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:
- It takes a long time for a tree to grow and establish itself.
- A single cut will not be enough; the tree can heal and continue to grow.
- Even after being harmed, it can sprout new leaves and branches.
To truly kill a tree, the roots must be completely removed from the earth. This involves:
- Pulling the tree out of the ground.
- Ensuring that the roots are entirely uprooted.
Only then can the tree be permanently damaged.
Q2. How has the tree grown to its full size? List the words suggestive of its life and activity.
Ans: The tree grows to its full size by:
- Absorbing sunlight, water, and air over many years.
- Sprouting leaves and growing out of the earth.
Words that suggest its life and activity include:
- Grown slowly consuming the earth
- Rising out of it
- Feeding upon its crust
- Absorbing years of sunlight, air, and water
- Sprouting leaves
Q3. What is the meaning of “bleeding bark”? What makes it bleed?
Ans: Bleeding bark refers to the area on a tree trunk that has been damaged, typically by an axe. The tree "bleeds" because it has been wounded through cutting or chopping.
Q4. The poet says “No” in the beginning of the third stanza. What does he mean by this?
Ans: At the start of the third stanza, the poet says No to emphasise that simply chopping a tree does not kill it. Instead, the tree can:
- Regrow and return to its original size.
- Survive the damage caused by cutting.
This highlights the resilience of the tree and the need for more drastic measures to truly kill it.
Q5. What is the meaning of “anchoring earth” and “earth cave”?
Ans: Anchoring earth refers to the roots of a tree that lie within the soil, acting as an anchor for its growth. These roots provide essential support by:
- Securing the tree in place
- Nourishing it with water and nutrients
Earth cave describes the ground that supports the tree's roots. It plays a crucial role by:
- Holding the roots in position
- Keeping the tree upright
- Protecting it from harsh conditions, such as heavy rain and storms
Q6. What does he mean by “the strength of the tree exposed”?
Ans: The phrase “the strength of the tree exposed” refers to the roots of the tree being revealed to sunlight and air. This highlights the following points:
- The strength of a tree primarily comes from its roots.
- When the roots are exposed, they lose their protection and nourishment.
- This exposure leads to the tree's vulnerability, making it susceptible to damage.
In essence, the phrase illustrates how crucial the roots are for the tree's survival and strength.
Q7. What finally kills the tree?
Ans: The tree is ultimately killed by the uprooting of its roots. When the roots, which had securely anchored the tree in the earth for years, are removed, the tree's strength is compromised. This exposure leads to its death.
- Once uprooted, the tree dries up.
- The roots are essential for the tree's stability and nourishment.
- Without them, the tree cannot survive.
