“Loveliest of Trees” by Housman was first published in 1896, and it focused on the loveliness of nature and human mortality. The poem's speaker is in his 20s, and he projects that his life expectancy will stay within 70. Therefore, the speaker comprehends that he has about 50 years to live and witness the beauty of nature, especially the magnificent cherry tree. The cherry tree usually blossoms with beauty every spring season. Therefore, the speaker has 50 springs remaining in his life to witness the blossoming of the cherry tree.
The poem opens in the spring season and shows a newly blossomed cherry tree. The speaker leaves his house to walk and enjoy what nature offers. When the speaker looks at the cherry flowers, he appreciates their beauty, but he knows that they will not be there during the summer season. On that note, the speaker compares the cherry flowers to his life and accepts that he is mortal. The speaker knows that one day he will grow old and die. Consequently, the speaker decides to get out and enjoy his life while he exists.
The poem's most important aspect is the speaker's description of the cherry tree. According to the speaker, the cherry tree is fragile and unsullied, reflecting ordinary humankind's loveliness. The tree stands on the woodlands, fully covered by white flowers, and one can think that it is dressed up for Easter celebrations. The speaker decides to join the cherry for the celebrations, and he seizes the opportunity to be happy. The freshness of the cherry flowers reflects the speaker's young age because he is at his peak. Therefore, the speaker still has 50 more years to blossom, like the cherry tree.
The realization that the speaker is mortal and will die at 70 does not discourage him from enjoying the beauty of nature. Instead, the speaker seizes every opportunity to be happy and spends his days in the woods to keep the cherry tree company. In conclusion, Housman shows that life is short, but that should never discourage people from doing what they love.
Loveliest of Trees Summary
by A. E. Housman
Loveliest of Trees Summary
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