How has the tree been given human attributes in the poem?

In the poem ‘On Killing a Tree’ certain human attributes have been given to the tree. Here the tree has been depicted as a child who after birth, gradually strengthens its position and finds nourishment from nature for itself. The tree takes years to grow slowly consuming the earth, rising out of it and drawing nourishment from it. It spreads its roots and absorbs sunlight, air and water which help it to mature and sprout leaves. The tree is also described as someone who can feel pain and who bleeds when gets a wound. So the expression, ‘bleeding bark’ is used to emphasize the human attribute. Again the roots of the tree is called ‘sensitive’ that is a typical human quality and if they are snapped out completely, it kills the tree. Moreover, the word “killing” is mostly used in association with a human being. Here, this exceptional use of the word ‘killing’ makes it evident that the poet has brilliantly given human attributes to the tree that adds to the much valuable impact of the poem.

Gieve Patel brings out the eternal relationship of a tree with the earth in a poetic way Discuss.

The relationship of a tree with the earth is almost like a mother-child relationship, which Patel brings out in a poetic way in this poem. When a tree is a small sapling the earth gives it shelter. It allows that sapling to spread its roots into the earth and the earth acts as an anchor, thereby securing the tree. Then it nourishes the tree by feeding it with sunlight, air and water. The tree grows up consuming the earth. When it becomes a full-grown tree it tries to look after the world in return. It gives shelter to many birds, it helps human beings as well as other creatures to live by offering a suitable environment, absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and also by providing food. Every part of a tree tries to repay the world in every possible way. Thus an eternal bond exists between the two.