Envy by Mary Lamb
Think you'd be happier if you looked different? Mary Lamb's poem tackles this universal feeling with a powerful message about self-acceptance.
Using an extended metaphor of trees and flowers, Lamb argues that wanting to change your natural appearance is both pointless and superficial. The word "vain" cleverly has double meaning here - it's both futile and shows vanity (one of the seven deadly sins). The tree metaphor suggests that if we tried to change our nature, "it all in vain would fret."
Lamb, writing as a Christian, believes challenging God's creation is wrong. Instead, she promotes positivity - "with care and culture all may find" suggests that with the right inspiration and self-care, we can appreciate our natural beauty. The semantic field of growth reinforces this idea that we all have inherent worth.
The a,a,b,b,c,c rhyme scheme creates an upbeat, catchy rhythm that makes this feel like a lesson for children. The progression from positive to negative themes shows how our attitudes can shift, but ultimately encourages acceptance of our natural selves.
Remember: The phrase "blind and senseless" describes how envy makes us oblivious to our own natural beauty.