Question

You may read the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ by Gieve Patel (Beehive - Textbook in English for Class IX, NCERT). Compare and contrast it with the poem you have just read.

Answer 1

The poems “The Trees” and “On Killing a Tree” are both exquisite examples of contrast. Adrienne Rich discusses humanity’s attempts to disrupt the environment's natural equilibrium in “The Trees.” Here, an attempt is made in vain to contain the all-powerful nature within man-made limits. A foolish yet conceited endeavour has been undertaken to remove trees from the forest, their natural habitat. Freedom is just as important to trees as it is to us. They battle, overcome the man-made obstacles, and triumphantly march back to the forest, their ancestral home. On Killing a Tree. Gieve Patel explains how man is trying to destroy the world’s natural resources, including trees and forests. Deforestation is a result of human avarice. However, a tree can be killed, which should not be taken for granted. A blow does not instantly kill a tree. Every component of a tree faces difficulties. Before they finally perish, the roots, twigs, branches, and even leaves struggle valiantly. Man’s harshness and conceit are gradually contested. Nature fiercely opposes man’s demonic attempt to conquer and destroy it. The sole distinction is that, in On Killing a Tree, man’s cruelty and conceit are finally successful. However, the triumphant march of the trees to the forest in “The Trees” depicts the triumph of nature over humanity.