear or hide. The “Estates of Cloud” imply that the sun has a vast kingdom of clouds to retreat into whenever it wishes.

Lines 13–16:

“Sufficient to enfold Him
Eternally from view –
Except it were a whim of His
To let the Orchards grow –”

The poet suggests that the sun could remain hidden forever if it wished. However, it occasionally chooses to shine, allowing the orchards to grow. This highlights the sun’s control and its essential role in sustaining life on Earth.

Lines 17–20:

“A Bird sat careless on the fence –
One gossiped in the Lane
On silver matters charmed a Snake
Just winding round a Stone –”

A bird perches casually on a fence, symbolising the peace of nature. Another bird chats as if gossiping, while its song captivates a snake coiling around a stone. Dickinson shows how creatures interact in small but fascinating ways, portraying nature’s simplicity and charm.

Lines 21–24:

“Bright Flowers slit a Calyx
And soared upon a Stem
Like Hindered Flags – Sweet hoisted –
With Spices – in the Hem –”

The poet describes flowers blooming as their calyx (outer covering) splits open. They rise on their stems like flags being raised, spreading sweet fragrances into the air. This imagery illustrates the vibrant beauty of blooming flowers and their contribution to nature’s splendour.

Lines 25–28:

“’Twas more – I cannot mention –
How mean – to those that see
Vandyke’s Delineation
Of Nature’s – Summer Day!”

Dickinson concludes by saying that nature’s beauty is so immense it cannot be fully expressed in words. She compares it to art, suggesting that even a skilled artist like Vandyke could never capture the magnificence of a summer day. True beauty, she implies, is best experienced in person.

This poem, included in the Kaleidoscope textbook for Class 12 Elective English, is a key piece in Class 12 Poetry. It encourages readers to reflect on the depth and vibrancy of the natural world. NCERT solutions provide further explanations for deeper understanding.

Words Meaning of Trees by Emily Dickinson

Below is a list of difficult words and expressions from the poem along with their simplified meanings to help 8th graders understand the poem better.

Word/Expression	Meaning
Tassels	Decorative hanging threads, here used to describe the swinging movement of trees.
Psalteries	A type of stringed musical instrument, used metaphorically for nature’s sounds.
Enamoring	Captivating or enchanting.
Remotest	Farthest away or distant.
Estates of Cloud	Large areas of clouds, as if owned by the sun.
Enfold	To wrap or cover completely.
Whim	A sudden wish or idea.
Orchards	Areas of land where fruit trees are grown.
Gossiped	Talked casually, often about unimportant matters.
Charmed	Fascinated or attracted, often in a magical way.
Calyx	The outer covering of a flower that protects the petals.
Hindered Flags	Flags that are held back or delayed, used metaphorically for flowers rising slowly.
Spices in the Hem	Sweet and pleasant fragrances.
Mean	Here, it means insignificant or unimportant.
Delineation	A detailed representation or drawing of something.
Vandyke	Refers to Anthony van Dyck, a famous artist, symbolising skilled artistry.
Nature’s Summer Day	A beautiful summer day in nature.

This list simplifies challenging parts of the poem, ensuring that students can easily grasp its meaning while enhancing their vocabulary. The poem is included in Kaleidoscope for Class 12 Elective English, and NCERT solutions offer further support for understanding.

Trees by Emily Dickinson Questions and Answers

Responding to the Poem

1. What imagery does the poet use to delineate Summer’s day more picturesquely than any painter could?

Emily Dickinson employs vivid imagery to depict a summer day more beautifully than any painter. She describes trees swinging like tassels, flowers blooming like hoisted flags, and birds gossiping. These natural elements come alive through her keen observation and poetic language, creating a scene that surpasses even Van Dyke’s detailed artistry.

2. What do you understand by ‘Psalteries of Summer’?

‘Psalteries of Summer’ refers to the melodious sounds of nature, like a distant musical instrument. The poet likens the buzzing of insects, rustling of leaves, and other natural sounds to a psaltery, enchanting the ear and adding to summer’s beauty.

3. In which lines are creatures attributed with human qualities? How does this add to the beauty of the Summer’s day?

In lines like “One gossiped in the Lane”, birds are given human traits, such as gossiping. This personification adds charm to the description, making the summer day feel lively and relatable as if nature itself is full of conversations and stories.

4. How would you explain the image of the ‘Hindered Flags’?

The ‘Hindered Flags’ describe flowers as they bloom slowly, their stems rising like flags being raised. This metaphor captures the beauty and grace of growth, showing nature’s deliberate and enchanting rhythm during summer.

