“Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

“Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau was first published in 1849 in the collection “A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers”. This poem showcases Thoreau’s signature qualities of nature-inspired imagery, contemplative tone, and exploration of the human experience. Written in a lyrical and introspective style, “Tall Ambrosia” reflects Thoreau’s fascination with the natural world and his ability to find profound meaning in the smallest details of the environment. The poem’s context is rooted in Thoreau’s love for the American wilderness and his quest for spiritual connection with nature, which was a central theme in his writing.

Text: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Annotations: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Line Number	Line	Annotation
1	Among the signs of autumn I perceive	The speaker notices signs that autumn is approaching.
2-3	The Roman wormwood (called by learned men	This introduces the plant, ragweed, with its scientific name “Ambrosia elatior” and its mythological connection to the food of the gods.
3	Ambrosia elatior, food for gods,—	This line emphasizes the importance of ragweed in Greek mythology.
4-5	For to impartial science the humblest weed	This line introduces a theme of nature’s equality. Science sees all plants, even “humblest weed,” as having the same potential for immortality as a “proudest flower.”
5	Is as immortal once as the proudest flower—	This line reinforces the idea that all plants have value, regardless of human perception.
6	Sprinkles its yellow dust over my shoes	The speaker describes ragweed pollen dusting his shoes as he walks through the neglected garden.
7	As I cross the now neglected garden.	This line suggests a sense of time passing and the garden being less cared for.
8-9	—We trample under foot the food of gods	This line is a realization – humans unknowingly walk on and destroy what was considered divine in mythology.
9	And spill their nectar in each drop of dew—	This extends the metaphor, suggesting the dew on the ground is spilled nectar from the “food of gods.”
10	My honest shoes, fast friends that never stray	This introduces a shift in focus to the speaker’s shoes, personifying them as loyal companions.
11	Far from my couch, thus powdered, countryfied,	The shoes are described as “powdered” with pollen, reflecting their journey and connection to the natural world (“countryfied”).
12	Bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure,	The shoes are seen as having traveled and carry the evidence (“marks”) of their journeys.
13-14	At the post-house disgrace the Gallic gloss	The shoes, dusty from their travels, appear out of place (“disgrace”) compared to the “Gallic gloss” (French polish) of the well-dressed people at the post-house.
15	Of those well dressed ones who no morning dew	This line contrasts the speaker’s connection to nature with the city dwellers who haven’t experienced the elements like “morning dew.”
16	Nor Roman wormwood ever have been through,	They haven’t walked through fields of ragweed, further highlighting their disconnect from nature.
17	Who never walk but are transported rather—	This line criticizes those who use carriages or other means of transportation instead of walking, further emphasizing the value of experiencing nature on foot.
18	For what old crime of theirs I do not gather.	The poem ends with a playful ambiguity. The speaker doesn’t understand why these people avoid nature, implying a potential loss or missed opportunity.

Literary and Poetic Devices: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	“Among the signs of autumn I perceive”	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent words, creating rhythm and emphasis.
Metaphor	“Ambrosia elatior, food for gods”	The Roman wormwood is metaphorically referred to as “food for gods,” elevating its significance and beauty.
Personification	“Sprinkles its yellow dust over my shoes”	Giving human-like qualities to the Roman wormwood, which “sprinkles” its pollen over the speaker’s shoes.
Hyperbole	“Trample under foot the food of gods”	Exaggeration for emphasis, suggesting the disregard for the Roman wormwood, which is metaphorically the food of gods.
Symbolism	“Marks of their adventure”	The marks left on the speaker’s shoes symbolize their experiences and journeys, reflecting wear and tear over time.
Imagery	“Fast friends that never stray / Far from my couch”	Vivid description appealing to the senses, depicting the reliability and closeness of the speaker’s shoes.
Irony	“At the post-house disgrace the Gallic gloss”	The speaker finds irony in the contrast between their humble, countryfied shoes and the polished appearance of others.
Repetition	“Nor Roman wormwood ever have been through”	Repeating the phrase emphasizes the speaker’s observation of others who have not experienced the same things.
Paradox	“For what old crime of theirs I do not gather”	The speaker presents a paradox, questioning the reason behind others’ lack of experience with a sense of curiosity.
Simile	“Bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure”	Comparing the marks on the shoes to the traces left behind by numerous journeys, using “like” or “as” for comparison.

