Critically discuss the poem my own true family by ted hughes
Answers
When the author was a small boy, he went to forest full of Oak trees. He was chasing and searching for a stag in the forest. There he met an old woman. She terrified him with her appearance and words too. She made funny bird-like sounds. He trembled with fear. He fell unconscious and probably dreamt a dream that is of utmost significance to today’s world.
In his dream he was tied to a wooden stake. He was surrounded by a tribe of Oak trees. They were looking at him angrily. The Oak trees told him that they were his friends and true family. But when they were cut off and torn up, the author had not opposed it at all. So they asked him to promise that he would plant two trees when one is felled down. If did not swear so, they would kill him and root him at the same place among oaks where was born. Although he was born there, he did not grow up near the forest. So he was not aware not had an attitude of saving trees.
When he woke up, this dream changed his mind and heart. Though he came back to his fellow camp mates, now he was a tree in his heart. So he was determined to save trees and greenery.
Initially the poem reflected the simple and timid mentality of children. Later on the author introduced a lesson for the humanity through the dream of a small boy.