CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 15: On Killing a Tree NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Beehive, Chapter 15, the poem 'On Killing a Tree'. It breaks down the poem's profound message about the resilience of nature and the destructive human tendency to harm it. The solutions explain the process of a tree's growth, the futility of superficial damage, and the true methods required to destroy it. Key concepts like 'bleeding bark,' 'anchoring earth,' and the exposure of the tree's strength are clarified. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the poem's deeper meanings and prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear, step-by-step explanations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English Beehive
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 15

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 15, 'On Killing a Tree', focus on understanding the poem's central theme: the immense effort and time required for a tree to grow and the destructive, yet often superficial, methods humans use to harm it. The solutions delve into the poem's imagery and language to explain why a simple cut cannot kill a tree and what actions are truly fatal. They cover the tree's growth process, the meaning of its 'bleeding bark,' and the significance of its roots.

Learning outcomes

Understand the life cycle and resilience of a tree.
Analyze the destructive impact of human actions on nature.
Interpret poetic devices and imagery in 'On Killing a Tree'.
Explain the meaning of key phrases like 'bleeding bark' and 'anchoring earth'.
Articulate the difference between superficial damage and true destruction of a tree.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Tree growth and resilience
Human impact on nature
Poetic interpretation
Imagery in poetry
Meaning of 'bleeding bark'
Function of tree roots
Symbolism of uprooting
Destruction of nature

Important topics

The process of killing a tree
Resilience of trees
Meaning of key poetic phrases
Human actions vs. nature's strength
Symbolism of roots

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Questions and Solutions

I. 1. Can a "simple jab of the knife" kill a tree? Why not?

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

Solution: No, a simple jab of a knife is not sufficient to kill a tree. This is because trees take many years to grow to their full size, drawing sustenance from the earth. A superficial wound like a knife jab might injure the bark, but the tree's core life remains intact. It has the ability to heal and regenerate, slowly growing back to its original form and size, demonstrating its resilience.

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

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

Solution: The tree has grown to its full size over many years through a slow and steady process. It has risen out of the earth, consuming its crust and feeding on it. It has absorbed sunlight, air, and water over the years, which are essential for its growth. The words that suggest its life and activity include: 'grown slowly consuming the earth', 'rising out of it', 'feeding upon its crust', 'absorbing years of sunlight, air, water', and 'sprouting leaves'. These phrases depict a living, active, and growing organism.

I. 3. What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?

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

Solution: The phrase "bleeding bark" refers to the injury inflicted upon the tree's outer layer, the bark. When a tree is struck with an axe or a knife, the bark is cut or wounded. This wound causes sap to ooze out, much like blood from a wound in an animal. Therefore, the bark 'bleeds' as a result of the physical damage caused by the woodcutter's tool.

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

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

Solution: In the third stanza, the poet begins with "No" to strongly negate the idea that merely chopping or hacking the tree can kill it. He uses this emphatic denial to highlight the tree's resilience. Even after being chopped, the tree would heal from the wounds, grow back its bark, and continue to live and thrive, retaining its original size. The "No" serves to emphasize that such actions are superficial and ineffective in truly destroying the tree.

I. 5. What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth cave"?

What is the meaning of "anchoring earth" and "earth cave"?

Solution: "Anchoring earth" refers to the deep roots of the tree that are embedded within the soil. These roots act like an anchor, holding the tree firmly in place and providing stability against strong winds and storms. They are crucial for the tree's survival, securing it to the ground. "Earth cave" refers to the hollow or cavity within the earth where the roots are situated. It is the space created by the earth that holds and protects the root system, forming the foundation upon which the tree stands tall.

I. 6. What does he mean by "the strength of the tree exposed"?

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

Solution: The phrase "the strength of the tree exposed" refers to the tree's roots being pulled out from the earth. The roots are the source of the tree's strength, stability, and nourishment. When these roots are forcibly removed from their secure hold in the "anchoring earth" and "earth cave," they are exposed to the open air and sunlight. This exposure, along with the severing of their connection to the earth, reveals the tree's vulnerability and leads to its eventual death.

I. 7. What finally kills the tree?

What finally kills the tree?

Solution: The tree is finally killed not by chopping or hacking, but by the complete uprooting of its roots from the earth. The poem emphasizes that the roots are the tree's life source and anchor. When these roots are snapped out, dug out, and exposed to the sun and air, the tree loses its connection to the earth, its strength is compromised, and it begins to wither and die. The act of uprooting is the ultimate cause of the tree's demise.

Common mistakes

Underestimating the resilience of nature.
Confusing superficial damage with actual killing.
Misinterpreting poetic metaphors and their significance.

Revision tips

Read the poem 'On Killing a Tree' carefully to grasp its tone and message.
Focus on understanding the meaning of each question and its connection to the poem's themes.
Pay attention to the explanation of why a simple 'jab of the knife' is insufficient to kill a tree.
Memorize the key phrases and their interpretations provided in the solutions for quick recall.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to the poem, what is required to truly kill a tree?

Q2. What does the phrase 'bleeding bark' signify in the poem?

Q3. How does the poem describe the process of a tree growing to its full size?

Q4. What does 'anchoring earth' refer to in the context of the tree?

Q5. Why does the poet say 'No' at the beginning of the third stanza?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the poem 'On Killing a Tree'?

The main theme of the poem is the immense effort and time required for a tree to grow and the destructive, yet often superficial, methods humans use to harm it, highlighting nature's resilience and the futility of simple damage.

Why can't a simple 'jab of the knife' kill a tree?

A simple jab of a knife only wounds the bark. The tree has a long life, absorbs nourishment, and can heal from such superficial injuries, often growing back to its original size.

What does the poem suggest is the true way to kill a tree?

The poem suggests that to truly kill a tree, one must uproot its roots from the 'anchoring earth,' exposing its strength and cutting off its source of life and nourishment.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 9 students?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question related to the poem 'On Killing a Tree,' helping students understand its deeper meanings, interpret poetic language, and prepare effectively for their English exams.

What is the significance of 'bleeding bark' in the poem?

'Bleeding bark' refers to the wound inflicted on the tree's bark by an axe or knife. It symbolizes the pain and injury caused to the tree, though it doesn't necessarily lead to death.

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