A Poison Tree

Front

What type of poem is 'A Poison Tree'?

Back

Narrative/Story

Front

What does the word 'wiles' mean in the context of the poem?

Back

A trick played on someone.

Front

How does the speaker's action of not expressing anger towards their foe affect the poem's outcome?

Back

The speaker does not express their anger to their foe, and because of this, their anger worsens until it eventually grows into a poisonous tree.

Front

Which quote supports the idea that not expressing anger leads to growth of wrath?

Back

"I was angry with my foe: / I told it not, my wrath did grow." (Lines 3-4)

Front

What is a major theme of 'A Poison Tree'?

Back

Bottling up one's feelings leads to resentment and even violence.

Front

What is the significance of the poisoned apple in the poem?

Back

It symbolizes the consequences of hidden anger and deceit.

Front

How does the speaker's relationship with their friend differ from their relationship with their foe?

Back

The speaker openly expresses anger towards their friend but hides it from their foe.

Front

What literary device is primarily used in 'A Poison Tree'?

Back

Allegory, as the poem uses a tree to represent the growth of anger.

Front

What does the tree symbolize in the poem?

Back

The tree symbolizes the speaker's repressed anger and its eventual destructive consequences.

Front

How does the poem illustrate the concept of emotional repression?

Back

It shows how not expressing feelings can lead to negative outcomes, such as resentment and violence.