A poison tree

Question 1

A poison tree - 2 contexts

Answer 1

1. Philosophy and Psychology on anger

• Hume discussed the dangers of unchecked passions and their role in moral corruption in his A Treatise of Human Nature
• Butler had a similar view in Fifteen Sermons expressed that anger must remain checked, but not suppressed, as it leads to resentment and moral corruption (like that seen in poison tree)

2. Biblical connotations

• The ‘poison tree’ connects closely to the fall of man, where eve eats from the poisoned tree (Genesis 3:1-6)
• Blake argues that one may be tempted to eat from ‘the poison tree’ and indulge in anger and hatred, but this is dangerous, and leads to consequences (like the fall)

Question 2

Tearle and Hendley

Answer 2

1. Oliver Tearle “The apple recalls the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden: temptation, deceit, and ultimate downfall.”
2. Hendley focuses on “the consequences for our relationships should anger be suppressed.”