5. Why are the pronouns referring to the Sun capitalised?

The Sun is capitalised to personify it as a powerful and majestic being. This gives the Sun an authoritative presence, highlighting its vital role in controlling the seasons and sustaining life on Earth.

6. Give examples from the poem to show that great poetry is a result of close observation of natural phenomena.

Dickinson’s poem brims with examples of her close observation of nature. She notices the swaying of trees like tassels, the splitting of a flower’s calyx, and a bird charming a snake. These small, intricate details show her deep connection with nature. The way she describes summer’s sounds as ‘psalteries’ and clouds as the Sun’s “Estates” reveals her ability to transform simple natural occurrences into profound poetic imagery. This attention to detail makes the poem a timeless piece of art.

Trees by Emily Dickinson Extra Questions and Answers

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. Why does the poet compare the trees to tassels?

The poet compares trees to tassels to highlight their swinging and swaying movement, which resembles the decorative threads that hang and swing freely.

2. What role does the Sun play in the poem?

The Sun is portrayed as an optional, whimsical entity, controlling natural growth and the visibility of summer through its presence or absence.

Short Answer Type Questions

3. How does the poet use personification in the poem?

Dickinson personifies nature by attributing human qualities to elements like the Sun, birds, and trees. For example, the Sun is given estates and whims, while birds are described as gossiping. This technique brings nature to life and makes it relatable.

4. What is the significance of the line “Except it were a whim of His / To let the Orchards grow”?

This line suggests that the Sun’s presence, which fosters growth, is based on its choice or whim. It highlights the Sun’s power over nature and its whimsical, almost playful nature in controlling life on Earth.

Long Answer Type Questions

5. How does Emily Dickinson contrast human art with nature’s beauty in the poem?

In the poem, Dickinson contrasts human art with nature by suggesting that no artist, not even Van Dyke, can capture the true essence of a summer’s day. She describes intricate details, such as trees swaying like tassels and flowers rising like flags, showcasing nature’s dynamic, ever-changing beauty. While human art is static, nature’s artistry is alive, full of sound, colour, and movement. This emphasises that nature surpasses human creation in complexity and charm.

6. Discuss the poet’s depiction of summer as a musical experience.

Emily Dickinson portrays summer as a symphony of sounds. She refers to the “Psalteries of Summer”, likening the buzzing of insects, rustling leaves, and other natural sounds to a musical instrument. This auditory imagery transforms the scene into a concert, enchanting the ears. The poet emphasises that this music, though beautiful, is fleeting and never completely satisfying, adding a layer of longing to the depiction of summer.

7. In what ways does the poem celebrate the resilience and harmony of nature?

The poem celebrates nature’s resilience through images like flowers rising slowly, as “Hindered Flags – Sweet hoisted”. This conveys the determined growth of plants despite obstacles. Harmony is depicted through the interconnectedness of the Sun, trees, birds, and flowers. The Sun’s role in fostering growth, the trees swaying in rhythm, and the birds gossiping all point to a balanced, cohesive natural world. Dickinson’s descriptions reflect her awe for this enduring and harmonious beauty.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

8. What does the poet mean by “Bright Flowers slit a Calyx”?

The poet describes how flowers bloom by breaking open their protective covering, the calyx, symbolising growth and new beginnings.

Short Answer Type Questions

9. How does the poet depict the fleeting nature of beauty in the poem?

Dickinson shows beauty as fleeting through phrases like “They never yet did satisfy” and the Sun’s periodic hiding behind clouds. These suggest that nature’s beauty, while enchanting, is momentary and leaves one yearning for more.

Long Answer Type Questions

10. Explore how Emily Dickinson uses metaphor to convey the relationship between nature and creativity.

The poem is rich with metaphors that liken natural phenomena to human creativity. The “Psalteries of Summer” represent nature’s symphony, showcasing its inherent music. Flowers rising like “Hindered Flags” symbolise resilience and triumph. By comparing trees to tassels and the Sun to a whimsical landlord with “Estates of Cloud,” Dickinson elevates nature’s creativity above human artistry. These metaphors illustrate how nature inspires art while maintaining its superiority as the ultimate creator.

