Q.Comment on the uses of symbols in the poem “On Killing a Tree.”

Ans.In his poem ‘On Killing a Tree’, Gieve Patel uses various symbols to depict the contrasting themes of life and death in a harsh and unforgiving world. The author utilizes terms such as feeding, absorbing, sunlight, air, water, sprouting leaves, heel, and green twigs to exemplify the vitality of life on Earth and its relentless persistence despite the overwhelming threat of extinction.On the other hand, words such as jab of the knife, hack and chop, bleeding bark, scorching, choking, hardening, twisting, and weathering convey the destructive tendencies of mankind, who, despite considering themselves a civilized species, continue to ravage nature for their own selfish needs. Patel exposes the cruel reality of the world and the flaws of humanity, which may ultimately lead to the annihilation of the entire race.