Prepare for your On Killing a Tree Class 12 Questions and Answers of WBCHSE for the year 2024, written by Gieve Patel. Boost your exam readiness and understanding of this poem by exploring targeted resources to excel in your 2024 WBCHSE examinations with the most important On Killing a Tree Class 12 Questions and Answers.
On Killing a Tree Class 12 Questions and Answers Multiple Choice (MCQ) Types
1. The tree while growing had fed upon- (a) the earth; (b) the earth’s crust; (c) the earth’s exterior; (d) the earth’s interior.
Ans: (b) the earth’s crust;
2. The …… is the most sensitive part of the tree-(a) bleeding bark; (b) miniature boughs; (c) white and wet root; (d) blooming flowers.
Ans: (c) white and wet root;
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3. “And then it is done” – The word ‘it’ refers to (a) hacking: (b) chopping: (c) twisting; (d) killing.
Ans: (d) killing.
4. The bleeding bark will – (a) heal; (b) never heal; (c) get worse; (d) lead to death.
Ans: (a) heal;
5. The curled green twigs rise from – (a) the earth’s cave; (b) the uprooted tree; (c) close to the ground; (d) the rough bark. [HS 19, 18]
Ans: (c) close to the ground;
6. The bark of the tree is described as ‘leprous’ because (a) it is soft and smooth; (b) it is wounded by the knife; (c) it is rough and has marks; (d) it is glossy and shining. [HS 16]
Ans: (c) it is rough and has marks;
7. A tree grows – (a) rooted deep in the earth; (b) shedding leaves; (c) slowly consuming the earth; (d) eroding soil.
Ans: (c) slowly consuming the earth;
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8. “Miniature boughs”,- the word ‘boughs’ means – (a) leaves; (b) roots; (c) branches; (d) stems. [HS 15]
Ans: (c) branches;
9. The leaves of a tree sprout from the- (a) earth’s crust; (b) branches; (c) twigs; (d) leprous hide.
Ans: (d) leprous hide.
10. Miniature boughs if unchecked will-(a) no longer grow; (b) expand to former size; (c) rise towards the sky; (d) go underground.
Ans: (b) expand to former size;
11. Time consumed to kill a tree is (a) little; (b) much; (c) hours; (d) minutes.
Ans: (b) much;
12. The root in ‘On Killing a Tree’ is- (a) pale and wet; (b) green; (c) white and wet; (d) green and wet.
Ans: (c) white and wet;
13. The bark bleeds due to (a) browning; (b) withering; (c) hacking and chopping; (d) twisting.
Ans: (c) hacking and chopping;
14. A tree cannot be killed by- (a) uprooting it; (b) a simple jab of knife; (c) striking with an axe; (d) any simple tool.
Ans: (b) a simple jab of knife;
15. The root needs to be pulled out of the – (a) firm soil; (b) anchoring earth; (c) underground; (d) firm earth. [HS 17]
Ans: (b) anchoring earth;
16. “Miniature boughs / which if unchecked will expand again” – The word ‘Miniature’ means – (a) small; (b) very small; (c) not so big; (d) very big.
Ans: (b) very small;
17. To kill a tree – (a) is not easy; (b) is almost impossible; (c) is a right thing; (d) takes less time.
Ans: (a) is not easy;
18.The uprooted root exposes – (a) the strength of the tree; (b) the miniature boughs; (c) the bleeding bark; (d) the earth’s crust.
Ans: (a) the strength of the tree;
19. The most sensitive part of the tree was ………… the earth- (a) lying exposed; (b) scorched within; (c) hidden inside; (d) wet with.
Ans: (b) scorched within; (c)
20. The word ‘crust’ means-(a) the bark of the tree; (b) the to player of earth; (c) the branch of the tree; (d) the rough and marky bark of the tree.
Ans: (b) the to player of earth;
21. The expression ‘strength of the tree’ refers to its-(a) trunk; (b) roots; (c) leaves; (d) boughs.
Ans: (b) roots;
22. ‘Leprous hide’ means (a) leprous skin; (b) diseased skin; (c) rough bark of the tree; (d) smooth bark of the tree.
Ans: (c) rough bark of the tree;
23. In the poem “On Killing a Tree”, The killing of a tree is described as – (a) a healthy exercise; (b) an innocent act; (c) a deliberate act; (d) a woodcutter’s job.
