The Garden by Andrew Marvell | The Garden | Andrew Marvell | Explanation | Summary | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Critical Appreciation | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
The Garden
BY ANDREW MARVELL
How vainly men themselves amaze
To win the palm, the oak, or bays,
And their uncessant labours see
Crown’d from some single herb or tree,
Whose short and narrow verged shade
Does prudently their toils upbraid;
While all flow’rs and all trees do close
To weave the garlands of repose.
Fair Quiet, have I found thee here,
And Innocence, thy sister dear!
Mistaken long, I sought you then
In busy companies of men;
Your sacred plants, if here below,
Only among the plants will grow.
Society is all but rude,
To this delicious solitude.
No white nor red was ever seen
So am’rous as this lovely green.
Fond lovers, cruel as their flame,
Cut in these trees their mistress’ name;
Little, alas, they know or heed
How far these beauties hers exceed!
Fair trees! wheres’e’er your barks I wound,
No name shall but your own be found.
When we have run our passion’s heat,
Love hither makes his best retreat.
The gods, that mortal beauty chase,
Still in a tree did end their race:
Apollo hunted Daphne so,
Only that she might laurel grow;
And Pan did after Syrinx speed,
Not as a nymph, but for a reed.
What wond’rous life in this I lead!
Ripe apples drop about my head;
The luscious clusters of the vine
Upon my mouth do crush their wine;
The nectarine and curious peach
Into my hands themselves do reach;
Stumbling on melons as I pass,
Ensnar’d with flow’rs, I fall on grass.
Meanwhile the mind, from pleasure less,
Withdraws into its happiness;
The mind, that ocean where each kind
Does straight its own resemblance find,
Yet it creates, transcending these,
Far other worlds, and other seas;
Annihilating all that’s made
To a green thought in a green shade.
Here at the fountain’s sliding foot,
Or at some fruit tree’s mossy root,
Casting the body’s vest aside,
My soul into the boughs does glide;
There like a bird it sits and sings,
Then whets, and combs its silver wings;
And, till prepar’d for longer flight,
Waves in its plumes the various light.
Such was that happy garden-state,
While man there walk’d without a mate;
After a place so pure and sweet,
What other help could yet be meet!
But ’twas beyond a mortal’s share
To wander solitary there:
Two paradises ’twere in one
To live in paradise alone.
How well the skillful gard’ner drew
Of flow’rs and herbs this dial new,
Where from above the milder sun
Does through a fragrant zodiac run;
And as it works, th’ industrious bee
Computes its time as well as we.
How could such sweet and wholesome hours
Be reckon’d but with herbs and flow’rs!
line-by-line explanation of the poem
First Stanza
How vainly men themselves amaze
To win the palm, the oak, or bays,
Explanation
This couplet introduces the poem’s theme of questioning human pursuits. The speaker criticizes the “vanity” of men who strive for external rewards like “palm” (victory), “oak” (strength), or “bays” (fame).
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “palm, the oak, or bays” are not just literal plants but metaphors for victory, strength, and fame, respectively.
And their uncessant labours see
Crown’d from some single herb or tree,
Explanation
This couplet expands on the first, suggesting that these prestigious rewards are ultimately fleeting and insignificant compared to the simple beauty of nature (“single herb or tree”).
Poetic device
Enjambment: The continuation of the sentence without a pause from the first line to the second creates a sense of flowing thought and emphasizes the unexpected nature of success.
Whose short and narrow verged shade
Does prudently their toils upbraid;
Explanation
This couplet further emphasizes the superiority of nature. The “short and narrow” shade of the tree, a symbol of nature’s limited lifespan, “prudently” criticizes their endless “toils” for fleeting rewards.
Poetic Device
Personification: The shade of the tree is given human qualities like “prudently” to emphasize its symbolic message of nature’s critique on human ambition.
While all flow’rs and all trees do close
To weave the garlands of repose.
Explanation
This final couplet offers a contrasting image. While humans toil, nature creates “garlands of repose,” suggesting peace and tranquility found in embracing nature.
Poetic Device
Imagery: “garlands of repose” creates a vivid picture of nature offering peace and tranquility, contrasting with the toil and striving of humans.
Metaphor: The flowers and trees weaving garlands are metaphorical for nature’s ability to create beauty and serenity.
Personification: Flowers and trees are personified as actively participating in the act of weaving garlands, emphasizing the interconnectedness and unity of nature.
Second Stanza
Fair Quiet, have I found thee here,
And Innocence, thy sister dear!
Explanation
In these lines, the speaker exclaims that he has found “Fair Quiet” and its dear sister, Innocence, in the garden. The poet personifies these abstract concepts, suggesting that peace and innocence are present in the solitude of nature.
Poetic Device
Personification: Both “Fair Quiet” and “Innocence” are given human qualities, emphasizing their desirability and suggesting they exist as tangible entities within nature.
