On Killing a Tree

On Killing a Tree

B. Read the following lines from the poem and answer the questions in a sentence or two.

1. It takes much time to kill a tree,
Not a simple jab of the knife Will do it.

Question 1.
Can a ‘simple jab of the knife’ kill a tree?
Answer:
No, a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree.

Question 2.
Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
Answer:
It is because the tree is very strong and its root is deep in the earth.

2. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
Rising out of it, feeding Upon its crust, absorbing

Question 1.
How has the tree grown?
Answer:
The tree has grown slowly.

Question 2.
What does the tree feed on the crust?
Answer:
The tree feeds water from the crust.

3. And out of its leprous hide
Sprouting leaves.

Question 1.
What does the phrase ‘leprous hide’ mean?
Answer:
‘Leprous hide’ means the bark of the tree. It has rough skin with scales.

Question 2.
What comes out of the leprous hide?
Answer:
Tiny leaves come out of the leprous hide.

4. The bleeding bark will heal
And from close to the ground
Will rise curled green twigs,
Miniature boughs

Question 1.
What will happen to the bleeding bark?
Answer:
The bleeding bark will heal.

Question 2.
What will rise from close to the ground?
Answer:
The curled green twigs will rise from close to the ground.

5. The root is to be pulled out
One of the anchoring earth;

Question 1.
Why should the root be pulled out?
Answer:
The root should be pulled out to dry it and kill the tree.

Question 2.
What does ‘anchoring earth’ mean?
Answer:
‘Anchoring earth’ means fixing the tree firmly inside the earth (like a ship in the sea).

F. Complete the table by identifying lines, against the poetic devices from the poem.

1. It takes much time to kill a tree. - Personification
2. The bleeding bark will heal. - Personification
3. One of the anchoring earth . - Imagery

 

 Gifted Para

      Poem : On Killing a Tree

      Poet  :  Gieve Patel

       Theme : Save trees, Save world.

The poet explains the process of killing a tree. A lot of work has to be done in order to kill it completely. It cannot be accomplished by merely cutting it with a knife. The tree has grown strong with the help of sunlight, air and water for a countless number of years. Even the bleeding bark of the tree gives rise to twigs and boughs. The bottom of the tree sprouts new twigs and leaves. In a short period, they grow into a new tree. So, to kill the tree completely one should take out its roots completely from the soul. Then they should be exposed to the sun and air. Only then the tree will be completely killed.

 

 Slow Learners Para

• The poet explains the process of killing a tree.
• A lot of work need to kill a tree.
• The tree has grown with Sun, Air, Water.
• In a short period, they grow into a new tree. 
•  It is not easy to kill a grown up tree. 
• One has to take great pains to do it.