1. What is the central theme of the poem “On Killing a Tree”?
Answer:
The central theme of the poem is the slow and painful process of killing a tree. The poem highlights the resilience of nature and the violence humans must inflict to destroy it. It emphasizes that killing a tree is not an easy or quick task; it requires thorough destruction, symbolizing the harm humans cause to the environment.
2. How does the poet describe the growth of the tree?
Answer:
The poet describes the tree as growing slowly, consuming the earth, and feeding on its resources like sunlight, air, and water. The tree gradually rises out of the earth, symbolizing how it is deeply rooted in nature and connected to the environment over time.
3. What does the poet mean by “leprous hide” of the tree?
Answer:
The phrase “leprous hide” refers to the bark of the tree, which, like leprosy, appears damaged and diseased. It suggests that even though the tree may show signs of harm, it remains alive and capable of healing and regenerating itself.
4. What is the significance of the line “So hack and chop, but this alone won’t do it”?
Answer:
This line indicates that simple attempts, like hacking or chopping the tree, are not enough to kill it. The tree is resilient, and it can heal from surface-level damage, making it difficult to fully destroy. This highlights the strength and persistence of nature.
5. How does the tree heal after being chopped?
Answer:
After being hacked, the tree’s bleeding bark heals, and new shoots or twigs begin to sprout from close to the ground. This shows that the tree has the ability to regenerate and grow again, symbolizing its resilience and the difficulty in completely destroying it.
6. Why does the poet say “the root is to be pulled out”?
Answer:
The poet says this to emphasize that the real destruction of the tree can only happen if its roots are completely removed. The roots are the source of the tree’s strength and life, and until they are eradicated, the tree can regrow and continue to thrive.
7. What does “snapped out” suggest about the process of killing the tree?
Answer:
The phrase “snapped out” conveys the violent and forceful act of removing the tree’s roots from the earth. It highlights the brutality of the act, implying that only through a harsh and aggressive approach can the tree be fully destroyed.
8. What does the poet mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”?
Answer:
The poet is referring to the roots of the tree, which are hidden deep within the earth. Exposing the strength of the tree means removing the roots from their protective environment, revealing the source of the tree’s life and growth.
9. How is the tree described once it is completely removed from the earth?
Answer:
Once the tree is completely removed from the earth, it is described as being “scorched and choking” in the sun and air. The tree withers, browns, hardens, and twists, ultimately dying. This process represents the destruction of something once vibrant and full of life.
10. Why does the poet mention the tree becoming “browning, hardening, twisting, withering”?
Answer:
The poet mentions these actions to emphasize the slow, painful process of death after the tree is uprooted. It shows that the destruction of nature is not immediate but a gradual process that leads to decay and lifelessness.
11. What is the symbolic meaning of killing a tree in the poem?
Answer:
The symbolic meaning of killing a tree in the poem represents the destructive nature of human actions towards the environment. It suggests that the process of environmental destruction is not always quick or obvious, but it requires deep, violent intervention. It also reflects on the consequences of ecological damage.
12. How does the poet illustrate the difference between surface damage and total destruction?
Answer:
The poet contrasts the surface damage, such as hacking or chopping, which only harms the outer part of the tree, with the complete destruction of the tree that requires uprooting it. This highlights the difficulty of fully destroying nature, which requires more than just superficial actions.
13. What is the effect of using the phrase “the most sensitive, hidden for years inside the earth”?
Answer:
The phrase emphasizes the vulnerability of the tree’s roots, which are hidden deep within the earth. It suggests that the roots are the tree’s life source, sensitive to any damage, and that destroying them is the ultimate act of harm. This makes the destruction of nature feel more personal and invasive.
14. What message does the poet convey through the act of killing the tree?
Answer:
The poet conveys the message that the destruction of nature is a deliberate, violent, and painful act. It requires more than just a simple action; it involves a long, sustained effort to uproot and harm the very source of life. This reflects the harsh reality of environmental damage caused by human interference.
15. What is the finality of the phrase “And then it is done”?
Answer:
The phrase “And then it is done” marks the completion of the tree’s destruction. It signifies that once the tree is fully destroyed—after being scorched, twisted, and withered—there is no turning back, and the tree can no longer regenerate. It symbolizes the irreversible impact of human actions on nature.
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