Ans: (c) a deliberate act;
24. “On Killing a Tree” is written in (a) blank verse; (b) free verse; (c) rhymed couplet; (d) lambic pentameter.
Ans: (a) blank verse;
25. The growth of the tree, according to the poet is-(a) abrupt; (b) fast; (c) slow; (d) medium.
Ans: (c) slow;
26. ‘Anchoring earth’ suggests that-(a) the tree grows in seas; (b) an anchor is fixed to a tree; (c) an anchor is needed to fix a tree on earth; (d) a tree is firmly fixed in earth.
Ans: (d) a tree is firmly fixed in earth.
27. The expression ‘leprous hide’ is an example of – (a) simile; (b) metaphor; (c) irony; (d) assonance.
Ans: (b) metaphor;
28. Green twigs that rise from close to the ground are (a) curled; (b) crooked; (c) straight; (d) broken. [HS 2023]
29. The poet seems to suggest that in order to kill a tree- (a) placking out all the leaves will do the job (b) some pain will do the job (c) cutting the branches will do the job (d) total destruction of the roots will do the job [HS 2020]
Ans: (c) cutting the branches will do the job
On Killing a Tree Class 12 Questions and Answers Short Answer Types
1. From where would the curled green twigs rise? Or, Where will green twigs rise from? [HS 17]
Ans: The curled green twigs would rise from the healed barks.
2. What according to Gieve Patel is the most sensitive’ part of a tree? Or, Which part of the tree is the most sensitive, white and wet? [HS 18,15]
Ans: According to Gieve Patel the root is the most sensitive part of a tree and it is white and wet.
3. How does a tree grow?
Or, How according to Gieve Patel, has the tree grown?[HS 17]
Ans: The tree grows up slowly by drawing its essential needs from the earth’s crust, sunlight, air and water from the atmosphere.
4. What sprouts out of the tree’s leprous hide?
Ans: New leaves sprout out of the tree’s leprous hide.
5. What does the phrase ‘earth cave’ refer to? [HS 16]
Ans: The phrase ‘earth-cave’ refers to the hollow opening or cavity which is left on the ground after a tree is uprooted.
6. What causes the bark of a tree to bleed? (HS 18)[ HS 23]
Ans: Hacking and chopping cause the bark of a tree to bleed.
7. What will happen if miniature boughs are not checked?
Ans: If miniature boughs are left unchecked they will grow and regain its former size.
8. Explain the phrase “leprous hide”.
Ans: ‘Leprous hide’ refers to the bark of a tree which resembles a leper’s skin. A leper’s skin is patchy and contains various shades of colour. Similarly the bark of a tree is also patchy and has different shades of brown and green.
9. What has the tree absorbed and fed upon?
Ans: The tree has absorbed years of sunlight, air and water and fed upon the earth’s crust.
10. How does the ‘strength of the tree” get exposed?
Ans: When the root is pulled out forcefully and entirely from the ground, the strength of the tree gets exposed.
11. What is the meaning of ‘anchoring earth’?
Ans: As the ship is tied to the shore or ground with an anchor, the tree is also tied strongly with the ground with the help of its roots. Therefore the soil seems to be like an anchor for the tree and it is laborious to pull a tree out of the earth.
12. What is the most effective step of killing a tree?
Ans: The most effective step of killing a tree is to pull out its root entirely from the ground and te expose it for drying and hardening in the sun and air.
13. “And then it is done” – What is done?
Ans: The act of killing a tree is done.
14. “And then it is done” – How it is done?
Ans: It is done after the root of the tree is pulled out from the earth cave. Then sun and air facilitates the killing of a tree by scorching, choking, browning, hardening, twisting and withering.
15. “And then it is done” – What does the word ‘then’ convey?
Ans: The word ‘then’ hints at that time when all the process of hacking, chopping and uprooting is done in order to kill a tree.
16. “And then it is done” – What components of nature assist in the process?
Ans: The sun and the air assist in the process by making the fallen tree brown, stiff, twisted and withered.
17. “But this alone won’t do it” – What is this?
Ans: This’ refers to the hacking and chopping of a tree.
18. “But this alone won’t do it” – What happens as a result of this?
Ans: Even after so much pain, the bleeding bark will heal and green twigs will rise close to the ground.
19. What is to be done with the root in the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’?
Ans: The root is be pulled out from the earth’s cave.
20. “And then it is done” – What act is referred to here?
