On Killing a Tree DQ
On Killing a Tree – An Ironical Poem
Gieve Patel [1940-2023]
Descriptive Questions – 6 Marks
1. Write a brief summary or substance of the poem, “On Killing a Tree”.
👉In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, eco-friendly poet, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
Related Questions
[I] Describe the growth, struggle and ultimate death of a tree as depicted in the poem, “On Killing a Tree”.
[II] How does the poet describe the killing of a tree in the poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
[III] Give an account of how the strength of the tree is exposed to the sunlight.
[IV] Write after Gieve Patel a note of the power and strength of a tree to withstand man’s cruelty.
[V] How is the life of a tree to be finally put to an end?
[VI] What are the different steps taken for killing the tree?
[VII] What are the methods used by man to completely destroy a tree?
[VIII] Why does it take ‘much time to kill a tree’? How is the tree finally killed? [3+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2015]
[IX] “It takes much time to kill a tree.” Why does it take much time to kill a tree? According to the poet how is the tree finally killed? [3+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2018]
[X] “It takes much time to kill a tree.” Why does it take much time to kill a tree? How is the tree finally killed? [3+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2023]
[XI] How does the poet describe the growth of a tree over the years? What are the different steps taken for killing the tree? [4+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2019]
[XII] Why can’t ‘a simple jab of the knife’ kill a tree? According to the poet how is the tree finally killed? [2+4]
[XIII] “And then it is done.” What is done? When and how is it done? [1+5]
👉The complete destruction of the tree is done.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
[XIV] “And then it is done.” What is being referred to? How is it done? On what tone does the poem end? [1+3+2] [WBCHSE H.S. 2020]
👉The complete destruction of the tree is being referred to here.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
The poem ends on a tragic or pathetic tone.
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2. Describe in detail the growth of a tree as stated in the opening stanza of the poem, “On Killing a Tree”.
👉In the opening stanza of his poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ Gieve Patel vividly describes the growth of a tree in a very simple language. He says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water, the three elemental forces of nature to produce food which helps the tree to grow into a giant shape. Its inner strength, the root thickens, branches grow up and extend and green leaves, miniature boughs expand, grow big and strong. Thus, taking nutrients from the earth and atmosphere, the tree grows in a gradual process.
Related Questions
[I] Describe after Gieve Patel how has the tree grown to its full size?
[II] How does the poet describe the growth of a tree over the years?
[III] “It has grown” What has grown? How has the tree grown? [1+5]
👉In Gieve Patel’s poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the tree has grown.
In the opening stanza of his poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ Gieve Patel vividly describes the growth of a tree in a very simple language. He says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water, the three elemental forces of nature to produce food which helps the tree to grow into a giant shape. Its inner strength, the root thickens, branches grow up and extend and green leaves, miniature boughs expand, grow big and strong. Thus, taking nutrients from the earth and atmosphere, the tree grows in a gradual process.
[IV] “It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,” How is the earth consumed and how does the tree grow to its full size? [1+5]
👉In Gieve Patel’s poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the tree has grown slowly consuming the earth.
In the opening stanza of his poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ Gieve Patel vividly describes the growth of a tree in a very simple language. He says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water, the three elemental forces of nature to produce food which helps the tree to grow into a giant shape. Its inner strength, the root thickens, branches grow up and extend and green leaves, miniature boughs expand, grow big and strong. Thus, taking nutrients from the earth and atmosphere, the tree grows in a gradual process.
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3. “The bleeding bark will heal” How does the tree heal itself?
👉In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size.
Related Question
How does the chopped tree expand again to former size?
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4. Write the central idea of the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
👉Gieve Patel’s poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ deals with a common subject of killing a tree. The poem’s title indicates the ironical fate of a tree. The whole poem narrates a graphic description of the total annihilation of a tree with a veiled note of irony. The poem reflects the poet’s deep concern for indiscriminate felling of trees which becomes now-a-days almost ceremonial task. The title of the poem suggests the theme of the poem.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
Thus the poem focuses on the irony of killing a benefactor by its beneficiary.
Related Questions
[I] Write about the uses of irony in the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
[II] Write critical appreciation or analysis or estimate or assessment of the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
[III] Write the theme or purport of the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
[IV] “The poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ describes man’s cruelty and violence towards Nature.” Discuss.