Trees by Emily Dickinson Summary in Hindi

यह कविता प्रकृति की सुंदरता और उसके विभिन्न पहलुओं को व्यक्त करती है। कवि एमीली डिकिन्सन ने एक ग्रीष्मकालीन दिन की सुंदरता का चित्रण किया है। उन्होंने पेड़ों को झूलते हुए फ्रिंज (टैसल्स) के समान बताया है, जो हवा में लहराते हैं। इस दृश्य से कविता में एक संगीत की ध्वनि उत्पन्न होती है, जिसे “गर्मियों के संगीत” के रूप में व्यक्त किया गया है। इस संगीत के बीच छोटे-छोटे जीव-जंतु जैसे कीट और पक्षी भी प्राकृतिक ध्वनियाँ उत्पन्न करते हैं, जो कानों को मंत्रमुग्ध कर देती हैं।

कवि ने सूर्य के बारे में भी कुछ दिलचस्प विचार प्रस्तुत किए हैं। सूर्य कभी पूरी तरह से प्रकट होता है, कभी आंशिक रूप से, और कभी-कभी बादलों में छिप जाता है। सूर्य को एक विशेष ताकतवर और इरादे से भरपूर अस्तित्व के रूप में दर्शाया गया है, जो अपनी इच्छा से प्रकृति का नियंत्रण करता है। कवि ने यह भी कहा कि जैसे सूर्य की इच्छा से बग़ीचे उगते हैं, वैसे ही प्रकृति की सुंदरता भी उसकी इच्छा से प्रकट होती है।

इसके अलावा, कवि ने प्रकृति के जीवों को मानवीय गुणों से जोड़ा है, जैसे पक्षियों का गलती से बात करना (गॉसिप करना)। इससे यह संदेश मिलता है कि प्रकृति केवल एक दृश्य नहीं, बल्कि एक जीवित और संवादात्मक प्रणाली है। इस कविता में फूलों के खिलने को भी विशेष रूप से सुंदरता के रूप में दिखाया गया है, जैसे वे हिचकिचाहट के बाद झंडे की तरह लहराते हैं।

अंत में, कविता यह दिखाती है कि प्रकृति की सुंदरता और उसकी हर गतिविधि एक अद्वितीय कृति है, जिसे कोई भी चित्रकार या कला प्रेमी पूरी तरह से व्यक्त नहीं कर सकता। इसलिए, यह कविता प्रकृति के अद्वितीय संगीत और सौंदर्य को सराहने का प्रयास करती है।

Summary of Trees by Emily Dickinson in Urdu

Trees by Emily Dickinson MCQs

1. According to the poem, what do the trees resemble?

a) Birds
b) Flowers
c) Tassels
d) Clouds

Answer: c) Tassels

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2. What does the phrase “Psalteries of Summer” refer to?

a) The sound of wind
b) The sound of birds
c) The music of nature
d) The heat of the sun

Answer: c) The music of nature

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3. What is implied by the phrase “remotest, when most fair”?

a) Beauty is at its fullest when distant
b) The beauty of nature is never distant
c) Beauty is most noticeable in the sun
d) Fairness comes with distance from nature

Answer: a) Beauty is at its fullest when distant

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4. What can be inferred about the poet’s view of the Sun in the poem?

a) The Sun is a distant entity
b) The Sun has a playful and whimsical nature
c) The Sun is always constant and predictable
d) The Sun represents a strict force of nature

Answer: b) The Sun has a playful and whimsical nature

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5. What is the purpose of describing the Sun as “optional” in the poem?

a) To suggest that the Sun is unnecessary for growth
b) To emphasize the Sun’s unpredictable behavior
c) To state that the Sun is the most powerful force
d) To show that the Sun can be controlled by the poet

Answer: b) To emphasize the Sun’s unpredictable behavior

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6. What does the word “Calyx” refer to in the line “Bright Flowers slit a Calyx”?

a) The flower’s stem
b) The outer covering of a flower
c) The petals of the flower
d) The leaf of the plant

Answer: b) The outer covering of a flower

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7. How does the author feel about the beauty of nature?

a) She finds it overwhelming and excessive
b) She expresses a sense of awe and admiration
c) She believes it is ordinary and unimportant
d) She thinks nature is indifferent to human life

Answer: b) She expresses a sense of awe and admiration

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8. What is the main idea of the poem?

a) The poet describes her love for the Sun
b) The poet reflects on the ephemeral nature of beauty
c) The poet expresses frustration with nature
d) The poet compares nature to human life

Answer: b) The poet reflects on the ephemeral nature of beauty

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9. Which of the following events happens first in the poem?

a) Flowers slit a calyx
b) The Sun hides behind clouds
c) A bird sits on the fence
d) The trees are described as tassels

Answer: d) The trees are described as tassels

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10. What effect does the phrase “The Sun shone whole at intervals” have in the poem?

a) It suggests that the Sun is always shining brightly.
b) It emphasizes the unpredictability of nature.
c) It shows the Sun is hidden most of the time.
d) It implies that the Sun is always constant.

Answer: b) It emphasizes the unpredictability of nature.

