WHEN GREAT TREES FALL

Maya Angelou
INTRODUCTION:
The poem When Great Trees Fall is deeply emotional, drawing a parallel between nature and
humanity. The poet compares great trees to great individuals, emphasizing that their loss is as
profound as the destruction of an ancient tree, which disrupts the balance of the forest. However, the
poem concludes on a hopeful and reassuring note, suggesting that one can find solace in
remembering that such remarkable individuals once walked among us. Their lives serve as a source
of inspiration, encouraging us to strive for greatness.

The Theme of the Poem

The poem explores the deep sorrow that accompanies the loss of great individuals. However, it also
conveys the idea that, much like nature gradually recovers from the loss of towering trees, humans
too learn to heal over time. It encourages a positive outlook, suggesting that we can draw inspiration
from the lives of these remarkable figures and strive for personal growth and greatness.

Summary of When Great Trees Fall

The poem beautifully captures the profound impact of loss, using the fall of a great tree as a
metaphor for the passing of extraordinary individuals. The poet describes how the uprooting of an
old, towering tree shakes the very ground, causing massive rocks to tremble. Even fearless creatures
like lions, known for their bravery, retreat into the tall grass, while mighty elephants seek refuge in
safer places. The smaller animals and insects, overwhelmed by fear, become motionless, their senses
momentarily paralyzed by the intensity of the event.
Transitioning from nature to humanity, the poet then speaks of the death of great individuals. Just as
the fall of a tree disrupts the natural world, the departure of such remarkable souls deeply affects
those left behind. It becomes difficult to breathe, our senses seem to falter, and our vision grows
blurred as we grapple with the immense pain of loss. In this sorrowful state, we are reminded of the
kindness and compassion these individuals embodied, as well as the promises left unfulfilled—
dreams and aspirations that will never materialize in their absence.
The poet emphasizes that a part of our own existence is inextricably linked to these great souls, and
with their passing, that part of us also feels diminished. The nurturing presence they once provided
leaves a void, and the brilliance of their wisdom and guidance seems to crumble. This grief does not
manifest as anger, but it is so profound that it feels as though we have been cast into a dark, lonely
cave of sorrow, struggling to find our way.
However, the poem does not dwell in despair. Over time, after the initial waves of pain subside, a
sense of peace gradually emerges. This tranquility does not come suddenly, but rather seeps in
slowly, like an electric current gently awakening the soul. As this newfound calm takes hold, our
senses begin to revive, and an inner voice speaks to us. It reminds us that these great individuals
once walked among us, and their legacy is not lost. Instead of remaining in sorrow, we are
encouraged to draw inspiration from their lives, to aspire to their greatness, and to carry forward
their values. The poem leaves us with a hopeful realization: just as they once existed and achieved
greatness, we too have the potential to rise and leave our own meaningful impact on the world.

Narrative Style of Poem When Great Trees Fall - divided into five stanzas of uneven lengths. No
regular rhyme scheme or traditional meter. However, it uses rhymed words and varying line-lengths
to create a rhythm.

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List of Literary Devices used in the poem:
1. Metaphor 2. Imagery 3. Personification 4. Repetition
5. Symbolism 6. Alliteration 7. Enjambment 8. Contrast
9. Tone 10. Mood

METAPHOR
1. "When great trees fall" – Great trees symbolize great individuals whose loss deeply
impacts the world.
2. "Rocks on distant hills shudder" – Rocks shuddering represents the widespread and
profound effect of losing an important person.
3. "Lions hunker down in tall grasses" – Lions symbolize strong individuals who, despite
their strength, are affected by great loss.
4. "Elephants lumber after safety" – Elephants represent wisdom and power, showing that
even the strongest feel vulnerable in times of loss.
5. "Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened" – Souls shrinking
represents the emotional emptiness and loss of guidance after the passing of a great person.
6. "Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away" – Radiance symbolizes
the wisdom and influence of great individuals while falling away represents the fading of
their presence in our lives.
7. "We are not so much mad as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves"
– Dark, cold caves symbolize the deep loneliness and sorrow experienced after loss.
8. "Slowly, speech returns to us, new, and different" – Speech returning represents the
gradual healing and transformation after grief.
9. "They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed." – "They
existed" is a metaphor for legacy and inspiration, implying that great individuals continue to
live on through the influence they leave behind.

IMAGERY - categorized by the senses they appeal to

1. Visual Imagery (Sight)
● "When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence" – Creates a picture of a
disrupted forest, emphasizing the impact of loss.
● "Lions hunker down in tall grasses" – Depicts a scene where even strong creatures seek
shelter in fear.
● "Elephants lumber after safety" – A vivid image of large, powerful animals moving in
distress.
● "Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away" – The word radiance
creates an image of brightness or guidance being lost.

2. Auditory Imagery (Sound)

● "Small things recoil into silence, their senses eroded beyond fear" – The absence of
sound enhances the overwhelming nature of grief.
● "Slowly, speech returns to us, new, and different" – Suggests the gradual regaining of
voice after sorrow.