[V] Describe the pathetic fate of a tree, as revealed in the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
[VI] Justify the title of the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’. [6] [WBCHSE H.S. 2016]
👉Gieve Patel’s poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ deals with a common subject of killing a tree. The poem’s title indicates the ironical fate of a tree. The whole poem narrates a graphic description of the total annihilation of a tree with a veiled note of irony. The poem reflects the poet’s deep concern for indiscriminate felling of trees which becomes now-a-days almost ceremonial task. The title of the poem suggests the theme of the poem.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
Thus the poem focuses on the irony of killing a benefactor by its beneficiary.
The ironical deeply meaningful title of the poem precisely indicates the process of uprooting i.e. killing a tree. So, it is apt.
[VI] What does the title ‘On Killing a Tree’ suggest? Describe the process by which a tree is eventually killed. [1+5]
👉The ironical deeply meaningful title of the poem precisely indicates the process of uprooting i.e. killing a tree. So, it is apt.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
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5. Consider the poem, ”On Killing a Tree” as a telling commentary on one of the major environmental issues of the day.
👉Gieve Patel’s poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ deals with a common subject of killing a tree. The poem’s title indicates the ironical fate of a tree. The whole poem narrates a graphic description of the total annihilation of a tree with a veiled note of irony. The poem reflects the poet’s deep concern for indiscriminate felling of trees which becomes now-a-days almost ceremonial task. The title of the poem suggests the theme of the poem.
In the poem the poet presents the tree as a powerful symbol of growth, struggle and death. The tree symbolizes nature and its destruction shows man’s folly because in destroying a tree man destroys himself. The tree is a generous helper, a true friend of mankind. But, in turn, man kills the tree. Man’s selfish greed annihilates it. Thus, the poem has become ‘a telling commentary on one of the major environmental issues of the day.’
Related Questions
[I] Consider the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ as a poem of protest on one of the major environmental issues of the day.
[II] How does the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ presents ‘man’s cruelty and violence towards nature’?
[III] What message does the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ convey?
[IV] “Modern man out of his indiscriminate greed and selfishness……….to uproot Nature and its very soul,” Elucidate this statement with references to the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
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6. Why does the poet Gieve Patel describe the killing of a tree in such a graphic detail in the poem,’On Killing a Tree’?
👉Gieve Patel’s poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ deals with a common subject of killing a tree. The poem’s title indicates the ironical fate of a tree. The whole poem narrates a graphic description of the total annihilation of a tree with a veiled note of irony. The poem reflects the poet’s deep concern for indiscriminate felling of trees which becomes now-a-days almost ceremonial task. The title of the poem suggests the theme of the poem.
In his ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the eco-friendly poet Gieve Patel tells us that it is not an easy task to kill a full-grown tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
Thus the poem focuses on the irony of killing a benefactor by its beneficiary.
As a sensitive poet Gieve Patel describes the killing of a tree in such a vivid manner to evoke our sympathy for trees.
Related Questions
[I] Write a note on the poet’s attitude to trees as revealed in the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’.
[II] How can a tree be killed? Why does the poet describe the killing of a tree in such graphic detail? [4+2]
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7. “And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.” What does the expression ‘leprous hide’ refer to? What grows from ‘leprous hide’? What does the expression signify? Bring out the irony suggested here.[1+1+2+2]
👉Here the expression ‘leprous hide’ refers to the tree bark which is probably rough and has marks.
Leaves grow from the ‘leprous hide’.
The poet here personifies the tree by describing its bark as ‘leprous’. He uses a medical term to personify the tree.
The expression is ironical. Leprosy usually eats away the body and prevents normal growth. But here, ‘leprous hide’ is the source of growth. It bears the twigs that produce food. It is not a symbol of decay, but of growing life.
Related Questions
[I] “And out of its leprous hide. Sprouting leaves.” What does the expression ‘leprous hide’ refer to? Why is it called ‘leprous hide’? How does the tree obtain its ‘leprous hide’? What irony is hinted at by ‘leprous hide sprouting leaves’? [1+1+1+3]
👉Here the expression ‘leprous hide’ refers to the tree bark which is probably rough and has marks.
It is called ‘leprous hide’ because like the skin of a leprosy patient, it is rough and probably has marks on it.
The expression is ironical. Leprosy usually eats away the body and prevents normal growth. But here, ‘leprous hide’ is the source of growth. It bears the twigs that produce food. It is not a symbol of decay, but of growing life.
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8. “So hack and chop
But this alone won’t do it.” What does ‘this’ and ‘it’ refer to here? Why won’t hacking and chopping do it? [1+1+4]
👉Here ‘this’ refers to the hacking and chopping of the tree, and ‘it’ refers to the complete destruction of the tree.
In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping.
