Analysing 'A Poison Tree'
I can explain how Blake uses language, form and structure to explore ideas of conflict.
Analysing 'A Poison Tree'
I can explain how Blake uses language, form and structure to explore ideas of conflict.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are repeated references to both day and night in the poem, illustrating the all consuming nature of emotions.
- The extended metaphor of a tree is used to depict how negative strong emotions can grow.
- The apple grown on the tree could symbolise the speaker’s growing resentment towards their “foe”.
- The rhythm of the poem is straightforward and matter-of-fact, reflecting the everyday nature of these emotions.
- Arguably, the ABAB rhyme scheme has a nursery rhyme feel giving the impression of it as a ‘cautionary tale’.
Common misconception
The speaker's foe was poisoned by the fruit he grew.
At the beginning of the poem, the speaker seems to imply that the tree is metaphorical since it "grew" from the speaker's anger and resentment so perhaps the death of the "foe" could symbolise another sort of revenge undertaken by the speaker.
Keywords
Wrath - intense anger or fury often leading to destructive actions or outcomes
Cautionary tale - a narrative designed to teach a lesson, typically warning against certain behaviours or actions
Rhythm - the pattern of beats or sounds in speech or writing, creating a sense of musicality
Symbolism - the use of concrete objects or actions to represent abstract feelings, ideas or concepts
Extended metaphor - a metaphor that is sustained or developed throughout a piece of writing
Equipment
Edexcel Poetry Anthology ('Conflict' cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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