Ans: The act referred to here is that of killing a tree.
21. “Not so much pain will do it …” What task does the word ‘it’ refer to?[HS 15]
Ans: The word ‘it’ refers to the task of killing a tree.
22. How is the root pulled out?
Ans: The root is to be pulled out after tying the tree with rope and pulling out entirely from the ground forcefully.
23. Why does it take much time to kill a tree?
Ans: Hacking and chopping or a simple jab of knife are not enough to kill a free becuase the bleeding bark will heal itself and curled green twigs will appear again. Therefore, it takes much time to kill a tree completely.
24. What scorch and choke the tree after it is pulled out? [HS 16]
Ans: The sun and air scorches and chokes the tree after it is pulled out.
25. What type of poem is ‘On Killing a Tree’? Or, In what form of verse is the poem “On Killing a Tree” written? [HS 2020]
Ans: “On Killing a Tree” is an ironical poem written in free verse.
26. What are the final agents of nature that facilitate in killing a tree?
Ans: The final agents of nature are sun and air, that cause browning, hardening, twisting and withering to the exposed root of the tree.
27. What is to be done to the root after it is pulled out form its “earth cave”?
Ans: After a tree is uprooted, its living cells die and it gradually becomes hard and brown. It gets twisted and withered in the sun and air.
28. What will happen to the bleeding bark of the tree if left undisturbed?
Ans: If the bleeding bark is left undisturbed, it will heal again.
29. How much time does it take to kill a tree?
Ans: A long time is taken to kill a tree.
30. What is not enough to kill a tree?
Ans: A simple jab of the knife is not enough to kill a tree.
31. What will rise from close to the ground?
Ans: Curled green twigs will rise from close to the ground.
32. Why is the root “White and wet”?
Ans: The root of the tree is white and wet because it remains hidden inside the earth for years.
33. What happens when the bleeding bark heals?
Ans: When the bleeding bark heals curled green twigs rises from close to the ground.
34. “No! The root is to be pulled out” – What does ‘No’ suggest?
Ans: ‘No’ here suggests that hacking and chopping are not enough to kill a tree for the bleeding bark will be healed and curled green twigs will rise again.
35. “Slowly consuming the earth” – What does the expression ‘consuming the earth’ mean? [HS 19]
Ans: The expression ‘consuming the earth’ means the tree consumes nutrients from mother earth for its growth – be it sunlight, air or water.
36. How does the bleeding bark heal itself? Or, How does a tree heal itself?
Ans: The bleeding bark heals itself naturally with time.
37. “But this alone won’t do it” – What does this’ mean?
Ans: There this’ refers to hacking and chopping of the tree.
38. Where does irony lie in the poem “On Killing a Tree”?
Ans: The fact that humans are destroying nature that nourishes human civilization is ironical in “On Killing a Tree”.
39. The root is to be pulled out – Why is the root to be pulled out?
Ans: The root is to be pulled out to kill a tree successfully. Pulling out the root is the most effective step in killing a tree.
40. Where does the strength of a tree lie? [HS 2023]
Ans: The strength of a tree lies in its roots, anchoring deep within the earth, providing stability, support, and access to essential nutrients for sustained growth.
On Killing a Tree Class 12 Questions and Answers Descriptive Answer Type Questions (DAQ)
1. How is the tree finally killed? [HS 19, 18, 17, 15]
Ans: In Gieve Patel’s poem “On Killing a Tree,” the tree meets its demise through a gradual yet relentless process described in vivid detail. The poem explores the deliberate act of destroying a tree, emphasizing the tenacity of nature and the difficulty of eradicating a living entity. The poet employs powerful imagery to convey the tree’s struggle against the forces unleashed upon it, such as the corrosive impact of poison. Ultimately, the tree succumbs to the cumulative effect of these destructive elements, marking the end of its life. Patel’s poem serves as a metaphor for the resilience of nature and the consequences of human intervention.
2. Why does it take “much time to kill a tree”? How is a tree finally killed? [HS 18, 17, 15, 2023]
Ans: The phrase “much time to kill a tree” in Gieve Patel’s “On Killing a Tree” underscores the tree’s resilience and the difficulty of destroying it. The poem suggests that a tree, with deep roots and enduring strength, resists swift eradication.
