ON KILLING A TREE

- Gieve patel
Introduction :
The poem on killing a tree by Gieve patel is a recipe that tells us how to kill a
tree. Step by step instructions are provided to ensure the death of a tree. The poet
makes us realize that killing a tree is a blood-ridden business. It also refers the destructive
nature of humans and the indestructibility of Nature.
Tree A powerful creation :
A tree cannot be so easily or quickly killed.
It takes much time to kill a tree
One cannot kill it with just a stab, pierce or punch of a knife. The tree has grown
slowly consuming the earth & fed upon its crust. It has absorbed years of sunlight, air and
water. The leaves have sprouted out of its bark, which looks like the discoloured skin of
leper.
Futile effort:
Repeated cutting or chopping or regular blows will not kill a tree. The tree will
not feel any kind of pain. The bleeding bark seems to heal all the time. The trunk of the
tree from the ground will produce curled green twigs. If unchecked, these miniature
boughs will expand again and grow to their former size.
Entire pull out :
The root of the tree must be entirely pulled out of the earth into which it had been
anchored. The tree should be tied with rope. Then it shall be pulled apart or broken with
snapping sound. The root of the tree is its source of strength. This sensitive part has been
hidden inside earth for years together. This white and wet root has to be pulled out.
Then comes the damage of the texture of the tree. It is done by scorching or
burning to discolour. Then it has to be browned, twisted, hardened and withered. Then
only the killing process will be over.
Conclusion:
Finally this poem seems to be a description of the process of killing a tree. But it
has several layers of meaning. It reveals the destructive nature of humans. It also suggests
that nature is inevitable. The tree itself seems to be symbol of mankind. Human kind will
not easily come to end.

Essay on man
Alexander pope.

Introduction :
essay on man is a philosophic poem by Alexander pope. He was a great neoclassical poet. The poem is written in heroic couplets. This poem is an extract from his
famous poem Essay on man. It consists of four epistles. It is about human nature and
the potential for happiness in relation to god. It exposes the unique nature of man.
Self study:
Man has studied everything aroung himself. He has command over many things
in the world. His mastery of knowledge tempts him to study god himself but he has no
right to do so. He should study his own nature and his relation to god. Self study is very
important for man.
Mans dilemma:
He is just like an Isthumus between two extremes. He is wise but ignorant and
great but rude. He has too much knowledge but doubts the valure of ideas and beliefs. He
has so much weakness that he cannot feel proud like the stoic. He doubts whether he is a
god or beast. He doubts whether he should act or rest from action. He doubts whether he
shoul prefer his body or mind. Thus he is not strong in mind.
Nature of man :
Man cannot live permanently. He has to die one day. He can argue and discuss
brilliantly. But he makes mistakes in conclusion. He thinks too little or too much. But he
is always confused and ignorant. He always labours under chaos of thought and passion.
What he thinks is true, is not real. So, he abuses and disabuses himself.
Man as a riddle:
Created half to rise and half to falls
Man is created by God to achieve great heights. But he rises only half the
height and falls down in the middle. He regards himself as great lord of all things. But he
always falls a victim to all. He prides himself as the only judge of truth. But he always
makes error in his judgement.
Conclusion:
Finally, the poet concludes that man is a honour, joke and puzzle of the world.
Thus the poem reveals the unusual nature of man and his potential for happiness in
relation to God.

A noiseless patient spider

- Walt Whitman.
Introduction:
Walt Whitman is a great American poet of the 19th century. This poem is one of
finest lyrics of Whitman. This poem is taken from the collection, leaves of Grasses .
The poem at the outset looks as though the spider is busy making its web. Finally it gives
a symbolic meaning. That is the spider is the soul trying to connect with God.
Spiders persistence :
The poet saw a spider standing on little promontory. It was alone working
noiseless and patient. The spider was spinning silken thread to span a void. It was trying
to explore its vacant vast surroundings. It was weaving and reeling out one filament after
filament tirelessly out of itself. It was trying to catch a point and build a bridge.
Spiritual significance :
The activities of the spider reminds him of mans spiritual and intellectual quests.
The poet addresses his soul which like the spider, stands alone in a measureless space.
The poets soul is yearning for a union with God. It yearns for relationship with divinity
in both life and death. The soul goes on musing, venturing and seeking to connect the
known to the unknown.
Metaphoric meaning:
The spider is comparable to a human. Each creature is tirelessly constructing
bonds to its surroundings. A human builds ships, air planes and bridges. Sometimes he
crosses a void with a telescope as Galileo did. He reaches new plateau of knowledge with
a question as Socrates did.
Conclusion:
Finally the poem suggests that man tries to explore the vast universe of meaning
and knowledge. He has courage to venture into unknown territory. He has patience to
build a plexus that links two places. It portrays the poets mastery of handling a big
subject within a brief compass.