Envy

Question 1

Recall the first stanza of ‘envy’ starting from “This rose tree is not made…”

Answer 1

This rose-tree is not made to bear 
The violet blue, nor lily fair, 
   Nor the sweet mignionet: 
And if this tree were discontent, 
Or wished to change its natural bent, 
   It all in vain would fret.

Question 2

Recall the second stanza of ‘envy’ starting from “and should it fret…”

Answer 2

And should it fret, you would suppose 
It ne’er had seen its own red rose, 
   Nor after gentle shower 
Had ever smelled its rose’s scent, 
Or it could ne’er be discontent 
   With its own pretty flower.

Question 3

Recall the third stanza of ‘envy’ starting from ‘like such a blind…”

Answer 3

Like such a blind and senseless tree 
As I’ve imagined this to be, 
   All envious persons are: 
With care and culture all may find 
Some pretty flower in their own mind, 
   Some talent that is rare.

Question 4

What structure is the poem written in?

Answer 4

• 6 lines (sestet)

- irregular rhyming scheme

Question 5

What can the irregular rhyme scheme indicate?

Answer 5

The corruption caused by the emotion ‘envy’

Question 6

“like such a blind and senseless tree”

What technique is used here?

Answer 6

Personification

Question 7

How does the structure change in the last stanza?

Answer 7

The trees are being compared to humans

Question 8

Why are the trees being compared to humans in the last paragraph?

Answer 8

To reflect the emotion of ‘envy’ to those who can feel it (humans)

Question 9

What message is being portrayed in the poem?

Answer 9

People should focus on their own talents, instead of focuing on others

Question 10

What technique is used in ‘pretty flower in their own mind’ and what does this do>

Answer 10

Metaphor and this displays the mentality that individuals should have

Question 11

Why is the ‘anaphora of ‘some’ used in the last 2 lines

Answer 11

To promote the urge to not be envious

Question 12

“THIS rose-tree”

What is the effect of starting the poem in this way?

Answer 12

the specific approach (“this”) tells us that Lamb is sure of what she is saying and is not afraid to tackle the core elements of her argument (no ambiguity)

Question 13

Lamb uses the word “bent” instead of the correct version ‘bent’, why?

Answer 13

It solidifies lambs argument in a perfect rhyme. The wording itself is imperfect, but still effective and eloquent , just as humans and flowers can be