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A Poison Tree
A Poison Tree
A Poison Tree
by
William Blake
The poem contains many contrasts in it. These contrasting elements add to
the effect and impact of the poem. Some of the contrasts are; friend-foe, trust-
deceit, end-grow, tears-smiles, night-bright, hate-love. The contrasts thus used
in the poem also show the poet’s knowledge of human nature. The poem is
rhythmic. It conveys profound meaning in simple but beautiful language.
There are many words in English that express anger. Anger, wrath, rage,
hate, despise, repel, shun, abuse, torture, tease, persecute, pester, admonish,
threaten, slap, beat, punish, maltreat, manhandle, grapple, quarrel, are a few
words that express anger and hatred.
The image of a man with a frowning face and a bat or a stick in his hand
expresses strong anger. A person with a raised hand ready to slap somebody also
shows anger. A person armed with a dagger, sword or gun rushing to stab or
shoot somebody shows intense hatred. (Words 149)