Apostrophe: The poet directly addresses “Fair Quiet,” personifying it as if it were a tangible presence in the garden.
Mistaken long, I sought you then
In busy companies of men;
Explanation
The speaker acknowledges that he previously searched for these qualities in the wrong places, namely among people and societal pursuits.
Poetic device
Enjambment: The sentence runs across the line break, creating a sense of reflection and introspection.
Your sacred plants, if here below,
Only among the plants will grow.
Explanation
The speaker believes that true “sacred plants” representing “Quiet” and “Innocence” can only be found in nature, not in human society.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Sacred plants” represent the qualities the speaker seeks, not literal vegetation.
Society is all but rude,
To this delicious solitude.
Explanation
The speaker declares that human society is fundamentally incompatible with the “delicious solitude” found in nature.
Poetic Device
Oxymoron: “Delicious solitude” combines opposite ideas (deliciousness and solitude) to emphasize the paradoxical appeal of being alone in nature.
Personification: Society is personified in the poem. The speaker suggests that ‘Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude’, attributing human characteristics to society.
Third Stanza
No white nor red was ever seen
So am’rous as this lovely green.
Explanation
The speaker marvels at the beauty of nature, specifically focusing on the color green. He claims it surpasses any human creation of white or red, often associated with purity and passion, respectively.
Poetic Device
Simile: “So am’rous as this lovely green” compares the color green to the intensity of love, suggesting its captivating and sensual allure.
Personification: Green is implicitly endowed with the quality of being “am’rous,” further blurring the lines between nature and human experience.
Fond lovers, cruel as their flame,
Cut in these trees their mistress’ name;
Explanation
The speaker criticizes the actions of “fond lovers” who carve their lover’s name on trees. He sees this as an act of cruelty against nature, driven by their fleeting passion.
Poetic Device
Juxtaposition: The contrast between “fond lovers” and “cruel” highlights the speaker’s disapproval of their actions.
Metaphor: “Flame” stands for their passionate but ultimately destructive love.
Little, alas, they know or heed
How far these beauties hers exceed!
Explanation
The speaker pities the lovers for their lack of understanding about the true beauty of nature, which far surpasses any human creation or affection.
Poetic Device
Enjambment
Fair trees! wheres’e’er your barks I wound,
No name shall but your own be found.
Explanation
The speaker vows to respect the trees and not mar their natural beauty with carvings. He emphasizes the inherent value of their own names, symbolizing their unique identity and connection to nature.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: The “wounds” refer to potential carvings, suggesting their harmfulness to the trees.
Personification: The trees in the garden are personified as well. The speaker says, ‘Fair trees! wheres’e’er your barks I wound, No name shall but your own be found’1, suggesting that the trees have their own identities.
Fourth Stanza
When we have run our passion’s heat,
Love hither makes his best retreat.
Explanation
This couplet suggests that when the intensity of human passion subsides, true love finds its solace and rejuvenation in nature. The speaker implies that nature offers a more enduring and authentic form of love than fleeting human emotions.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Passion’s heat” represents the intense but temporary nature of human emotions.
Personification: “Love” is given human qualities like making a “retreat,” suggesting its agency and connection to nature.
The gods, that mortal beauty chase,
Still in a tree did end their race:
Explanation
This couplet draws on mythology to further emphasize the connection between love and nature. The speaker references stories of gods pursuing mortal beauty, only to be transformed into trees (Daphne into laurel, Syrinx into a reed), suggesting that true beauty and love reside in nature itself.
Poetic Device
Allusion: References to specific myths (Daphne and Syrinx) enrich the meaning and connect the poem to broader cultural narratives.
Metaphor: The “race” can be interpreted as both the pursuit of love and the pursuit of mortality, further linking the two themes.
Apollo hunted Daphne so,
Only that she might laurel grow;
Explanation
This line elaborates on the previous allusion, specifically focusing on the myth of Apollo and Daphne. While Apollo chased Daphne for her beauty, she was transformed into a laurel tree, ultimately escaping his pursuit and becoming part of nature.
Poetic Device
Allusion: This couplet directly alludes to the myth of Apollo and Daphne from classical mythology.
And Pan did after Syrinx speed,
Not as a nymph, but for a reed.
Explanation
This line mirrors the previous one, referencing the myth of Pan and Syrinx. Instead of pursuing her as a human, Pan chases after her transformed form as a reed, again implying that true love resides in nature’s beauty rather than fleeting human form.
Poetic Device
Allusion: This couplet alludes to the myth of Pan and Syrinx from classical mythology.
Metaphor: The transformation of Syrinx into a reed is metaphorically described, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the natural world in mythological narratives.
Fifth Stanza
What wond’rous life in this I lead!
Ripe apples drop about my head;
Explanation
The speaker marvels at the abundance and generosity of nature, experiencing a joyful and fulfilling life within its embrace. The falling apples symbolize nature’s effortless provision and his connection to its rhythms.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Vivid description of ripe apples falling creates a sense of abundance and sensory delight.
