Nature's First Green (Symbol)
"Nature's first green" symbolizes youth, beauty, and the beginning of life, as well as all things good.
Gold (Symbol)
Gold in this poem represents youth, beauty, and goodness; the last line and the title, "Nothing gold can stay," therefore means that all good things end.
Flower (Symbol)
In this poem, flowers represent the beauty of life and youth, which only lasts for "an hour."
Eden (Allegory)
Eden in this poem is used to show the inevitability of the deterioration of all things good and beautiful. Eden was fated to "[sink] to grief" due to the sins of mankind, just as beauty is fated to wither.
Nature (Motif)
Imagery of nature is a central motif in this poem. From flowers to leaves to daybreak, nature resurfaces over and over. Because nature's beauty is universally regarded, this poem's message is understandable to all.
