A Poison Tree by William Blake

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Allusions

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TPCASTT Analysis

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Essential Questions for “A Poison Tree”

1. What does the poem say about revenge?
2. Why is anger like a poison?
3. How does the metaphor of a living tree affect the message of the poem?

Background Information

Blake published his first book of poetry, Songs of Innocence in 1789. The poems dealt with lighthearted topics and celebrated the simple joys of human existence. Five years later, he published Songs of Experience, which addressed the darker aspects of life. In Songs of Experience, Blake focuses on mankind’s fallen nature and the various failings and sufferings that plague the human race. His poem “A Poison Tree” highlights the damaging effects of anger and deceit and specifically contradicts the anger management etiquette of his contemporaries. In the 1700s, many Westerners considered anger an impolite sentiment and encouraged one another to suppress their anger. Blake disagreed with this practice and believed that suppressing one’s anger led to increased emotional disturbance. In “A Poison Tree”, originally entitled “Christian Forbearance”, Blake implies that the healthy practice is to express one’s anger frankly and move on.

To fully understand “A Poison Tree”, many students will find it helpful to review the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The poem contains a number of allusions to Chapter 3 of the book of Genesis. In the story, Adam and Eve eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge. After disobeying God by eating the fruit of the tree, Adam and Eve gain new knowledge, but at a high price. As a result of their first sin, they are banished from the Garden of Eden and lose the peaceful, immortal existence they had led there. Instead, they face suffering and eventual death. The knowledge that Adam and Eve gain by eating the fruit is a kind that strips them of the peaceful innocence that had previously known. In this way, their story echoes Blake’s emphasis in Songs of Experience. Experience, like the fruit, leads to pain and even death. The link between Blake’s “poison tree” and the story of Adam and Eve continues in the poem’s symbolically poisonous apple, the use of the garden setting, and the snake-like sibilance of the alliterative “s” sounds. Students intrigued by “A Poison Tree” will find further discussion of this metaphorical tree and humanity’s fallen nature in Blake’s poem, “The Divine Image.”

Frequently Asked Questions about A Poison Tree by William Blake

What is the main message of William Blake's 'A Poison Tree'?

The main message of “A Poison Tree” is that suppressing anger instead of expressing it can lead to destructive outcomes. Blake uses the metaphor of a poisoned tree to show how hidden resentment grows and harms both the person feeling it and those around them.

How can I teach 'A Poison Tree' to middle or high school students?

To teach “A Poison Tree”, use activities like metaphor mapping, analyzing the poem’s symbolism, and comparing it to the story of Adam and Eve. Encourage discussion about anger management, revenge, and the consequences of suppressed emotions to help students relate the poem to their own experiences.

Why is anger compared to poison in the poem?

Anger is compared to poison because, when bottled up, it becomes more harmful over time. Blake illustrates how suppressed anger can grow, just like a poisoned tree, eventually causing harm to oneself and others.

What are some engaging lesson ideas for 'A Poison Tree'?

Engaging lesson ideas include creating storyboards of the poem’s events, exploring biblical allusions, debating the pros and cons of expressing versus suppressing anger, and writing personal reflections on the impact of emotions.

How does the metaphor of the tree enhance the meaning of 'A Poison Tree'?

The tree metaphor in “A Poison Tree” vividly illustrates how anger, like a seed, can grow and become increasingly dangerous if not addressed. This helps students visualize emotional growth and its consequences.