Themes: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

1. The Majesty of the Mundane: Thoreau elevates the ordinary ragweed by revealing its scientific name, “Ambrosia elatior” (lines 2-3), echoing the food of the Greek gods. Science, presented as “impartial” (line 4), recognizes the inherent value in all plants, from the humblest weed to the “proudest flower” (line 5). This challenges human perception, suggesting beauty and significance where we might overlook them.
2. Humanity’s Disconnect from Nature: We see a stark contrast between the speaker’s experience and the city dwellers. The speaker walks through the neglected garden (line 7), his shoes dusted with the “yellow dust” (line 6) of the “Roman wormwood” (ragweed). He unwittingly tramples the “food of gods” (line 8), highlighting humanity’s often careless interaction with nature. The city dwellers at the post-house, with their “Gallic gloss” (likely referring to a polished, fashionable style) (line 13), lack the earthy connection evident on the speaker’s “countryfied” (line 11) shoes. They haven’t experienced the “morning dew” (line 15) or the “Roman wormwood” (line 16) – symbols of a deeper connection with the natural world.
3. The Value of Walking and Exploration: The poem champions the act of walking. The speaker’s shoes are his “fast friends” (line 10), loyal companions on his journeys. They are “powdered” (line 11) with the evidence of their adventures, “bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure” (line 12). Walking allows for a deeper, more intimate experience with nature compared to those who are “transported rather” (line 17) in carriages or other means.
4. Lost Connection as a Potential Punishment: The poem ends with a playful ambiguity. The speaker ponders why some avoid nature, suggesting it might be a consequence for a forgotten “old crime” (line 18). This final line adds a touch of whimsy, but also reinforces the theme of a lost connection with the natural world potentially leading to a diminished life experience.

Literary Theories and “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Literary Theory	Analysis	Example from the Poem
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment, often focusing on environmental issues and themes.	Thoreau’s depiction of the Roman wormwood as “food for gods” highlights the importance of even seemingly insignificant plants in nature.
New Historicism	Considers literary works within their historical context, exploring how social and cultural factors influence their creation.	The speaker’s observation of class differences at the “post-house” reflects societal norms and divisions prevalent during Thoreau’s time.
Reader Response	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and interaction with the text, emphasizing individual perspectives and experiences.	Readers may interpret the “marks of their adventure” on the speaker’s shoes differently, based on their own experiences and journeys.
Postcolonialism	Analyzes how colonialism and imperialism impact literature, often examining power dynamics and marginalized voices.	Thoreau’s reference to “Gallic gloss” may evoke colonial influences, reflecting on the dominance of European culture and values.
Formalism	Emphasizes close analysis of the literary text itself, focusing on its form, structure, and language.	Thoreau’s use of alliteration in “Sprinkles its yellow dust” enhances the musicality of the poem and draws attention to the plant’s pollen.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements: “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Nature’s value and human perception	How does the poem challenge our perception of the natural world?	The poem argues that even common things in nature possess hidden value, urging us to reconsider our perceptions.
Connection to nature through experience	How does the speaker’s experience play in the poem?	By contrasting the speaker’s connection to nature with the disconnect of city dwellers, the poem emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience.
Contrast between urban and rural life	How does the poem portray the relationship between city and country life?	The poem depicts a clear distinction between the artificiality of urban life and the authenticity found in the natural world.
Science and its role in understanding nature	How does science contribute to the poem’s message about nature?	Science, presented as impartial, serves to elevate the significance of the natural world in the poem.

Short Questions/Answers about “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Literary Theory	Analysis	Example from the Poem
Ecocriticism	Examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment, often focusing on environmental issues and themes.	Thoreau’s depiction of the Roman wormwood as “food for gods” highlights the importance of even seemingly insignificant plants in nature.
New Historicism	Considers literary works within their historical context, exploring how social and cultural factors influence their creation.	The speaker’s observation of class differences at the “post-house” reflects societal norms and divisions prevalent during Thoreau’s time.
Reader Response	Focuses on the reader’s interpretation and interaction with the text, emphasizing individual perspectives and experiences.	Readers may interpret the “marks of their adventure” on the speaker’s shoes differently, based on their own experiences and journeys.
Postcolonialism	Analyzes how colonialism and imperialism impact literature, often examining power dynamics and marginalized voices.	Thoreau’s reference to “Gallic gloss” may evoke colonial influences, reflecting on the dominance of European culture and values.
Formalism	Emphasizes close analysis of the literary text itself, focusing on its form, structure, and language.	Thoreau’s use of alliteration in “Sprinkles its yellow dust” enhances the musicality of the poem and draws attention to the plant’s pollen.

