Incident in a Rose Garden by: Donald Justice

Incident in a Rose Garden by: Donald Justice

1. Does this poem leave you with the same feeling you had after reading "Annabel Lee" or a different one? Explain.

This poem leaves me with a different feeling because when I read "Annabel Lee", I felt bad for the speaker because his love and grief were so strong; I felt empathy. On the other hand I felt a little smug after reading "Incident in a Rose Garden" as if I was Death, and I proved that I wasn't predictable.

2. What misunderstandings occur in the poem? Why do you suppose they happen?

The first misunderstanding is the gardener's when he thinks death has come for him. He thinks this because he is of old age and assumes his time has come since. Another misunderstanding is when the owner of the garden doesn't believe that it is really Death in the garden, so when he goes to speak to the "stranger" he doesn't take any caution or think there is a serious threat.

3. Contrast the reactions of the gardener and the master toward Death.

The gardener sees Death and understands him for what he is; therefore, he runs away afraid for his life. Meanwhile, the master thinking he is superior looks at the situation mockingly describing Death as another servant or low-wage worker. He doesn't feel threatened by Death when he sees him standing in the garden and orders him to leave. The master obviously thinks very highly of himself.

4. Consider the compact style, the use of conversation, and the abrupt ending in this poem. What are the effects of these techniques on you?

The conversation between the characters makes the poem real for me; it makes me feel like I am a witness to it all. It also gives me a better sense about the personalities of the characters. The abrupt ending is like an analogy for death is comes quickly and unexpectedly ending everything.

5. Compare the images of death presented in each of these poems. Use words of phrases from each poem in your comparison.
In "Annabel Lee" death is more realistic; Annabel dies from getting sick due to the cold "A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee;". Also in "Annabel Lee" death is orchestrated by God "And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea Can ever dissever my soul from the soul"

In "Incident in a Rose Garden" death is personified. "Sir I encountered Death… This as a scythe he stood there." It also seems that Death is his own agent in Donald Justice's poem.

6. Which poem do you like better? Why?

I like "Annabel Lee" more because its rhythm gives the poem a proper sadness. The poem also creates a beautiful image. I felt a lot more when I read "Annabel Lee".

7. What are some ways people react to the death of a loved one? What causes their reactions to vary? Consider such factors as the age of the person who has died and the cause of death.

When a person dies, people can feel a variety of things: sadness, anger, relief, freedom, and happiness are just a few. If the deceased was controlling, or prevented people from living their lives, freedom and happiness will be felt. When an elderly person who has been sick and suffering finally passes it isn't uncommon to feel relief; relief that the person is no longer feeling pain or relief that it's finally over even though sadness could be felt at the same time. When a child or young person dies, I think it's more devastating. The death was probably a surprise and the people who are left behind will probably think it was unfair for that person to die. Plus it forces people to remember that they can die any second. Dying isn't a thing only old people do.

Literary Concepts:

In the first stanza of "Annabel Lee" lines 1 and 3 rhyme as well as lines 2,4, and 6. There is a rhythm that continues throughout the poem. The even numbered lines in the poem all rhyme except in the last stanza.