The North Wind Doth Blow
By Mother Goose
The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?He’ll sit in a barn,
And keep himself warm,
And hide his head under his wing, poor thing.
Understanding “The North Wind Doth Blow”
“The North Wind Doth Blow” is a deceptively simple poem, a staple of children’s literature with roots stretching back to the 16th century. Often included in the Mother Goose collection, this short verse captures a moment of observation about nature and evokes a gentle concern for a small creature facing the harshness of winter. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its straightforward language and universal themes of change, survival, and empathy. It is not merely about a robin; it is about recognizing vulnerability and finding a quiet comfort in the resilience of life.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Aspects
The central idea of the poem revolves around the transition to winter and the challenges it presents to even the smallest creatures. The speaker observes the coming snow and immediately expresses worry for the robin, prompting a simple, reassuring answer: the robin will find shelter and warmth. The poem is notable for its use of direct address (“poor thing”), imbuing the robin with a sense of pathos and inviting the reader to share in the speaker’s compassion. It is also important to note the poem’s oral tradition – it was originally intended to be sung or recited, contributing to its memorable rhythm and accessibility.
In-Depth Analysis: Exploring Themes and Techniques
Theme of Change and Survival
The poem’s opening lines immediately establish the theme of change: “The North wind doth blow, / And we shall have snow” signals a shift in seasons and a corresponding change in the environment. This change, while natural, poses a threat to the robin, highlighting the fragility of life and the constant struggle for survival. The poem does not dwell on the harshness of winter, but rather focuses on the robin’s simple, instinctive response to seeking shelter. This reinforces the idea that even in the face of adversity, there is resilience and a capacity to adapt. Notice how the speaker does not offer elaborate solutions; the robin’s instinct is enough. The line, “He’ll sit in a barn,” is powerfully simple, evoking a sense of quiet safety.
Empathy and the Power of Concern
The frequent repetition of “poor thing” is not merely a sentimental flourish. It is a deliberate tactic to cultivate empathy in the reader. The speaker is not just observing the robin’s situation; they are actively feeling for the bird. This evokes a connection between the reader, the speaker, and the robin, prompting us to consider the wellbeing of even the smallest creatures. This simple act of extending compassion is a powerful message embedded within the poem’s seemingly simple structure. The poem almost begs the question that if we worry for a small bird, what about other vulnerable beings?
Literary Devices: Enhancing Meaning
Assonance and Consonance: Creating Musicality
The poem utilizes assonance and consonance to create a pleasing musicality and enhance its memorability. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is present in phrases like “blow/snow,” contributing to the poem’s melodic quality. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, can be found in lines like “And hide his head,” creating a subtle rhythmic effect. These techniques reinforce the poem’s emotional impact and make it more pleasing to the ear.
Rhetorical Question: Engaging the Reader
The question, “And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?” is a classic example of a rhetorical question. The speaker does not expect an answer; rather, the question serves to emphasize their concern and to draw the reader into the scenario. It is an invitation to imagine the robin’s plight and to share in the speaker’s empathy. This technique effectively engages the reader’s imagination and emotional response.
Imagery: A Vivid, Yet Subtle, Picture
While not overtly detailed, the poem employs effective imagery. “The North wind doth blow” immediately conjures a sense of cold and movement. “He’ll sit in a barn” provides a clear visual of shelter and safety. The images are simple, accessible, and contribute to the poem’s overall emotional impact. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a feeling with minimal description.
Poetic Devices: Structuring the Verse
End Rhyme and Rhyme Scheme
The poem employs a simple ABCB rhyme scheme, creating a sense of predictability and musicality. The end rhymes (“blow/snow,” “barn/warm”) further contribute to the poem’s pleasing sound. These devices are crucial in establishing the poem’s rhythm and memorability, especially for young children.
Diction: Simplicity and Accessibility
The poem’s diction, its word choice, is deliberately simple and accessible. This is crucial for a poem intended for a wide audience, including children. The lack of complex vocabulary ensures that the poem’s message is easily understood and appreciated. The words chosen are evocative, but not overly ornate.
Quotes for Reflection
The following lines encapsulate the poem’s central themes and can be used for reflection or discussion:
“The North wind doth blow,
And we shall have snow,
And what will poor robin do then, poor thing?”
This short verse encapsulates the poem’s concern for even the smallest creatures and reminds us to recognize and appreciate the resilience of life in the face of change.