I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I waterd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears:
And I sunned it with smiles,
And with soft deceitful wiles.
And it grew both day and night.
Till it bore an apple bright.
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine.
And into my garden stole,
When the night had veild the pole;
In the morning glad I see;
My foe outstretched beneath the tree.
“The Poison Tree” by William Blake, a poem from his collection Songs of Experience (1794), explores themes of anger, repression, and the consequences of unaddressed emotions. Through vivid imagery and simple yet powerful language, Blake delves into the psychological effects of harboring resentment and the potential dangers it poses.
The Poem’s Structure and Language
“The Poison Tree” consists of four quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme. This structured format gives the poem a rhythmic and almost nursery rhyme-like quality, which contrasts with the dark subject matter. The simplicity of the language makes the poem accessible, while the underlying message invites deeper contemplation.
Analysis of Themes
- Anger and Repression:
The poem begins with the speaker describing two different ways of handling anger. When angry with a friend, the speaker talks about the problem, and the anger dissipates. However, when angry with an enemy, the speaker suppresses the anger, allowing it to grow. This distinction highlights the dangers of repression. By not addressing the anger, it festers and transforms into something far more sinister. - Growth and Corruption:
Blake uses the metaphor of a tree to represent the growing anger. The anger, once nurtured with fears and tears, becomes a poison tree that bears a bright apple. The imagery of cultivation here suggests that negative emotions, if left unchecked, can take root and flourish, leading to destructive outcomes. The apple, reminiscent of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, symbolizes the enticing yet dangerous result of nurtured hatred. - Deception and Consequences:
The speaker’s enemy, drawn by the allure of the apple, sneaks into the garden at night and consumes the fruit, only to be found dead beneath the tree the next morning. This outcome illustrates the fatal consequences of harboring and nurturing ill will. The speaker’s satisfaction at seeing the enemy’s demise underscores the moral complexity of the situation, questioning the righteousness of revenge and the cost of unchecked emotions.
Symbolism and Imagery
Blake’s use of symbolism is potent throughout the poem. The tree, an organic and growing entity, represents how emotions can develop and change over time. The apple, a symbol of temptation and sin, draws on biblical references to highlight the moral implications of the narrative. The garden, often a symbol of the mind or soul, becomes a place of both beauty and danger, reflecting the duality of human nature.
Moral and Philosophical Implications
“The Poison Tree” invites readers to reflect on their own emotions and the ways they handle anger. Blake suggests that unaddressed anger can become toxic, not just to oneself but to others as well. The poem serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of confronting and resolving negative feelings, rather than allowing them to grow unchecked. The tragic end of the enemy also raises questions about justice and the true cost of vengeance.
Conclusion
William Blake’s “The Poison Tree” is a profound exploration of the human psyche and the effects of suppressed emotions. Through simple yet evocative language and powerful imagery, Blake communicates the dangers of harboring anger and the potential for growth and corruption that lies within us all. The poem remains relevant today, offering timeless insights into the complexities of human emotions and the importance of addressing them openly and honestly.
Tiny Dive 