Introduction
On killing a tree is a ecocritical poem. It was first published in 1966 in collection ‘Poems’ of Nissim Ezekiel. It is written in ironical tone in which poet is constantly attacking on insatiable nature of human who destroys nature especially trees for its greed.
Central Idea
Poem puts forward the concept of conservation of nature and control our greed in terms of using trees. Trees are quite sturdy if used judiciously they can’t be killed that much easily. A tree can restore itself even after getting cut unless it’s totally uprooted.
Themes
- Greed of human – The main theme of the poem is nature has enough to satisfy our need but not our greed. Human imprudently exploit trees which is not only destructive but also foolish.
- Sturdiness of trees – Poet shows that trees are quite strong and they are not easy to kill. Poet satirically tells method of killing tree and it is just one way that is uprooting of tree can ultimately kill it because it won’t be able to take nutrition and resources from the Earth anymore.
Figure of speech
- Alliteration – ‘Bleeding bark’ and ‘white and wet’ have repetition of consonant sounds /b/ and /v/ at the starting of words hence it’s alliteration.
- Assonance – If there is repetition of vowel sound anywhere in the words it is called assonance. ‘Browning, hardening, Twisting, withering’ has repetition of vowel sound /i/.
- Irony – Poem has irony in the whole text. Poet has told method of killing a tree but his motive is contrary. He is ridiculing human for its greed and irresponsible behavior towards nature and trees. Irony is a device in which meaning of the said statement is contrary to the words. It is used to criticize, rebuke and ridicule the subject of talk.
Ecocriticism
The Poem is ecocritical. Ecocriticism is the study of ecology and literature. Basically how environmental issues are illustrated in texts and nature is treated by the writers. This poem deals with issue of destroying trees hence harming nature. It is a serious environmental issue hence poem can aptly considered as a ecocritical literary piece.
Post-modern poem
This poem also reflects post modern approach of human. Human who treats nature as a tool for its material aggrandizement and doesn’t have any emotional attachment with it is definitely a post modern approach towards trees and nature.
Language and diction
Poem is written in laymen language. There is nothing complex in the diction. It is written in more prose style than verse.
Structure and Rhyme scheme
Poem doesn’t have any particular structure. It also doesn’t have Rhyme and rhythm. Hence it’s free verse poem.
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