Title

The poem's title uses understatement much like the poem itself does. By naming it “Incident in a Rose Garden” rather than something explicit like “Death Visits the Master,” Justice adds an element of mystery and suspense. Readers are not directly informed of the event's significance; instead, they must draw their own conclusions. Placing the poem in a rose garden highlights the connections between death, nature, and humanity, illustrating the folly of believing humans are separate from the natural world, which encompasses death.

Gardener

In the opening stanza of “Incident in a Rose Garden,” the Gardener speaks to his Master, revealing that he “encountered Death” in the garden. He recognized Death “through his pictures,” referring to the traditional representations of death in art: dressed in black and “thin as a scythe.” This depiction calls to mind death as the grim reaper. A scythe, a tool with a long blade for cutting crops or grass, is fitting in a garden setting. The personification of death is an ancient concept, present in every culture. The image of Death's wide-open mouth suggests the consuming void and the emptiness accompanying the end of consciousness. His teeth are menacing, and the rhyme of “open / spoken” creates a mesmerizing effect. The Gardener's formal language contrasts with his startling experience. It's unexpected for someone who just met death to respond with such composure. However, this restraint, supported by the poem's structured three-line stanzas and three-beat lines, shapes the poem's form.

The Gardener expresses his fear that Death has come for him. Readers can deduce that he is resigning because he believes his time is short. It's common for individuals, when facing their mortality, to settle their affairs and focus on what truly matters. The Gardener wishes to see his sons and visit California before he dies, which are relatable aspirations. However, mentioning California seems out of place for this poem, whose setting and language suggest a time before the New World's discovery. Here, California represents a promised land, an exotic fantasy destination that the Gardener presumably dreamed of visiting.

Master

Amidst the conversation, it becomes clear that the Master has visited the rose garden to confront Death, whom the Gardener had fled from. Though the Master addresses Death as “Sir,” mirroring his Gardener's formality, his tone reveals a subtle anger. He accuses Death, whom he calls a “stranger,” of “threatening” his Gardener and warns him to stay off his land. This is ironic because Death ultimately decides who or what remains in the rose garden. The Master adopts a confrontational attitude towards Death, treating him as an unwelcome guest by asserting, “I welcome only friends here.” The Master's restraint is emphasized by the rhyming pattern at the end of each line.

Death

Death replies to the Master, ironically mentioning that he was an acquaintance of the Master’s father, hinting that the father is deceased. This understatement, characteristic of the poem's tone, contrasts with the gravity of the situation. When Death explains that the Gardener's fear stemmed from “Old men mistake my gestures,” he suggests that the elderly, being nearer to the end of life, often perceive death as imminent.

In the poem's final three lines, it is revealed that Death's purpose in visiting the rose garden was not to claim the Gardener, but rather the Master. This twist exemplifies situational irony, where reality contradicts expectations.