The luscious clusters of the vine
Upon my mouth do crush their wine;
Explanation
The speaker continues to celebrate the sensory pleasures of nature, indulging in the sweetness of ripe grapes and their natural wine. This further emphasizes the bounty and satisfaction found in a connection with nature.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Luscious clusters” and “crush their wine” use figurative language to emphasize the richness and abundance of nature’s offerings.
Personification: The image of grapes “crushing their wine” suggests an active participation of nature in providing for the speaker.
Enjambment
The nectarine and curious peach
Into my hands themselves do reach;
Explanation
The speaker experiences an almost magical connection with nature, as fruits seem to offer themselves readily, highlighting the effortless bounty and harmony he finds in this environment.
Poetic Device
Personification: Fruits “reach” into his hands, further blurring the lines between human and nature and emphasizing its welcoming presence.
Enjambment: The sentence extends across the line break, creating a sense of continuous flow and ease in receiving nature’s gifts.
Stumbling on melons as I pass,
Ensnar’d with flow’rs, I fall on grass.
Explanation
The speaker describes a playful and carefree interaction with nature, stumbling on melons and falling on soft grass amidst flowers. This further emphasizes the joyful and uninhibited experience he finds in nature’s embrace.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Ensnar’d with flowers” metaphorically portrays the speaker being lovingly trapped by nature’s beauty, suggesting a positive surrender.
Sixth Stanza
Meanwhile the mind, from pleasure less,
Withdraws into its happiness;
Explanation
This couplet introduces a shift in focus from the sensory pleasures of nature to the internal world of the mind. While initially enjoying the physical delights, the speaker now turns inward to experience a deeper form of happiness.
Poetic Device
Juxtaposition: The contrast between “pleasure less” and “happiness” suggests a different kind of fulfilment found within the mind.
Personification: “Withdraws into its happiness” personifies the mind, allowing it to act and experience emotions like a human.
Alliteration: The repetition of the “m” sound in “Meanwhile the mind” creates a melodic quality and emphasizes the inward turn of the mind.
The mind, that ocean where each kind
Does straight its own resemblance find,
Explanation
This couplet expands on the metaphor of the mind, comparing it to an ocean reflecting everything in its depths. It suggests the mind’s ability to connect with and understand diverse experiences and emotions.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: The mind as an ocean continues across this line, enriching the image and its symbolic meaning.
Yet it creates, transcending these,
Far other worlds, and other seas;
Explanation
This couplet emphasizes the creative power of the mind. While it reflects external experiences, it also goes beyond them, crafting new worlds and realities that surpass the limitations of the physical world.
यह दोहा मन की रचनात्मक शक्ति पर जोर देता है। हालाँकि यह बाहरी अनुभवों को प्रतिबिंबित करता है, यह उनसे परे भी जाता है, नई दुनिया और वास्तविकताओं को गढ़ता है जो भौतिक दुनिया की सीमाओं को पार करती हैं।
Poetic Device
Imagery: “Far other worlds, and other seas” creates a vast and boundless image of the mind’s creative potential.
Annihilating all that’s made
To a green thought in a green shade.
Explanation
This couplet concludes the stanza with a paradoxical statement. The mind, in its creative process, can “annihilate” the external world, reducing it to a simple “green thought in a green shade,” symbolizing a state of pure contemplation and abstraction.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Green thought” personalizes the mind’s activity, portraying its thoughts as tangible entities.
Repetition: The repetition of the “green” in “green thought” and “green shade” creates a soothing and rhythmic effect.
Seventh Stanza
Here at the fountain’s sliding foot,
Or at some fruit tree’s mossy root,
Explanation
The speaker describes his preferred locations within the garden, seeking solace and connection close to nature’s sources of nourishment and life – the flowing water of the fountain and the roots of fruit trees.
Poetic Device
Imagery: Vivid descriptions of “sliding foot” and “mossy root” create a sense of coolness, peace, and connection to the earth.
Alliteration: Repetition of “f” sounds in “fountain” and “foot” adds a flowing and calming effect.
Casting the body’s vest aside,
My soul into the boughs does glide;
Explanation
This couplet describes a metaphorical shedding of physical constraints. The speaker imagines his soul leaving his body and entering the trees, symbolizing a deeper union with nature.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Casting the body’s vest aside” and “soul into the boughs does glide” are powerful metaphors for transcending physical limitations and achieving spiritual connection with nature.
Personification: “Soul” is given the ability to act and move, further blurring the lines between human and nature.
There like a bird it sits and sings,
Then whets, and combs its silver wings;
Explanation
This couplet continues the metaphor, depicting the speaker’s soul acting like a bird within the tree. It sings, whets its wings, and grooms itself, suggesting a sense of freedom and belonging within the natural world.
Poetic Device
Simile: “Like a bird it sits and sings” compares the soul’s actions to those of a bird, reinforcing the image of freedom and harmony with nature.
