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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

FOR THE FELLING OF AN ELM IN THE HARVARD YARD, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Adrienne Rich's poem "For the Felling of an Elm in the Harvard Yard" reflects on the loss of a venerable tree, symbolizing the passage of time, the inevitability of change, and the different ways people perceive and react to such events. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Rich captures the emotional and symbolic significance of the tree's removal.

The poem begins with a matter-of-fact observation: "They say the ground precisely swept / No longer feeds with rich decay / The roots enormous in their age / That long and deep beneath have slept." This sets the stage for the tree's felling, suggesting that the ground, once fertile with decay and life, can no longer sustain the ancient roots. The use of "precisely swept" implies a meticulous, perhaps clinical, approach to the maintenance of the yard, which contrasts with the organic, natural decay that once nourished the elm.

Rich continues with the dramatic moment of the tree's fall: "So the great spire is overthrown, / And sharp saws have gone hurtling through / The rings that three slow centuries wore; / The second oldest elm is down." The "great spire" metaphor emphasizes the elm's towering presence and significance, while the "sharp saws" cutting through centuries of growth evoke a sense of violent intrusion into nature's slow, deliberate process. The fact that it is the "second oldest elm" highlights its historical importance and the gravity of its loss.

The poem then shifts to the impact of this event on the present: "The shade where James and Whitehead strolled / Becomes a litter on the green." Here, Rich evokes the intellectual heritage associated with the tree, as it once provided shade to renowned figures like William James and Alfred North Whitehead. The transformation of this once-revered space into "litter" underscores the stark change from a place of contemplation to one of desolation.

Rich captures the reactions of contemporary observers: "The young men pause along the paths / To see the axes glinting bold." The image of young men pausing suggests a moment of reflection or curiosity, while the "axes glinting bold" signifies the assertive, almost aggressive, action taken to fell the tree. This contrast between the youthful observers and the forceful act of cutting down the ancient tree highlights differing perspectives on the event.

The final stanza delves into the varied responses to the tree's removal: "Watching the hewn trunk dragged away, / Some turn the symbol to their own, / And some admire the clean dispatch / With which the aged elm came down." Rich acknowledges that people interpret the event differently—some see it as a symbol relevant to their own lives, perhaps reflecting on themes of mortality, legacy, or progress. Others appreciate the efficiency and decisiveness of the action, viewing it as a necessary or even admirable task.

"For the Felling of an Elm in the Harvard Yard" by Adrienne Rich eloquently addresses the complex emotions and symbolism associated with the loss of an ancient tree. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the interplay between nature, history, and human actions, highlighting the varied ways in which we process and respond to change.


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