Messages and Moral Values - A Poison Tree Poem

Do not suppress negative feelings

- We must resolve the issue if we have negative feelings like anger.
- Remaining silent about our anger only makes us bitter and even evil.
- Suppressed anger is dangerous as it can have a destructive effect on society.


Moral Values

·                     Truthfulness

·                     Forgiveness

·                     Rationality

·                     Moderation

Themes

·                     Suppressing anger 

Anger should be addressed because it can lead to destructive consequences for both the angry person and his victim.

·                     Importance of communication

Communication is important in any relationship, more so if one cannot get along with someone or has a grudge.

·                     Deception and self-deception

People are often deceived by outward appearances.

·                     Patience, self-restraint and moderation

The persona does not portrays patience as he refuse to make peace with his enemy by talking about his anger. 

A Poison Tree Poem - Meaning by stanza

Stanza 1

·                     The persona is angry at his friend and talks it out. His anger dissipated and they continue the friendship. 

·                     However, when he is angry with his enemy, he keeps quiet. Then, his anger grows even more within him.

Stanza 2

·                     He lets his anger grows day and night. He acts in deceitful ways toward his enemy.

Stanza 3

·                     The poison tree of anger eventually bears fruit which is an 'apple bright'.

·                     The enemy knows it belongs to the persona.

·                     The apple is very attractive to the enemy.

Stanza 4

·                     The apple is attractive and lures the enemy who sneaks into the persona's garden at night.

·                     At night, the 'pole star' is hidden and cannot protect the enemy from the danger of the 'apple bright'.

·                     The 'pole star' is the North Star or Polaris, a bright star permanently in the sky still used by navigators to avoid dangers while travelling. 

·                     The enemy eats the apple and is poisoned.

·                     The persona is satisfied.