3. Tactile Imagery (Touch/Feeling)

● "We are not so much mad as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves"
– The cold caves evoke a physical sensation of loneliness and emptiness.

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 ● "An electric vibration pulses" – Conveys a tingling, awakening sensation as healing
begins.

4. Emotional Imagery
● "Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened" – Creates the feeling of
emptiness and loss of guidance.
● "We can be. Be and be better. For they existed." – Inspires hope and motivation to move
forward.

PERSONIFICATION where non-human elements are given human-like qualities

1. "Rocks on distant hills shudder" – Rocks are described as shuddering, as if they can feel
fear or sadness.
2. "Small things recoil into silence" – Small things (animals and insects) are said to recoil
into silence, as if consciously reacting to loss.
3. "Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away" – The mind is given
human-like behavior, as if it can physically fall away after loss.
4. "Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened" – The soul is described
as shrinking and wizened (becoming old and weak), as if it has a physical form that reacts to
grief.
5. "An electric vibration pulses" – Vibration is personified as something alive, moving, and
affecting the senses.
6. "Slowly, speech returns to us, new, and different" – Speech is given human-like qualities,
as if it can disappear and later return on its own.

REPETITION where words or phrases are repeated to emphasize key themes or emotions:
1. "They existed. They existed." – The repetition of "They existed" emphasizes the importance
of the legacy left by great individuals, reminding us of their lasting impact.
2. "We can be. Be and be better. For they existed." – The repetition of "be" encourages the
idea of personal growth and striving for greatness, inspired by those who have come before
us.

SYMBOLISM where objects, characters, or elements represent deeper meanings:

1. "Great trees" – Symbolize great individuals whose loss has a profound impact on the world.
The trees represent strength, wisdom, and enduring influence.
2. "Rocks on distant hills" – Symbolize the stability and permanence that is shaken by the fall
of a great person, representing how their loss affects even the most solid and enduring
aspects of life.
3. "Lions" – Symbolize strength and courage, showing that even the most powerful beings are
vulnerable to grief and loss.
4. "Elephants" – Symbolize wisdom and grandeur, representing how even those with great
stature and experience are affected by loss.
5. "Dark, cold caves" – Symbolize isolation, sorrow, and emotional darkness, reflecting the
feeling of being lost or alone after the passing of a significant person.
6. "Electric vibration" – Symbolizes the awakening and renewal that occurs after the initial
pain of loss, representing the gradual return of hope and inspiration.

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 ALLITERATION where the repetition of consonant sounds creates rhythm and emphasizes
certain words or phrases:
1. "Small things recoil into silence" – The repetition of the "s" sound in small, silence, and
shudder enhances the sense of stillness and fear.
2. "Speech returns to us" – The repetition of the "s" sound in speech and returns creates a
gentle flow, highlighting the gradual return of communication after grief.

ENJAMBMENT, where a sentence or thought flows from one line to the next without a pause
or punctuation:
1. "When great trees fall / in forests, / small things recoil into silence"
The sentence flows from one line to the next without a natural pause, creating a continuous,
smooth reading experience. This helps convey the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of
loss.
2. "Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, / fall away"
The idea continues seamlessly from one line to the next, emphasizing the feeling of
disintegration or loss of guidance.
3. "We can be. Be and be better. / For they existed."
The thought extends beyond the line break, emphasizing the ongoing process of self-
improvement and inspiration drawn from those who have passed.

CONTRAST , where two opposing ideas or images are highlighted to emphasize the emotional
shifts in the poem:
1. Grief vs. Healing
○ Grief: "Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened."
○ Healing: "Slowly, speech returns to us, new, and different."
The poem contrasts the deep sorrow and sense of loss with the eventual return of
peace and growth, showing the progression from pain to recovery.
2. Power vs. Vulnerability
○ Power: "Lions hunker down in tall grasses."
○ Vulnerability: "Small things recoil into silence."
The poem contrasts the strength of lions with the vulnerability of smaller creatures,
emphasizing that even the strong are affected by great loss.
3. Isolation vs. Inspiration
○ Isolation: "We are not so much mad as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark,
cold caves."
○ Inspiration: "We can be. Be and be better. For they existed."
The contrast between feeling isolated and lost in sorrow, and then being inspired to
grow and strive for greatness, reflects the journey from despair to hope.

TONE shifts throughout the poem, reflecting the emotional journey from sorrow to healing:
1. Somber and Reflective – At the beginning of the poem, the tone is mournful and reflective
as the poet describes the deep sadness and emptiness caused by the loss of great individuals.
The description of nature’s reaction to the fall of a tree and the imagery of fear and silence
set a tone of grief.
Example: When great trees fall in forests, small things recoil into silence.

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 2. Grief-Stricken and Desolate – The tone becomes heavier and more desolate as the poet
speaks of how the loss affects the mind and soul, with feelings of isolation and sorrow taking
over.
Example: Our souls, dependent upon their nurture, now shrink, wizened.
3. Hopeful and Uplifting – Towards the end of the poem, the tone shifts to one of hope and
inspiration. The poet emphasizes recovery, renewal, and the potential for greatness inspired
by those who have passed.
Example: We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.

