Literary Devices in Loveliest of Trees

Cherry-Tree Symbolism: Cherry trees are known for their short flowering phase and thus serve as a symbol for the transience of both beauty and life. As the speaker ruminates on the brevity of life, cherry trees perfectly symbolize this temporality.

Personification of Trees: The personification of the trees convey a sense of innocence with the trees, as they are “wearing white” and “stand about.” This personification of the trees in the conveys a sense of closeness between the speaker and the trees. With this intimate relationship the speaker is able to see his own life and experiences through observing the trees.

Verse Form: “Loveliest of Trees” consists of three quatrains, with a rhyming scheme of AABB. This consistency in the poem gives a sense of a ticking clock. Just as he explores time and the shortness of life, the verse form of the poem reminds us of time running out.