A strange duality/Which you fear

Anger is an emotion where the effect varies with its target. That is to say that anger between friends is significantly different between anger between enemies. With a friend, one can voice one’s anger appropriately- thus diffusing its effect. Between friends, when the anger is expressed, amends can be made. That is the nature of friendship, is that even with the differences, the effects of anger exist only until they are voiced. That is not so with anger toward an enemy. Since an enemy is not usually someone that one speaks to in the sort of frank manner that one would address a friend. In this way, an enemy is less likely to know that you are angry with them. Also, since they are in an adversarial relationship with you, they are less likely to try and make amends. The hostilities are more likely to continue and grow without communication. In the poem there is a definite difference between expressing and hiding one’s anger. When it is discussed, the force of the anger “ends.” That is to say that it no longer has any power to destroy. But when the force of the anger is contained, nurtured and directed, it can be powerful enough to kill one’s foe. If the friend is fine while the foe is slain, there is a definite difference between the effects. The difference is that between friends, such little issues are voiced easily, removing them. But, between enemies, each small reason for anger builds upon the conflict. Anger between enemies grows, and is refreshed with each hostile thought. In this poem, anger is metaphorically described as a tree. It needs to be watered, given sunlight, and when full sized it will bear fruit. The last line even says that his foe was outstretched beneath a “tree.” Anger described as a tree is certainly a valid metaphor, and it ties in all of the other images in the poem. In this way, Blake’s describes anger as a “poison tree” which can be both powerful and impotent at the same time.