Poem : Chapter 8 On Killing A Tree English - Poem : Chapter 8 On Killing A Tree

What helps the tree to grow?

What killed the tree?

What is the message of this poem?

How do the trees die?

What does the poet equate killing trees with?

Then the matter
Of scorching and choking
In sun and air,
Browning, hardening,
Twisting, withering,
And then it is done.
(i) What happens to the tree after its root is pulled out?
(ii) What does the phrase “And then it is done” mean?

The root is to be pulled out —
Out of the anchoring earth;
It is to be roped, tied,
And pulled out — snapped out
Or pulled out entirely,
Out from the earth-cave,
And the strength of the tree exposed
The source, white and wet,
The most sensitive, hidden
For years inside the earth.
(i) What is described as the most sensitive part of the tree?
(ii) Why is pulling out the root necessary to kill the tree?

So hack and chop
But this alone wont do it.
Not so much pain will do it.
The bleeding bark will heal
And from close to the ground
Will rise curled green twigs,
Miniature boughs
Which if unchecked will expand again
To former size.
(i) What happens if a tree is hacked and chopped?
(ii) How does the tree revive itself?

It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding
Upon its crust, absorbing
Years of sunlight, air, water,
And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves. 
(i) Why can’t a tree be killed with a simple jab of a knife?
(ii) What does the tree absorb over the years to grow?

‘And then it is done,’ what does this mean?

“The strength of the tree exposed.” Explain.

What does the killing of a tree symbolize?

How does the poet create the feelings of sadness in the poem ‘On Killing A Tree’?

What are the two important stages for killing a tree ?

Give a brief summary of the poem.

How can one kill a tree?