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Poem

Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower-but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, all in all,
I should know what God and man is.

Short Poem Analysis

"Flower in the Crannied Wall" by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a contemplative and introspective poem that explores the interconnectedness of all existence and the search for deeper meaning within the smallest aspects of nature. Through its simplicity and philosophical reflection, the poem conveys a sense of wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of life.

The poem begins with the speaker's observation of a "flower in the crannied wall." This small and seemingly insignificant detail serves as a metaphor for the broader universe and the profound insights that can be found even in the tiniest elements of nature.

Tennyson's use of the phrase "I pluck you out of the crannies" suggests a sense of intimate connection and interaction with the natural world. The speaker's action of plucking the flower becomes a metaphor for the human desire to understand and explore the hidden truths of existence.

The poem's reflective tone and philosophical questions about the nature of life, God, and the universe invite readers to consider their own perspectives on these grand questions. The lines "If I could understand / What you are, root and all, and all in all" express the speaker's yearning for deeper understanding and insight into the complexities of existence.

"Flower in the Crannied Wall" encourages readers to look beyond the surface of things and consider the profound mysteries that lie beneath the ordinary. The poem's brevity and straightforward language add to its contemplative quality, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things and the inherent beauty and wonder of the natural world.

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