Court Lady Standing under Cherry Tree
The poem depicts a court lady standing beneath a cherry tree, symbolizing the fleeting nature of beauty and life. The speaker describes her as delicate and fragile, with skin like alabaster and hair like silk. However, this beauty is also described as being tainted by the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The poem explores the tension between the natural world and the artificial constructs of society. The cherry tree represents the cyclical nature of life and death, while the court lady embodies the transience of human existence. The speaker's tone is one of melancholy and nostalgia, lamenting the loss of innocence and the corrupting influence of power. The poem also touches on the theme of the objectification of women, as the speaker describes the court lady in terms of her physical appearance rather than her inner qualities or character. This serves to highlight the societal norms that govern the treatment of women during this time period. Ultimately, the poem presents a nuanced and complex exploration of the human experience, one that is marked by both beauty and decay.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1922 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism · 85 words
First lines
She is an iris, Dark purple, pale rose, Under the gnarled boughs That shatter their stars of bloom.
She waves delicately With the movement of the tree.
Of what is she dreaming?
Of long nights lit with orange lanterns, Of wine cups and compliments and kisses of the two-sword men.
What this Textopian page supports
Court Lady Standing under Cherry Tree is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Gould Fletcher, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Gould Fletcher
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism, Symbolism, Nature Poetry
- Length: 85 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs vivid imagery and emotional expression characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Imagism — The focus on precise visual images and sensory experiences aligns with the principles of Imagism.
- Romanticism — Themes of beauty, nature, and emotional depth reflect Romantic ideals.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the iris and cherry tree, conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
Tags
Japanese Literature · Poetry Collection · Haiku · Nature Imagery · Imagism · Symbolism · Cherry Blossom Motif · Seasonal Themes · Spring Imagery · Feminine Perspective · Courtly Love · Traditional Japanese Culture