After Apple-Picking

Context:

Literally:
– The narrator is about to fall asleep
– Apple picking was the last thing he did that day, he has enjoyed it but he is tired of it now
– He is not done with picking the apples
–> reflection on the life he has lived, sleep or death?

Analysis:
– Wording
‘After’ – indicates the end, it is done
‘Ladder” – journey to heaven, reference to Jacob’s ladder: in his dream, he saw the ladder connecting heaven with the world with angels coming up and down the ladder, –> The narrator is shortly before falling asleep
‘Apple’ – forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve –> women are the problem instead of apple or snakes; experience of live/being a human

-Tone
Pleasant moment of dozing off, positive tone in regards to apple picking

– Mood
Change from a positive mood at the moment (moment of dozing) to a sad and negative one (eg. overtired), the apple picking does not show a result,
–> reference to the cider: the process of living is about being crushed in your very essential (death), the process of living is like making a cider
Reflection on the joyful birth and sad ending

– Themes
Life & Death: no cross over, death is always a part of life whereas life is not a part of death
Regret: the narrator has not yet forfilled everything he wanted to achieve

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