The poem of Emily Bronte entitled “Love and Friendship”, the poet compared love to a wild rose-briar, and friendship as a holly tree. Although the poem tells the readers that love is more beautiful physically because it was compared to a flower that is beautiful to look at, compared to friendship, represented by holly tree. It symbolizes that friendship will last longer, compared to love because just like a wild rose, the flower will wither and die, until a new flower blossoms again. However, friendship is like a holly tree which is by nature sturdy, strong and can last a lifetime. Love just like a rose, can last only during spring time when it is in full bloom (Bronte 65). After the spring season, the roses will wither and cannot last during winter time. This means that love is only temporary, fleeting and easily fades compared to a tree, which can last all four seasons. Love is sweet while it lasts, and the moment that the scent of the rose fades, and the flower withers, we have to wait again before it will bloom again. This means that love cannot last a lifetime because it is only good for one or two seasons. After two seasons, the rose, along with its petals will wither and its scent may fade. Hence, the poet tells the audience that it is better to nurture friendship symbolized by the holly tree, with its hard and woody roots, can withstand all seasons and survive all climate changes. Even though the holly tree may not be as attractive to look at compared to the wild rose, it continues to blossom, even until winter and in December, where the color of the tree will remain as bright as it was before in green and this color shall never diminish.
While on the other hand, the poem of Alice Fulton entitled “What I Like” also talks about friendship. However, unlike the poem of Bronte, the poem of Fulton has deeply emphasized the importance of friendship, rather than love. The writing style of the poet is more contemporary when compared to Bronte’s work. Fulton has expressed her gratitude for the memorable friendships she has built in her lifetime. She also considers her close friends who will stick by you no matter what happens, despite the mistakes and imperfections because the friendship will resolve the issue. Fulton has described how she comes running to her friend, whenever she has reached the lowest moments of her life.
Fulton considered friendship as more than protecting each other, but the ability to withstand the friendship, in the lowest points and blissful moments of their lives. Fulton considers a true friend who is willing to face all problems, knowing that somebody is there to protect and will keep you warm during times of need. Finally, the author wants to describe the special bonding she had maintained with her friend, even as a young child and the adventures they shared with each other. Fulton considered her childhood friendship as one of her greatest treasures. She feels grateful that there is a loyal friend who will take care of her in the most difficult times of her life. When compared to the poem of Bronte, Fulton’s poem talks about purely friendship, unlike in the poem of Bronte which talked about love and friendship at the same time. On the other hand, the poem of Fulton has focused more on the true meaning of friendship which shall endure even during the most trying times.
Works Cited:
Bronte Sisters. Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell. Web. Retrieved on May 6, 2013, from
http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=Ed8b6cAMO9gC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false.
