“The Apple Tree” by Edgar A. Guest

​Adapted from “The Apple Tree” by Edgar A. Guest
When an apple tree is ready for the world to come and eat,
There isn’t any structure in the land that’s “got it beat.”
There’s nothing man has built with the beauty or the charm
That can touch the simple grandeur of the monarch of the farm.
5 There’s never any picture from a human being’s brush
That has ever caught the redness of a single apple’s blush.

When an apple tree’s in blossom it is glorious to see,
But that’s just a hint, at springtime, of the better things to be;
That is just a fleeting glimpse, a vision quickly gone
10 Of the wonders and the splendors that are waiting just beyond
The distant edge of summer; just a forecast of the treat
When the apple tree is ready for the world to come and eat.

Architects of splendid vision long have labored on the earth,
And have raised their dreams in marble and we’ve marveled at their worth;
15 Long the spires of costly buildings have looked upward at the sky;
Rich in promise and in the beauty, they have cheered the passer-by.
But I’m sure there’s nothing finer for the eye of man to meet
Than an apple tree that’s ready for the world to come and eat.

There’s the promise of the apples, red and gleaming in the sun,
20 Like the medals worn by mortals as rewards for labors done;
And the big arms stretched wide open, with a welcome warm and true
In a way that sets you thinking it’s intended just for you.
There is nothing with a beauty so entrancing, so complete,
As an apple tree that’s ready for the world to come and eat.

Multiple Choice

Which lines support the theme of the poem? A “When an apple tree’s in blossom it is glorious to see, / But that’s just a hint, at springtime, of the better things to be;” B “Architects of splendid vision long have labored on the earth, / And have raised their dreams in marble and we’ve marveled at their worth;” C “But I’m sure there’s nothing finer for the eye of man to meet / Than an apple tree that’s ready for the world to come and eat.” D “There’s the promise of the apples, red and gleaming in the sun, / Like the medals worn by mortals as rewards for labors done;”

• A “When an apple tree’s in blossom it is glorious to see, / But that’s just a hint, at springtime, of the better things to be;”

• B “Architects of splendid vision long have labored on the earth, / And have raised their dreams in marble and we’ve marveled at their worth;”

• C “But I’m sure there’s nothing finer for the eye of man to meet / Than an apple tree that’s ready for the world to come and eat.”

• D “There’s the promise of the apples, red and gleaming in the sun, / Like the medals worn by mortals as rewards for labors done;”

Multiple Choice

Which line supports the analysis that the speaker adores apple trees?

• A “There isn’t any structure in the land that’s ‘got it beat.’ ”

• B “But that’s just a hint, at springtime, of the better things to be;”

• C “The distant edge of summer; just a forecast of the treat”

• D “And have raised their dreams in marble and we’ve marveled at their worth;”

Multiple Choice

What does forecast mean in line 11?

• A delay

• B estimate

• C desire

• D curiosity

Multiple Choice

How do lines 13–18 support the theme of beauty in the poem?

• A by declaring that tall, exquisite buildings and gorgeous apples are costly

• B by describing how architects use marble in their designs

• C by comparing amazing architectural designs with an apple tree’s attractiveness

• D by praising architects who design attractive buildings

Multiple Choice

What can be inferred from lines 19–24? A The speaker wins awards for beautiful apples. B The speaker lacks interest in viewing or eating apples. C Apple trees grow in various shapes and sizes. D Apple trees produce beautiful apples for people to enjoy

• A The speaker wins awards for beautiful apples.

• B The speaker lacks interest in viewing or eating apples.

• C Apple trees grow in various shapes and sizes.

• D Apple trees produce beautiful apples for people to enjoy