"The Black Walnut Tree": Symbolism and Meaning in Literature

The symbolism of trees in literature is a rich and enduring theme that often conveys profound meanings and emotions. One such tree, 'The Black Walnut Tree,' has been a recurring symbol in literature, representing a variety of themes and ideas. In this essay, we will explore the symbolism and meaning of 'The Black Walnut Tree' in literature, examining how it has been used to convey messages about family, heritage, growth, and resilience.

The Black Walnut Tree in Literary Context

'The Black Walnut Tree' has made its presence felt in various literary works, both in poetry and prose. Its symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and natural significance of the tree itself. Black walnut trees are known for their strength, durability, and longevity, qualities that authors have employed to symbolize different aspects of life and human experience.

Symbolism of Family and Heritage

In many literary works, 'The Black Walnut Tree' symbolizes the idea of family and heritage. Just as the roots of the tree run deep into the earth, so do the roots of a family tree connect generations and preserve the legacy of ancestors. In Maya Angelou's poem, "Our Grandmothers," the black walnut tree is a symbol of the narrator's heritage and the strength she derives from her ancestors:

"Her grandmother stays,
She rises from her own slowly,
From neither white nor colored water
And lit with the wonder of her own attention."

The black walnut tree becomes a metaphor for the enduring spirit of the narrator's family and the wisdom passed down through generations.

Growth and Resilience

Black walnut trees are known for their ability to grow in adverse conditions and withstand challenges. In literature, 'The Black Walnut Tree' often symbolizes growth, resilience, and the capacity to overcome obstacles. This symbolism is evident in Langston Hughes' poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," where the black walnut tree represents the enduring strength of the African American community:

"I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
Went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
Bosom turn all golden in the sunset."

The black walnut tree serves as a symbol of the roots and resilience of a people who have faced adversity throughout history.

The Passage of Time and Change

'The Black Walnut Tree' can also symbolize the passage of time and the inevitability of change. In Robert Penn Warren's poem, "Black Walnut Tree," the tree is described as having witnessed the changing seasons and the passing of generations:

"My mother's tree, the black walnut tree by the chicken house
And that tree was a witness to everything that happened,
Until now, when you come home,
One last time, turn your face to it, and touch it. The tree still stands,
And the chicken house is gone."

The black walnut tree in this poem becomes a symbol of the inexorable march of time and the inevitability of change, as the narrator reflects on the passing of both the tree and the generations it has witnessed.

The Tree's Connection to Nature

Black walnut trees are an integral part of the natural world, and in literature, they are often used to symbolize humanity's connection to nature. The tree's roots represent our grounding in the earth, while its branches reach toward the sky, connecting us to the heavens. In Mary Oliver's poem, "Black Walnut Tree," the tree is depicted as a link between the earth and the cosmos:

"I think of her, not very often, but sometimes
And she will grow as tall as she wants to.
And branch, and leaf, not minding a bit
That we are all going away, snapping the
Lock, fastening the door, closing up shop,
Except for the one bumbling bee, flying
In and out of the flowers, weaving a riffle
Of silk--"

The black walnut tree symbolizes the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world, even as the world changes around us.

Conclusion

'The Black Walnut Tree' is a powerful and versatile symbol in literature, representing themes of family, heritage, growth, resilience, the passage of time, and our connection to nature. Through its enduring presence in poetry and prose, this symbol continues to evoke deep and meaningful reflections on the human experience. Just as the black walnut tree stands as a testament to strength and endurance in the natural world, its symbolism in literature serves as a reminder of the enduring power of words to convey profound meanings and emotions.