Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's "Plant Poem" explores the connection between humans and nature through the personification of a plant. The poem reveals how human actions can inadvertently stifle the natural spirit of other living beings. Through simple yet poignant language, Field touches on themes of control, freedom, and the unintended consequences of our well-meaning actions.

Summary and Analysis:

The poem begins with a description of a shrimp plant on the speaker’s desk. This plant has "one long low branch that moved mysteriously about," seeking light from the sun or the electric light. The personification of the branch "turning to the sunlight" gives the plant a life-like quality, as if it is actively searching for its sustenance.

The plant's movements are "mysterious," yet they exhibit purpose: "Even when the sun was out it might move across the table and look right up at me where I sat." This behavior is endearing, and the plant becomes "like having a little friend, a pet." The speaker even speculates that the vibrations from his typing might give the plant the energy to move.

However, the plant doesn't always have the strength to move: "Sometimes it moved and sometimes not, it didn't always have the strength." Despite this, the leaves can always "swivel toward the light," demonstrating the plant's resilience and instinct for survival.

As the branch continues to grow, it eventually becomes an inconvenience to the speaker: "Finally it grew so long it got in my way and in a merciless moment I tied it upright to a stake." This action, intended to control the plant's growth and keep it out of the speaker's way, has unintended consequences: "I never again felt it looking at me."

The poem ends with the speaker questioning his actions and wondering if the plant was "struggling to get free." This reflects a moment of realization, where the speaker recognizes the loss of connection between him and the plant. By tying it to a stake, he has taken away its ability to move freely and express its unique personality.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Connection Between Humans and Nature: The poem portrays the shrimp plant as a "little friend" and a "pet," emphasizing the bond between the speaker and the plant. This connection is broken when the speaker ties the plant to a stake, highlighting how human intervention can disrupt natural relationships.

2. Control vs. Freedom: The poem explores the tension between control and freedom. By tying the plant upright, the speaker exercises control over its growth, but this action stifles the plant's natural movements and personality.

3. Unintended Consequences: The speaker's well-meaning action of tying the plant to a stake has unintended consequences. In his desire to keep the plant from getting in his way, he loses the companionship it once provided.

4. Personification and Empathy: The personification of the plant, which "look[s] right up at me" and "travel[s] with a kind of trembling," evokes empathy from the reader. The final line, "I wonder if it was struggling to get free," suggests the speaker's growing awareness of the plant's desire for freedom.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and reflective tone. The simple yet vivid language enhances the intimacy of the speaker's relationship with the plant and makes the reader feel connected to the story.

Conclusion:

"Plant Poem" by Edward Field is a poignant exploration of the unintended consequences of human actions on the natural world. Through the personification of a shrimp plant, Field captures the fragile balance between control and freedom and the importance of respecting the autonomy of all living beings. The poem invites readers to reflect on their relationship with nature and consider the impact of their actions on the world around them.

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