Related Question
[I] “But this alone won’t do it.” What does ‘this’ refer to? What does ‘it’ suggest? Why won’t this able to do it? How then it will be done completely? [1+1+2+2]
👉Here ‘this’ refers to the hacking and chopping of the tree, and ‘it’ refers to the complete destruction of the tree.
In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping.
The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless.
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9. “The source, white and wet,
The most sensitive, hidden” What does the word ‘source’ refer to here? How does the poet describe the root and its function? [1+5]
👉Here the word ‘source’ refers to the root of the tree.
The poet has vividly described the root of a tree with his scientific outlook and poetic imagination. He considers the root to be the anchor of the tree that stands firmly on the ground. The root is actually the strength of the tree, the source of life, security and firmness. This life supporting source is white and wet and hidden inside the earth. The poet calls the root ‘the most sensitive’, thereby giving human quality to the tree.
Related Question
“The source, white and wet” What is referred by the ‘source’? Why is it said to be white and wet? What is done to the source? [1+3+2]
👉Here the word ‘source’ refers to the root of the tree.
The poet has vividly described the root of a tree with his scientific outlook and poetic imagination. He considers the root to be the anchor of the tree that stands firmly on the ground. The root is actually the strength of the tree, the source of life, security and firmness. This life supporting source is white because it always remains hidden inside the earth and so it never gets sunlight, and it is wet because it always absorbs watery contents inside the earth. The poet also calls the root ‘the most sensitive’, thereby giving human quality to the tree.
The source of the tree, the root is pulled out entirely, out of the anchoring earth. The root of the tree always remains hidden inside the earth for years. After uprooting the source of the tree is exposed to all.
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10. How does the poet invoke lyricism in nature’s resilience in the first two stanzas of his poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
👉Patel’s poem, “On Killing a Tree” is a poem of four stanzas. The first two stanzas suggest nature’s resilience. According to the eco-friendly poet, Gieve Patel, a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. But all this happens as nature gives the tree a solid support.
11. What is personification? How does the poet personify the tree in his poem, “On Killing a Tree”? [1+5]
👉Personification is a figure of speech that gives human qualities to an inanimate object.
In his poem, “On Killing a Tree”, Gieve Patel looks upon the tree as a human being. Like a human being, a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded. All these images personify the tree.
Related Question
How has the tree been given human attributes in the poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
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12. “Not so much pain will do it” Who feels pain and when? Why does ‘so much pain’ fail to finish it? [2+4]
👉In Gieve Patel’s ironical poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ the tree feels pain when it is hacked and chopped.
In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, eco-friendly poet, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size.
13. How does a tree offer resistance to its destruction? How does its resistance fail? [3+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2017]
👉In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, eco-friendly poet, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife. Such a deep rooted tree cannot be killed by mere hacking and chopping. Its bark may bleed and feel pain, but it will heal and small boughs will grow from the part close to the ground and develop to its former size. The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. The tree struggles hard to survive, but it ultimately gives into man’s cruelty and violence.
14. “And the strength of the tree exposed” Where does the strength of the tree lie? How is it described by the poet? How is the strength of the tree exposed? [1+2+3]
👉The strength of the tree lies in its roots.
The poet has vividly described the root of a tree with his scientific outlook and poetic imagination. He considers the root to be the anchor of the tree that stands firmly on the ground. The root is actually the strength of the tree, the source of life, security and firmness. This life supporting source is white and wet and hidden inside the earth. The poet calls the root ‘the most sensitive’, thereby giving human quality to the tree.
The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. And when the strength of the tree, the root is uprooted completely, it is exposed.
Related Questions
[I] “And the strength of the tree exposed” Where does the strength of a tree lie? How is it exposed? How is the life-force of a tree described in the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’? [1+2+3]
👉The strength of the tree lies in its roots.
The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. And when the strength of the tree, the root is uprooted completely, it is exposed.
The poet has vividly described the root of a tree with his scientific outlook and poetic imagination. He considers the root to be the anchor of the tree that stands firmly on the ground. The root is actually the strength of the tree, the source of life, security and firmness. This life supporting source is white and wet and hidden inside the earth. The poet calls the root ‘the most sensitive’, thereby giving human quality to the tree.
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15. “No
The root is to be pulled out.” What does ‘no’ suggest here? What are the different steps man must take to uproot a tree? [1+5]
👉Here the word ‘no’ suggests that by mere hacking and chopping it cannot be possible to kill the tree completely. To kill the tree completely, the poet suggests to uproot it entirely from the earth-cave.
The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless.
