'Sailor 's Mother, The' by William Wordsworth
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One morning (raw it was and wet---
A foggy day in winter time)
A Woman on the road I met,
Not old, though something past her prime:
Majestic in her person, tall and straight;
And like a Roman matron's was her mien and gait.
The ancient spirit is not dead;
Old times, thought I, are breathing there;
Proud was I that my country bred
Such strength, a dignity so fair:
She begged an alms, like one in poor estate;
I looked at her again, nor did my pride abate.
When from these lofty thoughts I woke,
"What is it," said I, "that you bear,
Beneath the covert of your Cloak,
Protected from this cold damp air? "
She anwered, soon as she the question heard,
"A simple burthen, Sir, a little Singing-bird."
And, thus continuing, she said,
"I had a Son, who many a day
Sailed on the seas, but he is dead;
In Denmark he was cast away:
And I have travelled weary miles to see
If aught which he had owned might still remain for me.
The bird and cage they both were his:
'Twas my Son's bird; and neat and trim
He kept it: many voyages
The singing-bird had gone with him;
When last he sailed, he left the bird behind;
From bodings, as might be, that hung upon his mind.
He to a fellow-lodger's care
Had left it, to be watched and fed,
And pipe its song in safety;---there
I found it when my Son was dead;
And now, God help me for my little wit!
I bear it with me, Sir;---he took so much delight in it."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Criticism of William Wordsworth's "The Sailor's Mother"
As one of the most eminent poets of the Romantic Era, William Wordsworth's work is characterized by a deep appreciation for nature and a preoccupation with the inner workings of the human mind. His poem "The Sailor's Mother" is no exception. Through vivid imagery and masterful language, Wordsworth tells the story of a mother anxiously awaiting news of her son's safe return from sea. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes of motherhood, anxiety, and the power of hope in "The Sailor's Mother."
An Overview of "The Sailor's Mother"
At first glance, "The Sailor's Mother" appears to be a simple poem about a woman waiting for her son to return from sea. However, upon closer inspection, we see that there are deeper layers of meaning at work here. The poem is divided into eight stanzas, each with four lines. The consistent structure gives the poem a sense of order and control, which is juxtaposed against the mother's anxiety and fear.
In the first two stanzas, the mother is portrayed as a figure of strength and determination. She is "busy at her household cares" and "muttering prayers." However, as the poem progresses, we begin to see her vulnerabilities. In the third stanza, we learn that she is "startled" by the sound of a passing bell, which reminds her of the dangers of the sea.
The fourth and fifth stanzas are the heart of the poem, as they describe the mother's hope and anxiety. She fervently prays for her son's safe return while at the same time fearing the worst. The sixth stanza is particularly poignant, as the mother imagines her son's ghost standing before her. It is a powerful image that underscores the dangers of the sea and the fragility of life.
In the final two stanzas, the mood of the poem shifts from anxiety to relief. The mother sees her son's ship on the horizon and her prayers are answered. The poem concludes with a sense of joy and gratitude, as the mother embraces her son and thanks God for his safe return.
Themes in "The Sailor's Mother"
Motherhood is the central theme of "The Sailor's Mother." The poem explores the deep love and concern that a mother has for her child. Through the mother's prayers and anxieties, we see the depth of her emotions and the lengths to which she will go to protect her son. Wordsworth's portrayal of motherhood is both universal and timeless, reminding us of the power of maternal love.
Anxiety is another key theme in "The Sailor's Mother." The poem is a vivid depiction of the fears and uncertainties that accompany life at sea. Wordsworth shows us the toll that anxiety can take on a person, as the mother is consumed by her worries and fears. The passing bell, the ghostly image of her son, and the uncertainty of his fate all contribute to her anxiety. However, through it all, the mother remains steadfast in her hope for her son's safe return.
The power of hope is the final theme of "The Sailor's Mother." Despite her fears and anxieties, the mother never loses hope. Her prayers and her faith sustain her through the long wait for her son's return. This unwavering hope is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of optimism in the face of uncertainty.