Literary Works Similar to “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

1. “Walking” (1862) by Walt Whitman: This essay by American poet Walt Whitman celebrates the activity of walking, both as a physical exercise and as a way of experiencing the world. Whitman emphasizes the democratic nature of walking, which is available to everyone regardless of social status. Like Thoreau, Whitman believed that walking allowed for a deeper connection with nature and a more profound understanding of oneself.
2. Song of Myself (1855) by Walt Whitman: This sprawling, free-verse poem by Walt Whitman is a celebration of life, nature, and the self. Whitman uses catalogs, metaphors, and other poetic devices to create a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of the world. Like “Tall Ambrosia,” Song of Myself challenges traditional notions of beauty and emphasizes the value of the ordinary.
3. Leaves of Grass (1855) by Walt Whitman: This collection of poems by Walt Whitman is considered a landmark work of American literature. It is a celebration of democracy, nature, and the self. Whitman’s use of free verse and his focus on everyday life had a profound impact on American poetry. Like “Tall Ambrosia,” Leaves of Grass finds beauty in the ordinary and challenges traditional hierarchies.
4. “Nature” (1836) by Ralph Waldo Emerson: This essay by American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson explores the relationship between humanity and nature. Emerson argues that nature is a source of spiritual renewal and that we can learn much about ourselves by spending time in the natural world. Like Thoreau, Emerson believed that nature is a divine presence and that we can achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves through communion with it.
5. “The Open Road” (1856) by Walt Whitman: This prose poem by Walt Whitman celebrates the importance of friendship and companionship. Whitman emphasizes the value of spending time with others and the importance of human connection. Like “Tall Ambrosia,” “The Open Road” emphasizes the importance of experience and the value of living a life that is rich in connection.

Suggested Readings for Further Analysis of “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Sources

1. Boggs, Alexandra. “Figurative language study using the poetry of Emma Bell Miles and Henry David Thoreau lesson plan and workbooks.” (2021).
2. Fergenson, Laraine. “WILD NECTAR: THE LANGUAGE OF THOREAU’S POETRY.” The Concord Saunterer 12.1 (1977): 1-7.
3. “Tall Ambrosia.” Poetry Foundation. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52359/tall-ambrosia
4. “Tall Ambrosia.” Poetry Out Loud. https://www.poetryoutloud.org/poem/tall-ambrosia/
5. “Tall Ambrosia.” Verse Press. https://verse.press/poem/tall-ambrosia-2773445198788521812
6. Thoreau, Henry David, and Ray Angelo. The Journal of Henry David Thoreau. Vol. 3. Peregrine Smith Books, 1906.
7. Williams, Paul O. “The Concept of Inspiration in Thoreau’s Poetry.” PMLA 79.4-Part1 (1964): 466-472.
8. A Bibliography of Henry David Thoreau. Vol. 188. Houghton Mifflin, 1908

Representative Quotes from “Tall Ambrosia” by Henry David Thoreau

Quote	Context	Theorization
“For to impartial science the humblest weed / Is as immortal once as the proudest flower—”	Thoreau reflects on the ambrosia plant’s significance, noting its value to science and its equality with other flora.	Thoreau highlights the democratic nature of science, where all phenomena are worthy of study and appreciation, regardless of their perceived importance.
“We trample under foot the food of gods / And spill their nectar in each drop of dew—”	Thoreau laments humanity’s disregard for nature’s beauty and significance, using the ambrosia plant as an example.	Thoreau critiques humanity’s hubris and neglect of the natural world, emphasizing our interconnectedness with nature and the consequences of our actions.
“My honest shoes, fast friends that never stray / Far from my couch, thus powdered, countryfied—”	Thoreau describes his worn shoes, which bear the marks of his outdoor adventures and connection to nature.	Thoreau celebrates the simplicity and authenticity of his rustic lifestyle, contrasting it with the artificiality of urban life.
“Bearing many a mile the marks of their adventure, / At the post-house disgrace the Gallic gloss / Of those well-dressed ones who no morning dew / Nor Roman wormwood ever have been through—”	Thoreau’s shoes, worn from walking, stand out among the polished shoes of city dwellers, highlighting their different experiences.	Thoreau critiques the superficiality of urban life, where people are disconnected from nature and lack genuine experiences.
“Who never walk but are transported rather— / For what old crime of theirs I do not gather.”	Thoreau questions the motivations of those who prefer ease and comfort over experiencing nature firsthand.	Thoreau implies that people who avoid nature and physical activity are missing out on essential aspects of human experience, and may be driven by unknown fears or insecurities.