17. “Which if unchecked will expand again” What is referred to as ‘which’? Into what will be expand again? Comment on the life-force of the described being. [1+1+4]
👉Here ‘which’ refers to ‘miniature boughs’, the curled green twigs growing from the part of the chopped tree close to the ground.
If unchecked, it will expand again to former size.
The poet has vividly described the root of a tree with his scientific outlook and poetic imagination. He considers the root to be the anchor of the tree that stands firmly on the ground. The root is actually the strength of the tree, the source of life, security and firmness. This life supporting source is white and wet and hidden inside the earth. The poet calls the root ‘the most sensitive’, thereby giving human quality to the tree.
17. “Out from the earth-cave,” What does the expression ‘earth-cave’ mean? What is pulled out from the ‘earth-cave’ and how? [2+1+3]
👉The expression ‘earth-cave’ means the gaping hole in the earth when the roots of the tree are pulled out entirely from the anchoring earth.
The root of the tree is pulled out from the ‘earth-cave’.
The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots.
18. “Not a simple jab of the knife will do it.”
(a) What is meant by ‘it’?
(b) Why will the jab of the knife not do ‘it’?
(c) How can ‘it’ be done? [1+2+3] [WBCHSE H.S. 2024]
👉(a) Here ‘it’ refers to the complete destruction of the tree.
(b) In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, Gieve Patel says that a tree has gradually grown into a full grown tree by taking nutrients from the earth. It also absorbs years of sunlight, air and water. Moreover, it has deep roots which anchor it in the earth. So, it is not an easy task to kill a tree with a simple jab of a knife.
(c) The root is the source of life, security and firmness of a tree. So, in order to kill a tree, it has to be uprooted completely. To uproot completely it is to be roped tied and pulled out of the earth with all its roots. After uprooting, scorching and chocking in the sunlight, and through browning, hardening and twisting, it finally becomes dry and lifeless. Thus, the long process of killing a tree can be safely concluded.
19. How has Gieve Patel shown violence and the philosophy of non-violence in the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’?
👉Patel’s ‘On Killing a Tree’ presents the theme of violence to advocate the philosophy of non-violence. The violence shown in the poem is a literal one, while the philosophy of non-violence is suggested ironically. The speaker describes the whole process of killing a tree. Man applies various methods to kill the tree for commercial purpose. Man is heartless, and trees suffer much like living beings and at last die. Ironically, the killing of a tree in a violent manner gives out the lesson of non-violence. The poet shows man’s cruelty towards the tree to arouse our love and sympathy for all objects of nature, including trees.
20. What is image? How does the poet use image to express his idea in his poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
👉In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ Gieve Patel treats trees as living organisms. In this poem the poet Gieve Patel, a true lover of nature, uses images to evoke empathy of the reader for the tree and makes us feel pain for its death. His concern for environment is evident in the images of life, violence, love, birth, sickness and death. The words and expressions that show the growth and life of the tree are ‘grown slowly’, ‘consuming’, ‘rising’, ‘feeding’, ‘absorbing’, ‘sprouting’, ‘green twigs’, ‘strength’, ‘most sensitive’ etc. These words suggest life and its gradual growth. The words, ‘roped’, ‘tied’, ‘pulled out’, ‘snapped out’ and ‘bleeding bark’ display the imagery of violence. ‘Anchoring earth’ is an evocative image of love. But ‘leprous hide’ is indicative of sickness. The words like ‘hack’, ‘chop’, ‘scorching’, ‘hardening’, ‘twisting’, and ‘withering’ are images of death. All these images merge into symbols to signify the brutality of man against Nature. All these images emphasize that the tree is also a living being.
Related Question
What images of life and death does the poet use in the poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
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21. What is the justification of using the word ‘killing’?
👉’On Killing a Tree’, as a title, no doubt, is a meaningful one. It indicates the process of the killing of a tree by human efforts. There seems, however, a misnomer in the use of the word ‘killing’. This word ‘killing’ may be safely used in the case of a man or any beast or bird. ‘To kill’ is hard to hear in connection with a tree. The use of the word ‘destruction’ is definitely more sensible or appropriate.
Has then the poet deliberately used a wrong word? Definitely ‘not’. The poet has a distinct purpose. The word ‘kill’ implies a sort of cruelty. The human effort of destroying the wood or deforestation is a bitter act of human cruelty by its very beneficiary, the entire human race. The title, ironically used, is deeply meaningful and appropriate.
Related Question
Why does the poet use the word ‘kill’ rather than ‘destroy’? Does it suggest his attitude to trees? What do you think is his attitude to them?
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