Metaphor: “Silver wings” further elevates the image and suggests a spiritual purity associated with the soul.
And, till prepar’d for longer flight,
Waves in its plumes the various light.
Explanation
This final couplet suggests a temporary nature to this experience. The soul enjoys its “flight” within the tree, basking in the light, but awaits an even greater journey beyond.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Longer flight” suggests a future spiritual journey beyond the current experience in the garden.
Imagery: “Waves in its plumes the various light” creates a dynamic image of the soul absorbing and reflecting the beauty of nature.
Eighth Stanza
Such was that happy garden-state,
While man there walk’d without a mate;
Explanation
This couplet establishes a sense of idyllic perfection associated with the Garden of Eden before Eve’s arrival. It emphasizes the happiness and serenity Adam experienced in this pristine and solitary state.
Poetic Device
Metaphor: “Garden-state” refers to both the physical location and the ideal spiritual condition Adam enjoyed.
After a place so pure and sweet,
What other help could yet be meet!
Explanation
This couplet raises a question about the potential limitations of even such a perfect environment. Despite the purity and sweetness of the Garden, the speaker wonders if something more could be “meet” or necessary for Adam’s complete fulfilment.
Poetic device
Metaphor: The phrase “a place so pure and sweet” metaphorically describes the garden, emphasizing its idyllic qualities.
But ’twas beyond a mortal’s share
To wander solitary there:
Explanation
This couplet provides an answer to the previous question. The speaker concludes that Adam’s solitary existence, despite the Garden’s perfection, was beyond the natural state for a “mortal.” Humans are inherently social creatures, and even paradise alone cannot fulfil the need for companionship.
Two paradises ’twere in one
To live in paradise alone.
Explanation
This concluding couplet uses paradox to further highlight the paradox of Adam’s situation. While the Garden itself is a paradise, the lack of companionship makes it feel like only half of a paradise, incomplete without another human being to share it with.
Poetic Device
Paradox: “Two paradises ’twere in one” emphasizes the contradictory nature of Adam’s experience, where paradise is both present and incomplete.
Ninth Stanza
How well the skillful gard’ner drew
Of flow’rs and herbs this dial new,
Explanation
In these lines, the speaker praises the skillful gardener for creating a new sundial using flowers and herbs. The term “dial” refers to a device that measures time using the position of the sun’s shadow, and in this case, it is fashioned from flowers and herbs. The poet emphasizes the artistry and proficiency of the gardener in crafting this unique timekeeping instrument.है।
Poetic Device
Metaphor: The sundial made of flowers and herbs is compared to a conventional timekeeping dial. This metaphor underscores the creativity and beauty of the gardener’s creation.
Where from above the milder sun
Does through a fragrant zodiac run;
Explanation
The lines describe how the sun moves through a fragrant zodiac, suggesting that the sundial is adorned with flowers arranged in the shape of the zodiac. The word “milder” may imply a gentle or pleasant sun, contributing to the overall positive and serene atmosphere of the garden.
Poetic device
Personification: The sun is described as “milder,” attributing human-like qualities to it, perhaps suggesting a benevolent or soothing nature.
And as it works, th’ industrious bee
Computes its time as well as we.
Explanation
This couplet introduces the idea that the industrious bee, while busy at work, also keeps track of time in a manner similar to humans. The bee’s activities are aligned with the operation of the sundial, creating a connection between the natural world and the measurement of time.
Poetic Device
Personification: The bee is described as “industrious,” attributing human-like qualities to emphasize its hardworking nature.
Simile: The comparison of the bee’s timekeeping to that of humans using “as well as we” reinforces the idea of a shared sense of timekeeping between nature and humanity.
How could such sweet and wholesome hours
Be reckon’d but with herbs and flow’rs!
Explanation
The final couplet reflects on the idea that the sweet and wholesome hours in the garden can only be truly appreciated and measured through the presence of herbs and flowers. The poet suggests that the beauty and tranquillity of the garden contribute to the perception and understanding of time.
Poetic Device
Imagery: The words “herbs and flow’rs” evoke a vivid image of a natural environment. This image contributes to the speaker’s point about nature being the ideal way to measure time.
Metaphor: The implicit comparison of time spent amidst nature to being “reckoned” with flowers and herbs suggests that these natural elements embody the essence of what makes an experience sweet and wholesome.
Summary
“The Garden” by Andrew Marvell is a reflective poem that celebrates the tranquility and beauty found in nature, particularly in a garden setting. The poem is structured into nine stanzas, each containing eight lines (octaves). Here’s a detailed summary of the poem:
In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on the futility of human endeavors to achieve recognition and honor, contrasting the busy and bustling world of society with the quiet solitude of the garden.
The second stanza explores the speaker’s discovery of peace and innocence within the natural world, realizing that true tranquility is found away from the chaos of human society.
