Q. What is a symbol? What does the tree symbolise in the poem,”On Killing a Tree”?Ans.A symbol is a representation or suggestion of an idea, image, belief, or action. In “On Killing a Tree,” Gieve Patel uses the tree as a powerful symbol of growth, struggle, and death. The tree symbolizes nature, and its destruction shows man’s foolishness because in destroying nature, man destroys himself. Although the tree is a generous helper, but in man kills it. However, a simple jab of a knife or act of hacking and chopping cannot kill a tree; it only inflicts pain. The tree’s bleeding bark will heal, bear leaves, and grow to its former size, bringing new hope through its green twigs and small boughs. The tree’s root represents firmness, security, and strength, but it is also sensitive. The killing of the tree by uprooting it and exposing it to the sun reveals man’s insensitivity and cruelty, which puts human civilization under serious threat.