MOOD - evolves as the poem progresses, creating a deep emotional connection with the
reader:
1. Melancholic and Grieving – The mood at the start of the poem is heavy with sorrow and
mourning. The imagery of nature's reaction to the fall of a great tree sets a somber and
reflective tone, evoking feelings of sadness and loss.
Example: When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder.

2. Desolate and Isolated – As the poet describes the effect of the loss on the soul and mind, the
mood becomes more desolate. The reader can sense the emotional weight of the grief, feeling
the isolation and silence that follows.
Example: We are not so much mad as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold
Caves.

3. Hopeful and Inspirational – In the final lines, the mood shifts to one of hope and
inspiration. The reader feels a sense of renewal and motivation, as the poet suggests that
greatness can still be achieved in honor of those who have passed.
Example: We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.

POEM EXPLANATION

When great trees fall,

The poet compares the loss of a powerful person to a great tree falling. This shows that such a loss
has a big impact on the world.

Rocks on the distant hills shudder,

The tree’s fall is so strong that even rocks, which are usually solid and unshakable, tremble. This
shows that the loss affects even the most stable things.

Lions hunker down / In tall grasses,

Lions, who are usually strong and brave, hide in the tall grasses, showing that even the fearless feel
fear in the face of loss.

And even elephants / Lumber after safety.

Elephants, known for their wisdom and strength, also seek safety. Their slow movement shows how
hard the loss is for even the strongest creatures. It shows that no one is untouched by such a loss.

When great trees fall, in forests,

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The poet talks about the fall of a big tree in the forest, symbolizing the loss of something powerful or
important.

small things recoil into silence,

Small animals or creatures in the forest react by becoming quiet and hiding, showing how even the
smallest beings are affected by the loss.

their senses eroded beyond fear."

The creatures are so shocked by the fall of the great tree that they are too overwhelmed to feel fear;
they are left in a state of numbness, unable to react.
●

When great souls die,

The poet talks about the death of special people who have a big impact on others.

the air around us becomes less soulful,

When such a person dies, the world feels emptier, as if it’s lost some of its energy or meaning.

the stars are not quite so bright.

The stars, which represent hope and beauty, seem dimmer after the loss of a great person, making
the world feel less bright and hopeful.

The trees are bent,

The trees are leaning or bowing, suggesting that they are affected by something powerful, like a
storm or strong wind. This shows the trees are enduring a force beyond their control.

their limbs outstretched,

The trees’ branches are spread wide, as if they are trying to hold on or brace themselves against the
force of the wind. This shows their vulnerability and struggle.

waiting for the wind to pass.

The trees are patiently enduring the storm, hoping for it to end. This line reflects the idea of waiting
for difficult times to pass, suggesting both endurance and hope for relief.

The animals, fearful,

The animals are scared, showing that the situation is causing anxiety and worry in the creatures of
the land.

hide in the tall grasses, / or behind rocks,

The animals seek shelter in tall grasses or behind rocks, trying to protect themselves from whatever
is causing their fear. This shows their vulnerability and instinct to seek safety.

while the birds stop singing.

The birds, usually a symbol of peace and joy, stop singing, which suggests a sense of silence or
sadness. It shows that the impact of the situation affects even the usual sense of harmony in nature.

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We who remain,
This refers to those who are left behind after a significant loss, suggesting a feeling of being alone
or abandoned.

often cannot breathe,

The grief is so overwhelming that it feels hard to breathe, symbolizing the emotional weight and
difficulty of coping with loss.

until, in the midst of our grief,

Despite the intense sorrow, the poem suggests that healing or comfort comes slowly, even in the
deepest moments of grief.

we find that our senses have been soothed.

Eventually, time or a shift in perspective helps calm the pain, and the person who is grieving finds a
sense of peace or comfort as if their mind and emotions are slowly healing.

Slowly, speech returns to us,

After the grief, we start to find our ability to speak again.

new, and different.

The way we speak is changed, showing that we have been affected by the loss and are not the same
as before.

We can be. Be and be better.

We can keep going and become better people because of what we've learned.

For they existed.

We can improve because the people who came before us made a difference in our lives.

Additional Question
How does the poet's portrayal of nature's reaction to the fall of a great tree reflect the emotional
impact of losing a significant figure in society?
Ripple Effect of Loss: The fall of a great tree symbolizes how the death of a prominent figure
affects distant areas and people.
Fear and Vulnerability: Even the strongest creatures, like lions and elephants, show vulnerability,
illustrating how society’s sense of security is shaken by the loss.
Nature's Silence as a Reflection of Grief: The retreat into silence represents grief and mourning,
with nature honoring the passing.
Universal Impact: The emotional response is felt by all living beings, demonstrating that the loss of
a significant figure affects all levels of society.

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