The third stanza delves into the speaker’s admiration for the vibrant greenery of nature and the contrast between human lovers’ superficial actions and the profound beauty of the natural environment.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the sensory delights of the garden, where ripe fruits abound and the mind finds solace and happiness.
The fifth stanza reflects on the mind’s ability to create and transcend, finding inspiration and wonder within the serenity of nature.
The sixth stanza explores the connection between the soul and the natural world, with the soul depicted as a bird finding solace and preparing for a spiritual journey.
The seventh stanza highlights the serene settings within the garden, where the speaker finds peace and contemplation amidst the natural beauty.
The eighth stanza reflects on the idealized state of the garden, where solitude and companionship coexist in harmony, suggesting that true paradise involves shared existence.
In the final stanza, the speaker praises the skillful gardener for creating a sundial using flowers and herbs, symbolizing the measurement of time within the tranquil confines of the garden. The poem concludes with the acknowledgment that the sweet and wholesome hours spent in the garden are best appreciated amidst the beauty of nature.
Overall, “The Garden” celebrates the beauty, tranquility, and spiritual nourishment found in nature, presenting the garden as a metaphor for a sanctuary where one can find peace, happiness, and connection with the divine.
Key Points
Author
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was a 17th-century English poet, satirist, and politician. He is known for his eloquent and metaphysical poetry.
Form
“The Garden” is a lyric poem written in rhymed couplets. It is structured into nine octaves, or eight-line stanzas. Each stanza follows a regular rhyme scheme with a pattern of AABBCCDD. This structure allows for a rhythmic flow and enhances the musicality of Marvell’s words. The consistent rhyme scheme also adds to the poem’s overall cohesion and contributes to its aesthetic appeal.
Speaker
The speaker in the poem is an unnamed narrator who finds solace and peace in the garden.
Setting
The setting of the poem is a garden, which serves as a metaphorical sanctuary for the human soul.
Theme
The main themes of the poem are the beauty of nature, the power of solitude, and the human mind’s capacity for imagination and thought.
Plot
The poem describes the speaker’s experience in a garden, where they find tranquillity and contentment away from the hustle and bustle of society. The speaker contemplates the beauty of nature, the pleasures of solitude, and the power of the mind.
Tone
The tone of the poem is contemplative and serene, reflecting the speaker’s peaceful state of mind in the garden.
Style
Marvell’s style in “The Garden” is characterized by vivid imagery, metaphysical conceits, and a blend of classical and Christian allusions.
Message
The message of the poem is that true happiness and contentment can be found in nature and in one’s own mind. The poem suggests that the pursuit of worldly honours and pleasures is futile compared to the peace and fulfilment that can be found in solitude and contemplation.
Andrew Marvell
Birth and Early Life
Andrew Marvell was born on March 31, 1621, in Winestead, Yorkshire, England.
He was the son of a Church of England clergyman.
His family moved to Hull when his father was appointed Lecturer at Holy Trinity Church.
Marvell was educated at Hull Grammar School.
Education
At the age of 13, Marvell attended Trinity College, Cambridge, and eventually received a BA degree.
Career
Marvell was an English metaphysical poet, satirist, and politician.
He is known for his eloquent and metaphysical poetry.
His poems range from the love-song “To His Coy Mistress”, to evocations of an aristocratic country house and garden in “Upon Appleton House” and “The Garden”, the political address “An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell’s Return from Ireland”, and the later personal and political satires “Flecknoe” and “The Character of Holland”.
Marvell served as a tutor to the daughter of the Lord General Thomas Fairfax.
He was a colleague and friend of John Milton.
He served as an assistant to John Milton as Latin secretary in the foreign office.
From 1659 until his death, he held a seat in Parliament.
Death
Andrew Marvell died on August 16, 1678, in London, England.
Legacy
Marvell’s political reputation overshadowed that of his poetry until the 20th century.
He is now considered to be one of the best Metaphysical poets.
His small body of lyric poems has since appealed to many readers, and in the 20th century he came to be considered one of the most notable poets of his century.
