Lime Tree (The Pretext)

A lime tree can either be “a tree on which limes grow” or “a large tree with light green heart-shaped leaves and yellow flowers” which is also called linden tree (Hornby, 2015, p. 905). Because the latter definition includes the size of the tree it is more likely that it may be the right one because a tree that grows limes on it grows only up to 90 centimeters (Limettenbaum - Pflege und Überwinterung, 2021). Linden trees are trees in the genus Tilia with around 30 species. They are medium to large shade trees with thick trunks and strong branches. The trees attract bees for which reason beekeepers often plant them to increase the production of honey (10 Species of Linden Trees for Your Landscape, 2021).

The lime tree or linden tree can be a symbol for home and love because of its heart-shaped leaves and the sweet smell of the blossoms (Butzer and Jacob, 2008, p. 207). Like the Ivy, the lime tree is located at Guise Abbey and in the photograph in which the lime tree can be seen Guy Dawnish is “among a jolly cross-legged group of youth in flannels, and pretty girls about the tea table under the big lime” (Lewis, 1968, p. 637). Again, Guy Dawnish is together with his friends and family and Guise Abbey is his home during his childhood. The feeling of home and love is reinforced by the big lime tree.