The process involves cutting off branches, poisoning, and uprooting, illustrating the deliberate and arduous steps required. The final killing is a culmination of these efforts, emphasizing the tenacity of nature. The extended timeframe and persistent methods highlight the tree’s formidable resistance, serving as a metaphor for the enduring power of the natural world and the challenges humans face when attempting to manipulate or overpower it.
3. “No! The root is to be pulled out” – What are the steps through which man uproots a tree?
Ans: In the poem “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the speaker describes the deliberate and challenging process of uprooting a tree. The line “No! The root is to be pulled out” suggests a determined effort to eradicate the tree entirely. The steps involved in uprooting a tree, as implied by the poem, include:
Cutting: The poem mentions cutting off the branches, indicating an initial step in weakening the tree.
Poisoning: The speaker uses the term “poison” to imply the introduction of a lethal substance into the tree, intended to slowly weaken and kill it from within.
Digging: The act of uprooting involves digging around the tree to expose its roots.
Pulling the Root: The crucial step is pulling the root out, emphasizing the physical effort and persistence required to completely remove the tree.
These steps collectively convey the challenging and time-consuming nature of killing and uprooting a tree, underscoring the tree’s resilience and the determination needed to overcome its inherent strength.
4. “The source, white and wet” – What does the ‘source’ mean?
Ans: In the poem “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the line “The source, white and wet” refers to the core or the innermost part of the tree. The term “source” suggests the origin or the central life force of the tree. The use of “white and wet” evokes an image of the inner layers of the tree, perhaps the sapwood. The color white can symbolize the purity or essential nature of this inner source, while “wet” could imply the presence of moisture, emphasizing the vitality and life-sustaining properties found in the innermost part of the tree. The poet employs these vivid descriptors to convey the significance of targeting the core in the process of killing the tree.
6. “But this alone won’t do it” – Why won’t ‘this’ alone do it?
Ans: In the poem “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the line “But this alone won’t do it” suggests that the method mentioned previously, such as cutting off branches or poisoning, is not sufficient to completely kill the tree. The poet emphasizes that a single approach or action is insufficient to bring about the tree’s demise. This reflects the tree’s tenacious nature and resilience, suggesting that it cannot be easily defeated or destroyed by a singular method. The phrase underscores the complexity of the process and implies that a combination of efforts is required to successfully kill and uproot the tree.
7. How does the poet describe the growth of a tree over the years? [HS 19]
Ans: In “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the poet doesn’t explicitly describe the growth of a tree over the years, but the poem implicitly acknowledges the enduring and persistent nature of a tree’s life. The poem focuses more on the difficulty of killing a tree rather than detailing its growth.
However, the very act of attempting to kill the tree implies a significant passage of time during which the tree has grown and established itself. The lines that describe cutting off branches and poisoning the trunk indicate the tree’s maturity and the extensive effort required to counteract its years of growth. The overall tone suggests that the tree’s life and strength have been shaped over a considerable period, making it a formidable and resilient entity.
9. What is the role of the earth in the life of a tree?
Ans: The earth plays a crucial role in the life of a tree, serving as the foundation and source of sustenance for its growth. In the poem “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the earth is implied as the medium through which the tree’s roots anchor and derive essential nutrients and moisture. The earth provides stability and support, allowing the tree to stand tall and endure over time.
Additionally, the earth symbolizes the deep connection between the tree and the natural environment. The roots penetrating the earth represent the tree’s interaction with the ecosystem, drawing from the soil’s richness. The earth, in this context, is not just a physical substrate but a vital component in the tree’s life cycle, reflecting the intricate relationship between the tree and its surroundings.
8. “And the strength of a tree exposed” – How is it exposed and for what purpose?
Ans: In the line “And the strength of a tree exposed” from “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the poet suggests that the strength of the tree becomes apparent or revealed through the process of attempting to kill it. The exposure of the tree’s strength occurs as a consequence of the various destructive actions taken against it, such as cutting off branches, poisoning, and uprooting.
The purpose of highlighting the exposed strength is to emphasize the resilience and tenacity of the tree. Despite the external assaults and attempts to weaken or destroy it, the tree’s inherent strength becomes more evident. This portrayal serves as a metaphor for the enduring power of nature and the challenges involved in altering or disrupting its natural course. It underscores the formidable nature of the tree, even in the face of deliberate efforts to diminish it.
