On Killing a Tree (Poem)

On Killing a Tree (Poem) Question and Answer NCERT
Class 9 Beehive Text Book

Question 1 Can a “simple jab of the knife” kill a tree? Why not?

Answer No, a single knife slash will not kill a tree since trees need many years to mature and emerge from the ground. Moreover, only a chop cannot kill it because it will gradually re-emerge and re-grow to its previous size.

Question 2 How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.

Answer The tree grows to its full size by absorbing Years of sunlight, water, and air. It gently emerges from the ground and develops leaves. ‘Growing slowly consuming the soil,’ ‘rising out of it,’ ‘feeding upon its crust,’ ‘absorbing years of sunlight, air, and water,’ and ‘sprouting leaves’ are terms that convey its life and activity.

Question 3 What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed?

Answer The term “bleeding bark” refers to the area on the tree trunk where it has been hit the axe. It bleeds because the woodcutter cut and chopped the tree, injuring it.

Question 4 The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?

Answer The poet says “No” at the beginning of the third stanza to emphasise that simply cutting down the tree will not kill it. The tree would regrow and return to its previous size.

Question 5 What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?

Answer Anchoring Earth means the roots of the tree that lie inside the earth and serve as an anchor for the tree’s growth. They ensure the safety of the tree as they nourish it with water and other nutrients.The ground on which the tree’s foundation is constructed is referred to as an “earth cave,” as it holds the roots and keeps the tree standing tall while also protecting it from adversity such as severe rainfall.

Question 6 What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”?

Answer The strength of the tree lies in its roots. “The strength of the tree exposed” relates to the roots of the tree being exposed to sunlight and air. The tree would ultimately die as a result of this. The tree’s strength rests in its roots, which the poet asks be snapped out to kill it. As a result, the expression “the tree’s strength exposed” alludes to the tree’s roots. When a tree is exposed to sunlight and air, it thrives.

Question 7 What finally kills the tree?

Answer The tree is finally killed by uprooting of its roots .The tree becomes burnt and choked when its roots are exposed to sunlight and air. It then begins to disappear. It turns brown, dries out, and hardens. The uprooting of the tree’s roots eventually kills it. The tree’s strength was shown when the roots, which had anchored it lies concealed in the dirt for years, were dug out, resulting in the tree’s death. After being uprooted, it dried up.