'The Mother' by Robert Service


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Your children grow from you apart,
Afar and still afar;
And yet it should rejoice your heart
To see how glad they are;
In school and sport, in work and play,
And last, in wedded bliss
How others claim with joy to-day
The lips you used to kiss.

Your children distant will become,
And wide the gulf will grow;
The lips of loving will be dumb,
The trust you used to know
Will in another's heart repose,
Another's voice will cheer . . .
And you will fondle baby clothes
And brush away a tear.

But though you are estranged almost,
And often lost to view,
How you will see a little ghost
Who ran to cling to you!
Yet maybe children's children will
Caress you with a smile . . .
Grandmother love will bless you still,--
Well, just a little while.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Mother: A Poem That Evokes Deep Emotions

The Mother is a classic poem written by the renowned poet, Robert Service. It is a reflective and emotional piece that delves into the complexities of motherhood, the pain of loss, and the immeasurable love that a mother has for her child. The poem is divided into three parts, each highlighting a different aspect of the mother's story. This literary criticism and interpretation aims to explore the themes, imagery, and literary techniques used by Service to convey a powerful and moving message in his poem.

Themes

The Mother is a poem that revolves around several themes, including love, loss, sacrifice, and grief. At its core, the poem is a tribute to motherhood and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Service portrays the mother as a selfless and caring figure who is willing to make any sacrifice for her child's well-being. The first part of the poem highlights the mother's love for her child, while the second part explores the agony of her loss. The third and final part of the poem is a reflection on the mother's enduring love and the sacrifice she made to give her child a better life.

Imagery

Service uses vivid and powerful imagery to bring the mother's story to life. In the first part of the poem, the image of the mother holding her child in her arms is particularly poignant. The use of the word "nestled" creates a sense of warmth and security, while the phrase "her bosom was his pillow" evokes the idea of the mother as a source of comfort and solace for her child.

In the second part of the poem, the imagery becomes more somber and dark as the mother grapples with the pain of losing her child. The description of her "wild and pitiful moan" and her "racked despair" is heartbreaking, and the use of the phrase "the shadow of a great black bird" creates an ominous and foreboding atmosphere.

In the final part of the poem, the imagery becomes more hopeful and uplifting as the mother reflects on the love she had for her child and the sacrifices she made for him. The image of the mother "gazing up to heaven with a trust beyond all tears" is powerful and moving and emphasizes the mother's unbreakable faith and determination.

Literary Techniques

Service employs a range of literary techniques to convey the themes and emotions of The Mother. One of the most notable techniques is repetition, which serves to emphasize the mother's love and the pain of her loss. The phrase "her boy, her boy" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of longing and sorrow.

Another technique used by Service is alliteration, which adds to the poem's musicality and rhythm. The repeated "b" and "p" sounds in the phrase "her bosom was his pillow" create a soothing and calming effect, while the harsh "k" sound in the phrase "kissed him and put him down" adds a sense of finality and closure.

Service also uses symbolism to convey the poem's themes. The "great black bird" that hovers over the mother symbolizes death and the inevitability of loss. The use of the color white in the phrase "white hair" represents the mother's age and experience, while the color black in the phrase "black, black heart" symbolizes the mother's pain and grief.

Interpretation

The Mother is a deeply moving and emotional poem that explores the complex relationships between a mother and her child. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful literary techniques creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the mother's story, evoking a range of emotions in the reader.

The poem can be interpreted as a tribute to motherhood and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. The mother in the poem is portrayed as a selfless and caring figure who is willing to give everything she has for her child's well-being. Her love for her child is unwavering and enduring, even in the face of loss and grief.

The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of loss and grief. The mother's agony at the loss of her child is palpable, and her pain and despair are visceral and raw. However, the final part of the poem suggests that even in the face of such overwhelming loss, there is still hope and the possibility of healing.

In conclusion, The Mother is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of motherhood, loss, and love. Service's use of vivid imagery and literary techniques creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the mother's story, evoking a range of emotions in the reader. The poem is a tribute to the enduring love between a mother and her child and a reminder of the sacrifices that mothers make every day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Mother by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotional piece that captures the essence of motherhood and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "Her arms are empty now." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader in. We are introduced to a mother who has lost her child, and we can feel her pain and sorrow. The use of the word "empty" is significant as it conveys a sense of loss and emptiness that the mother is feeling.

The next few lines describe the mother's grief and how she longs for her child. The lines "She walks the silent house/ And lays her hand/ Upon each cherished thing" show us that the mother is trying to find comfort in the memories of her child. She is holding onto the things that remind her of her child, and this is her way of coping with the loss.

The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The line "The little shoes she'll never wear again" is particularly poignant as it shows us the reality of the situation. The mother is holding onto her child's shoes, knowing that her child will never wear them again. This image is heartbreaking and emphasizes the finality of death.

As the poem progresses, we see the mother's love for her child shining through. The lines "She loved her baby so/ She would have given gladly/ All that she had to know" show us that the mother would have done anything to keep her child safe. Her love for her child is unconditional, and she is willing to make any sacrifice for her child.

The poem also explores the theme of sacrifice. The lines "She gave her youth to tend him/ Her all to make him strong" show us that the mother has given everything she has to her child. She has sacrificed her youth and her own needs to ensure that her child is taken care of. This theme is further emphasized in the lines "She gave her life to bear him/ And now her task is done." The mother has given her life to bring her child into the world, and now that her child is gone, her task is complete.

The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of repetition in the lines "Her arms are empty now/ She loved her baby so" emphasizes the mother's loss and her love for her child. The use of the word "cherished" in the line "Upon each cherished thing" shows us that the mother values the memories of her child and holds them dear.

The poem also explores the theme of motherhood. The lines "She was his mother/ And he was her world" show us that the mother's identity is tied to her child. She is a mother first and foremost, and her child is her world. This theme is further emphasized in the lines "She gave her life to bear him/ And now her task is done." The mother's purpose in life was to bring her child into the world, and now that her child is gone, her task is complete.

The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The lines "She'll never hear him say/ 'I love you, Mother dear'" show us the finality of death. The mother will never hear her child's voice again, and she will never hear him say those three little words that mean so much. This image is heartbreaking and emphasizes the mother's loss.

In conclusion, The Mother by Robert Service is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the themes of loss, grief, sacrifice, motherhood, and love. The imagery and language used in the poem are simple yet powerful, and they convey the mother's pain and sorrow in a way that is both relatable and heartbreaking. The poem is a testament to the power of a mother's love and the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. It is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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