Word Meaning
| Stanza | Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 1 | 1 | vainly | For nothing | व्यर्थ |
| 1 | amaze | impress excessively | अत्यधिक प्रभावित करना | |
| 2 | palm, oak, bays | symbols of victory or achievement | (ताड़, ओक, खाड़ियाँ) विजय या उपलब्धि के प्रतीक | |
| 3 | incessant | never-ending | कभी न खत्म होने वाला | |
| 4 | crown’d | rewarded | पुरस्कृत किया | |
| 5 | verged shade | limited area of shade | सीमित क्षेत्र में छाया | |
| 6 | prudently | wisely | बुद्धिमानी से | |
| 6 | toils | exertion | कठिन परिश्रम | |
| 6 | upbraid | criticize | आलोचना करना | |
| 8 | weave | knit | बुनना | |
| 8 | repose | rest | विश्राम | |
| 2 | 1 | Fair Quiet | peacefulness | शांति |
| 1 | thee | you | तुमको | |
| 2 | Innocence | purity, lack of guilt | निर्दोषता, अपराध भाव की कमी | |
| 2 | thy | yours | तेरा | |
| 3 | Mistaken | misunderstood | गलत समझा | |
| 3 | sought | search | खोजना | |
| 4 | busy companies | groups of people | व्यस्त लोगों का समूह | |
| 5 | sacred plants | plants associated with spirituality | पवित्र पौधे | |
| 5 | below | on Earth | पृथ्वी पर | |
| 7 | rude | harsh, unpleasant | कठोर, अप्रिय | |
| 8 | solitude | being alone | अकेलापन | |
| 3 | 1 | white nor red | no colors | कोई रंग नहीं |
| 2 | am’rous | loving | प्रेमपूर्ण | |
| 3 | fond | Dear/beloved | प्रिय | |
| 3 | cruel | harsh, unkind | क्रूर, निर्दयी | |
| 3 | flame | strong emotion | तीव्र भावना | |
| 4 | mistress | lover | प्रेमिका | |
| 5 | heed | pay attention | ध्यान देना | |
| 6 | beauties | attractiveness | आकर्षण | |
| 6 | exceed | be better than | बेहतर होना | |
| 7 | barks | peel | छाल | |
| 4 | 1 | passion’s heat | intensity of love | प्यार की तीव्रता |
| 2 | hither | here | इधर | |
| 2 | retreat | place to go for safety or peace | सुरक्षा या शांति के लिए जाने का स्थान | |
| 3 | chase | pursue | पीछा करना | |
| 4 | race | journey | यात्रा | |
| 5 | Apollo | Greek god of music, light, and poetry | संगीत, प्रकाश और कविता के ग्रीक देवता | |
| 5 | Daphne | nymph pursued by Apollo who turned into a laurel tree | अपोलो द्वारा पीछा किया गया अप्सरा जो लॉरल के पेड़ में बदल गई | |
| 6 | laurel | tree | लॉरेल | |
| 7 | Pan | Greek god of shepherds and the wild | चरवाहों और जंगल के ग्रीक देवता | |
| 7 | Syrinx | nymph pursued by Pan who turned into reeds | पान द्वारा पीछा किया गया अप्सरा जो नरकट में बदल गई | |
| 8 | nymph | apsara | अप्सरा | |
| 8 | reed | Cane/ sugar cane | ईख | |
| 5 | 1 | wond’rous | amazing | अद्भुत |
| 2 | ripe | ready to eat | पका हुआ | |
| 3 | luscious | delicious | स्वादिष्ट | |
| 3 | vine | Grape vine | अंगूर की बेल | |
| 4 | crush | press to release juice | दबाकर रस निकालना | |
| 4 | wine | alcohol | शराब | |
| 5 | nectarine | smooth-skinned type of peach | चिकनी त्वचा वाला आड़ू | |
| 5 | curious | interesting | दिलचस्प | |
| 5 | peach | A fruit | आड़ू | |
| 7 | stumbling | falling clumsily | अनाड़ीपन से गिरना | |
| 8 | ensnar’d | trapped | फँसा हुआ | |
| 6 | 1 | pleasure less | less interested in physical pleasures | शारीरिक सुख में कम रुचि |
| 2 | withdraws | retreats | पीछे हटता है | |
| 3 | mind, ocean | vastness of the mind | मन, विशालता | |
| 4 | resemblance | similarity | समानता | |
| 5 | transcending | Go up | ऊंचा उठना | |
| 6 | far other | very different | बहुत अलग | |
| 7 | annihilating | destroying | नष्ट करना | |
| 8 | green thought | peaceful thought | शांत विचार | |
| 7 | 1 | fountain’s sliding foot | base of the flowing fountain | बहते फव्वारे का आधार |
| 2 | mossy root | root covered in moss | काई से ढकी जड़ | |
| 3 | casting aside | taking off | उतार देना | |
| 4 | boughs | branches | टहनियों | |
| 4 | glide | move smoothly | आसानी से चलना | |
| 6 | whets | sharpens | तेज करना | |
| 6 | silver wings | beautiful wings | सुंदर पंख | |
| 7 | prepar’d | ready | तैयार | |
| 8 | plumes | feather | पंखों | |
| 8 | various light | changing light | बदलती रोशनी | |
| 8 | 1 | happy garden-state | state of perfect happiness in the Garden of Eden | ईडन गार्डन में पूर्ण खुशी की स्थिति |
| 2 | walk’d | lived | जिया | |
| 3 | pure and sweet | perfect and beautiful | आदर्श और सुंदर | |
| 5 | mortal’s share | something a human can experience | इंसान के अनुभव की चीज | |
| 6 | wander | walk around | घूमना | |
| 6 | solitary | lonely | अकेला | |
| 7 | two paradises | two perfect places | दो स्वर्ग | |
| 8 | live | exist | अस्तित्व में रहना | |
| 9 | 1 | skillful gard’ner | talented gardener | कुशल माली |
| 1 | drew | portray | चित्र बनाना | |
| 2 | dial | clock face | घड़ी का मुख | |
| 3 | milder sun | gentle sunlight | कोमल धूप | |
| 4 | fragrant zodiac | circle of fragrant flowers | सुगंधित राशि चक्र | |
| 5 | industrious bee | hardworking bee | मेहनती मधुमक्खी | |
| 6 | computes | measures | मापता है | |
| 7 | wholesome hours | pleasant and beneficial times | सुखद और लाभकारी समय | |
| 8 | reckon’d | counted | गिना हुआ |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of “The Garden”?
