POETRY CORNER
Love and Friendship by Emily Brontë
A short poem about beauty, loyalty and what remains when life becomes difficult.
Read the Poem
Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship like the holly-tree—
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most constantly?
The wild rose-briar is sweet in spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who will call the wild-briar fair?
Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck thee with the holly’s sheen,
That when December blights thy brow
He may still leave thy garland green.
What Is the Poet Really Saying?
Emily Brontë suggests that romantic love can be beautiful and exciting, but it may not always last.
True friendship may appear quieter and less exciting, but it remains strong when life becomes difficult.
Her message is simple:
Do not value something only because it looks beautiful now. Value what will remain during difficult times.
How Does She Say It?
Brontë compares love and friendship to two plants.
🌹 Love: The Wild Rose-Briar
The rose is beautiful and sweet-smelling during spring and summer. However, when winter arrives, its beauty disappears.
It represents love that is attractive and exciting but may not last.
🌿 Friendship: The Holly Tree
The holly may not look as beautiful as the flowering rose, but it remains green throughout winter.
It represents friendship that is constant, loyal and dependable.
The Seasons Have Meaning Too
Spring and summer represent joyful and easy times.
Winter represents sadness, disappointment and hardship.
By showing what happens to the two plants in winter, Brontë asks us to consider which relationship will remain when life is no longer easy.
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