English Notes Latest Questions

What are the poetic devices used in the poem A Poison Tree?

What are the poetic devices used in the poem A Poison Tree?

1 Answer

    1. Antithesis– This poetic device pairs opposite or contrasting ideas adjacent to each other. In the first stanza, the poet uses antithesis when he tells us about the contrasting decisions that he took while dealing with his anger for his friend and his foe.
    2. Alliteration- It is the occurrence of the same sound at the beginning of closely connected words. Example- “I told my wrath, my wrath did end”
    3. Allusion– It is an indirect reference of a person, place, thing or idea of a historical, cultural, political or literary significance. Here, “garden” and “apple” are allusions to the Garden of Eden and the forbidden apple that Adam and Eve eat in the biblical origin story.
    4. Metaphor- A metaphor directly refers to one thing by mentioning another. In this poem, “the tree” is a metaphor for the anger the poet is nursing, and the “apple” is the fruit of his grudge, or the violent action it finally leads to.
    5. Symbolism– Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities. Here, the “tree” symbolises the poet’s wrath, and the “apple” becomes a symbol for the dangers of that wrath.

    A Poison Tree Stanza Wise Summary & Analysis in English class 10

You must login to add an answer.