The Sick Rose & A Poison
Tree
By: William Blake
The Sick Rose
● Stanza
● Rhyme: ABCB
● Personification
● Symbols: Invisible Worms, Crimson Joy,
Dark Secret Love
● Theme: Death
Questions
● What possible symbolism do you see in this
poem?
● Could this poem be considered "romantic" in
the traditional love sense?
● What is the meaning of "crimson joy"?
● What are the "invisible worms" that are
spoken of?
● Is this poem about love or death or possibly
both?
The Poison Tree
● End Rhymes
● Couplets
● Stanzas
● Theme: The Supernatural
Questions
● Who is the speaker?
● Who is the foe?
● What is the significance of the last couplet?
- "In the morning glad I see, My foe
outstretched beneath the tree"
William Blake (1757-1827)
● From London
● Poet, Painter, and
Printmaker
● Mostly
unrecognized
during his lifetime
● Considered mad by
contemparies
Art Connections (The Death of
Chatterton)
Compare & Contrast
● Aside from poetic devices, how could these
two poems relate?
● What are the tones in each poem? Are they
similar or different?