In Mary Oliver's poem The Black Walnut Tree she delineates the quarrel between a mother and daughter in deciding whether or not to remove a tree that could solve all financial struggles but holds significant traditional values. Oliver used diction, tone, and juxtaposition to transmit the relationship between the tree and the family history. Through her work the poet displays the mothers and daughters actions and feelings about the hard decision they face.
In particular, Oliver juxtaposes throughout her poem. She starts off her work by stating "my mother and I debate: we could sell the black walnut tree to the lumberman, and pay off the mortgage." She shows the justification for wanting to sell the tree by comparing it to financial struggles.
In particular, Oliver juxtaposes throughout her poem. She starts off her work by stating "my mother and I debate: we could sell the black walnut tree to the lumberman, and pay off the mortgage." She shows the justification for wanting to sell the tree by comparing it to financial struggles.