The Testing-Tree (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Stanley Kunitz
- First Published: 1971
- Type of Work: Poetic sequence
- Genres: Free verse, Poetry, Lyric sequence
- Subjects: Children, Magic or magicians, Mythology or myths, Human race, Trees, Boys
The Poem
“The Testing-Tree” is a poetic sequence divided into four sections, each written in supple free verse with no stanza breaks. The lines themselves are prepositional phrases or noun clauses and are generally enjambed, giving the reader a sense of flowing, forward movement. The title, the same as that for the entire volume of poetry in which it was originally published, is mythic, suggesting the biblical Tree of Knowledge where Adam and Eve are tested and Ygdrassil, the tree of wisdom from Norse mythology. The title is also specific, being emblematic of the tree where...
[The entire page is 1529 words long]
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