Visual explication of "Envy" by Mary Lamb

Envy

BY MARY LAMB
This rose-tree is not made to bear 
The violet blue, nor lily fair, 
   Nor the sweet mignionet: 
And if this tree were discontent, 
Or wished to change its natural bent, 
   It all in vain would fret. 

And should it fret, you would suppose 
It ne’er had seen its own red rose, 
   Nor after gentle shower 
Had ever smelled its rose’s scent, 
Or it could ne’er be discontent 
   With its own pretty flower. 

Like such a blind and senseless tree 
As I’ve imagined this to be, 
   All envious persons are: 
With care and culture all may find 
Some pretty flower in their own mind, 
   Some talent that is rare.


(Victoria K.)

Comments

  1. Great artwork! I really liked the vibrant colors and how the roses contrasted with the tree itself. The duality of red and violet represents the poem really well, and also represents the two sides of beauty and envy. I also like how there are other, smaller, less colorful trees in the distance, further reinforcing the idea of self-appreciation and not being envious of others. Excellent work!

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  2. I love this picture! The tree's unconventional beauty is clearly the main focus, which fits well with the poem. It was a good choice to include the other trees, less vivid and less engaging, in the background. They are all similar to each other and reinforce the "pretty flower[s]" (the metaphor for "talent that is rare") of the unique tree.

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  3. I love how the artwork fits so well with the poem. The color choice and the contrast it presents is quite spectacular and the metaphors that are presented in the poem work well with the overall image. I also like how the focus of the image isn't just on the center tree but is also on the trees that are in the background. Great Work!

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