Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Christmas Tree" by Cecil Day-Lewis captures the transient beauty and deeper symbolic meaning of a Christmas tree, setting it against the backdrop of the stark, winter landscape. Through this contrast, the poem explores themes of light against darkness, warmth against cold, and the fleeting nature of life and joy.

The opening line, "Put out the lights now!" invites the reader to focus solely on the Christmas tree, which is described in vibrant, almost magical terms. The "rough tree" is transformed by decorations into a dazzling spectacle of "oriole plumes of flame" and "twinkling frost fire," suggesting that its beauty and significance are illuminated by our traditions and perceptions. This tree, once obscure in the "spinney" and without "fame," becomes a focal point of celebration and wonder once it is brought into the home and adorned.

Day-Lewis then shifts to describe the harshness of the winter season, where "Hard are the nights now." The imagery of the moonrise turning fields to "agate" and shadows being "cold as jet" evokes a sense of the severe, unyielding nature of winter. The "frost's tooth" and stars as "sparks whirled out by the north wind's fret" further emphasize the cold and desolation outside, contrasting sharply with the warmth and light provided by the Christmas tree indoors.

The poet encourages the reader to "feast your eyes now" on the tree, drawing a distinction between the ephemeral, "withered" external world and the enduring, mythical quality of the Christmas tree. Described as a "tree of fable" and a "phoenix in evergreen," the tree symbolizes immortality and the resilience of spirit amidst the decay and chill of the physical world. Its significance is not diminished by the changing or harsh conditions outside, offering a sense of hope and continuity.

However, the poem acknowledges the impermanence of this festive vision, noting that it "dies now / Candle by candle." The Christmas tree, despite being a symbol of enduring myths and joy, is also subject to the cycle of life and will return "to its own kind" to face the elements once more. This return to the earth underscores the natural cycle of growth, decay, and renewal.

In the closing lines, Day-Lewis addresses the children directly, reminding them that the tree, like all living things, had its moment of glory. The acceptance that the tree "lives or dies now" reflects a mature understanding of the transient nature of beauty and joy, encouraging an appreciation for the present moment.

"The Christmas Tree" is a reflective and beautifully crafted poem that weaves together the personal and universal symbols of the Christmas tree. Through its vivid imagery and contemplative tone, Cecil Day-Lewis captures the essence of the holiday season, offering a meditation on the cycles of nature, the warmth of human tradition, and the enduring power of hope and renewal.

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