Gieve Patel is a poet, painter, and environmentalist. In his poem "On Killing a Tree", he speaks of the deep concern about cutting
down trees for selfish gain and the bad habits of human beings.
Question 1: what's the underlying message of the poem?
Answer: The poem
describes the method of killing a tree. This seems to contradict our
established belief that we usually plant more trees. The poet mentions here how
effective killing can be implemented. The underlying message of the poem is
that the poet wants us to start a work completely once we start it. We should
not leave it in our minds. It may seem to us that we have done it perfectly,
but many times it is just an illusion. So, like the complete killing of the
tree, we should also finish the work completely. Also, the poet reminds us of
the fact that the effort must be the best and should be done with a whole
heart.
Question 2: The poem
is about killing a tree. Do you think it is fair to cut down trees? Why did the
poet say then?
Answer: The poem is about killing a tree. The poet has mentioned that there are different ways to kill a tree. But, it is not fair to kill a tree for our selfish purposes. Yet the poet used the theme of murder. He wanted to convey the message that despite the clinical method of killing a tree, it always remains a heinous act. The poet used it this way to comment in the opposite way and it was in nature for someone to sneer. He knew that people are aware of the fact that cutting down trees is a big loss but they often do it. So, he used his way.
Question 3: The poet has described the ways to kill a tree that is contrary to the meaning. What does the poet mean by this?
Answer: The poet has
given the strongest message to the readers. He has used a different method that
contrasts with reality. However, it has something to do with poetry. The poet
highlights the evils around us whose depth is within us. We are prone to its
destructive effects. He wants us to get rid of these evils, which hinder our
growth. Evils will take time to come out but it needs to be eradicated. To
eradicate these we need a strong will, perseverance and complete dedication. It
is never easy to get these completely inside and we need to make every effort.
Question 4: How did the tree grows in its present form?
Answer: The tree has grown to its current size by absorbing sources like air, water and sunlight from the earth and its surroundings.
Question 5: What has been compared to ‘Leprous hide’?
Answer: “Leprous hide” has been compared to bark which has become colorless over time. Looks like someone with leprosy and discolored skin.
Question 6: A knife
was not enough to kill an ordinary job tree. What did the poet suggest to try to to after
that?
Answer: A simple job
of a knife was not enough to kill a tree. The poet, therefore, suggested that
it should be beaten and cut to apply to severe injuries.
Question 7: What
will be the effect of hacking and cutting down trees?
Answer: Hacking and
cutting the tree will cause pain, but this pain will be relieved soon and the pain
of bark will heal on its own.
Question 8: How can the tree returns to its previous shape?
Answer: The bleeding bark will be heated and new leaves will be formed from the place near the soil, new shaking will come which will increase the tree to its previous shape.
Question 9: Explain the use of ‘Anchoring Earth’.
Answer: ‘Anchoring’ is used to indicate a condition that requires a process. The earth is such a compelling and important factor to trees. Thus, ‘Anchoring Earth’ has been used.
Question 10: Why
does the poet want to scatter the tree?
Answer: The previous
methods of killing trees were not successful. Therefore, the poet definitely
used the method to pull the roots and then kill the tree.
Question 11: What is
the source of the tree in the poem? What does it look like?
Answer: The roots of
the tree and its roots look like a white sensitive substance that stays wet and
hidden inside the earth for years.
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