On Killing A Tree {notes}

On Killing a Tree Summary raises awareness among the readers

regarding trees. Here the poet sensitizes the reader regarding trees by
emphasizing the fact that trees are living things. Furthermore, the
author makes a comparison between trees and humans. He does so by
equating the trees with humans. By doing this, the author tries to
convey the message that one should not cut trees because they are
just like humans. Moreover, the author tries to explain that killing the
trees is just like killing humans. Moreover, the author tells that trees
do not die by merely cutting them. This is because the trees have a
tendency to regrow from the point it is cut. Most noteworthy, one
must completely uproot the tree in order to destroy it. This uprooting
of the tree would certainly mean death. This is because the tree would
be separated from the Earth which supports it.

On Killing a Tree Summary in English

Here, the author talks about how can one kill a tree. Some individuals
think that a simple cut will be enough. However, a simple cut will
certainly not be enough to destroy a tree. Furthermore, the tree grows
gradually and it is rooted in soil. Moreover, the author tells us that the
plant takes nutrition from the soil in order to grow. Gradually, it
grows into a big tree. Also, there is a firm connection between the
tree and the soil. The tree makes use of water, air, and sunlight to
grow its many leaves and a formidable trunk.

Humans undertake the cutting and chopping of the tree bark into
many pieces. However, even this cutting and chopping of the trees is
not sufficient enough to completely destroy the tree. The point of cut
in the tree gives out sap. This is certainly similar to human bleeding.
Gradually with time, this cut would heal and new branches will start
emerging again. This shows that trees have an amazing ability to
recover. So, to kill the tree would require an even more tougher step.
The poet then explains that in order to kill the tree beyond any doubt,
one must uproot it. One must make sure to separate the tree from the
Earth which provides support to it. Furthermore, the roots of the tree
are such that they bind the tree and the soil together. Due to this
binding, the tree is connected with the pit of the Earth. The author
tells us that the roots are the most hidden part of the tree. Moreover,
the roots are also the most sensitive part of the tree. Therefore, in
order to destroy the tree, the detachment of the roots must take place.
The roots are a part of the tree that are damp. Also, the roots are
white in colour.

Uprooting a tree is certainly the ultimate step in destroying it. Once

the uprooting of the tree takes place, then it’s only a matter a time
before the tree dies. No tree on Earth can survive after uprooting.
Gradually the tree after uprooting withers and dries up. This
withering and drying up happens with the action of wind and heat.
The trunk will gradually become brown. Moreover, the trunk will
gradually twist and harden. Most noteworthy, the tree will finally
meet its death. So, uprooting the roots turned out to be the most
important step in destroying a tree

Conclusion of On Killing a Tree

On Killing a Tree Summary discusses how to completely kill a tree in

quite an ironical sense that touches the heart of readers.

The poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ is like an instruction manual for killing a tree.
It tells the reader that trees are living beings. They are not cut but killed
properly by uprooting the roots that are inserted deeply in the soil.
Through the poem, the poet teaches us many lessons. Firstly, the poem
illustrates the courage and strength of trees, through which it teaches us
to be strong and determined. Then, it points out that evils are just like
roots. They are deeply rooted within us and even if we feel we have
vanquished them, it suddenly appears. Therefore, to kill an evil we must
put in our best efforts and uproot it. Thirdly, it teaches us that we must
bring all our work to a proper end. Lastly, it requests us not to cut trees
that sustain our lives.
sThe poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ describes the process of cutting a tree
completely. Ironically, through the description of the process, the poet
presents a severe criticism of human cruelty and insensitive nature in
chopping down trees for material benefit. The poet appeals to its readers
not to cut trees that give us the necessities of life and sustain them.
Therefore one must not cut trees but plant more and more trees. Apart
from this, the poet gives readers several lessons. Through the poem, the
poet tells us about the sturdiness and resilience of trees such that they
take all kinds of admonitions but refuse to die. Similarly, we too must be
strong and determined to face any challenges in life. Next, the trees in the
poem symbolize the evil patterns that are deeply inherited within us. We
may think that we have gotten rid of it but they may suddenly appear until
and unless we put in our best efforts. Lastly, the poem states that we must
complete our work efficiently and wholeheartedly.
Stanza 1

It takes much time to kill a tree, ……. Sprouting leaves.

The poem starts by pointing out that it takes a lot of time to cut a tree. The
simple act of stabbing it with a knife is not enough to kill a tree. It is not an
easy job to kill a tree, as it has grown strong by absorbing many elements
for many years. It has taken nutrients from the soil and absorbed sunlight,
air and water for a long time such that many leaves had grown on it.

Stanza 2

So hack and chop….. To former size

In this stanza, the poet states that we need to do a lot of effort to kill a
tree. According to him a simple stab and chop won’t kill the tree
completely. It would only injure the tree, which would suffer the pain with
its strength. The fighting spirit of the tree shall soon receive its full
strength and with time, the injured bark will heal and the tree will grow
again. Green twigs and small branches will grow again on the tree.
Consequently, the tree will grow its full size again as it was before being
cut or killed. Therefore, it is not easy to kill a tree with these measures.

Stanza 3

No, The root is to be pulled out -- ……. For years inside the earth.
In this stanza, the poet points out the exact manner through which a tree
can be killed. He states that to kill a tree completely, its roots need to be
taken out of the deep soil where it is hiding inside the Earth. The root is
the strength of the tree. It gives support to the tree and its most
vulnerable as well as the sensitive part. It needs to be snapped out entirely
from deep inside the Earth.

Stanza 4

Then the matter…. And then it is done.

In this stanza, the poet says that once the roots are uprooted, they will get
exposed to the sun and the air. As a result, the roots start dying due to the
heat. The roots become brown and the soft surface becomes hard and
dry. After some time, it loses its shape and starts twisting. Finally, the tree
will die.