Student Question
What is the effect of the worm on the rose and vice versa in William Blake's "The Sick Rose"?
Quick answer:
In "The Sick Rose," the worm's effect on the rose is destructive, as it feeds on the rose, ultimately leading to its demise in its "bed of crimson joy." Conversely, the rose provides sustenance for the worm. Figuratively, the rose symbolizes love, and the worm represents the decay of love. The poem suggests that one-sided love cannot survive, as mutual nourishment is necessary for love's endurance.
William Blake's "The Sick Rose" speaks of a rose, sick because of a worm, which is about to be destroyed. The rose, unaware of the worm, is joyous. Unfortunately, the rose is utterly unaware of the worm's presence.
The worm, therefore, is deadly. It is the worm which will leave the rose destroyed in its "bed of crimson joy." The rose, on the other hand, simply gives the worm something to "feed" upon. The rose provides sustenance for the worm.
Figuratively, the rose represents a literal rose and a figurative image of love. Literally, a worm will feed upon a rose. Figuratively, a worm illustrates the decay of love. As the worm feeds, the rose, "love," dies.
Therefore, one could state that one-sided love will never survive. It takes two people feeding love for it to survive.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
References