Killing a Tree here
Thinking about the Poem
Question 1. Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?
Answer: A simple jab of a knife is not enough to kill a tree because trees are resilient and deeply rooted in the ground. They receive nutrients and resources from the soil, enabling them to regenerate even if they are cut down.
Trees have a natural ability to sprout new growth from their roots or branches, making it challenging to completely eradicate them with just a single cut. This resilience and ability to regenerate contribute to the tree’s longevity and survival, highlighting the importance of respecting and preserving these essential components of our environment.
Question 2 . How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Answer: The tree has reached its full size by absorbing nutrients from the earth, feeding on its crust, and absorbing sunlight, air, and water over the years.
Words indicating its life and activity include absorbing, feeding, rising, consuming, and sprouting. These words highlight the tree’s active role in taking in essential elements from its environment to support its growth and vitality.
Question 3 . What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed?
Answer: The phrase “bleeding bark” symbolizes the tree being wounded or cut. Similar to how humans bleed when injured, trees release a liquid at the site of a cut, resembling bleeding. This imagery emphasizes the tree’s vulnerability and the impact of human actions on its well-being.
By likening the tree’s response to being wounded to that of humans, the poet highlights the interconnectedness between nature and human existence, urging readers to consider the consequences of their actions on the environment.
Question 4 . The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Answer: The poet’s use of “No” at the beginning of the third stanza emphasizes the idea that merely cutting or chopping the tree will not bring about its end. This stark negation underscores the tree’s resilience and ability to endure despite physical harm.
By rejecting the notion that the tree’s existence can be easily extinguished through such means, the poet highlights the tree’s strength and vitality, challenging readers to reconsider their assumptions about the permanence of nature. This assertion serves as a reminder of the tree’s enduring presence and its intrinsic connection to the world around it