Art thou the topmost apple
A poem that explores the idea of reaching one's full potential and achieving greatness. The speaker of the poem reflects on their own journey towards self-discovery and growth, and encourages the reader to strive for excellence in their own lives.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Drama · 123 words
First lines
Art thou the top-most apple The gatherers could not reach, Reddening on the bough? Shall not I take thee?
Art thou a hyacinth blossom The shepherds upon the hills Have trodden into the ground? Shall not I lift thee?
Free is the young god Eros, Paying no tribute to power, Seeing no evil in beauty, Full of compassion.
Once having found the beloved, However sorry or woeful, However scornful of loving, Little it matters.
What this Textopian page supports
Art thou the topmost apple is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Drama, Nature
- Length: 123 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Art thou the topmost apple by Bliss Carman
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Art thou the topmost apple?
- How does this poem by Bliss Carman fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Hohenlinden by Alice Meynell
- The Third Violet by Stephen Crane
- Seven Wind Songs by Bliss Carman
- At Sunrise by Bliss Carman
- Hark Love To The Tambourines by Bliss Carman
Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman was renowned as a poet, and 'Art thou the topmost apple' demonstrates his typical use of metaphor and symbolic imagery.
- Romance — The title suggests a romantic theme, with the apple possibly symbolising a loved one or an object of affection.
- Drama — Carman's work often borrows from theatrical elements to create tension and emotion.
- Nature — 'Art thou the topmost apple' suggests a strong nature motif, a common feature in Carman's work.
Tags
poetry · nature · metaphor · imagery · symbolism · figurative language · speculation · philosophy · existence · identity · self-discovery · inner life