Andrew Marvell.
What is the form of the poem?
It’s a lyric poem written in rhymed couplets.
What is the setting of the poem?
The setting is a garden.
What is the main theme of the poem?
The beauty of nature, the power of solitude, and the human mind’s capacity for imagination.
What does the garden symbolize in the poem?
The garden symbolizes a state of mind that is at peace and in harmony with nature.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone is contemplative and serene.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDD.
What does the speaker find in the garden?
The speaker finds solace, peace, and tranquility in the garden.
What does the speaker compare the mind to?
The speaker compares the mind to an ocean.
What does the speaker do in the garden?
The speaker contemplates the beauty of nature and enjoys the simple pleasures of life.
What does the speaker say about society?
The speaker suggests that society is rude compared to the delicious solitude of the garden.
What does the speaker say about lovers who carve their names in trees?
The speaker criticizes them for not understanding the true beauty of nature.
What does the speaker say about the gods?
The speaker says that the gods ended their races in trees.
What does the speaker say about the mind?
The speaker says that the mind can create its own realities, transcending the physical world.
What does the speaker say about time?
The speaker suggests that time can be measured by the journey of the sun and the work of the bee.
What does the speaker say about passion?
The speaker suggests that love makes its best retreat in the garden after passion’s heat has run its course.
What does the speaker say about the garden-state?
The speaker suggests that it was a happy state when man walked there without a mate.
What does the speaker say about the skillful gardener?
The speaker admires how the gardener drew a new dial of flowers and herbs.
What does the speaker say about the industrious bee?
The speaker says that the bee computes its time as well as we do.
What does the speaker say about the milder sun?
The speaker says that the sun runs through a fragrant zodiac.
What does the speaker say about ripe apples?
The speaker says that ripe apples drop about his head in the garden.
What does the speaker say about the nectarine and peach?
The speaker says that they reach into his hands in the garden.
What does the speaker say about melons?
The speaker says that he stumbles on melons as he passes in the garden.
What does the speaker say about flowers?
The speaker says that he is ensnared with flowers in the garden.
What does the speaker say about grass?
The speaker says that he falls on grass in the garden.
What does the speaker say about the fountain’s sliding foot?
The speaker says that he casts his body’s vest aside there.
What does the speaker say about the fruit tree’s mossy root?
The speaker says that his soul glides into the boughs there.
What does the speaker say about the bird?
The speaker says that his soul sits and sings like a bird in the boughs.
What does the speaker say about the silver wings?
The speaker says that his soul whets and combs its silver wings.
What does the speaker say about the various light?
The speaker says that his soul waves in its plumes the various light.
Short Answer Questions
What is the significance of the garden in the poem?
The garden in the poem serves as a metaphor for a state of mind that is at peace and in harmony with nature. It symbolizes a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of society where one can find solace and tranquility.
How does Marvell use imagery in the poem?
Marvell uses vivid and detailed imagery to bring the garden to life. He describes ripe apples dropping, the luscious clusters of the vine, the nectarine and curious peach reaching into his hands, and stumbling on melons as he passes. This imagery helps to create a sensory experience for the reader.
What is the speaker’s view of society in the poem?
The speaker views society as rude and prefers the solitude of the garden. He suggests that true happiness and contentment can be found in nature and in one’s own mind, rather than in the pursuit of worldly honors and pleasures.
How does the speaker describe the mind in the poem?
The speaker describes the mind as an ocean where each kind finds its own resemblance. He suggests that the mind has the power to create its own realities, transcending the physical world to create “Far other worlds, and other seas”.
What is the message of the poem?
The message of the poem is that true happiness and contentment can be found in nature and in one’s own mind. The poem suggests that the pursuit of worldly honors and pleasures is futile compared to the peace and fulfillment that can be found in solitude and contemplation.
How does the speaker describe time in the poem?
The speaker describes time as being measured by the journey of the sun and the work of the bee. He suggests that we, like the bee, are bound by the constraints of time, yet we find ways to make our hours “sweet and wholesome”.
What does the speaker say about lovers who carve their names in trees?
The speaker criticizes lovers who carve their names in trees, suggesting that they do not understand the true beauty of nature. He says, “Little, alas, they know or heed, How far these beauties hers exceed!”
