In the poem, the most significant difference between the rose briar and the holly tree is their respective attitudes towards life and relationships. The rose briar represents love, passion, and vulnerability, symbolizing the speaker's desire for connection and intimacy. It is described as "full of sweetest flowers" and "wanton as May," highlighting its beauty and allure. On the other hand, the holly tree represents self-preservation and protection. It is described as "green without, but gnarled and old beneath," suggesting a hidden strength and resilience. The holly tree's prickly leaves and berries serve as a protective physical barrier, signifying its unwillingness to allow others to enter its personal space. Therefore, the significant difference lies in the rose briar's openness to love and vulnerability contrasted with the holly tree's self-protective nature.
