To the Oak was written in the late 1970s, when feminist literature began to rise. This poem has the characteristics of typical free verse in form, but it is more profound and implicit than ordinary free verse in emotional expression. It expresses the author's deep thinking about love through symbols and metaphors.
In To the Oak, the author not only puts forward a new view of love, but also criticizes the bondage of some traditional ideas to love. For example, her criticism of Campbell's image of grasping the oak tree reflects her denial of the traditional view of attachment to love. The love she advocates should be based on equality, independence, understanding and respect.
At the same time, the author also expresses the eternal pursuit of true love through the image comparison of different love views. In her eyes, true love should be lofty pursuit and selfless care, but this kind of love is not unilateral giving or dependence, but based on equality and respect between the two sides.
Function analysis of oak tree
1. artistic technique: the artistic technique of overall symbol makes kapok in poetry not only a plant, but also has deeper connotation and implication, and becomes a symbol representing human emotions. It expresses a kind of women's independent thoughts and feelings, and thinks that women should have their own careers, their own pursuits, their own ideals and beliefs, and should not be attached to men. At the same time, it also expresses a view of love, which believes that love should be equal and respectful, rather than unilateral pay and sacrifice.
2. Thoughts and feelings: This poem expresses the poet's passion, tenacity, persistence and loyalty to love. The poet expressed his pursuit and yearning for love through kapok's inner monologue to the oak tree. She hopes that her love is equal, independent and respectful, rather than unilateral pay and sacrifice; She hopes that her love can stand the test of time and space and last forever.
3. Poetry theme: The theme of this poem is mainly to express the concept of love and women's independent thoughts and feelings. It emphasizes that love should be equal, independent and respectful, not unilateral sacrifice; At the same time, it also emphasizes that women should have their own careers and pursuits and should not be attached to men. This kind of thoughts and feelings was very valuable in the social background at that time, and it expressed a progressive view and attitude.