My Pretty Rose Tree

By William Blake

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and visionary, whose work combines profound spiritual themes with intense, often mystical imagery. Blake’s unique style blends poetry and visual art, making him a pioneer figure in Romantic literature and art. His work, though underappreciated in his lifetime, is now celebrated for its originality and depth. The poem is a part of William Blake’s collection of poems “Songs of Experience” published in 1794. It represents the bitterness that jealousy can bring to a relationship. The speaker rejects a single flower in favor of the several flowers his own tree at home can bear, the Rose tree is jealous of this attention and turns away from him, offering only thorns. Overall, the poem explores the themes of fidelity, beauty, and the consequences of choices.

A flower was offered to me,
Such a flower as May never bore;
But I said ‘I’ve a pretty rose tree,’
And I passed the sweet flower o’er.

Then I went to my pretty rose tree,
To tend her by day and by night;
But my rose turned away with jealousy,
And her thorns were my only delight.

First Stanza

In the first stanza, the speaker recounts being offered a beautiful flower, one that is so exquisite that it surpasses the blooms of May, the month traditionally associated with spring and floral abundance. However, the speaker declines the offer, stating that she already has a “pretty rose tree.” This decision reflects a commitment to what he already possesses rather than being tempted by something new and potentially more beautiful.

Second Stanza

In the second stanza, the speaker returns to his rose tree, which he tends diligently day and night. However, the rose tree reacts with jealousy, presumably because the speaker was tempted by another flower, even though he remained faithful. The rose tree’s jealousy manifests in turning away from him and presenting only its thorn. This imagery of thorns symbolizes pain and disappointment. The speaker finds that despite his loyalty, he is only met with suffering from the object of his affection.

Conclusion

The poem explores the theme of fidelity and the negative effects of jealousy in a relationship. The “pretty rose tree” symbolizes a long-term commitment or relationship, while the “flower” offered represents new opportunities or temptations. The speaker’s choice to stay loyal to the rose tree, despite the allure of the new flower, highlights themes of fidelity and the sometimes painful nature of relationships.