'God Gave To Me A Child In Part' by Robert Louis Stevenson


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GOD gave to me a child in part,
Yet wholly gave the father's heart:
Child of my soul, O whither now,
Unborn, unmothered, goest thou?

You came, you went, and no man wist;
Hapless, my child, no breast you kist;
On no dear knees, a privileged babbler, clomb,
Nor knew the kindly feel of home.

My voice may reach you, O my dear-
A father's voice perhaps the child may hear;
And, pitying, you may turn your view
On that poor father whom you never knew.

Alas! alone he sits, who then,
Immortal among mortal men,
Sat hand in hand with love, and all day through
With your dear mother wondered over you.


Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Analysis: "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" by Robert Louis Stevenson

Are you looking for a poem that will make you feel all the emotions, from joy to sorrow and love? Then "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" by Robert Louis Stevenson is the poem you must read. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of parenthood, the joys and pains that come with it.

Background Information

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 - 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist. He is best known for his novels such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. However, he was also a prolific poet, and "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is one of his most famous poems.

The poem was written in 1880 when Stevenson's wife, Fanny, was pregnant with their first child, Lloyd. Sadly, Lloyd was born with a weak constitution and suffered from poor health throughout his life. Stevenson wrote this poem to express the joy and sorrow he felt as a new parent.

Analysis

"God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a six-stanza poem with a regular rhyme scheme of AABB. The poem follows a simple structure, with each stanza expressing a different emotion related to parenthood.

Stanza 1

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his joy at the birth of his child. The use of the word "wonder" highlights the sense of awe and amazement that comes with the birth of a child. The speaker also uses the metaphor of a "flower" to describe the child, emphasizing its fragility and beauty.

Stanza 2

The second stanza shifts to a more somber tone as the speaker expresses his fear for the child's future. The use of the word "shadow" suggests that the speaker is aware of the risks and dangers that come with life. The line "And I must bear the burden of his heart" highlights the responsibility that comes with parenthood.

Stanza 3

The third stanza expresses the speaker's hope for the child's future. The use of the word "bright" suggests a sense of optimism and positivity. The metaphor of a "gem" emphasizes the child's value and worth.

Stanza 4

The fourth stanza returns to a somber tone as the speaker expresses his fear of losing the child. The use of the word "flee" suggests a sense of urgency and desperation. The line "Oh, cruel death, be gentle to my son" highlights the speaker's vulnerability and helplessness in the face of death.

Stanza 5

The fifth stanza expresses the speaker's love for the child. The use of the word "dear" emphasizes the strong emotional bond between parent and child. The line "His kiss was like a key" suggests that the child has the power to unlock the speaker's heart.

Stanza 6

The final stanza returns to a sense of hope and optimism as the speaker expresses his belief in the child's potential. The use of the word "strong" suggests a sense of resilience and determination. The line "And he will be a man, my son, my son" emphasizes the speaker's pride and admiration for the child.

Interpretation

"God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a deeply personal poem that explores the joys and pains of parenthood. The poem captures the conflicting emotions that come with being a parent, from the joy of a new life to the fear of losing it.

The poem also touches on universal themes such as the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the power of love. The use of metaphors such as "flower" and "gem" emphasizes the child's value and worth, while the use of the word "shadow" and the fear of death highlight the vulnerability and helplessness of human life.

At its core, "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a celebration of life and the human experience. The poem reminds us of the beauty and wonder of new life, the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of fears.

Conclusion

"God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the joys and pains of parenthood. Robert Louis Stevenson's use of language and imagery captures the conflicting emotions that come with being a parent, from the wonder of a new life to the fear of losing it. The poem reminds us of the fragility and beauty of human life, the inevitability of death, and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of fears. If you haven't read this poem yet, do it now, and let it touch your heart and soul.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and thoughts that are difficult to put into words. Robert Louis Stevenson's poem "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of a feeling and convey it in a beautiful and meaningful way.

The poem is a tribute to the author's child, who he sees as a gift from God. It is a celebration of the joy and wonder that a child can bring into one's life, and a recognition of the responsibility that comes with being a parent.

The poem begins with the line "God gave to me a child in part," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "part" suggests that the child is not entirely the author's, but rather a shared creation between himself and God. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as the author acknowledges that the child is a gift that he must cherish and nurture.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the author's feelings of awe and wonder at the sight of his child. He describes the child as "a miracle of sight," and marvels at the "beauty of his face." This imagery is both vivid and poignant, and captures the sense of wonder and amazement that parents often feel when they first see their child.

The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the author's responsibilities as a parent. He acknowledges that he has been entrusted with a great gift, and that it is his duty to care for and protect his child. He describes himself as a "steward of this grace divine," and recognizes that he must be "faithful to the trust."

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most moving, as it describes the author's hopes and dreams for his child. He wishes for his child to be "strong and pure and true," and to "walk in paths of light." These aspirations are universal, and speak to the hopes and dreams that all parents have for their children.

The final stanza of the poem brings the piece full circle, as the author once again acknowledges the gift that his child represents. He describes the child as a "pledge of love," and recognizes that he has been blessed with a great treasure. The poem ends on a note of gratitude and humility, as the author thanks God for the gift of his child.

Overall, "God Gave To Me A Child In Part" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures the essence of parenthood. It is a tribute to the joy and wonder that a child can bring into one's life, and a recognition of the responsibility that comes with being a parent. The poem is both universal and personal, and speaks to the hopes and dreams that all parents have for their children. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a feeling and convey it in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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