Student Question
Why does the poet say "The cherry now is hung with bloom" instead of a tree is in bloom? What does "wearing white" suggest?
Quick answer:
The poet uses "The cherry now is hung with bloom" to emphasize the transient beauty and memorable nature of the cherry blossom, suggesting a specific and cherished moment. "Wearing white" implies the tree covered in snow during winter, symbolizing the idea that beauty and appreciation can exist even in less vibrant times. This reflects the speaker's belief in valuing experiences and objects both in their peak and in their dormant phases.
This reference is from the closing line of Houseman's poem. The premise of the poem is that this cherry blossom tree at which the speaker marvels is something beautiful and a memorable experience. The challenge here is that it only blooms in this manner once a year. Even if the speaker lives for another 50 years, this will only mean fifty more chance to see such a sight, experience such a lovely and transcendent moment. The speaker proposes, in the closing stanza and line, that he observe the tree, even when it is not in bloom, and in the dead of winter, when it "wears" snow. The speaker believes that a wonderful moment can be experienced repeatedly if we take the time to honor it even when it is not at its most beautiful. For example, when we love something in both bad and good times, it allows for a greater appreciation of it. The closing lines of the poem confirm the beauty of the tree and the speaker's experience, even when the tree is not in bloom.
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