“UNCHOPPING A TREE”

“UNCHOPPING A TREE”

Is unchopping a tree possible? What does this essay suggest about conservation and against deforestation?

              The essay “Unchopping a Tree” is a persuasive discourse written by an American writer W.S. Merwin, It is typical of giving directions with the use of imperative form of the verb for the most part. However at the level of meaning and action, it ceases to be directive. Since the task directed in the essay is impossible, it is assumed to have a different meaning and message which is hidden.

              The essay begins with the direction for unchopping a tree which implies the process of reversing the action of “chopping” a tree. Once can see the impossibility of the tack. Also the essay indicates the unpleasant consequences of our unwise chopping of trees. Unchopping a tree involves reassembling the leaves, twigs broken nests and eggs in their original order and restoring everything their respective places. It is Herculean task for which one may be obliged to use tackle and scaffolding. Despite the completion of the work, one can hardly believe that it will hold against the first breeze and the motion of the clouds. Thus it is an obvious fact that what is chopped is chopped forever. It also implies that reconstruction is not an easy task as the destruction.

              Once a tree is felled, it is done forever, No man on earth can reassemble it in the same place with the same surroundings including the broken eggs, nests etc. hence conservation is the only solution. It saves us from the drudgery of restoring the trees to their former position. Impossibility of the task indicates the necessary of conserving the trees. The present essay makes it clear the act of chopping a tree is not an individual act anymore.

              It is connected with an ecosystem and therefore upsets the balance of nature. For instance, chopping of a tree instantly shows its consequences in the destruction of its surroundings, nest, eggs etc. disappearance of shade, cool wind and the melody of the birds are another result of the act. Hence conservation of the forest is nothing but the preservation of the nature and environment.

              Deforestation is not only the destruction of the vegetation and wild-life but also the end of the healthy environment. Hence to preserve the trees is equivalent to preserve the self in the healthy atmosphere. Hence it is our duty to bring the harmony in our surroundings. It can be done only when the members of the society move ahead with the determination of keeping things whole like the poet Mark Strand.