Activity Overview
“A Poison Tree” makes a number of allusions to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, told in Chapter 3 of the book of Genesis. Understanding the connections between elements of Blake’s poem and the biblical story will help students read the poem on a deeper level. To guide their comprehension, students can set up a storyboard identifying elements of “A Poison Tree” that allude to the Genesis story. Below each storyboard depiction, students should explain the allusion’s connection to the poem’s message.
For a variation of this assignment, have students use storyboards to identify and explain the poem’s metaphors instead of its allusions. Students can depict the intended meaning of the following words and phrases: “waterd it in fears”, “sunned it with smiles”, “apple”, “apple tree”, “garden”.
“A Poison Tree” Allusions
Apple Tree
The tree that "bore an apple bright" calls to mind the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Its fruit, which God forbids Adam and Eve from eating, is traditionally referred to as an apple.
Speaker
The speaker who lures his enemy into the garden and tempts him to eat the apple is like the serpent in Eden. This suggests that the speaker’s anger has filled him with evil and led him to resemble the devil.
Foe
The speaker's foe is like Adam and Eve. Although they are helped by the serpent, they are still guilty of disobedience. The speaker's foe is not innocent either. He sneaks into the garden and eats the apple without permission.
Apple
In the poem, as in Genesis, the fruit represents sin and death. In both cases, the sin is the cause of death.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different allusions in "A Poison Tree".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different allusions made in the text.
- Describe the meaning of the allusion in the description.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The quote which contains the allusion is included, or context is given for the quote's place in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The quote may be missing or no context is given. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The quote and/or context are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| How It Enhances Meaning | The allusion's connection to the work is accurate and thoughtful, with meaningful commentary provided to accompany the scene. | The allusion's connection to the work is slightly inaccurate, or only partially described. The commentary may be too limited. | The allusion's connection to the work has serious errors in accuracy. The commentary may also be missing or incomplete. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
“A Poison Tree” makes a number of allusions to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, told in Chapter 3 of the book of Genesis. Understanding the connections between elements of Blake’s poem and the biblical story will help students read the poem on a deeper level. To guide their comprehension, students can set up a storyboard identifying elements of “A Poison Tree” that allude to the Genesis story. Below each storyboard depiction, students should explain the allusion’s connection to the poem’s message.
For a variation of this assignment, have students use storyboards to identify and explain the poem’s metaphors instead of its allusions. Students can depict the intended meaning of the following words and phrases: “waterd it in fears”, “sunned it with smiles”, “apple”, “apple tree”, “garden”.
“A Poison Tree” Allusions
Apple Tree
The tree that "bore an apple bright" calls to mind the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Its fruit, which God forbids Adam and Eve from eating, is traditionally referred to as an apple.
Speaker
The speaker who lures his enemy into the garden and tempts him to eat the apple is like the serpent in Eden. This suggests that the speaker’s anger has filled him with evil and led him to resemble the devil.
Foe
The speaker's foe is like Adam and Eve. Although they are helped by the serpent, they are still guilty of disobedience. The speaker's foe is not innocent either. He sneaks into the garden and eats the apple without permission.
Apple
In the poem, as in Genesis, the fruit represents sin and death. In both cases, the sin is the cause of death.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating different allusions in "A Poison Tree".
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Identify different allusions made in the text.
- Describe the meaning of the allusion in the description.
- Illustrate each example with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 19 Points | Beginning 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allusion | The allusion and its depiction are historically or factually accurate. The quote which contains the allusion is included, or context is given for the quote's place in a brief summary. | The allusion and its depiction may be slightly inaccurate historically or factually. The quote may be missing or no context is given. | The allusion and its depiction have serious errors in accuracy. The quote and/or context are missing, or there is no description at all. |
| How It Enhances Meaning | The allusion's connection to the work is accurate and thoughtful, with meaningful commentary provided to accompany the scene. | The allusion's connection to the work is slightly inaccurate, or only partially described. The commentary may be too limited. | The allusion's connection to the work has serious errors in accuracy. The commentary may also be missing or incomplete. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to both the allusion and to the work of literature. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate. Scene constructions are messy and may create some confusion, or may be too limited. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas may be disorganized or misplaced. Lack of control over grammar, mechanics, and spelling reflect a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about “A Poison Tree” Allusions Analysis
Integrate “A Poison Tree” allusions into a collaborative class discussion
Invite students to share the allusions they identified in the poem aloud, then facilitate a guided conversation connecting these examples to the poem’s main message. This approach helps students build on one another’s ideas and deepens their understanding through peer interaction.
Prepare discussion prompts ahead of time
Create open-ended questions that encourage students to think critically about the poem’s allusions and their significance. For example, ask: How does knowing about the story of Adam and Eve change our interpretation of the poem? This ensures the conversation stays focused and productive.
Use visual aids to support understanding
Display images of the Garden of Eden, the apple tree, and related symbols while students discuss the poem. Visuals make abstract connections more concrete and help all learners participate meaningfully.
Encourage students to connect allusions to personal experiences
Prompt students to share times when they’ve encountered similar themes or symbols in other texts, movies, or real life. Relating allusions to everyday experiences strengthens comprehension and retention.
Conclude with a reflection activity
Ask students to write a short reflection on how understanding allusions deepened their appreciation of the poem. This reinforces learning and provides you with insights into student progress.
Frequently Asked Questions about “A Poison Tree” Allusions Analysis
What are the biblical allusions in 'A Poison Tree' by William Blake?
“A Poison Tree” alludes to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, referencing the apple tree (tree of knowledge), the act of temptation, and the consequences of sin. The poem’s apple and garden symbolize forbidden knowledge and the destructive results of harboring anger.
How does 'A Poison Tree' connect to the story of Adam and Eve?
The poem parallels Adam and Eve’s story through its apple tree, temptation, and fall. The speaker’s foe is tempted to eat the apple, just as Adam and Eve were, highlighting themes of disobedience and the consequences of suppressed anger.
What lesson can students learn by analyzing allusions in 'A Poison Tree'?
By analyzing allusions, students learn how literary references deepen meaning. Understanding the connection to Genesis helps them see how anger, like forbidden fruit, can lead to destructive outcomes if not addressed.
How can I teach students to identify allusions and metaphors in 'A Poison Tree'?
Have students create a storyboard that identifies allusions and metaphors, then explain each one’s meaning and connection to the poem’s themes. This visual approach enhances comprehension and engagement.
What is the significance of the apple in both 'A Poison Tree' and Genesis?
In both texts, the apple represents temptation and sin. Eating the apple leads to negative consequences: spiritual death in Genesis, and the destructive power of suppressed anger in the poem.
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