How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts · Chapter
The Larks; The Larkspur explained
The chapter humorously warns against criticizing the author's drawing of larks, referencing the perpetual soaring of larks in minor poetry and the secure perching of larkspurs on garden stalks.
What happens
The chapter humorously warns against criticizing the author's drawing of larks, referencing the perpetual soaring of larks in minor poetry and the secure perching of larkspurs on garden stalks.
Themes in this chapter
Wordplay and Homophones
The chapter plays on the similarity between 'larks' (birds) and 'larkspur' (a plant), using homophones to create confusion and humor.
Humor and Absurdity
The author's defensive tone about a drawing and the absurd comparison between birds and flowers highlight the chapter's playful absurdity.
Characters to notice
- the Birds
The larks are referenced as birds that perpetually soar.
Key passages
“You must not make ad‑verse remarks, About my drawing of the Larks.”
Do not criticize my illustration of larks.
The author humorously demands no negative feedback on the drawing.
“For, by the minor poet’s lore The Larks‑per‑pet‑ually soar.”
According to lesser-known poetic tradition, larks are always flying upward.
The author references a poetic cliché about larks soaring.
“While Larkspurs, bordering garden walks, Are perched securely on their stalks.”
In contrast, larkspurs stand firmly on their stems along garden paths.
The author contrasts the movement of birds with the stillness of plants.