Question

Why is the image of the engine evoked by the poet?

Answer 1

Engine refers to the driving force that brings a machine to action. However, the engine also needs fuel to work. Similarly, with the arrival of the goldfinch, ‘a machine starts up’ as the entire tree livens up with the chitterings, singing, and commotion caused by the bird and its young ones. Thus, the tree is compared to a machine whose ignition is turned on by the arrival of the bird.