Class 9 English - MP
Poetry: On Killing a Tree
The chapter 'On Killing a Tree' by Gieve Patel is a thought-provoking poem prescribed for Class 9 students under the Madhya Pradesh Board (MPBSE). The poem uses the metaphor of hacking and killing a tree to reveal the deep-rooted resilience of nature and the cruelty of human actions against it. For board exams, students must understand the central theme of environmental conservation, poetic devices like enjambment and free verse, and how the poet vividly describes that a tree cannot be destroyed easily because its roots are its true strength.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Resilience of Nature
A tree grows slowly by consuming the earth, absorbing sunlight, air, and water over many years, making it strong and hard to destroy.
Cruelty of Human Action
The poem highlights how humans casually hack, chop, and bleed trees without realizing the violent and painstaking effort it takes to truly kill one.
Role of Roots
The secret life of the tree lies hidden inside the earth in its roots, which are sensitive, white, and wet, acting as the anchor and source of life.
The Process of Killing
To completely kill a tree, it is not enough to just cut the bark; the roots must be pulled out entirely, scorched, and choked in the sun and air.
Free Verse Structure
The poem is written in free verse with no strict rhyme scheme or meter, allowing the poet to deliver a serious, conversational, and impactful message.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the MPBSE Class 9 English examination, this chapter typically carries around 3 to 5 marks. Questions usually include stanza-based comprehension, short answer questions about the central theme, and questions explaining specific poetic lines such as 'The bleeding bark will heal'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is simple chopping not enough to kill a tree?
Simple chopping only damages the bark and causes bleeding, but the tree heals itself and new green twigs will rise from the curled green twigs close to the ground.
What does the phrase 'bleeding bark' mean?
The 'bleeding bark' refers to the sap that oozes out from the trunk where the tree has been hacked or cut, comparing the tree's pain to human injury.
What is the ultimate way to kill a tree according to the poet?
The ultimate way to kill a tree is to pull out its entire root system from the anchored earth, and then let it brown, choke, harden, and wither in the sun and air.
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