Long notes for class 12 from "On Killing a Tree" by Gieve Patel.

1) "And out of its leprous hide.."- what grows from leprous hide of the tree? How does the hide of the tree look like,a to the poet? What does the poet want to indicate by the expression 'leprous hide'?

Ans: Leaves grow from the leprous hide of the tree.

              The hide of the tree looks like the discolored skin of a leprosy patient.
   
          By personifying the tree, the poet compares the rough bark of the tree to the rough skin of a leprosy patient. Leprosy is an infectious disease that hinders the normal growth of a patient , whereas the leprous hide does not prevent the growth of a tree. Leaves sprout from that hide and help the tree grow normally. The poet ironically indicates that the bark may appear leprous, but it is the symbol of growth not destruction.

2) "The root is to be pulled out-
      Out of the anchoring earth"-  What does the expression 'anchoring earth' mean? Bring out the comparison implied here. What does the poet want to say in the quoted lines?

Ans:     In the poem On Killing a Tree the expression anchoring earth means that the roots have sunk firmly into the earth and secured the tree.

           The poet here compares the root of the tree to an anchor. An anchor keeps a boat or a ship in one place. Similarly the roots hold the tree firmly fixed into the earth.

       In the quoted lines, the poet wants to say that if a man wants to kill a tree completely, he should pull its roots out from inside the earth where they have held the tree firmly fixed.

3) "so hack and chop
      But this alone won't do it"- what does 'it' refer to? Why cannot hacking and chopping alone do it?

Ans:- Here 'it' refers to the act of killing a tree.
   
          At the time of hacking and chopping, a tree feels severe pain. But the pain and bleeding last for a short period of time the bleeding bark heals itself rapidly. In course of time green twigs appear from the part that remains close to the ground, and they grow into miniature boughs gradually. If the boughs remain unchecked, they will expand again, and the tree gets back its former size. So hacking and chopping cannot kill a tree.

4) " The source white and wet,
        The most sensitive, hidden"- what is the 'source'  referred to here?  Why does the poet call the source the most sensitive?

Ans:- Here the 'source' refers to the root of the tree.

       The poet says that root of the tree lies hidden inside the earth for years. It acts as its anchor and it is the source of its life. This source is white and wet. It is white because it is kept under the ground for years, and does not get sunlight. It is wet because it always absorbs water and other minerals to make the tree alive. The poet calls the root the most sensitive because its not only supplies food to the tree but also clings the tree firmly to the earth.

#H.S suggestive notes from On Killing a Tree#,  #WBCHSE Class 12 English notes#