Apples

The “magic golden apples” (Line 4) are one of the earliest and most culturally resonant symbols used in the poem. The speaker immediately connects them to the poisoned apple of Snow White, suggesting subterfuge and deception. However, “golden apples” in particular have associations with the Garden of Hesperides in Greek mythology, which housed a tree of golden apples which Hercules was tasked to steal. It also alludes to Yeats’ poem “The Song of the Wandering Aengus,” in which the central character searches for “The golden apples of the sun.” Finally, the temptation of the magic apples also suggests a connection to the biblical garden of Eden and the apple that led to the downfall of mankind (and in particular, women). In all respects, this motif symbolises temptation and the promise of fulfilment.

Rotten Wood

The phrase “never try to knock on rotten wood” (Line 1, and elsewhere) is...