Question

Poem: On Killing a Tree
SUBJECT: English
NCERT Grade 9.
Q: Though the poem details violence, does the poet advocate the philosophy of non-violence? Justify the statement.
Thank you in Advance.

Answer 1

Yes, the poet advocates the philosophy of non-violence through this poem as he explains about the pain undergone by the tree when it is being cut. The poet states that the process of completely killing a tree is a very complicated one. From chopping the tree to choking the roots, everything is described in a very detailed manner. But the poet is actually explaining how strong the tree has grown. Even after chopping it, twigs rise from the ground. This shows how invincible the tree is. So the poet says that the roots should be pulled out and it should be chocked. Only then, the tree will die completely. The act of killing such a strong creature which has grown for years and years is an act equivalent to a murder. Killing a tree takes less than an hour but the complete growth process of the tree takes years and years. Thus, the poem has a hidden pathetic explanation of the pain undergone by a cut tree.



Sorry dude if this made you cringe I tried my best .. ✌

Answer 2

Answer:

yes, its true the poet advocates the philosophy of non -violence

Explanation:

Gieve Patel's poem 'On Killing a Tree' presents a vivid description of man's cruelty and violence to nature to advocate the philosophy of non-violence. In the poem, the tree stands for nature that provides nourishment, for man. But modern man, out of selfish greed, kills a tree and thereby destroys nature. The poet describes the whole process of killing a tree. Neither a simple jab of the knife nor hacking and chopping can kill a tree. It is firmly fixed with its roots anchored in the earth. So, it has to be roped, tied and pulled out of the earth-cave to kill it completely. Then it has to be exposed to sunlight and air scorching, choking, browning, hardening, twisting and finally withering. The poet uses a number of images of death to highlight man's cruelty and violence. Thus he tries to arouse our love and sympathy for all its objects of nature.