'Trees In The Garden' by D.H. Lawrence


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Ah in the thunder air
how still the trees are!

And the lime-tree, lovely and tall, every leaf silent
hardly looses even a last breath of perfume.

And the ghostly, creamy coloured little tree of leaves
white, ivory white among the rambling greens
how evanescent, variegated elder, she hesitates on the green grass
as if, in another moment, she would disappear
with all her grace of foam!

And the larch that is only a column, it goes up too tall to see:
and the balsam-pines that are blue with the grey-blue blueness of
things from the sea,
and the young copper beech, its leaves red-rosy at the ends
how still they are together, they stand so still
in the thunder air, all strangers to one another
as the green grass glows upwards, strangers in the silent garden.

Lichtental

Editor 1 Interpretation

Trees In The Garden: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Trees In The Garden is a poignant poem written by D.H. Lawrence, an English writer and poet known for his romantic and controversial works. The poem was first published in 1916 and has since become one of Lawrence's most well-known and highly regarded works.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and symbolism of Trees In The Garden, exploring Lawrence's use of language and poetic devices to convey his message.

The Theme of Nature and Growth

One of the most prominent themes in Trees In The Garden is the idea of nature and growth. Throughout the poem, Lawrence uses vivid imagery of trees and plants to represent the cycle of life and the constant change and evolution of the natural world.

From the opening lines of the poem, Lawrence sets the tone for this theme:

The trees in the garden are waking up
Stretching their arms, yawning,
Opening their mouths to drink in the sun.

Here, we see the trees personified, as if they are human beings waking up from a deep sleep. Lawrence's use of personification and sensory language draws the reader into the natural world, allowing us to see the trees as living, breathing entities that are part of a larger ecosystem.

As the poem progresses, Lawrence continues to explore the theme of growth and change, using language that is both beautiful and evocative:

The trees in the garden are coming into leaf
Like something almost being said;
The recent buds relax and spread,
Their greenness is a kind of grief.

In these lines, Lawrence describes the trees as if they are speaking to us, as if they are trying to convey some important message that we are not quite able to understand. He uses the metaphor of "greenness" as a kind of sorrow or mourning for the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

Symbolism and Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of Trees In The Garden is Lawrence's use of symbolism and imagery to convey his message. Throughout the poem, he uses trees and plants as powerful symbols of growth, change, and the cycle of life.

For example, in the following lines, Lawrence uses the image of a tree to represent the passing of time:

Fall asleep, fall asleep,
The trees are going to sleep;
The flowers, the flowers
All gone, all gone;
The leaves, the leaves
Falling, falling on.

Here, the trees are personified as if they are children who are being put to bed. The repetition of "fall asleep" and "all gone" emphasizes the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

Similarly, Lawrence uses the image of a plant to represent the fragile and fleeting nature of life:

The plants are all gone down into the ground
But here the sunflowers shine like suns;

The sunflowers are described as shining like suns, emphasizing both their beauty and their ephemerality. They are a reminder that even in the face of death and decay, there is still beauty and hope to be found in the natural world.

The Tone and Mood of the Poem

Another important aspect of Trees In The Garden is the tone and mood of the poem. Throughout the poem, Lawrence's use of language and imagery creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as if he is mourning the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

For example, in the following lines, Lawrence uses language that is both beautiful and sad:

The trees are in their autumn beauty,
The woodland paths are dry,
Under the October twilight the water
Mirrors a still sky;

Here, Lawrence describes the beauty of autumn, with its dry woodland paths and still waters, but there is a sense of sadness and loss as well. The use of the phrase "autumn beauty" suggests that this beauty is fleeting, that it will soon be gone and replaced by something else.

Similarly, in the following lines, Lawrence creates a sense of nostalgia for a lost past:

A bird flew out of a bush
And a friend flew after.
But soon, oh soon,
We'll go to the top of the hill
And see the whole world lying below us,

Here, Lawrence describes a moment of friendship and joy, but there is a sense of sadness as well, as if he is reminiscing about a time that is now gone forever.

Conclusion

Trees In The Garden is a deeply evocative and moving poem that explores the themes of nature, growth, and change. Through his use of language and poetic devices, D.H. Lawrence creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the natural world, reminding us of the beauty, fragility, and impermanence of life.

As we reflect on the themes, imagery, and symbolism of Trees In The Garden, we are reminded of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the world around us and to inspire us to see the beauty and wonder in even the most fleeting moments of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Trees In The Garden: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry

D.H. Lawrence, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound insights into human nature and his ability to capture the essence of life in his poetry. His poem "Trees In The Garden" is a masterpiece of nature poetry that explores the beauty and complexity of the natural world. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the trees in the garden, which are "coming into leaf" and "blossoming pear and cherry." The imagery of the trees coming to life after a long winter is a powerful symbol of renewal and rebirth. The speaker then goes on to describe the "great elms" that "stand like sentinels" and the "ash that courts the light." The use of personification in describing the ash tree as "courting" the light is a beautiful example of Lawrence's ability to imbue nature with human qualities.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective, reflecting on the relationship between humans and nature. He asks, "What is this world if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?" This line is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. In our busy lives, it is easy to forget the simple pleasures of nature, but Lawrence reminds us that they are essential to our well-being.

The speaker then goes on to describe the "green fuse" that drives the trees to grow and flourish. This metaphorical language is a powerful symbol of the life force that animates all living things. The "green fuse" represents the energy and vitality that drives us forward, and Lawrence reminds us that we must nurture this force if we are to thrive.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker reflects on the destructive power of humanity. He describes the "smoke-blue air" and the "sickly, sulphurous smell" that pollutes the natural world. This imagery is a powerful reminder of the damage that we have done to the environment, and the consequences of our actions. Lawrence is not afraid to confront the harsh realities of the world, and his poetry is all the more powerful for it.

Despite this darkness, the poem ends on a hopeful note. The speaker describes the trees as "lifting their leafy arms to pray," a beautiful image of nature reaching out to something greater than itself. This final image is a reminder that, despite our flaws and failings, there is still hope for humanity. We can still learn from nature and strive to live in harmony with the world around us.

In terms of form, "Trees In The Garden" is a free verse poem, with no set rhyme or meter. This lack of structure allows Lawrence to explore his themes in a more fluid and organic way, reflecting the natural world that he is describing. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with its own distinct imagery and tone. This structure allows Lawrence to explore a range of ideas and emotions, from the beauty of nature to the destructive power of humanity.

In conclusion, "Trees In The Garden" is a masterpiece of nature poetry that explores the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Lawrence's use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphorical language is masterful, and his ability to capture the essence of life in his poetry is unparalleled. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasures of nature, and the consequences of our actions if we fail to do so. It is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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