On Killing A Tree Question Answer

1. “It takes much time to kill a tree.”

• Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
  A tree grows slowly over the years by absorbing sunlight, water, and nutrients from the earth. Its deep roots and strong structure make it resilient, so killing it is not an easy or quick process.
• What does the poet emphasize through this statement?
  The poet emphasizes the strength and vitality of nature. A tree symbolizes endurance and resistance, reflecting the larger resilience of the natural world.
• How does this line set the tone of the poem?
  This line sets a contemplative and serious tone, suggesting the deliberate and violent effort required to destroy something as strong and life-giving as a tree.

2. “Not a simple jab of the knife will do it.”

• What is meant by “it”?
  “It” refers to the act of killing a tree completely and permanently.
• Why does the poet say that a simple jab will not suffice?
  The poet points out that a knife wound cannot destroy a tree because it heals and regenerates. The surface damage caused by a knife is insignificant compared to the tree’s deep-rooted strength.
• What deeper message does the poet convey through this line?
  The poet highlights the resilience of nature and suggests that humans must make a calculated and forceful effort to destroy something natural, symbolizing humanity’s destructive tendencies.

3. “It has grown slowly consuming the earth.”

• How does the poet describe the growth of a tree?
  The poet describes the tree as growing gradually over the years by consuming nutrients from the earth and absorbing sunlight, air, and water.
• What does “consuming the earth” symbolize in the context of the poem?
  “Consuming the earth” symbolizes the tree’s deep connection to its environment and its dependence on natural elements for survival and growth.
• How does this description contribute to the resilience of the tree?
  By portraying the tree as deeply rooted in the earth and nourished by natural forces, the poet emphasizes its enduring strength and resistance to destruction.

4. “So hack and chop but this alone won’t do it.”

• Why does hacking and chopping not suffice to kill a tree?
  Hacking and chopping cause surface wounds, but they do not destroy the tree entirely. The tree has the ability to heal and regenerate from the damage.
• How does this line reflect the tree’s resistance to destruction?
  The line highlights the tree’s ability to heal its bark and sprout new growth, showcasing nature’s resilience against human destruction.
• What process is required to kill the tree completely?
  The tree must be uprooted, and its roots, which are the source of its strength, must be exposed and destroyed.

5. “The bleeding bark will heal.”

• What does the term “bleeding bark” refer to?
  “Bleeding bark” refers to the sap that oozes out of the tree when it is cut or injured, symbolizing the tree’s pain and life force.
• How does the bark heal, according to the poet?
  The bark regenerates over time, and new growth, like green twigs and branches, emerges from the wounded areas.
• What does this reveal about the resilience of nature?
  This line reflects nature’s capacity to recover and heal from external damage, symbolizing its regenerative power and endurance.

6. “From close to the ground will rise curled green twigs.”

• What happens when a tree is cut but not completely destroyed?
  The tree begins to regenerate, sprouting green twigs and boughs from the remaining trunk near the ground.
• What do the “curled green twigs” symbolize in the poem?
  The twigs symbolize renewal, resilience, and the unyielding strength of nature to regenerate despite human efforts to destroy it.
• How does this line reflect the regenerative power of nature?
  It emphasizes that nature, like the tree, has an inherent ability to resist destruction and revive itself, defying human intervention.

7. “No, the root is to be pulled out.”

• Why does the poet emphasize the removal of the root?
  The root is the source of the tree’s strength and life. Without removing the root, the tree will continue to grow and heal itself.
• What is the significance of the root in the tree’s survival?
  The root anchors the tree to the earth, providing stability and nutrients. It is the foundation of the tree’s existence.
• How does this act symbolize total destruction?
  Uprooting the tree severs its connection to life-sustaining elements, ensuring its complete and irreversible destruction.

8. “Out from the earth-cave, and the strength of the tree exposed.”

• What does the poet mean by the “earth-cave”?
  The “earth-cave” refers to the underground space where the tree’s roots are buried, symbolizing its hidden strength.
• Why is the root referred to as the “strength of the tree”?
  The root is the source of the tree’s vitality, drawing nutrients and water from the earth to sustain its growth and survival.
• How does exposing the root lead to the tree’s ultimate demise?
  Exposing the root disrupts its ability to nourish the tree, causing the tree to weaken, decay, and eventually die.

9. “The most sensitive, hidden for years inside the earth.”

• What does the poet mean by “the most sensitive”?
  “The most sensitive” refers to the root, which is delicate yet vital for the tree’s survival, hidden from sight and protected by the earth.
• Why is the root described as “hidden for years”?
  The root remains buried deep within the earth, unseen but essential for the tree’s growth and strength over many years.
• How does this line highlight the invasive nature of killing a tree?
  The line underscores the brutality of uprooting the tree, exposing its most vulnerable and vital part to ensure its destruction.

10. “Then the matter of scorching and choking in sun and air.”

• What happens to the tree after its root is removed?
  Once uprooted, the tree dries out under the sun and air, gradually withering and losing its vitality.
• Why is this process essential for the tree’s complete destruction?
  The exposure to sun and air deprives the tree of its natural environment, leading to its eventual death.
• How does the poet describe the gradual decay of the tree?
  The poet describes the tree as browning, hardening, twisting, and withering, emphasizing the slow and deliberate process of decay.

11. “And then it is done.”

• What is being referred to as “done”?
  “Done” refers to the complete destruction and death of the tree after it has been uprooted and left to wither.
• What steps lead to this conclusion?
  The process involves hacking, uprooting, exposing the roots, and allowing the tree to decay under the sun and air.
• How does the poet use this line to reflect the finality of destruction?
  The abruptness of the line contrasts with the detailed process of killing the tree, emphasizing the violence and irreversible nature of its destruction.