Exam-oriented note for Poem 8: On Killing a Tree from English Beehive – Class IX, with a point-wise summary and detailed Q&A:
Poem 8: On Killing a Tree
Poet: Gieve Patel
Point-wise Summary
- The poem describes, in a sarcastic tone, how difficult it is to truly kill a tree.
- A simple cut or jab will not kill a tree, because it has strong roots and heals naturally.
- The tree grows slowly, deeply rooted in the soil, feeding on sunlight, air, and water.
- To really kill it, one must uproot it entirely—exposing the roots to sun and air, drying them until the tree withers.
- The poem uses this process as a metaphor for destruction and cruelty.
- It highlights the resilience of nature and the violent process of man’s domination over it.
Theme
- Human cruelty towards nature
- The strength and resilience of trees
- Environmental exploitation
- Irony in destruction masked as ‘need’
- A protest against deforestation
Word Meanings
- Jab – Sudden rough blow or cut
- Leprous – Diseased, patchy appearance
- Scorching – Extremely hot
- Withering – Drying and dying
- Exposing – Showing or uncovering
Literary Devices
- Irony: The poem pretends to give instructions on killing a tree but actually criticizes the act.
- Personification: The tree is described as if it has feelings—bleeds, heals, and grows.
- Imagery: Strong visuals—“bleeding bark,” “leprous hide,” “earth cave”—make the scene vivid.
- Enjambment: Lines flow into each other without punctuation, giving continuity and urgency.
- Metaphor: Tree’s life cycle symbolizes nature’s strength and man’s brutality.
Important Questions and Answers
1. What is the central idea of the poem?
The poem shows how deeply rooted and resilient trees are, and how cruel and forceful one has to be to destroy them. It’s a powerful commentary on deforestation.
2. Why does the poet say “It takes much time to kill a tree”?
Because a tree is deeply rooted and heals itself naturally. Cutting or chopping it does not kill it unless the roots are destroyed.
3. What does the phrase “bleeding bark” mean?
It is a metaphor suggesting that trees, like humans, bleed when hurt. It symbolizes pain and life within the tree.
4. How does the poet describe the process of killing a tree?
He says it requires uprooting the tree completely, exposing its roots, and letting them dry under the sun and air until it dies completely.
5. What message is the poet trying to give?
He criticizes the destruction of nature by humans and highlights the strength and life of trees, urging readers to respect and preserve them.
6. What role do the roots play in the tree’s survival?
Roots are the source of life and strength. They anchor the tree and absorb nutrients. Only by killing the root can the tree be destroyed.
7. Why does the poet use harsh language in the poem?
To reflect the brutal reality of how humans treat nature. The language shocks the reader into realizing the cruelty behind cutting trees.
8. Explain the poetic device used in “leprous hide.”
It’s a metaphor comparing the rough bark of a tree to diseased human skin, emphasizing ugliness to show how humans perceive trees while destroying them.
9. What does the poem teach about nature?
Nature is strong, self-healing, and alive. Trees are not easy to destroy because of their deep connection with earth and life.
10. What tone does the poet adopt in this poem?
The tone is ironic and critical. Though it sounds instructional, it is actually condemning the act of killing trees.
Would you like to continue with Chapter 9: The Beggar next?
