Chapter 10, "The Cherry Tree," is a beautiful and evocative short story by the renowned Indian author Ruskin Bond. It follows the journey of a young boy named Rakesh and his grandfather as they plant a single cherry seed and watch it struggle against the elements to grow into a magnificent tree. This chapter is a heartwarming exploration of the bond between humans and nature, the virtue of patience, and the pure joy that comes from nurturing life.
Set in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas (Mussoorie), the story serves as a gentle lesson for Class 8 students on resilience and growth. It mirrors the human experience—showing that just as a tree survives cold winters, hungry goats, and accidental cuts, we too must persist through challenges to find our "blooming" moment.
We provide comprehensive NCERT Solutions to help students appreciate Bond’s simple yet profound prose, analyze the symbolic growth of Rakesh alongside the tree, and prepare for exam questions. These solutions are aligned with the NCERT Class 8 syllabus and focus on enhancing both vocabulary and emotional understanding.
In Class 8 English – Chapter 10, "The Cherry Tree", students learn about the magic of nature and the rewards of hard work. Our NCERT Solutions for Class 8 English provide clear summaries and solved exercises to help you excel in your exams. Download the free PDF below.
The story begins when Rakesh buys a handful of cherries and, on his grandfather's suggestion, plants the last seed in a corner of the garden. For a long time, nothing happens, and Rakesh almost forgets about it. However, the seed eventually sprouts. Over the next few years, the little plant faces many "enemies": a goat eats its leaves, a woman cutting grass accidentally chops it in half, and the harsh Himalayan winter threatens its survival.
Despite these setbacks, the tree proves to be resilient. Rakesh and his grandfather watch with wonder as the tree finally grows taller than Rakesh and eventually produces its first pink blossoms and sour cherries. By the end of the story, as Rakesh lies under the stars beneath the tree’s branches, he experiences a deep sense of wonder, asking, "Is this what it feels like to be God?"—realizing the incredible power of creation.
I Arrange the events in order of occurrence in the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
7. → 2. → 5. → 10. → 3. → 1. → 8. → 4. → 6. → 9.
II Do you think the cherry tree would survive? Why do you think so?
Answer: Yes, the cherry tree would survive because it has already overcome many difficulties and shown strong will to live, just like a living being with determination.
I Complete the table given below based on your understanding of Part II of the story. One example has been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.
Answer:
I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.
“Are cherry seeds lucky?” asked Rakesh. “Of course.”
“Then I’ll keep it.”
“Nothing is lucky if you put it away. If you want luck, you must put it to some use.”
The Kho-kho captain changed her strategy quickly and without delay when a new player came in from the opposing team.
Answer: promptly
suggest about his mood at that moment?
Answer: B. He is enjoying the taste and the moment.
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)
Answer: he respects and values his grandfather’s advice
Answer: Grandfather believes luck only works when paired with action and effort.
Field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage. The road from the valley was blocked, and for several days there was no newspaper, and this made Grandfather quite grumpy. His stories began to have unhappy endings.
In February it was Rakesh’s birthday. He was nine—and the tree was four, but almost as tall as Rakesh.
The phrase ‘field-mice sought shelter in the roof of the cottage’ suggests that .
Answer: it was very cold outside
A. The weight of the tree was more than the snow.
B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
C. The tree was growing close to the ground.
D. The snow gave support to the tree.
Answer: B. The tree could withstand harsh weather.
Answer: Grandfather became grumpy, and his stories had unhappy endings due to the early winter.
The comparison of Rakesh’s age to the cherry tree’s age symbolises . (the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development/the tree standing as a dear one on Rakesh’s birthday)
Answer: the tree’s growth paralleling Rakesh’s own development.
II Answer the following questions.
Answer: Rakesh’s parents lived in a small village in the lower Himalayan slopes where there were no schools. They were keen that Rakesh should receive a proper education. Since his grandfather lived in Mussoorie, a place with schools, they decided to send him there. They wanted him to have better opportunities to study and grow. So, Rakesh began living with his grandfather to attend school.
Answer: Rakesh let the praying-mantis remain on the branch of the cherry tree because he saw it as a harmless and perhaps even welcome visitor. It was the first insect he
noticed on the tree after it had started growing well. He didn’t feel the need to remove it since it wasn’t causing any damage. His gentle attitude showed his growing care and respect for the tree and its ecosystem. He understood the tree was now a small part of nature.
Answer: Life in the Himalayan foothills is described as beautiful but challenging for plant life. The soil was mostly stony, and the dry, cold winds made it difficult for fruit trees to grow. However, forests of oak and deodar thrived in the more sheltered areas. The environment changed with the seasons—spring brought migrating birds, monsoons brought rain and greenery, and winters brought snow and silence. Despite its challenges, the setting added natural beauty and rhythm to the story.
Answer: When Rakesh says, “Is this what it feels to be God?’ he is reflecting on the joy and wonder of having nurtured something from a tiny seed to a fully grown tree. By planting and caring for the cherry tree, he experienced the process of creation and growth. Watching the tree flourish gave him a sense of accomplishment and peace. The feeling of having given life and beauty to the world made him feel powerful in a quiet, divine way. It was a moment of deep emotional connection with nature.
affectionate, and full of mutual respect. Grandfather is wise and caring, guiding Rakesh gently with advice and stories. They share quiet evenings around the fire and joyful moments in the garden. Grandfather teaches Rakesh about responsibility and nature through small acts like planting a seed. Their bond deepens as they care for the cherry tree together. It is a relationship built on love, learning, and companionship.
Answer: The story shows that the connection between humans and nature is emotional, nurturing, and deeply meaningful. By planting a seed, Rakesh unknowingly begins a journey of care and responsibility. Nature responds to his effort by growing, blooming, and offering peace and beauty. This bond teaches patience, resilience, and respect. It also shows that humans can find joy and a sense of purpose in nurturing life. Nature and humans thrive when they support each other.
Answer: Rakesh must have felt incredibly proud and joyful watching the seed he planted grow into a tall, blossoming cherry tree. He would have remembered how small and insignificant the seed looked at first and how he had nearly forgotten about it. But over time, through seasons of rain, snow, and sunshine, the seed became something beautiful. The tree was not only a plant but a living reminder of his patience, care, and love. He probably felt humbled by nature’s magic and amazed at how such a simple act could bring so much meaning. Lying under its shade, he must have felt peaceful and deeply connected to the tree. It was a quiet joy that came from having helped something grow.
(Session 2026 - 27)