Poem Analysis - Sharing Eves Apple

Introduction: A Playful Exploration of Innocence and Experience

John Keats' "Sharing Eve's Apple" is a lighthearted yet provocative poem that explores the delicate dance between innocence and experience, particularly in the context of romantic courtship. The poem's tone is initially teasing and playful, but it gradually shifts to a more urgent and questioning mood as it contemplates the implications of succumbing to temptation. The poem uses the biblical story of Eve and the forbidden fruit as a metaphor for sexual awakening and the loss of innocence, inviting the reader to consider the consequences of desire and the bittersweet nature of experience.

The Temptation of Eve: Love, Innocence, and Experience

One of the central themes of the poem is the temptation and loss of innocence, symbolized by Eve's apple. The speaker playfully accuses the object of their affection of being "knowing," implying that they are aware of the potential consequences of their actions. The blushes and sighs described throughout the poem represent the growing awareness of desire and the vulnerability that comes with it. The reference to "Eve's sweet pippin" explicitly connects the romantic interaction with the biblical story of temptation, suggesting that the couple is on the verge of a similar transgression.

Decoding the Language of Courtship: Blushes, Sighs, and Shared Secrets

The poem heavily relies on the language of courtship, using blushes and sighs as coded signals of desire and potential intimacy. The speaker interprets these signs, moving from playful observation to a more direct proposition. The lines "There’s a blush for want, and a blush for shan’t" illustrate the ambiguity and complexity of these signals. Are they resisting or inviting? The poem captures the exciting tension of navigating these unspoken desires and the anticipation that accompanies them.

The Allure of Transgression: Youth, Desire, and the Sweetness of the Forbidden

The poem also explores the theme of the allure of transgression, highlighting the sweetness and urgency of youthful desire. The speaker acknowledges that their youth is fleeting ("it only will last our youth out") and urges their companion to seize the moment and indulge in the "kissing time." The phrase "sweet tooth out" cleverly suggests the loss of innocence and the potential for pain, but the speaker dismisses it, emphasizing the pleasure and excitement of the present moment. The final lines, "O cut the sweet apple and share it!" is a direct invitation to embrace temptation and experience the forbidden fruit together.

Symbolism and Imagery: Apples, Cores, and the Taste of Experience

The apple itself is the central symbol, representing both temptation and knowledge. The image of the "nice-cut-core" suggests a playful, even innocent, exploration of intimacy, while also hinting at the deeper implications of shared experience. The core, once removed, cannot be restored, symbolizing the irreversible nature of lost innocence. However, the poem avoids judgment, focusing instead on the allure and excitement of the moment. The phrase "amorous nipping" creates a vivid image of playful intimacy, underscoring the sensual nature of the experience.

Concluding Thoughts: A Moment of Choice, Forever Sweetened

"Sharing Eve's Apple" is a poem about the moment of decision, the precipice between innocence and experience. It acknowledges the potential consequences of succumbing to temptation, but ultimately focuses on the allure and sweetness of the forbidden fruit. The poem's playful tone and vivid imagery create a compelling portrait of youthful desire, reminding us that sometimes the most memorable moments are those that involve a little bit of transgression. It is ultimately a celebration of embracing life’s experiences and exploring the complexities of human connection.