Godmother
The day that I was christened—
It’s a hundred years, and more!
A hag came and listened
At the white church door,
A hearing her that bore me
And all my kith and kin
Considerately, for me,
Renouncing sin.
While some gave me corals,
And some gave me gold,
And porringers, with morals
Agreeably scrolled,
The hag stood, buckled
In a dim gray cloak;
Stood there and chuckled,
Spat, and spoke:
“There’s few enough in life’ll
Be needing my help,
But I’ve got a trifle
For your fine young whelp.
I give her sadness,
And the gift of pain,
The new moon madness,
And the love of rain.”
And little good to lave me
In their holy silver bowl
After what she gave me,
Rest her soul!
Unlocking the Secrets of “Godmother”: A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s Poetic World
Welcome, poetry explorers! Today, we embark on an exciting journey to understand Dorothy Parker’s captivating poem, “Godmother.” This poem, though seemingly simple, holds a treasure trove of meaning, inviting us to ponder fate, the nature of gifts, and the unexpected influences in our lives. Prepare to discover the poem’s central message, explore its clever use of literary devices, and gain a deeper appreciation for Parker’s unique voice. This comprehensive guide will illuminate every corner of “Godmother,” offering a thorough Godmother analysis and a closer look at its powerful poetic devices.
Godmother Summary and Central Idea
The poem “Godmother” vividly describes a christening ceremony, a special day when a baby is welcomed into the world and given blessings. Amidst the joyous scene, where family and friends offer traditional gifts like “corals” and “gold,” a mysterious and rather unsettling figure appears. This character, described as a “hag,” stands apart, observing the proceedings. Instead of offering conventional blessings, this unconventional godmother bestows a very different set of “gifts” upon the infant: “sadness,” “pain,” “new moon madness,” and “the love of rain.” The poem concludes with a sense of resignation, suggesting that these unusual gifts are deeply ingrained in the speaker’s being, far more influential than any ritual cleansing.
The central idea of “Godmother” is a fascinating twist on expectations. Dorothy Parker suggests that life’s most profound influences do not always bring comfort or joy. Instead, they might equip us with the capacity to experience the full spectrum of human emotion, including hardship. The “gifts” from this godmother are not necessarily curses, but rather essential components that shape a complete, albeit sometimes melancholic, experience of life. It is a powerful exploration of how we are shaped by both the expected and the unexpected.
In-Depth Godmother Analysis: Exploring Poetic and Literary Devices
Irony and Subversion of Expectations in “Godmother”
The poem masterfully employs irony, creating a striking contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. A godmother is traditionally a benevolent figure, offering guidance and blessings. However, Parker’s godmother delivers a package of emotional burdens. Consider the line:
“There’s few enough in life’ll
Be needing my help,”
This statement is deeply ironic. It suggests a cynical view of humanity, implying that most people do not truly seek genuine spiritual or emotional support. This sets the stage for the unconventional and challenging “gifts” that follow, completely subverting the traditional role of a godmother.
Metaphor and Symbolism in “Godmother”
The “gifts” themselves are rich with metaphorical meaning and symbolism. Each one represents a profound aspect of the human experience:
- Sadness and Pain: These are not merely negative emotions, but represent the inherent suffering and challenges that are an unavoidable part of the human condition. By presenting them as “gifts,” Parker suggests that experiencing difficult emotions is not something to be avoided, but rather something that shapes us and deepens our understanding of life.
- New Moon Madness: This phrase suggests emotional volatility, unpredictability, and a connection to the primal, instinctual aspects of the self. The new moon is often associated with new beginnings, but also with mystery and hidden forces, hinting at a wilder, less controllable side of the speaker’s nature.
- The Love of Rain: This is perhaps the most complex symbol. Rain can represent cleansing and renewal, but also melancholy, isolation, and a connection to the darker, more introspective side of nature. It can be interpreted as an acceptance of sorrow and a finding of beauty or comfort even in sadness. It suggests a deep emotional connection to the world, embracing all its moods.
The line, “I give her sadness, / And the gift of pain,” is particularly powerful. Parker does not present these as curses, but as gifts, inviting us to consider how adversity can contribute to growth and character.
Diction and Tone in “Godmother”
Dorothy Parker’s careful choice of diction, or word choice, significantly contributes to the poem’s unsettling yet resigned tone. Words like “hag,” “buckled,” “spat,” and “whelp” create a stark and somewhat grotesque image of the godmother. These words are deliberately harsh and unflattering, contrasting sharply with the gentle, pure imagery traditionally associated with christenings and godmothers.
The overall tone is not one of anger or resentment, but rather one of resigned acceptance. The final lines:
And little good to lave me
In their holy silver bowl
After what she gave me,
Rest her soul!
These lines suggest a profound recognition that the godmother’s gifts were more powerful and enduring than any religious cleansing. The concluding “Rest her soul!” is poignant, acknowledging the godmother’s passing while also implying that her unique influence continues to shape the speaker’s life.
Structure, Rhyme Scheme, and Meter in “Godmother”
The poem is structured into eight four-line stanzas, known as quatrains. This consistent stanza form provides a sense of order and rhythm. Parker employs a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme throughout the poem. For example, in the first stanza, “christened” (A) rhymes with “listened” (A), and “more” (B) rhymes with “door” (B).
The poem also features a relatively consistent meter, often alternating between lines of four beats (tetrameter) and three beats (trimeter), creating a pattern similar to a ballad. This rhythmic quality, combined with the rhyme, gives the poem a song-like or narrative feel, making it memorable and engaging, even with its darker themes.
Additionally, Parker uses enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a sense of momentum and mimics the natural rhythm of speech, as seen in lines like:
Considerately, for me,
Renouncing sin.
The thought flows seamlessly across the lines, drawing the reader further into the narrative.
Alliteration and Assonance in “Godmother”
While not heavily reliant on these devices, Parker subtly employs alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) and assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to enhance the poem’s musicality and impact. Notice the repetition of the “s” sound in “spat, and spoke” or the assonance in “new moon madness.” These subtle sonic effects contribute to the poem’s overall aesthetic appeal and make certain phrases more memorable.
Embracing the Wisdom of “Godmother”
Dorothy Parker’s “Godmother” stands as a powerful example of poetic artistry, offering a unique perspective on life’s journey. The poem encourages us to look beyond surface appearances and consider the deeper, sometimes challenging, forces that shape who we become. It reminds us that life is often messy, unpredictable, and filled with both joy and sorrow. By exploring the poem’s rich literary devices and its profound message, we learn to appreciate the full spectrum of human experience, recognizing the beauty and meaning that can be found even in the midst of sadness and pain.
This journey through “Godmother” reveals that understanding poetry is like uncovering hidden treasures. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep finding the magic in words!