Alfred E. Housman was born in 1859 in England. Housman grew up under his mother's tender care at the Perry Garden until age 12, when she died. While growing up, Housman developed a good relationship with the cherry tree outside their garden. Later, Housman studied at St. Johns College and Cambridge University. After graduating with a degree in classics, Housman furthered his studies until he became a professor. While studying classics, Housman developed an interest in poetry. Housman's most popular novel is "Loveliest of Trees," which he published in 1896.
"Loveliest of Trees" poem is about the beauty of nature and human mortality. The poem opens in spring when the cherry tree is blossoming. Beautiful white flowers cover the cherry tree, and the speaker likens it to a person dressed for Easter celebrations. According to the speaker, the white flowers symbolize purity and peace. When the speaker acknowledges and appreciates the cherry tree, he is 20. Housman alludes to the Bible about human life expectancy and concludes that he has 50 years more springs to witness the blossoming of the cherry tree.
The speaker's sad reality is that the tree's flowers will die in summer. Therefore, the speaker likens the dying of cherry tree flowers during summer to human mortality. Despite the speaker acknowledging that he has only 50 years to live, he will maximize his time appreciating the beauty of nature.
A. E. Housman’s “Loveliest of Trees” poem received a critical reception from different readers. According to Housman Cherry Blossom, the “Loveliest of Trees” is a Carpe Diem poem that urges readers to seize the day and enjoy the moment. He also adds that the “Loveliest of Trees” poem is a memento mori, implying that human beings will die someday. Robert Frost had a different opinion regarding the poem “Loveliest of Trees.” Frost says that the “Loveliest of Trees” stands on a woodland ride because the poet is stoic and gives a false impression of mortality.
