Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Small Fig Tree" by Donald Hall is a compact and potent reflection on themes of justice, divine retribution, and defiance. The poem adopts the persona of the biblical fig tree, which was cursed by Jesus in a well-known parable, and presents a unique perspective on the event, filled with a sense of grievance and rebellion.

The opening line, "I am dead, to be sure," immediately establishes the fig tree as a speaker with consciousness and awareness of its fate. The line is stark and definitive, setting a tone of finality and acceptance of its condition.

The fig tree then reflects on the cause of its demise: "For thwarting Christ's pleasure, Jesus Christ called Saviour." This introduces the biblical context, referring to the episode in the New Testament where Jesus curses the fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season, symbolizing his frustration with spiritual unfruitfulness. The tree's use of "Christ's pleasure" implies a personal grievance, suggesting that it views its punishment as capricious and unjust.

The fig tree's lament continues: "I was a small fig-tree. / Unjust it seems to me / That I should withered be." Here, the tree emphasizes its small size and helplessness, enhancing the perceived unfairness of its fate. The repetition of "small fig-tree" and the direct statement of feeling injustice convey a deep sense of grievance and a plea for empathy.

The poem then shifts to a more complex and defiant tone: "Christ is shel Herod / And I by magic dead." This line equates Christ with Herod, a notorious biblical figure known for his tyranny and cruelty, thereby intensifying the fig tree's sense of betrayal and condemnation. The phrase "by magic dead" adds a layer of mysticism and inevitability, suggesting that the tree's fate was sealed by supernatural means beyond its control.

In the final stanza, the fig tree's defiance reaches its peak: "If there is no justice / Where great Jehovah is, / I will the devil kiss." This bold declaration challenges the fairness of divine justice, implying that the tree finds the actions of Christ and Jehovah to be arbitrary and undeserved. The willingness to "kiss the devil" signifies a rejection of divine authority and a willingness to embrace rebellion if fairness cannot be found.

"A Small Fig Tree" by Donald Hall is a powerful and provocative poem that delves into themes of justice, retribution, and defiance. By giving voice to the fig tree, Hall explores the nuances of biblical narratives and raises questions about the nature of divine justice. The tree's lament and ultimate defiance serve as a poignant critique of perceived injustices and a call for a deeper understanding of fairness and empathy in the face of seemingly arbitrary punishments. Through its concise and impactful language, the poem invites readers to reconsider familiar stories and reflect on the complexities of justice and retribution.

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