9. Justify the title of the poem “On Killing a Tree”. (HS 16)
Ans: The title “On Killing a Tree” is aptly justified by Gieve Patel’s exploration of the deliberate and challenging process of destroying a tree. The word “killing” implies a deliberate and purposeful action, drawing attention to the intentional harm inflicted upon the tree. The preposition “on” suggests an examination or contemplation of this act. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Patel delves into the difficulty and resistance encountered in the endeavor to eradicate a tree. The title encapsulates the essence of the poem, signaling that the work is a thoughtful exploration of the intentional act of ending the life of a tree and the consequential struggle it entails.
10. The poem “On Killing a Tree” describes man’s cruelty and violence at nature. – Discuss.
Ans: The poem “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel serves as a poignant commentary on man’s destructive tendencies towards nature. Through vivid imagery, Patel portrays the deliberate and challenging act of killing a tree as a metaphor for human cruelty. The cutting of branches, poisoning, and uprooting symbolize mankind’s violence against the environment. The poem prompts reflection on the consequences of such actions, emphasizing the tree’s resistance and resilience. Patel invites readers to consider the broader implications of human intervention, urging a more mindful and sustainable approach to coexisting with nature rather than perpetuating acts of brutality that disrupt the delicate balance of the natural world.
12. Describe after Gieve Patel’s poem how a tree gradually grows to be so strong and large.
Ans: A tree’s journey from a tiny seed to a towering giant is a marvel of nature’s patience and resilience. Beginning as a seed in fertile soil, it germinates, pushing forth a tender shoot eager for sunlight. As years unfold, the sapling transforms, sprouting branches that reach for the sky. Deep roots anchor it firmly, delving into the earth for sustenance. Seasons mold its character; shedding leaves in fall and regenerating in spring. Year by year, the trunk thickens, and the canopy broadens, accumulating strength and stature. The tree, a living testament to time, weathers storms, contributing shade, oxygen, and habitat, embodying nature’s enduring beauty.
13. How has the poet used irony in the poem “On killing a Tree”.
Ans: Gieve Patel employs irony in “On Killing a Tree” by presenting the paradoxical situation where the seemingly simple act of killing a tree becomes a formidable challenge. The poem describes the tree’s resilience and the intense struggle required to eradicate it, highlighting the irony that an entity so rooted and grounded can resist destruction. The irony lies in the discrepancy between the assumed ease of killing a tree and the actual intricate process involved. Patel forces readers to contemplate the unintentional irony of human attempts to overpower nature, underscoring the tree’s strength and resilience as a powerful metaphor for the enduring force of the natural world.
14. What message does the poet try to convey through his poem, “On Killing a Tree”?
Ans: In “On Killing a Tree,” Gieve Patel communicates a profound message about the resilience and indomitable spirit of nature. The poem serves as a metaphor for the relentless struggle between man and the environment. Patel portrays the tree as a symbol of endurance, depicting the challenges and futility of attempting to destroy it. The deliberate act of killing a tree becomes an arduous task, emphasizing the interconnectedness and strength inherent in the natural world. Through vivid imagery, the poet urges reflection on humanity’s impact, questioning the consequences of our actions on the delicate balance of the ecosystem and emphasizing the enduring power of nature despite our attempts to control it.
15. “The bleeding bark will heal” – How will the bleeding bark heal?
Or, How does the tree in “On Killing a Tree’ heal itself?
Ans: In Gieve Patel’s “On Killing a Tree,” the phrase “the bleeding bark will heal” suggests the tree’s ability to recover from wounds inflicted upon it. This healing process in trees involves a natural defense mechanism. As the tree’s bark is wounded, it triggers a response to compartmentalize and repair the damage. New layers of bark form, gradually sealing the wound. This healing is a testament to the tree’s resilience, illustrating nature’s capacity for self-renewal. The poet uses this imagery to emphasize the enduring strength of the tree, even in the face of deliberate harm, highlighting the innate ability of the natural world to recover and persist.
16. “And then it is done.” – What is being referred to? How is it done? On what tone does the poem end? [HS 2020]
Ans: In “On Killing a Tree” by Gieve Patel, the line “And then it is done” refers to the completion of the process of killing the tree.
The poem describes various destructive actions, including cutting off branches, poisoning, digging, and uprooting.
The tone of the poem at the end is somber and reflective. The phrase suggests a finality to the act, conveying a sense of accomplishment in the destruction of the tree. However, it also leaves room for contemplation on the consequences and the enduring impact of such actions, prompting readers to reflect on the cost of human intervention in nature.
