This rose-tree is not made to bear
The violet blue, nor lily fair,
Nor the sweet mignionet:
And if this tree were discontent,
Or wished to change its natural bent,
It all in vain would fret.
And should it fret, you would suppose
It ne'er had seen its own red rose,
Nor after gentle shower
Had ever smelled its rose's scent,
Or it could ne'er be discontent
With its own pretty flower.
Like such a blind and senseless tree
As I've imagined this to be,
All envious persons are:
With care and culture all may find
Some pretty flower in their own mind,
Some talent that is rare.
The metaphor of a rose develops the theme of jealousy because
A.
the rose lacks appeal because of its repulsive smell.
B.
the rose possesses an obvious beauty that it cannot see.
C.
the rose gets more attention than other beautiful flowers.
D.
the rose has thorns that get in the way of its beauty.
1 answer
The correct answer is B. the rose possesses an obvious beauty that it cannot see.
In the poem, the rose symbolizes those who fail to appreciate their own unique qualities or talents, much like the rose-tree that cannot see its own beautiful flowers. This relates to the theme of jealousy, as envious individuals may overlook their strengths while coveting the attributes of others.
