Class 9 English — Chapter 14: On Killing a Tree

Chapter 14: On Killing a Tree is a chapter in Class 9 English (Beehive), part of the CBSE NCERT curriculum followed by over 25 million students across India. This chapter covers 8 topics including The Tree's Resilience and Life Source, Ineffectiveness of Superficial Attacks, The Crucial Role of the Root. BrainWeave provides free AI-powered explanations — by voice or text, in Hindi or English — with no signup required.

Get Instant Solutions from AI Tutor → Read Chapter Summary

What you'll learn

▸The Tree's Resilience and Life SourceCore concept

consuming the earthabsorbingsunlightleprous hide
▸Ineffectiveness of Superficial AttacksCore concept

hack and chopbleeding barkhealgreen twigs
▸The Crucial Role of the RootCore concept

rootpulled outanchoring earthearth-cave
▸The Tree's Exposed VulnerabilityCore concept

strength of the tree exposedwhite and wetsensitivehidden
▸The Final Process of DeathCore concept

scorchingchokingbrowningwithering
▸Poetic Imagery and Personification

personificationimagerybleeding barkleprous hide
▸The Ironic and Clinical Tone

ironytoneclinicalGieve Patel
▸Symbolism of Killing a Tree

symbolismthemedeforestationdeep-rooted

Chapter Summary

Understand how a tree grows strong and resilient by slowly drawing sustenance from the earth, sunlight, air, and water over many years.

Recognize that simple actions like a 'jab of the knife' or 'hack and chop' are insufficient to kill a tree due to its ability to heal and regenerate from its 'bleeding bark'.

Comprehend that the true method of killing a tree involves uprooting it entirely from the 'anchoring earth,' which serves as its foundation and life source.

Understand that the tree's real strength and most sensitive part is its root, described as 'white and wet,' which is hidden underground and exposed only when uprooted.

Detail the final stages of the tree's death after being uprooted, which involves a slow process of 'scorching and choking' in the sun and air, leading to withering and hardening.

Analyze the poet's use of vivid imagery and personification, such as 'leprous hide' and 'bleeding bark,' to evoke a strong emotional response and portray the tree as a living being.

Identify the poem's detached, matter-of-fact tone, which ironically details a brutal act as if it were a scientific procedure, thereby highlighting the cruelty of the act.

Interpret the deeper symbolic meaning of the poem, relating the act of killing a tree to the difficulty of destroying deep-rooted evil, ideas, or habits in society and individuals.

Practice Questions from this Chapter

Tap "Get Solution" on any question to ask our AI tutor.

Explain how trees communicate. Get Solution →
Describe tree root functions. Get Solution →
Discover the oldest tree. Get Solution →
According to the first stanza, what will a 'simple jab of the knife' NOT do? Get Solution →
What does the poem say the tree has absorbed for years to grow? Get Solution →
The term 'leprous hide' is used in the poem to describe the tree's what? Get Solution →
What happens to the 'bleeding bark' after it is hacked and chopped? Get Solution →
If left unchecked after hacking, what will rise from the ground and expand to its former size? Get Solution →

Did you know?

💡 Trees communicate underground using a 'wood wide web' of fungi.
💡 The oldest living tree is over 5,000 years old, existing before written history.
💡 Tree roots can stretch twice as wide as the tree's height for stability.
💡 Some trees create their own rain by releasing water vapor into the air.
💡 A single mature tree produces enough oxygen for two people annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many topics are covered in this chapter?

This chapter covers 8 key topics: The Tree's Resilience and Life Source, Ineffectiveness of Superficial Attacks, The Crucial Role of the Root, The Tree's Exposed Vulnerability, The Final Process of Death, and more. The BrainWeave AI tutor explains each one with examples.

Is Chapter 14: On Killing a Tree important for board exams?

Class 9 is a foundation year. Mastering this chapter now will help you build strong fundamentals for the higher classes.

Can I get NCERT solutions for this chapter in Hindi?

Yes. BrainWeave's AI tutor supports Hindi, English, and Hinglish for both voice and text chat. Just ask your question in your preferred language.

Is BrainWeave free for Class 9?

Yes. BrainWeave's free Spark plan gives generous daily messages — enough for regular homework. Premium features unlock when you bring your own free Google Gemini API key.

Can I use voice chat for this chapter?

Absolutely. Tap the mic, ask any question about Chapter 14: On Killing a Tree, and the AI tutor will explain it back in voice and text.

How is BrainWeave better than static NCERT solutions sites?

Static solution sites give the same answer to everyone. BrainWeave adapts to your question — ask "explain like I'm 12" or "give a real-world example" and get a personalized response. Voice mode and Hindi support work seamlessly.

Related Chapters

Chapter 13: Reach for the Top

Chapter 15: Kathmandu

Chapter 4: Wind

Chapter 11: My Childhood

Chapter 17: If I Were You

Chapter 5: The Little Girl

Ask Any Question About Chapter 14: On Killing a Tree

Voice or text. Hindi or English. Free to start. No signup required.

Start Now →