what reason does the speaker put forward for choosing to become a tree
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Answer:
The poet wants to be a tree because the rain would touch him by washing him from leaves to roots. He wants to be tree so that he would lend home to many birds and animals. He wants to be a tree so that he can be purified by lending a part of him in some holy rituals.
it is clear from the poem that the speaker has suffered the bane of discrimination in human society. his statement that if he were a tree no bird would ask him what caste he is, makes it clear that the speaker is made to feel ashamed of his caste repeatedly. when he states that the shadow of the tree which is formed on the ground when the sunlight falls on it,wouldn't feel defiled, it is clear that people keep him at a distance and do not allow even his shadow to come in their ways as he and his shadow are considered impure. when he talks about the sweet friendship with the cool breeze and leaves,it is clear that is society not many extend to him their hands of friendship.
Finally, when the speaker says that if he were a tree he would have the privilege of being burnt in the holy fire or becoming the bier, it is clear that as a human being, he knows that he would be shunned even after death and wouldn't be allowed a decent death.