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11. What caused the flowers to “soar upon a stem”?

a) The Sun’s rays
b) The wind’s force
c) The beauty of nature
d) The blooming process

Answer: d) The blooming process

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12. How does the image of “Hindered Flags” contribute to the poem?

a) It depicts obstacles in nature
b) It symbolizes the resilience of nature’s beauty
c) It refers to the death of flowers
d) It represents the weakness of nature

Answer: b) It symbolizes the resilience of nature’s beauty

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13. What is the author’s attitude toward the comparison of nature to paintings?

a) She believes nature cannot be captured by any artist
b) She feels that nature is inferior to paintings
c) She does not make any comparison to paintings
d) She views paintings as a perfect representation of nature

Answer: a) She believes nature cannot be captured by any artist

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14. What does the poet mean by saying the Sun has “Estates of Cloud”?

a) The Sun is always covered by clouds
b) The Sun controls the clouds
c) Clouds can hide the Sun, giving it power
d) The Sun has a permanent home in the sky

Answer: c) Clouds can hide the Sun, giving it power

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15. What does the word “Whim” mean in the context of the poem?

a) A strict decision
b) A sudden desire or change of mind
c) A lasting commitment
d) A scientific calculation

Answer: b) A sudden desire or change of mind

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16. How does the poet compare the sun to a person?

a) The Sun is a ruler, commanding the sky
b) The Sun is a whimsical figure, hiding and revealing itself
c) The Sun is an artist, painting the sky
d) The Sun is a teacher, guiding the world

Answer: b) The Sun is a whimsical figure, hiding and revealing itself

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17. Which element of nature is described as ‘gossiped in the lane’?

a) The wind
b) The flowers
c) A bird
d) A snake

Answer: d) A snake

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18. How does the poet describe the effect of the flowers in the poem?

a) The flowers grow slowly and steadily.
b) The flowers open like flags, reaching upwards with beauty.
c) The flowers are described as wilting and fading.
d) The flowers are silent and motionless.

Answer: b) The flowers open like flags, reaching upwards with beauty.

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19. What is the tone of the poem?

a) Joyful and celebratory
b) Mournful and sorrowful
c) Playful and whimsical
d) Critical and angry

Answer: c) Playful and whimsical

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20. What does the poet imply about nature’s beauty at the end of the poem?

a) It is fleeting and cannot be captured by human art.
b) It is forever unchanged and eternal.
c) It is less important than human creations.
d) It is purely chaotic and lacks meaning.

Answer: a) It is fleeting and cannot be captured by human art.

Main Literary Devices in Trees by Emily Dickinson

1. Imagery

Imagery refers to the use of vivid language that appeals to the senses. In the poem, Dickinson uses imagery to create a clear mental picture of the natural world. For example:

• “The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung –” This image makes the trees seem like soft, moving decorations, adding a sense of grace and movement to nature.

2. Personification

Personification is when non-human objects or abstract concepts are given human characteristics. Dickinson gives human-like qualities to elements of nature:

• “A Bird sat careless on the fence –” Here, the bird is described as “careless,” an attribute typically used to describe human behavior.
• “The Sun shone whole at intervals –” The Sun is presented as having the ability to choose when to shine, giving it a human-like decision-making quality.

3. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes something by saying it is something else, often for comparison:

• “The Sun shone whole at intervals –” The Sun is metaphorically described as something that can be “whole” or complete at times, and at other times it is hidden, like it has a choice.

4. Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. Dickinson uses this device to enhance the flow of the poem:

• “Psalteries of Summer”
  The repetition of the “s” sound emphasizes the soft, musical nature of the summer sounds.

5. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Dickinson uses it to emphasize the greatness or mystery of nature:

• “Enamoring the Ear”
  This exaggerates the power of the sounds of nature, suggesting that the music of summer has an irresistible, enchanting effect.

6. Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are used to make a point rather than to seek an answer. Dickinson uses this device to provoke thought:

• “As if Himself were optional”
  This rhetorical question emphasizes the unpredictability of the Sun and its seeming independence.

7. Symbolism

Symbolism is when a word, character, or event stands for something beyond its literal meaning. In this poem:

• “The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung –”
  The trees symbolize nature’s vitality and grace, as well as the passage of time.

8. Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is the placing of two contrasting elements side by side for effect. Dickinson contrasts moments of light and shadow:

• “The Sun shone whole at intervals – Then Half – then utter hid –”
  This juxtaposition emphasizes the changing nature of the Sun’s presence and its impact on the landscape.

These literary devices work together to evoke a sense of nature’s beauty, mystery, and transience in Dickinson’s Trees. They also help to deepen the emotional and sensory connection between the reader and the natural world.