Black Walnut Tree Mary Oliver Analysis

The poem “Black Walnut Tree” by Mary Oliver illustrates the higher significance of their walnut tree. The greater idea that blood and heritage are more valuable than money. The speaker reinforces this idea through the use of figurative language, tone, and diction.

The poem opens with a literal tone where the mother and speaker are discussing what to do with the walnut tree. They “debate” with themselves about whether or not to take down the tree for money. However, “debate” switches to “talk slowly” in lines 8-9 to demonstrate how serious the situation is for the two. Up to line 15, they are reasoning about why they should cut the tree. The speaker gives factual details about the tree such as the “leaves are getting heavier” in line 13. The tree is growing old and its’ fruit is getting more difficult to “gather away.” Rationally, they are giving valid reasons as to why the tree should be cut down. Distinctively, the tone of the poem switches from a literal connotation to a more figurative voice in line 16. The speaker acknowledges that the walnut tree holds greater significance to their “blood” than money. Something in their blood tells them to continue to “dig and sow.” For generations, her

They would both “crawl with shame in the emptiness” of knowing that they would have neglected the significance the black walnut tree held. Not only would they be hurting themselves, but their “fathers’ backyard.” As in, they would feel shame for putting aside the years of hard work their ancestors put in. Ultimately, the speaker and her mother decided to keep the tree as mentioned in the last lines. Words to describe the tree such as “swings,” “leaping,” and “bounding” are full of life. This represents the liveliness and vibrancy the tree granted them even if they are still struggling