Gieve Patel’s “On Killing a Tree.”
Broad questions-On Killing A Tree by by Gieve Patel
Gieve Patel’s “On Killing a Tree.”
- The source white and wet,
The most sensitive, hidden–
What is the source here that is referred to as “the most sensitive, hidden”? Why does the poet refer to the source as the most sensitive?
The source in this case refers to the tree’s root.
According to the poet, the tree’s root has been hidden for years inside the dirt. It is the source of its life and serves as its anchor. This is a wet and white source. It is white because it has been stored underground for years and has not been exposed to sunlight. It is damp because it is constantly absorbing water and other minerals in order to keep the tree alive. The root, according to the poet, is the most sensitive because it not only provides food to the tree but also keeps it securely attached to the ground.
2. “And then it is done.”,” says the narrator. — What exactly does ‘it’ mean? When will it be finished? What is the procedure?
Answer: In Gieve Patel’s poem “On Killing a Tree,” ‘it’ alludes to the killing of a tree.
The tree gets burnt, choked, browned, hardened, twisted, and withered in the light and air for its death once the roots are completely pulled out of the earth cave. The tree survives despite the slicing and pruning of its branches. It, on the other hand, cures itself by sprouting new leaves and healing its bleeding bark. The tree is then roped, bound, and pulled completely out of the earth cave. As a result, the tree’s strength is diminished. The tree’s most vulnerable component, the white and damp roots, are then burnt and suffocated by the sun and air. Finally, for its untimely death, the roots are discolored, stiffened, twisted, and withered. Thus a tree is killed.
3.So hack and chop,”
But this alone won’t do it”—to what does ‘it’ refer? Why can’t hacking and chopping not sufficiant?
Ans: ‘It’ refers to the act of chopping down a tree.
A tree is in excruciating anguish while being hacked and chopped. However, the pain and bleeding only last a brief time, and the wounded bark heals quickly. Green twigs appear from the area that remains near to the ground over time, and they gradually expand into little boughs. If the branches are left unchecked, they will expand again, and the tree will revert to its previous size. As a result, chopping and hacking won’t harm a tree
4. Describe the growth of a tree in detail.
In the opening line of his poem “On Killing a Tree,” poet Gieve Patel depicts how a tree grows.
According to him, the tree develops slowly and steadily, eating the land. It spends years absorbing sunshine, air, and water from the environment in order to produce food rich in these nutrients. A tree, on the other hand, heals its wounds by slicing and chopping small boughs into full size. As a result, a tree grows slowly for many years.
5.explain how is a tree killed?
Answer: For years, a tree consumes the earth and absorbs sunlight, air, and water. So It’s difficult to kill a tree with a single knife stab. If left unchecked by natural healing, the curled green twigs will undoubtedly return to their former size after being cut and chopped (by the man). When a tree’s white-wet roots are roped, bound, and pulled completely out of the earth’s cave, the tree’s power and sensitivity are revealed. The root browns and hardens in the blazing heat of the sun and the wind. It becomes twisted and withering after that. As a result, the tree is utterly destroyed not for man’s delight but for his survival and enjoyment.
6.What is the poet’s message in this poem?
Ans. Through the poem, the poet communicates the concept of a tree being killed or cut down. The poem appears to go against the idea that more trees should be planted. However, the poet emphasizes the importance of implementing effective tree removal. The message that the poet wishes to express through this poetry is that we should always finish a task when we begin it. Some people have a bad habit of leaving tasks half done, despite the fact that they believe they have completed it properly. But, in the end, they discover that it was all a trick of the light. So the poet wants us to accomplish the job thoroughly, whether it’s destroying a tree or anything else. The poet wants us to put forth our best efforts and throw ourselves wholeheartedly into it, leaving no stone unturned.
7.Justify the title — “On Killing a Tree”
The satirical poem “On Killing a Tree” depicts mankind’s ceremonial task of killing a tree. Ironically, the poet demonstrates that man is oblivious to trees.
For years, the tree has grown slowly, taking nutrients from the soil and absorbing air, water, and sunlight. It acquires power by feeding on the earth’s crust. As a result, the tree must be felled. However, it is not a simple task. It will not be destroyed by a simple knife stab. It will rise up again from near to the earth. As a result, the tree should be roped and completely removed. The white root of the plant should be visible. It needs to be browned, toughened, twisted, and withered after that. As a result, it is finally dispatched. As a result, the poem’s title is apt.