NCERT Solutions for Class 9th English Poem On Killing a Tree

NCERT Solutions for Poem On Killing a Tree Class 9 English Beehive

On Killing a Tree was written by the poet Gieve Patel. Through this poem, the poet raises awareness among the readers regarding trees and tells the reader about trees by emphasizing that they are living creatures. The author compares humans and trees. Therefore, the author conveys the message that trees should not be cut down because they are just like people. The author explains that killing trees is similar to killing humans. The author explains that trees do not die merely by being cut down because trees tend to regrow after being cut. It must be completely uprooted to destroy a tree. The uprooting of the tree would certainly result in its death because of the separation of the tree from the earth that supports it.

On Killing a Tree Questions and Answers

Chapter Name	On Killing a Tree NCERT Solutions
Class	CBSE Class 9
Textbook Name	Beehive
Related Readings	NCERT Solutions for Class 9 NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Summary of On Killing a Tree

Thinking about the poem

Question 1: Can a "simple jab of the knife" kill a tree? Why not?

Answer

No, a simple jab of the knife cannot kill a tree because a tree takes many years to grow and rise from the earth's surface because the roots curl inside the deep earth's cave, they are well protected by absorbing years of sunlight, air, and water. Thus, the tree would grow back to its earlier size after receiving a jab from the knife.

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

Answer

The tree has slowly grown out of the earth's surface to its full size and sprouted leaves by consuming years of sunlight, air and water.

The following words are suggestive of its life and activity:

• grown slowly consuming the earth,
• rising out of it,
• feeding upon its crust,
• absorbing years of sunlight, air and water,
• out of its leprous hide sprouting leaves.

Question 3: What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?

Answer

The term "bleeding bark" means the area of the tree trunk where the tree has been wounded by the hit with the axe. Woodcutter makes the tree bleed with constant and rough blows on the tree trunk with an axe.

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

Answer

The poet says "No" in the beginning of the third stanza to emphasize that merely cutting down a tree would not kill it. The tree is deeply rooted in the earth, which protects it and helps it grow back slowly to its earlier size.

Question 5: What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth cave"?

Answer

'Anchoring earth' refers to the roots of a tree that are deeply rooted in the earth's surface and that play a important role in the tree's growth and nourishment by supplying it with water and nutrients and the tree's healthy growth and nourishment. The "earth cave" means to the surface of the ground on which the tree's basic structure is built. Trees depend on it for survival during natural disasters because the earth cave holds the roots of trees and helps them withstand various environmental conditions.

Question 6: What does he mean by "the strength of the tree exposed"?

Answer

A tree's real power lies deep within the earth in its roots. Therefore, the poet recommends snapping these to kill trees. "The strength of the tree exposed" refers to the situation in which the roots of a tree are completely pulled out of the earth and exposed to sunlight and air.

Question 7: What finally kills the tree?

Answer

The tree is finally killed after its roots have been completely plucked out of the earth's surface with the help of the rough and unbearable blows of an axe. Ultimately, the tree dies by scorching and choking in the sunlight and air.