Tall Ambrosia
By Henry David Thoreau
Among the signs of autumn I perceive
The Roman wormwood (called by learned men
Ambrosia elatior, food for gods,
For to impartial science the humblest weed
Is as immortal as the proudest flower)
Sprinkles its yellow dust over my shoes
As I cross the now neglected garden.
We trample under foot the food of gods
And spill their nectar in each drop of dew.
My honest shoes, fast friends that never stray far from my couch,
Thus powdered, countryfied,
Bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure,
At the post house disgrace the Gallic gloss
Of those well dressed ones who have never seen morning dew
Nor Roman wormwood have they ever seen,
Who never walk but are transported rather.
For what old crime of theirs I do not gather.
Summary of “Tall Ambrosia”
Henry David Thoreau’s “Tall Ambrosia” is a profound poetic reflection, often recognized as an excerpt from his extensive journals. This insightful poem delves into philosophical observations regarding humanity’s relationship with the natural world and a subtle lament for a growing detachment from it. Far more than a mere description of a plant, the poem serves as a meditation on history, the importance of appreciation, and the quiet joys frequently missed amidst the complexities of modern existence. Thoreau introduces the “Roman wormwood,” identified scientifically as Ambrosia elatior, a common ragweed. He provocatively connects this humble plant to “food for gods,” thereby highlighting a forgotten sacredness and inherent value within the seemingly commonplace.
The central idea of “Tall Ambrosia” revolves around the human inclination to overlook or disregard the profound beauty and historical significance that surrounds us, powerfully symbolized by the casual trampling of “the food of gods.” Thoreau masterfully contrasts this societal indifference with the genuine contentment discovered through simple, authentic experiences, such as a walk through nature or the steadfast companionship of well worn shoes. The poem subtly questions the motivations of those who remain disconnected from such moments. Rather than a harsh critique, the poem offers a wistful observation about a pervasive loss of connection, inviting readers to contemplate what might be inadvertently sacrificed in the relentless pursuit of societal advancement.
In-Depth Analysis of “Tall Ambrosia”
Understanding the Core Imagery in “Tall Ambrosia”
The opening lines of “Tall Ambrosia” immediately establish the poem’s central image, the “Roman wormwood.” Thoreau’s deliberate use of both the common name and the scientific classification, Ambrosia elatior, is profoundly significant. This scientific name refers to common ragweed, a plant often considered a nuisance. The term “Ambrosia” itself, meaning “food for gods,” creates a striking, almost ironic, juxtaposition with the plant’s humble reality. This connection evokes a sense of classical history and mythology, suggesting a forgotten sacredness even in the most ordinary elements of nature. The scientific name, therefore, grounds the image in the natural world while simultaneously elevating it through classical allusion, implying that even the most humble weed possesses an inherent, perhaps overlooked, value. Observe how Thoreau begins,
Among the signs of autumn I perceive
The Roman wormwood (called by learned men
This opening establishes a personal, observational tone, inviting readers to engage with his unique perspective and experience.
The line,
For to impartial science the humblest weed
Is as immortal as the proudest flower
is a powerful declaration about the inherent equality within the natural order. Thoreau suggests that a truly objective, scientific observation reveals an enduring beauty and an immortal quality in all living things, irrespective of their perceived societal status or aesthetic appeal. This profound idea subtly critiques human generated hierarchies that often prioritize certain forms of life over others, urging a broader appreciation for all of nature’s creations.
The Significance of the Shoes in “Tall Ambrosia”
The poem then shifts its focus to the speaker’s “honest shoes.” Thoreau skillfully personifies these shoes as “fast friends,” emphasizing their loyal companionship and highlighting their extensive journey with the line,
Bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure,
This imagery transcends mere footwear; the shoes become a potent symbol of a deep connection to the earth, a physical manifestation of the speaker’s active exploration and profound engagement with the natural world. They represent a life lived with simple contentment and authentic, firsthand experience.
The vivid image of the shoes being “powdered, countryfied” with the “yellow dust” of the Roman wormwood further strengthens this symbolic connection. This dust is not merely common dirt; it is presented as a trace of the sacred, a tangible reminder of the “food of gods” through which the speaker has walked. This detail underscores the idea that profound spiritual and natural significance can be found in the most ordinary of interactions with the environment.
Contrasting Worlds: The Post House Scene in “Tall Ambrosia”
The concluding section of “Tall Ambrosia” introduces a starkly contrasting scene, shifting to the “post house” and the presence of “well dressed ones.” These figures serve as a powerful representation of detachment from the natural world, embodying a lifestyle characterized by convenience and superficiality. Thoreau observes,
At the post house disgrace the Gallic gloss
Of those well dressed ones who have never seen morning dew
Nor Roman wormwood have they ever seen,
Who never walk but are transported rather.
The phrase “Gallic gloss” suggests an artificiality or a foreign elegance, symbolizing a profound disconnection from the local land and its rich history. These individuals are “transported” rather than actively walking, implying a passive, unengaged experience of life, devoid of direct interaction with their surroundings.
Thoreau refrains from explicitly condemning these individuals. Instead, he subtly questions their motivations with the poignant line,
For what old crime of theirs I do not gather.
This ambiguity is a crucial element of the poem’s analysis. It suggests that their disconnection might not be a deliberate choice, but rather the outcome of a deeper, perhaps unconscious, societal alienation. “Tall Ambrosia” does not provide definitive answers, but instead poses a thought provoking question about the true cost of progress and the enduring importance of maintaining a tangible connection to our natural and historical roots.
Literary and Poetic Devices at Play in “Tall Ambrosia”
Assonance and Consonance: Crafting Poetic Musicality
Thoreau skillfully employs assonance and consonance to weave a subtle musicality throughout “Tall Ambrosia.” Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within non-rhyming words, can be observed in lines such as,
food for gods,
where the repeated long ‘o’ sound creates a resonant, almost reverent tone. Another instance is found in
proudest flower
with the prominent ‘ow’ sound, contributing to the poem’s flowing, lyrical quality. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is evident in phrases like,
fast friends
where the repeated ‘f’ sound adds a gentle, rhythmic pulse. Similarly, the recurring ‘s’ sound in
My honest shoes, fast friends that never stray far from my couch,
enhances the poem’s quiet, reflective rhythm. These poetic devices are not merely decorative; they profoundly contribute to the overall mood and immersive atmosphere of the poem, drawing the reader deeper into its contemplative world.
Enjambment: Maintaining Flow and Thought
Thoreau masterfully utilizes enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one poetic line to the next without a grammatical break, to create a profound sense of fluidity and to maintain the natural progression of thought. For example, the lines,
Among the signs of autumn I perceive
The Roman wormwood (called by learned men
create a seamless transition between images and ideas, mirroring the continuous flow of the speaker