Hello friends today we are discuss this question, the question is -How does the poet criticise the action of human beings in the poem?
In the poem, ‘On Killing a Tree’ the poet apparently does not seem to criticise the action of human beings. He rather gives instructions on how to kill a tree which is indeed a difficult task. The tree, having grown in size and strength over the years absorbing nutrition from the earth, refuses to die that easily. Therefore, to kill a tree, it needs to be uprooted first and then left in the open to starve to death. But in these very directions for killing a tree lies the severe, indirect criticism hinted at human beings for their mindless, ruthless and perverse nature which is evident in the act of cutting down a tree. The poet’s criticism of the action of human beings which has resulted in widespread deforestation is subtle but very effective in the poem. Through the skilful use of irony of encouraging the destroyers to be more severe and relentless in their evil act, the poet actually lashes out at them in utmost disgust.