Envy

By Mary Lamb (1764–1847)

Context

• Mary Lamb, along with her brother Charles, was a significant figure in 19th-century literature, particularly known for their collaborative works for children, such as Tales from Shakespeare and Poetry for Children. "Envy" is the opening poem in their anthology Poetry for Children, and though it was written for a younger audience, its message resonates with readers of all ages. Living in a time when Romanticism was a dominant literary movement, Lamb was influenced by the Romantic focus on nature, which is evident in her use of the rose tree as an extended metaphor for human emotions in this poem. Despite her literary success, Mary Lamb struggled with severe mental illness, which tragically led her to kill her mother during a psychotic episode in 1796. Her personal struggles add depth to the poem's exploration of self-acceptance and the futility of envy.

The Poem

Envy

This rose-tree is not made to bear

← Metaphor

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.

← Imagery

And should it fret,

you would suppose

← Metaphor

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

← Metaphor

Some pretty flower in their own mind,

Some talent that is rare.

← Adjective "rare"

5 Quotes + Analysis to Achieve a Grade 9

1. Language device = Metaphor. "This rose-tree is not made to bear / The violet blue, nor lily fair" Analysis: The "rose-tree" here represents individuals, and the idea that it cannot produce "violet blue" or "lily fair" suggests that people, like flowers, have their own unique qualities and should embrace this rather than wishing to be something they are not. The "rose-tree" cannot produce "violet blue" or "lily fair" because it is not in its nature to do so. This metaphor suggests that people, like the rose tree, should not try to be something they are not. The comparison between flowers and people highlights the pointlessness of envy and the importance of self-acceptance.

2. Language device = Personification. "It all in vain would fret" Analysis: The use of the word "fret" personifies the rose tree, as it is described as if it can worry. Lamb uses this to show that worrying about being something you are not is pointless ("in vain"). The line encourages the reader to avoid unnecessary stress over things that cannot be changed and instead embrace their own natural qualities.

3. Language device = Metaphor "You would suppose / It ne'er had seen its own red rose" Analysis: Here, Lamb suggests that the rose tree's discontent comes from not recognising its own beauty. The metaphor of the "red rose" represents the unique qualities or talents within each person. Lamb implies that if someone is envious, it's because they haven't taken the time to appreciate what makes them special. This line serves as a reminder to the reader to value their own strengths rather than coveting what others have.

4. Language device = Metaphor. "With care and culture all may find / Some pretty flower in their own mind" Analysis: Lamb offers a solution to envy: self-cultivation. The phrase "care and culture" suggests that by nurturing their own talents and qualities, people can discover their own "pretty flower". This metaphor reinforces the idea that everyone has something unique and valuable within them, and with patience and effort, these qualities can be revealed and appreciated.

5. Language device = Adjective. Some talent that is "rare" Analysis: The poem concludes with the reassuring thought that everyone possesses a unique talent or quality ("rare"). This line encourages readers to focus on their own strengths rather than being envious of others. The use of the adjective "rare" emphasises the idea that everyone is special in their own way, reinforcing the poem's message of self-acceptance and contentment.

Form & Structure Points to Mention for Top Grades

• Regular Rhyme Scheme:
  • The poem follows a consistent ABABCC rhyme scheme, which gives it a steady and instructional tone, suitable for its message of self-acceptance. The rhyme scheme also mirrors the simplicity and clarity of the lesson being taught, making it easy to follow and remember.
• Personification:
  • Lamb personifies the rose tree by giving it human emotions like "discontent" and the ability to "fret". This personification helps draw a direct comparison between the natural world and human emotions, making the moral of the poem more relatable to the reader.
• Extended Metaphor:
  • The rose tree serves as an extended metaphor throughout the poem, representing the idea that just as the rose tree cannot change into another type of flower, people should not try to change who they are. This metaphor is central to the poem's message about the futility of envy and the importance of self-acceptance.
• Lesson-like Structure:
  • The poem is structured like a lesson, gradually building up an argument about the dangers of envy and the value of self-appreciation. Each stanza adds another layer to the logic, leading the reader to the final conclusion that everyone has unique qualities worth valuing.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "Envy," Mary Lamb uses the extended metaphor of a rose tree to explore the theme of self-acceptance. The line "This rose-tree is not made to bear / The violet blue, nor lily fair" suggests that, just like the rose tree, people should not try to change who they are to be like others. The personification of the rose tree as "fret[ting]" and being "discontent" further emphasises the futility of envy and the importance of appreciating one's own unique qualities. Lamb's use of a regular rhyme scheme and a lesson-like structure helps to clearly communicate the poem's moral, making it accessible and memorable for readers. This contrasts with…