Nick Nguyen

Woelke P1

ERWC

4/13/18

“The Black Walnut Tree” Reflection Revision

In the poem “The Black Walnut Tree”, by Mary Oliver, the poet illustrates the emotions

felt by a mother and daughter’s decision based on whether they should sell a black walnut tree in

their backyard. Throughout the poem the two attempt to justify the necessity in selling the tree,

however it is revealed that the tree is actually important to them as it was passed down to them

from their father(s). The tree is a source of nostalgia between them, acting as their only physical

connection between them and their memories. Using syntax, analogies, and the use of

connotative meanings, Oliver illustrates the universal theme that one’s situation can not be

changed if no actions are made to contribute to the process.

In the first line of the poem, Oliver uses the word “debate” to depict the mother’s and

daughter’s conversation about the tree. This word of choice is unusual, in that “debating”

normally refers to an argument with two opposing or conflicting views. However, the two of

them are discussing the same topic, with the same stances as each other. This suggests that the

mother and daughter are not debating with each other but in fact arguing with their inner selves

and morals. During the entire poem this pattern continues with them never being sure about their

decisions on selling the tree. Later in the poem the author writes that “they” (referring to the

mother and daughter) would “crawl with shame” from selling the tree in their “father’s

backyard”. (Oliver, 27). This helps support the idea that “they” are fighting with themselves
rather than each other, as they would feel shame from selling the tree for extra, unnecessary

profit. Adding on to that, throughout the entirety of the poem the main characters attempt to

justify their decision in selling the tree, explaining that the money could “pay off the mortgage”

and that the leaves are getting “heavier each year”, or that the fruit getting “harder to gather”.

(Oliver, 5). These reasons for selling the tree help the main characters feel less guilt for disposing

of the tree, but, they still don’t sell it, and continue to be burdened by the tree.

Oliver’s choice of word also aids the reader in visualizing the setting. For instance, in line

6, when the two state that a storm will likely “churn down its boughs smashing the house”, the

bough of a tree is the main branch of the tree, which also happens to be the strongest part of it.

Connotatively, this could be seen as an analogy to the character’s weak decision to get rid of the

tree. Their memories and feelings towards the tree are strong, similar to the bough, however they

want to believe something trivial like a storm could blow it away, in this case the storm would be

the societal problems they would likely face in the future, such as “the mortgage”. (Oliver, 5).

Adding to that, in line 11 they explain that the tree’s “roots” have worked their way into “the

cellar drains”. This could be another reference to the grip the tree has in their hearts that is

preventing them from making the final decision to sell the tree and end their grief. The mother

and daughter wish to move on by selling the tree in order to forget about it, but they can’t bring

themselves to commit to it because of the trees symbolic meaning to them.

Nearing the end of the poem, it is revealed that the family was unsuccessful in justifying

their ideas, ending up with the decision to ultimately not sell the walnut tree, as it states that the

tree “swings through another year” with “leaves and bounding fruit”. (Oliver, 31). In this line,

Oliver’s use of the word “another” implies that this situation has occurred previously, ending
with the characters failing to sell the tree again. In line 34, Oliver writes that “month after

month” the mortgage payments still negatively affect the family, haunting them, as they are

unable to sell the tree once again, and due to this, their problems still continue without any sign

of change. Oliver’s hinted repetition of their actions signifies their lack of resolve to make a

change that ended up with them suffering the exact way as they have in the previous years

leading up to this current situation.

In conclusion, Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Black Walnut Tree”, develops the universal

theme that things can not change if there is not a firm lack of resolve or a strong enough will to

actually change it, and through the use of the many devices Oliver uses such as syntax,

connotation, and analogy, the reader can accurately presume and interpret the poem’s theme

similarly.