Unpacking the Whimsy of Eugene Field's "The Sugar-Plum Tree"

 Eugene Field's "The Sugar-Plum Tree"

Have you ever heard of the Sugar-Plum Tree?

'Tis a marvel of great renown!

It blooms on the shore of the Lollypop sea

In the garden of Shut-Eye Town;

The fruit that it bears is so wondrously sweet

(As those who have tasted it say)

That good little children have only to eat

Of that fruit to be happy next day.

When you've got to the tree, you would have a hard time

To capture the fruit which I sing;

The tree is so tall that no person could climb

To the boughs where the sugar-plums swing!

But up in that tree sits a chocolate cat,

And a gingerbread dog prowls below -

And this is the way you contrive to get at

Those sugar-plums tempting you so:

You say but the word to that gingerbread dog

And he barks with such terrible zest

That the chocolate cat is at once all agog,

As her swelling proportions attest.

And the chocolate cat goes cavorting around

From this leafy limb unto that,

And the sugar-plums tumble, of course, to the ground -

Hurrah for that chocolate cat!

There are marshmallows, gumdrops, and peppermint canes,

With stripings of scarlet or gold,

And you carry away of the treasure that rains,

As much as your apron can hold!

So come, little child, cuddle closer to me

In your dainty white nightcap and gown,

And I'll rock you away to that Sugar-Plum Tree

In the garden of Shut-Eye Town.

Climbing into Dreamscapes: Unpacking the Whimsy of Eugene Field's "The Sugar-Plum Tree"

Eugène Field, a genius with words and champion of childhood wonder, crafted many delightful poems. However, few tap into the boundless imagination of youth as vividly as "The Sugar-Plum Tree." 

Published in 1888, this enchanting verse transports readers to a land where dreams and sweets collide, leaving a trail of giggles and sugary nostalgia in its wake.

A Feast for the Imagination:

The poem paints a vivid picture of a fantastical tree, laden with delectable candy fruits - gingerbread houses, chocolate cats, plum-pudding birds, and sugar-plum stars. Field's masterful use of imagery engages all five senses, allowing readers to practically taste the sweetness, smell the sugary aroma, and feel the crunch of gingerbread beneath their feet.

Beyond the Treats:

While the poem's sugary landscape is undeniably alluring, its true charm lies in its celebration of childhood imagination. The speaker, yearning for bedtime and the promise of sugary dreams, invites us to join him in scaling the fantasy tree. This innocent desire to escape into a world of pure imagination resonates deeply with anyone who has ever dreamt of soaring through fantastical realms.

Field's Playful Palette:

The poem's magic lies in Field's masterful use of language. He employs playful rhymes, catchy rhythms, and whimsical repetition to create a sing-song feel that mirrors the speaker's excitement. Lines like "Climb up, climb up, my little one, The tree of dreams is nigh!" invite participation, drawing readers deeper into the poem's dreamy world.

About Eugène Field:

Born in St. Louis in 1856, Field became a beloved figure in American literature. His warm humor, relatable characters, and nostalgic themes resonated deeply with readers, making him a popular choice for children's poetry and prose.

"The Sugar-Plum Tree" stands as a testament to his ability to capture the essence of childhood wonder and create timeless verses that continue to enchant readers of all ages.