NCERT Solutions: Poem - On Killing a Tree

Thinking About the Poem

Q1. Can a "simple jab of the knife" kill a tree? Why not?
Ans: No. A simple jab of a knife cannot kill a tree because trees grow slowly and have a strong, living structure that can repair small wounds. When the bark or wood is cut, the tree often seals the wound and continues to draw water and nutrients through its roots. Even a damaged trunk can send up new shoots and leaves while the roots remain alive. To kill a tree completely, its root system must be destroyed or removed so that it cannot obtain water and nourishment from the soil.

Q2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans: The tree reaches full size by taking in sunlight, water and air over many years; it sprouts leaves and rises from the earth while feeding on the soil. Words in the poem that suggest the tree's life and activity include grown slowly, feeding upon the earth's crust, absorbing years of sunlight, air and water, and sprouting leaves.

Q3. What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?
Ans: "Bleeding bark" means a part of the trunk or bark that has been cut or damaged so that the tree's sap comes out like a liquid. The sap flows from the wound because the tree has been injured by an axe or other sharp tool; this sap helps to carry nutrients and can aid the tree in trying to heal the damaged area.

Q4. The poet says "No" in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Ans: The poet's "No" emphasises that merely chopping the tree is not enough to kill it. He means that a single or even several cuts do not destroy the tree's life because the roots remain alive and the tree can regrow. The poet is pointing out that only a thorough attack on the tree's roots and its hold in the earth can end its life.

Q5. What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth cave"?
Ans: "Anchoring earth" refers to the soil that holds and supports the tree's roots, giving the tree stability and nourishment. An "earth cave" describes the hollow or space in the ground around the roots that appears when the soil is disturbed or the roots are exposed; it is the place where the roots are usually hidden and protected.

Q6. What does he mean by "the strength of the tree exposed"?
Ans: By "the strength of the tree exposed" the poet means that the tree's real power lies in its roots. When the roots are dug up or revealed to sunlight and air, the tree loses its protection and access to nutrients. Exposing the roots takes away the tree's strength and makes it vulnerable to dying.

Q7. What finally kills the tree?
Ans: The tree is finally killed when its roots are uprooted or destroyed. Once the roots are removed from the soil, the tree can no longer draw water and nutrients and therefore cannot survive. After uprooting, the tree dries up and dies because its supply of nourishment has been cut off.