What does the speaker say about the gods?
The speaker says that the gods ended their races in trees. He refers to the mythological stories of Apollo and Daphne, and Pan and Syrinx, suggesting that even the gods found solace in nature.
What does the speaker say about the garden-state?
The speaker describes the garden-state as a happy state when man walked there without a mate. He suggests that it was a place so pure and sweet that no other help could yet be meet.
What does the speaker say about the skillful gardener?
The speaker admires the skillful gardener who drew a new dial of flowers and herbs. He suggests that the gardener, like the bee, understands the passage of time and finds ways to make the hours sweet and wholesome.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction Andrew Marvell is a renowned English poet known for his metaphysical poetry and satirical works. “The Garden” is one of his most famous poems, which presents a stark contrast between the hustle and bustle of human life and the serene beauty of nature. The poem invites readers to appreciate the tranquility and peace found in nature and solitude.
Structure, Form, and Rhyme Scheme “The Garden” is structured into nine octaves, or eight-line stanzas. This structure provides a rhythmic flow to the poem and enhances the musicality of Marvell’s words. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme of AABBCCDD. This means that the first- and second-lines rhyme, the third- and fourth-lines rhyme, and so on. This consistent rhyme scheme adds to the poem’s overall cohesion and contributes to its aesthetic appeal.
Plot The plot of the poem revolves around the speaker’s experience in a garden. The speaker finds tranquility and contentment in the garden, away from the hustle and bustle of society. The speaker contemplates the beauty of nature, enjoys the simple pleasures of life, and reflects on the power of the mind. The garden serves as a sanctuary for the speaker, offering a respite from the demands and pressures of society.
Themes
Natural Beauty One of the most prominent themes in “The Garden” is the appreciation of natural beauty. The speaker finds solace and tranquility in the garden, away from the hustle and bustle of society. The vivid and detailed imagery used by Marvell brings the garden to life, creating a sensory experience for the reader. The ripe fruits, beautiful trees, and flowers are all celebrated for their inherent beauty.
Solitude and Contemplation The theme of solitude and contemplation is central to the poem. The speaker suggests that true happiness and contentment can be found in solitude, away from the demands and pressures of society. The garden serves as a sanctuary for the speaker, offering a space for reflection and contemplation. The speaker finds peace in the quiet and repose offered by the garden.
The Power of the Mind The power of the mind and the capacity for imagination is another key theme in the poem. The speaker suggests that the mind has the power to create its own realities, transcending the physical world. The mind is compared to an ocean, where each kind finds its own resemblance, yet it creates, transcending these, far other worlds, and other seas.
The Futility of Worldly Pursuits The poem also explores the theme of the futility of worldly pursuits. The speaker criticizes those who spend their time in feverish endeavours to win honours in different fields of life. He suggests that these pursuits are futile compared to the peace and fulfilment that can be found in nature and in one’s own mind.
The Passage of Time The passage of time is another theme that is subtly woven into the poem. The speaker reflects on the transient nature of life and the fleeting beauty and pleasure that we often strive to attain. The journey of the sun and the work of the bee are used as symbols to represent the passage of time.
Poetic Devices
Imagery One of the most striking features of “The Garden” is its vivid and detailed imagery. Marvell brings the garden to life with descriptions of ripe fruits, beautiful trees, and flowers. These images create a sensory experience for the reader, making the garden seem almost tangible.
Metaphor Marvell uses metaphors throughout the poem to compare the garden to a state of mind that is at peace and in harmony with nature. The garden serves as a sanctuary for the speaker, offering a space for reflection and contemplation. The mind is also compared to an ocean, suggesting its vastness and depth.
Personification
Fair Quiet and Innocence: In the second stanza, Marvell personifies ‘Fair Quiet’ and ‘Innocence’. He speaks to them as if they were human beings, saying that he has found them in the garden, away from the company of men.
Society: Society is also personified in the poem. The speaker suggests that ‘Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude’, attributing human characteristics to society.
Trees: The trees in the garden are personified as well. The speaker says, ‘Fair trees! wheresoever your barks I wound, No name shall but your own be found’, suggesting that the trees have their own identities.
Allusion Marvell makes use of allusions in the poem, referring to mythological stories of Apollo and Daphne, and Pan and Syrinx14. These allusions add a layer of depth to the poem and enrich its thematic content
Message The message of the poem is that true happiness and contentment can be found in nature and in one’s own mind. The poem suggests that the pursuit of worldly honours and pleasures is futile compared to the peace and fulfilment that can be found in solitude and contemplation. The speaker encourages readers to seek peace and contentment within themselves and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Conclusion In conclusion, “The Garden” by Andrew Marvell is a profound meditation on nature, solitude, the power of the mind, and the passage of time. The poem’s rich imagery, metaphysical conceits, and rhythmic flow make it a captivating read, offering deep insights into the human condition and our relationship with nature. The poem invites us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to seek peace and contentment within ourselves.
