Question

Love and Friendship
by Emily Brontë

Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship is like the holly-tree—
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?

The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?

What types of symbols are the wild rose-briar and the holly-tree in this poem?


supporting


summarizing


personal

Answer 1

The wild rose-briar symbolizes love, while the holly-tree symbolizes friendship. The poem contrasts the temporary beauty and sweetness of love with the enduring and consistent nature of friendship. The wild rose-briar blooms in spring and summer, but loses its beauty in winter, whereas the holly-tree remains dark and consistent throughout the seasons.