Mary Had a Little Lamb
by Sarah Josepha Hale
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.It followed her to school one day,
Which was against the rule;
It made the children laugh and play
To see a lamb at school.And so the teacher turned it out,
But still it lingered near,
And waited patiently about
Till Mary did appear.Why does the lamb love Mary so?
The eager children cry;
Why, Mary loves the lamb, you know,
The teacher did reply.
Summary of Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Popularity of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”: This beloved nursery rhyme, also known as Mary’s Lamb, was penned by Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent American writer and editor. First published in May 1830, the poem recounts the heartwarming story of a young girl and her devoted lamb. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple narrative and universal theme of affection. Even today, “Mary Had a Little Lamb” remains a staple in preschool curricula worldwide.
- “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as a Representative of Love: The poem unfolds from a child’s perspective, showcasing the strong bond between Mary and her lamb. This lamb is not just a pet, but a constant companion, following Mary wherever she goes. A humorous incident occurs when the lamb accompanies Mary to school, defying the rules. The children are delighted by this unexpected visitor, creating a playful atmosphere. Though briefly dismissed by the teacher, the lamb remains close by, patiently awaiting Mary’s return. The children’s curiosity about the lamb’s devotion prompts a gentle lesson from the teacher: the lamb loves Mary because Mary loves it.
- Major Themes in “Mary Had a Little Lamb”: At its heart, the poem explores the themes of love, affection, and the joy of companionship. It beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of love, how caring for another creates a powerful bond. The poem also touches on the innocence of childhood and the simple pleasures found in the natural world. The lamb’s persistent presence evokes a sense of wonder and highlights the unique connection between humans and animals.
Analysis of Literary Devices in “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Literary devices are the tools writers use to enrich their work, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the reading experience. Sarah Josepha Hale skillfully employs these devices in “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to create a poem that is both charming and insightful. Let us explore some of the techniques used:
- Assonance: This involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words. Notice the repeated “e” sound in the line “And everywhere that Mary went.” This creates a musical quality and draws attention to the phrase.
- Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds. Consider the “s” sound in “Its fleece was white as snow” and the “r” sound in “And so the teacher turned it out.” These subtle repetitions add texture to the poem’s soundscape.
- Imagery: Hale uses vivid language to create pictures in the reader’s mind. Lines like “Mary had a little lamb” and “It made the children laugh and play” paint a clear and engaging scene. The imagery appeals to our senses, allowing us to visualize the story unfolding.
- Simile: A simile is a comparison using “like” or “as.” The line “Its fleece was white as snow” directly compares the lamb’s wool to the color of snow, helping us understand its purity and brightness.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a sentence continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. The lines “And everywhere that Mary went” and “The lamb was sure to go” demonstrate this technique. The thought flows seamlessly, mirroring the lamb’s constant following of Mary.
- Hyperbole: This involves exaggeration for effect. While charming, the idea of a lamb following a child to school is somewhat unrealistic. This exaggeration emphasizes the lamb’s unwavering devotion.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
Poetic devices are specialized techniques used in poetry to create rhythm, enhance meaning, and evoke emotions. Hale utilizes several of these techniques to craft a memorable and engaging poem:
- Stanza: A stanza is a group of lines forming a unit in a poem. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is comprised of four stanzas.
- Quatrain: A quatrain is a stanza consisting of four lines. Each stanza in this poem is a quatrain.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This means the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme, creating a musical and predictable rhythm.
- End Rhyme: End rhyme occurs when the last words of lines rhyme. The rhyming pairs in the poem, such as “out” and “about,” “day” and “play,” and “near” and “appear,” contribute to the poem’s lyrical quality.
Quotes to be Used
The poem’s lines, particularly the opening stanza, are ideal for teaching phonics and early reading skills. The simple vocabulary and repetitive structure make it accessible to young learners. The poem’s themes of love and companionship also offer opportunities for discussions about kindness and caring for animals.
“Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.”