HUMAN ABSTRACT (EXPERIENCE)

Question 1

Summarise the Human Abstract

Answer 1

• The poem explores the nature of human virtues
• Describes a “Tree of Mystery” that grows sequestered in the human brain which is produced by fear, cruelty and false humility.

Question 2

Describe the structure of the poem

Answer 2

• 6 quatrains
• Mostly symmetrical (semicolon at every 2nd verse/ couplets)
• Irregular anapestic meter (unstressed, unstressed, stressed) unsettling.
• Assured tone

Question 3

Describe the language of the poem

Answer 3

• Chiasmus/ anaphora
• Natural imagery (subverted)
• Animal imagery
• Theological undertones
• Juxaposition

Question 4

Symbolic interpetations

Answer 4

Morality: Virtues such as “pity” are simply tools one uses to placate their sense of morality whilst engaging with currpt systems, thus these virtues work to substitute real social equity. (virtues presuppose a world of vice)
Religion: Veiled critic of the Church that preaches mercy but refuses to use its resources to meaningfully help the disadvantaged. In this way, organized religions like Christianity need poverty and suffering to exist so that believers can prove their virtuousness.
Social: It is because of the exploitative institutions humanity erects, humanity must also construct value systems based upon mercy and pity to make themselves feel better about the exploitation that they willingly co sign.
Psychological: The tree symbolizes the psyche, with its roots representing hidden desires and impulses.
Innocence and experience:innocence and experience are intertwined within the human condition.