CBSE Class 9 English Poem 8: On Killing A Tree NCERT Solutions
This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English Poem 8, 'On Killing A Tree'. It delves into the poem's exploration of the tree's life, growth, and the destructive human act of felling it. The solutions explain the tree's resilience, the process of its growth, and the specific actions required to ultimately kill it, emphasizing that a simple cut is insufficient. Key concepts like the tree's connection to the earth, its ability to heal, and the significance of its roots are clarified. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the poem's message and prepare effectively for their exams by offering clear explanations and insights into the poetic language.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 9 |
| Subject | English |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | 8. On Killing A Tree Poem |
Chapter summary
This chapter's NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 9 English focus on the poem 'On Killing A Tree'. The solutions break down the poem's verses, explaining the tree's life cycle, its deep roots, and its ability to recover from injuries. They clarify the meaning of phrases like 'bleeding bark' and 'anchoring earth', and detail the extensive process needed to kill a tree, highlighting its strength and resilience. The solutions aim to enhance student comprehension of the poem's themes and imagery.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the life and resilience of a tree as depicted in the poem.
- Analyze the meaning of poetic phrases like 'bleeding bark' and 'anchoring earth'.
- Explain the process and effort required to kill a tree, as described in the poem.
- Identify words that suggest the tree's vitality and activity.
- Interpret the poet's message about the destructive nature of human actions towards nature.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Tree's resilience
- Growth process of a tree
- Poetic imagery
- Meaning of 'bleeding bark'
- Function of roots
- Human impact on nature
- Destruction of trees
- Life and activity in trees
- Poem analysis
- Understanding poetic language
Important topics
- The resilience and life of a tree
- The significance of the roots
- The process of killing a tree
- Poetic interpretation of nature's destruction
- Analysis of key phrases
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Questions and Solutions
Q1: 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 cannot kill a tree. This is because a tree takes many years to grow to its full size and establish itself by rising out of the earth. Furthermore, even if it is wounded by a chop, it possesses the ability to heal and will slowly rise again, eventually growing back to its original size.
Q1: 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 through a process of unchecked growth over many years. It has consumed the earth's resources and risen above it by absorbing sunlight, air, and water. The words suggestive of its life and activity are: "Grown", "Consuming", "Rising", "Feeding", "Absorbing", "Sprouting", "Pain", "Bleeding", "Heal", and "Expand".
Q1: 3. What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?
What is the meaning of "bleeding bark"? What makes it bleed?
Solution: "Bleeding bark" refers to the outer layer of the tree trunk that appears to be bleeding. It bleeds because the tree has been wounded by an axe or knife, causing its sap to ooze out from the cut or damaged area, much like blood from a wound on a living being.
Q1: 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: The poet says "No" at the beginning of the third stanza to emphatically state that merely chopping or hacking the tree is not enough to kill it. He is rejecting the idea that such actions are fatal, emphasizing that the tree's resilience means it will recover and continue to grow unless a more drastic measure is taken.
Q1: 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 soil that firmly holds the tree's roots, providing stability and support. "Earth cave" is a poetic way of referring to the earth where the roots are hidden and secure. The poet uses this term because the roots, being the most sensitive and vital part of the tree, are concealed deep within the earth.
Q1: 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. The poet explains that the tree's true strength lies in its roots, which are hidden within the earth. When these roots are pulled out or exposed to the elements like sunlight and air, their hidden strength becomes visible, and they are vulnerable to destruction.
Q1: 7. What finally kills the tree?
What finally kills the tree?
Solution: The tree is finally killed when its roots are completely uprooted from the earth. Once exposed to the harshness of sunlight and air, these roots begin to scorch, choke, turn brown, harden, twist, and ultimately wither away, leading to the tree's death.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating the resilience of a tree and believing a simple cut can kill it.
- Misinterpreting poetic language and imagery.
- Not fully grasping the connection between the tree's roots and its life force.
Revision tips
- Read the poem carefully and then refer to the solutions for clarification of difficult lines.
- Focus on understanding the symbolic meaning of the tree's 'bleeding' and 'healing'.
- Pay close attention to the description of the tree's roots and their importance.
- Discuss the poem's message about environmental destruction with classmates.
Practice MCQs
Q1. According to the poem, what is the primary reason a 'simple jab of the knife' cannot kill a tree?
Explanation: The poem emphasizes that trees take many years to grow and possess a remarkable ability to heal and grow back, making a simple cut insufficient to kill them.
Q2. Which of the following words from the poem best suggests the tree's vitality and activity?
Explanation: Words like 'Grown', 'Consuming', 'Rising', 'Feeding', 'Absorbing', 'Sprouting', 'Pain', 'Bleeding', 'Heal', and 'Expand' all suggest the tree's life and activity. 'Consuming' directly relates to its active process of growth.
Q3. What does the phrase 'bleeding bark' refer to in the poem?
Explanation: 'Bleeding bark' describes the visible sign of injury on the tree's trunk, where the wood has been cut, causing it to 'bleed' sap.
Q4. The poet uses 'anchoring earth' to describe:
Explanation: 'Anchoring earth' refers to the earth that firmly holds the tree's roots, providing it with stability and nourishment.
Q5. What is the ultimate method described in the poem to kill a tree?
Explanation: The poem states that the tree's strength lies in its roots, and it is only by 'snapping' and 'uprooting' these roots that the tree can be killed, leading to its eventual withering.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the poem 'On Killing A Tree'?
The main theme of the poem is the immense life force and resilience of a tree, and the destructive and often thoughtless actions of humans in felling it. It highlights that killing a tree is not a simple act but a prolonged and violent process.
Why does the poem state that a 'simple jab of the knife' cannot kill a tree?
A tree takes many years to grow and develop a strong structure. It has the natural ability to heal from wounds and continue growing. Therefore, a superficial cut or jab is not enough to end its life.
What does the phrase 'bleeding bark' signify?
'Bleeding bark' refers to the sap that oozes out from the wounded surface of the tree's bark when it is cut or chopped, symbolizing the tree's pain and injury.
What is the role of the roots in killing the tree, according to the poem?
The roots are described as the tree's strength and life source, anchoring it to the earth. The poem emphasizes that to truly kill the tree, its roots must be exposed, snapped out of the earth, and left to wither in the sun and air.
How do these NCERT Solutions help students prepare for exams?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations of the poem's meaning, its vocabulary, and its underlying messages. They help students understand complex poetic language and themes, enabling them to answer questions accurately and comprehensively in their exams.
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