Poem Analysis - Arbole Arbole

A Portrait of Resistance and Choice

Federico Garcia Lorca’s "arbole, arbole" paints a vivid picture of a young girl amid the landscape of Andalusia, Spain. The poem, seemingly simple in its language, resonates with a deeper tension between tradition, expectation, and individual choice. Its tone is both lyrical and somewhat melancholy, reflecting the girl's persistent refusal of various suitors. The repetition and cyclical structure create a sense of timelessness, as if this scene is perpetually unfolding.

Echoes of Andalusia

Federico Garcia Lorca was a Spanish poet and playwright deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Andalusia. His works often explore themes of identity, desire, and social injustice within this specific cultural context. "arbole, arbole" reflects this by grounding the narrative in recognizable Andalusian elements like olive groves, Andalusian ponies, bullfighters, and the cities of Cordoba, Sevilla, and Granada. These details are not merely decorative; they create a sense of place and connect the girl's story to the broader social and historical landscape of the region.

The Unyielding Spirit of Independence

A central theme in "arbole, arbole" is the rejection of societal expectations. The girl is repeatedly invited to leave her current life and venture to different Andalusian cities with various suitors: riders, bullfighters, and a young man. Each invitation represents a potential path, a different lifestyle associated with each city and type of suitor. Cordoba might represent tradition and stability (associated with riders on ponies), Sevilla fame and excitement (connected to bullfighting), and Granada romance and artistic passion (linked to the young man with roses and myrtle). However, the girl "won’t listen to them," underscoring her refusal to conform to prescribed roles or paths.

The Allure of the Wind and Olives

The wind and the olives operate as significant symbols within the poem. The wind, described as a "playboy of towers," is a recurring image that seems to both caress and constrain the girl ("grabs her around the waist," "wrapped around her waist"). This ambiguity suggests the dual nature of fate or circumstance, simultaneously offering freedom and imposing limitations. The olives, on the other hand, represent the girl's rootedness in her present life and her connection to the land. Her persistent action of "picking olives" despite the enticing offers suggests a deliberate choice to remain grounded and independent, deriving satisfaction from her work and surroundings. The contrast of the "dry and green" tree acts as a mirror to the world, and the girl's state of being. Even if her life seems hard, she can still find life and energy within it.

Decoding the Colors of Choice

The poem employs a rich palette of colors that contribute to its thematic depth. The "blue and green jackets" of the riders evoke a sense of traditional formality, while the "jackets the color of oranges" worn by the bullfighters suggest vibrancy and spectacle. The "roses and myrtle of the moon" adorning the young man are imbued with romantic and perhaps ethereal qualities. Each set of colors represents a different appeal and aspiration. The lack of color associated with the girl herself emphasizes her simplicity and her disconnect from the superficial allure of the offers. However, the "pretty face" and continuing existence of the girl also shows that this choice is not passive or rooted in ugliness, but rather from true independent thought.

A Lasting Echo of Defiance

"arbole, arbole" is more than just a descriptive poem; it is a subtle yet powerful commentary on female agency and the right to self-determination. The girl's repeated refusal of marriage proposals signifies a rejection of societal pressures and a commitment to her own path, however unassuming it may seem. The poem's cyclical structure reinforces the idea that this struggle is ongoing, a constant negotiation between individual desires and external expectations. Ultimately, Lorca celebrates the quiet strength and unwavering spirit of a woman who chooses to define her own destiny within the landscape of her heritage.