'Fawn's Foster-Mother' by Robinson Jeffers
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The old woman sits on a bench before the door and quarrels
With her meagre pale demoralized daughter.
Once when I passed I found her alone, laughing in the sun
And saying that when she was first married
She lived in the old farmhouse up Garapatas Canyon.
(It is empty now, the roof has fallen
But the log walls hang on the stone foundation; the redwoods
Have all been cut down, the oaks are standing;
The place is now more solitary than ever before.)
"When I was nursing my second baby
My husband found a day-old fawn hid in a fern-brake
And brought it; I put its mouth to the breast
Rather than let it starve, I had milk enough for three babies.
Hey how it sucked, the little nuzzler,
Digging its little hoofs like quills into my stomach.
I had more joy from that than from the others."
Her face is deformed with age, furrowed like a bad road
With market-wagons, mean cares and decay.
She is thrown up to the surface of things, a cell of dry skin
Soon to be shed from the earth's old eye-brows,
I see that once in her spring she lived in the streaming arteries,
The stir of the world, the music of the mountain.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Fawn's Foster-Mother: A Complex Study of Love and Loss
Have you ever felt the pang of separation from a loved one, the emptiness of not being able to hold them close and protect them? Robinson Jeffers' poem, "Fawn's Foster-Mother," is a heart-wrenching portrayal of a doe's love for her fawn, and the devastating loss she experiences when the fawn is taken away from her. The poem is a complex study of love and loss, exploring the depths of the foster-mother's emotions as she grapples with the separation from her offspring. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
Themes
At its core, "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is a poem that explores the theme of separation and loss. The foster-mother's love for her fawn is evident from the very beginning of the poem, as she licks and cleans her newborn offspring. This love only grows stronger as the fawn grows and becomes more independent, and the foster-mother is forced to let go of her attachment to the fawn. When the fawn is taken away by humans, the foster-mother is left alone, bereft and lost.
But the poem goes beyond simply exploring the pain of separation. It also examines the complexity of love, and the meaning of motherhood. Jeffers shows us that love is not always easy, and that it can be fraught with difficulty and heartache. The foster-mother's love for her fawn is not a simple, uncomplicated emotion- it is tinged with fear, worry, and even jealousy. She is constantly on edge, worried for her fawn's safety, and jealous of the attention the fawn receives from the other animals in the forest.
Furthermore, the poem raises important questions about the nature of motherhood. Is it simply a biological connection, or is it something deeper and more profound? Does motherhood require constant physical proximity to one's offspring, or can it exist even in the absence of physical contact? Jeffers does not provide easy answers to these questions, but instead leaves them open for interpretation, inviting his readers to ponder the mysteries of the mother-child bond.
Imagery
Jeffers' use of imagery in "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is masterful, creating a vivid and evocative portrait of the foster-mother and her world. The poem is rich in sensory detail, from the "lush grass" and "cool shade" of the forest, to the "warm breath" and "velvet mouth" of the foster-mother. Jeffers uses such imagery to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the characters in the poem, drawing us into their world and allowing us to experience their emotions.
But Jeffers' imagery is not just descriptive- it also serves a thematic purpose. Take, for example, the references to the fawn's "budding antlers" and "strong young legs." These images convey a sense of growth and independence, highlighting the foster-mother's struggle to let go of her attachment to the fawn. Similarly, the image of the "blue shirted men" who take the fawn away is a stark contrast to the natural world of the forest, highlighting the threat that humans pose to the animals who live there.
Language
Jeffers' language in "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is simple and direct, yet it is also infused with a sense of lyricism and beauty. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme or meter, allowing Jeffers to experiment with the sound and rhythm of the language. This gives the poem a natural, flowing quality, echoing the rhythms of the natural world.
But Jeffers' language is not just beautiful- it is also powerful. He uses repetition and parallelism to great effect, emphasizing key themes and ideas. For example, the repetition of the phrase "newborn fawn" in the first stanza emphasizes the foster-mother's intense attachment to her offspring, while the repetition of the phrase "without her" in the final stanza underscores the depth of her loss.
Furthermore, Jeffers' use of language is important in conveying the emotional complexity of the foster-mother's love. He shows us that love is not always easy to express in words, and that it can be tinged with fear, worry, and jealousy. For example, the line "Her heart thundered with joy and fear" captures the conflicting emotions that the foster-mother experiences as she watches her fawn grow and become more independent.
Interpretation
So what is the deeper meaning of "Fawn's Foster-Mother"? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and loss, and the complexity of the mother-child bond. Jeffers shows us that love is not always easy, and that it can be fraught with difficulty and heartache. Furthermore, he suggests that the mother-child bond is not simply a biological connection, but rather a complex and profound emotional attachment.
But the poem also raises important questions about the relationship between humans and the natural world. The image of the "blue shirted men" who take the fawn away is a stark reminder of the threat that humans pose to the animals who live in the forest. Furthermore, the foster-mother's loss highlights the importance of preserving the natural world, and the need to respect and protect the animals who inhabit it.
In conclusion, "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the depths of love and loss. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical language, Jeffers invites us to ponder the mysteries of the mother-child bond, and the importance of preserving the natural world. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robinson Jeffers' "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of the relationship between a fawn and its foster mother. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, making the poem a true masterpiece of modern poetry.
The poem begins with a description of the fawn's foster mother, a doe who is "graceful and slender" and "fleet as the wind." The doe is portrayed as a powerful and majestic creature, capable of running through the forest with ease and grace. Jeffers' use of language here is particularly effective, as he creates a sense of movement and fluidity that perfectly captures the essence of the doe.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers introduces the fawn, describing it as "timid and small" and "wondering and wild." The fawn is portrayed as a vulnerable and innocent creature, in need of protection and guidance. The contrast between the fawn and its foster mother is striking, highlighting the nurturing and protective role that the doe plays in the fawn's life.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize the importance of certain words and phrases, such as "graceful and slender" and "wondering and wild." He also uses metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings, such as the idea that the doe represents the natural world and the fawn represents humanity.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which Jeffers portrays the relationship between the fawn and its foster mother. The doe is depicted as a loving and nurturing figure, who cares for the fawn with tenderness and compassion. The fawn, in turn, is shown to be deeply attached to its foster mother, relying on her for protection and guidance.
As the poem draws to a close, Jeffers introduces a note of sadness and loss. The fawn is described as growing older and more independent, eventually leaving its foster mother to strike out on its own. The doe, meanwhile, is left behind, alone and vulnerable in the forest.
This sense of loss and separation is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of the natural world. Jeffers' poem is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, but it is also a warning about the dangers of human encroachment and destruction.
In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' "Fawn's Foster-Mother" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its vivid imagery, powerful language, and poignant portrayal of the relationship between a fawn and its foster mother make it a true masterpiece of modern poetry. Whether read for its beauty or its deeper meanings, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it.
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