The Herb Garden - Poem Analysis

Summary

In this video, the analysis of Steven Gray's poem *The Herb Garden* explores themes of heritage, mixed identity, and remembrance. The poem reflects the speaker's struggle to accept his English roots, as embodied by his mother's herb garden, which symbolizes her connection to her English heritage. The speaker initially resists this part of his identity but gradually comes to terms with it, finding peace after his mother’s death. The poem’s structure, combining lyric and praise forms, emphasizes the blending of identities and the journey of self-acceptance, offering a poignant reflection on familial bonds and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The poem 'The Herb Garden' by Steven Gray reflects on themes of heritage and identity, particularly the conflict between English and South African roots.
• 😀 Steven Gray, the poet, was an African writer who lived between 1941 and 2020, with the poem being published in 1989, a pivotal year in South African history.
• 😀 The mother's insistence on creating a herb garden symbolizes her English heritage, which she wishes to pass on to her son, despite his resistance.
• 😀 The poem uses the literal herb garden as a metaphor for mixed heritage and the speaker's struggle to accept his English identity.
• 😀 The title, 'The Herb Garden,' with the definite article 'the,' indicates a specific, significant garden that represents deeper personal and cultural meaning.
• 😀 The mother's use of the word 'insisted' highlights her strong will and determination, while also reflecting the son's initial resistance to her plans.
• 😀 The poem contrasts the mother's English heritage with the roughness of South Africa, underscoring her sense of not belonging in the country.
• 😀 A transferred epithet is used with the phrase 'tenderness of mint,' where 'tenderness' actually refers to the mother's soul rather than the herb itself.
• 😀 As the poem progresses, the mother’s health deteriorates, and her connection to the garden becomes a symbol of her fading strength and the speaker's growing understanding of his heritage.
• 😀 In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on how the herb garden, once a symbol of resistance, has flourished and become a lasting part of his identity, signifying acceptance of his mixed heritage.

Q & A

Who is the poet of 'The Herb Garden' and what is significant about his background?

The poet is Steven Gray, an African writer who lived from 1941 to 2020. His poem was published in 1989, during a pivotal time in South African history, leading up to the end of apartheid and the first democratic elections in 1994. This historical context influences the themes of heritage and identity in the poem.

What does the title 'The Herb Garden' signify in the context of the poem?

The title refers both to a literal herb garden and a symbolic representation of the speaker's mother's English heritage. The herb garden embodies the mother's connection to her roots, but it also symbolizes the speaker's journey in accepting and understanding his mixed heritage.

How does the speaker's use of the word 'insisted' shape our understanding of his relationship with his mother?

'Insisted' shows that the speaker was resistant to the idea of the herb garden, indicating a conflict or reluctance to embrace his mother's heritage. It also highlights the mother's determination and forcefulness in sharing her English roots with her son.

What is the significance of the contrast between 'tenderness of mint' and 'rough South Africans'?

This contrast highlights the mother's internal conflict between her English identity ('tenderness of mint') and her living environment in South Africa ('rough South Africans'). It underscores her sense of not fully belonging to either culture and her desire to maintain a connection to her English roots.

What literary device is used when the poet describes mint as 'tender' and what effect does it have?

The poet uses a 'transferred epithet' when describing mint as 'tender.' The word 'tender' is typically used to describe the mother’s English soul, but it is transferred to mint. This highlights how the herb garden is more than just plants; it represents the mother's cultural identity and emotional connection to her past.

What does the image of the mother with a cigarette and a spade tell us about her character?

The image of the mother with a cigarette in her mouth and a spade taller than herself conveys a sense of toughness and determination. Despite being physically small, she is portrayed as strong and resolute, showing her unwavering commitment to planting the herb garden even in the face of resistance.

What is the deeper meaning behind the mother's actions in the garden, and how do they relate to the poem's theme of identity?

The mother's actions in the garden, such as planting herbs and explaining their importance, represent her attempt to preserve and pass on her English heritage. This reflects the poem's theme of identity, particularly the speaker's struggle to accept and come to terms with his mixed heritage.

How does the imagery of the mother's frailty in the third stanza relate to the theme of change?

The imagery of the mother becoming frail, using a small bucket and spade and struggling with the harsh climate, symbolizes the decline of her physical strength. It also marks the passage of time and how the speaker's perception of his heritage has evolved, particularly as he reflects on his mother's diminishing health.

In the final stanza, how does the speaker’s view of the herb garden change after his mother’s death?

After his mother's death, the speaker begins to appreciate the herb garden more. He realizes its significance in preserving his mother's memory and comes to understand the importance of his mixed identity. The garden, which once felt unnecessary, becomes a deeply meaningful symbol of his heritage.

What does the poet suggest about the relationship between the mother’s English heritage and the speaker’s South African identity?

The poem suggests that the mother’s English heritage and the speaker’s South African identity are not mutually exclusive. The speaker’s growth throughout the poem reflects his acceptance of his mixed identity, symbolized by the flourishing herb garden. He ultimately embraces both aspects of his heritage, understanding that they shape who he is.