Emily Dickinson uses the metaphor of plants to explore the nature of love and friendship. She contrasts the wild rose-briar, which represents love, with the holly-tree, symbolizing friendship. The rose-briar is beautiful and fragrant in spring and summer, suggesting the fleeting nature of passionate love. However, in the winter, its appeal fades, highlighting how love can be transient and uncertain.
In contrast, the holly-tree remains evergreen and resilient, representing the enduring...