Imagery and Language in "The Sailor's Mother"
Wordsworth's use of imagery and language in "The Sailor's Mother" is masterful. He paints a vivid picture of the mother's emotions, from her anxiety to her relief. The passing bell, the ghostly image of her son, and the ship on the horizon all contribute to the poem's powerful imagery.
Wordsworth's language is equally powerful. He uses phrases like "the son she loved so well," "her heart of hearts," and "her fervent prayer" to convey the depth of the mother's love and concern. The repetition of the phrase "The Sailor's Mother" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the central theme and underscores the mother's importance as a figure of strength and love.
Historical Context of "The Sailor's Mother"
It is worth noting the historical context in which "The Sailor's Mother" was written. The poem was published in 1807, at a time when Britain was at war with France. The dangers of sea travel were very real, and many British sailors lost their lives in battles or to the elements. It is likely that Wordsworth was inspired to write the poem as a tribute to the sacrifices and struggles of the country's sailors and their families.
Conclusion
In "The Sailor's Mother," Wordsworth has created a timeless tribute to the power of maternal love and the resilience of the human spirit. Through vivid imagery and masterful language, he tells the story of a mother anxiously awaiting news of her son's safe return from sea. The themes of motherhood, anxiety, and the power of hope are central to the poem's message. Wordsworth's portrayal of the mother's emotions and his use of imagery and language are both powerful and effective. "The Sailor's Mother" stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
William Wordsworth is one of the most celebrated poets of the Romantic era, and his poem "The Sailor's Mother" is a classic example of his work. This poem is a powerful and moving portrayal of a mother's love for her son, who is a sailor. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved someone who has gone away to sea, and it is a testament to the enduring power of love.
The poem begins with the mother of the sailor standing on the shore, looking out to sea. She is waiting for her son to return, and she is filled with anxiety and fear. She watches the waves and the clouds, hoping to catch a glimpse of his ship on the horizon. As she waits, she thinks about her son and the dangers he faces at sea. She imagines him in the midst of a storm, struggling to stay afloat, and she prays for his safety.
The mother's love for her son is palpable in every line of the poem. Wordsworth captures the intensity of her emotions with great skill, using vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the depth of her feelings. He describes her as "trembling with joy and fear" as she watches the sea, and he uses words like "anguish" and "despair" to describe her feelings of worry and anxiety.
Despite her fears, the mother remains steadfast in her love for her son. She knows that he is brave and strong, and she believes that he will return to her safely. She clings to the hope that he will come back to her, and she prays for his safe return. Her faith in her son is unshakable, and she is willing to endure any hardship or pain to see him again.
As the poem progresses, the mother's anxiety and fear give way to a sense of calm and peace. She begins to feel a sense of connection to the sea and to the world around her. She sees the beauty in the waves and the clouds, and she feels a sense of wonder at the power of nature. She realizes that her son is a part of this world, and that he is connected to her in a deep and meaningful way.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful expression of the mother's love for her son. Wordsworth writes:
"O ye! who have your eyeballs vexed and tired, Feast them upon the wideness of the Sea; O ye! whose ears are dinned with uproar rude, Or fed too much with cloying melody, Sit ye near some old cavern's mouth, and brood Until ye start, as if the sea-nymphs choired!"
These lines are a call to all those who have ever loved someone who has gone away to sea. They are a reminder that the sea is a vast and beautiful place, full of wonder and mystery. They are a reminder that love is a powerful force that can endure even the greatest hardships and challenges.
In conclusion, "The Sailor's Mother" is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever loved someone who has gone away to sea. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of a mother's love for her son, and it is a testament to the enduring power of love. Wordsworth's use of vivid imagery and powerful language captures the intensity of the mother's emotions, and his final stanza is a call to all those who have ever loved someone who has gone away to sea. This poem is a true masterpiece of Romantic poetry, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.
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