Question

what is summary and central idea of poem down in a green and shady tree by jane taylor

Answer 1

This poem is about a purple flower called violet. The poet describes the flower. He asks whether she likes violet or hates her? And because the flower is referred to as lovely and pretty, therefore she likes the flower.Beauty is the theme of the poem, and as the poet has repeated the words "modest violet", it shows that she likes the flower, hence the repetition of the words show her attitude of inclination towards the flower. Again, in the last few lines a similar connotation comes in a way, describing the flower to be "modest'. This modest, meaning humility brings about another theme of the poem.

It can also be assumed that beauty is a less important theme than humility and modesty. We coould say that the theme of the poem is being "modest about the beauty".

Hope it helps.

Answer 2

The poem 'The Violet' by Jane Taylor opens with the verse 'Down in a green shady bed' where the speaker spots the 'modest violet' as if it is trying to hide with its bent stalk and head hung low.  The speaker feels that with its beauty and charm, it could be a part of a rosy bower flaunting its beauty. Yet, content, it chooses to spread its perfume in that silent shade. The speaker is touched by the modesty of such a beautiful flower and decides to go to the valley to see the violets and learn the lesson of humility from them making this world a sweet world.

Through this poem, Jane Taylor wants to emphasize the need of being humble and polite. the man should learn modesty and contentment from violets that, despite their dazzling beauty, are content in their humble belonging and make this world lovable.