The Heart of the Tree: Themes
**Link for line by line explanation video: https://youtu.be/TzJJvAo4C9I
**Click here for more information on the poem: https://novakidhs.blogspot.com/p/the-heart-of-tree-important-references.html
Key Themes
Benefits of trees
The principal theme of the poem is how trees play an important role in our lives. The title 'The Heart of the Tree' reflects this theme. Trees make life on Earth. comfortable and safe for humans and animals alike. They generate oxygen, which is essential for our survival, and are a source of food. They also add beauty all around us, thereby becoming a source of joy and peace. Furthermore, a tree that one plants today bears more trees that "unborn eyes", that is, new generations, can benefit from. Not just individuals, but nations too benefit from trees. Trees provide employment, contribute to the national resources and thus, contribute to the economy. Thus, just like the heart, trees are crucial for our survival.
In today's world of rampant deforestation and environmental degradation, this simple poem sends out a strong message to protect and plant trees. Else, we would leave behind barren, uninhabitable lands as our legacy.
Social responsibility
The poem also focuses on social responsibility. It subtly indicates that all human beings are responsible not just to themselves, but also to the larger society. The poet states that planting trees is a way of demonstrating our civic sense. Whoever plants trees contributes to the "nation's growth from sea to sea". The title The Heart of the Tree' could also be seen as a reference to such individuals. Just like trees act selflessly and nurture life on Earth, those who plant trees act selflessly and contribute to national welfare.
Practise random acts of goodwill
At a deeper level, Bunner seeks to encourage random acts of goodwill and kindness that have a chain effect. Planting trees may seem to be a very small act. But just as one tree gives birth to another, kindness begets kindness. Kind acts would make the world a better place to live in.
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