Question

(A) Read the extracts given below and answer the

94
(1)
Not a simple jab of the knife
Will do it. It has grown
Slowly consuming the earth,
(a) 'It has grown'. What does 'it' refer to here?
How has it slowly consumed the earth?
(b) What is a simple jab of the knife not enough
for?
(c) What quality of'it' do these lines reveal?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

a. The word "it" refers to the root of a tree, which remains even after the tree is cut (receives a knife blow) and is capable of spreading over the entire land (it grows slowly consuming the land), allowing the the tree grow again.

b. A simple knife blow is not enough to kill a tree, as it only cuts off the aerial part of it, leaving the entire underground part alive and ready to grow again.

c. "It" refers to the tree and its resilience, which is the quality that many beings have to renew and grow again even after a strong attack.