Poem Analysis - The Trees In The Garden Rained Flowers

The poem The Trees In The Garden Rained Flowers by Stephen Crane presents a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative about the distribution of flowers in a garden. The tone is initially lighthearted and joyful, as children gleefully gather flowers. However, it shifts to a more serious and philosophical discussion about justice and strength. The poem's form, with its straightforward stanzas, supports the clear progression of ideas from a simple scene to a complex moral debate.

Exploring Themes of Justice and Strength

The poem delves into the themes of justice and strength, questioning what is fair and who deserves what. The initial scene of children gathering flowers sets up a simple, almost idyllic, image of joy and abundance. However, the distribution of flowers quickly becomes unequal, with some children gathering great heaps while others are left with only chance blossoms. This inequality sparks a debate about justice, as a tutor points out the unfairness to the father. The father's response, however, justifies the inequality by asserting that the strong, bold, and shrewd deserve the flowers more than the feeble. This perspective challenges conventional notions of justice, suggesting that strength and ability should determine who gets what.

The Role of Authority and Wisdom

Another prominent theme is the role of authority and wisdom. The tutor, representing a voice of moral authority, initially challenges the injustice in the garden. However, upon hearing the father's reasoning, the tutor bows in submission, acknowledging the father's towering wisdom. This dynamic highlights the power of authority and the deference given to wisdom, even when it challenges conventional morality. The tutor's bowing to the ground and the displacement of the stars by the father's wisdom underscore the profound impact of the father's perspective, suggesting that his wisdom is so great that it can even alter the natural order.

Symbolism of Flowers and Strength

The flowers in the poem serve as a powerful symbol of opportunity and reward. They represent something desirable and valuable, which the children eagerly seek. The unequal distribution of flowers highlights the theme of strength, as the stronger children are able to gather more flowers. The father's justification of this inequality further emphasizes the connection between strength and deservingness. The flowers, therefore, symbolize not just material gain but also the rewards of strength and ability. The tutor's spindling appearance and the father's description of the strong as beautiful further reinforce the idea that strength is not just physical but also moral and intellectual. The tutor's bowing to the ground and the displacement of the stars by the father's wisdom underscore the profound impact of the father's perspective, suggesting that his wisdom is so great that it can even alter the natural order.

Conclusion

The Trees In The Garden Rained Flowers by Stephen Crane is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, strength, and the role of authority. Through the simple yet powerful imagery of children gathering flowers, Crane raises complex questions about what is fair and who deserves what. The poem's shift from a lighthearted scene to a serious moral debate underscores the depth of its themes. The flowers, as a symbol of opportunity and reward, highlight the connection between strength and deservingness. The tutor's submission to the father's wisdom further emphasizes the power of authority and the deference given to wisdom. Ultimately, the poem challenges conventional notions of justice and invites readers to reflect on the complex interplay of strength, opportunity, and moral authority.