Ecological Interpretation of the poem "On Killing A Tree " by Gieve Patel

 Ecological Interpretation of the poem " On Killing A Tree" by Gieve Patel         - Feba Susan Cherian

Abstract: The literary exploration of the environment, known as Eco-criticism, delves into the intricate relationship between literature and nature. This interdisciplinary field merges Ecology and Literary Criticism, uniquely blending natural science with humanistic perspectives. Focusing on the connections between literature and the environment, ecocriticism examines how human interactions with the physical world manifest in literary works. This paper specifically examines ecocritical perspectives applied to Gieve Patel's poem, 'On Killing a Tree.'

Key terms:- Eco Criticism, Ecology, Humanism, Eco-terrorism

Introduction: Throughout history, poets, both Western and Indian, have been inspired to craft literature intimately tied to their native landscapes. From Wordsworth to postcolonial poets, the natural environment has been a recurring theme. Contemporary Indian writer Gieve Patel, born in 1940, stands out as a notable Parsi poet, emphasizing the human body as a metaphor in his works. This paper delves into an ecocritical view of Patel's poem, urging a reevaluation of humanity's association with nature.

Ecocriticism: Ecocriticism shifts the critical focus from social dynamics to natural relationships, viewing individuals as integral components of ecosystems. Emphasizing the 'literary sense of place,' it values the deep connection or alienation from specific natural contexts. The evolution of ecocriticism reveals a global movement addressing preservationist environmentalism, eco-centric ethics, and socio-centric concerns. Amid these shifts, the overarching goal remains redirecting human consciousness to its place in a threatened natural world.

Protecting the Nature: Numerous poets convey nature as a force once independent of humans but now directly impacted by human actions. The irreversible nature of extinction, coupled with biodiversity loss due to human demands, highlights the urgency of environmental protection. Literature plays a crucial role in fostering awareness, redirecting human consciousness towards the preservation of the natural world.

Biography of Gieve Patel: Gieve Patel, a prominent Parsi writer and medical practitioner from Mumbai, expresses his concern for the oppressed and emphasizes the body as a recurring theme in his poems. Through his works, Patel addresses the isolation faced by the Parsis and advocates for a mindful and respectful coexistence with nature.

Interpretation of the Poem 'On Killing a Tree': In 'On Killing a Tree,' Patel metaphorically cautions against harming nature by depicting uncontrolled deforestation. The poem serves as a protest against violence and ecological terrorism inflicted by humans on nature. Eco-terrorism, defined as the destruction of the environment to intimidate or coerce, prompts reflection on humanity's impact on the delicate balance of nature.

Gieve Patel's poem "On Killing a Tree" delves into the intricate process of destroying a tree, highlighting the resilience and tenacity inherent in nature. Through a nuanced exploration of the ecological theme, the poem invites a critical appreciation with an ecocritical lens.
Ecocriticism, as an approach to literature, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and environmental systems. Patel's poem aligns with this perspective by portraying the tree as a formidable entity deeply embedded in the natural world.
The poem unfolds as a reflection on the arduous task of eradicating a tree, depicting it as a slow and laborious process that transcends a mere physical act.

The tree is presented as a complex living entity, having "grown slowly, consuming the earth." This anthropomorphism endows the tree with a sense of agency, emphasizing its role as a participant in the ecological cycle. The tree's consumption of the earth becomes a metaphor for its symbiotic relationship with the environment, highlighting its dependence on sunlight, air, and water.

Patel's language evokes a vivid image of the tree's vitality, describing it as "rising out of [the earth], feeding upon its crust." The use of imagery not only emphasizes the tree's organic connection to the earth but also underscores its ability to transform sunlight, air, and water into life-sustaining energy. This portrayal aligns with ecocritical concerns, emphasizing the intricate balance between nature and the human impact on the environment.

As the poem progresses, the poet shifts focus to the physical act of attempting to kill the tree. The inadequacy of a "simple jab of the knife" underscores the tree's
resilience, resisting a straightforward demise. This resistance to destruction speaks to the broader ecological theme of nature's ability to withstand human intervention and emphasizes the complexity of the relationship between humans and the natural world.

The image of "curled green twigs" emerging from the bleeding bark symbolizes the tree's regenerative power, challenging the human attempts to control and manipulate nature. The metaphor of the tree's growth as "miniature boughs" expanding to former size reinforces the idea of nature's irrepressible force, echoing ecocritical concerns about the consequences of human actions on the delicate balance of ecosystems.

The ultimate solution proposed in the poem involves uprooting the tree entirely, exposing its vulnerable roots. This act of pulling the tree out from the earth caveat" serves as a metaphor for the disruption of natural harmony. The description of the tree's "source, white and wet, the most sensitive, hidden for years inside the earth" highlights the intimate connection between the tree's roots and the earth, underscoring the ecological consequences of such intervention.

The subsequent stages of scorching, choking, browning, hardening, twisting, and withering depict the slow demise of the tree, mirroring the potential consequences of human actions on the environment. Patel's poem, through its ecological lens, prompts readers to contemplate the intricate web of relationships between humanity and nature, urging a critical awareness of the consequences of disrupting these delicate balances. In doing so, "On Killing a Tree" aligns itself with the principles of ecocriticism, inviting readers to reflect on the ethical implications of human interactions with the environment.

Conclusion: Gieve Patel's 'On Killing a Tree' serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's responsibility towards nature. As an ecocritical exploration, the poem urges a reexamination of human actions that lead to environmental degradation. Patel's work aligns with the broader literary tradition that strives to present a mirror to society, encouraging introspection and corrective measures for the preservation of nature and a sustainable future.

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